al Qamar's Most Epic Game Soundtracks of all times

[alQamar]

Hi guys,


I got some good feedback across Steam but I hope some of you can help me too!


I am compiling a new playlist on Youtube, that contains the probably (hopefully) best soundtracks of all-times, literally the best ones on this planet


So far I tried to order them at least in appearance if there are more games, subsequent games. But I certainly cannot be bothered to sort them according to the year they have been release. This would also mix up the playlist in terms of style too much.

This is the task:
1. Name me a game that has a thoroughly great score (soundtrack / OST)
2. Intentionally I am not looking for single tunes, excerpts but whole tracks
3. The soundtrack should be not too electronic, exceptions granted for very old games
4. If you can recall a game where the music just knocked you of your feet let me know here
5. The reasons why I do this are various: a. nostalgia, b. passion for good music, possibly attracting people to the great games the music favoured and leaving a tribute to the composers

Here is the current playlist (object to change: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...i7vIzn8W25ALu3

This is what's in and I will update my opening post accordingly.


Role Play Games / Fantasy games
Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...hnyu10hPZ1RCxr
Elder Scrolls III - Morrowind
Elder Scrolls IV - Oblivion
Elder Scrolls V - Skyrim
Tomb Raider 2013
Diablo 1-2
Sacred 1-2 (Gold)
Path of Exile
The Witcher 1-2
Assasins Creed I - V
Sacrifice
World of Warcraft (all)
Dragon Age 1-2, Inquisition, Tavern Songs
Gothic 3
Risen
Age of Conan - Hyborian Adventures
Age of Conan - Rise of the Gold Slayer
Banner Saga

First Person Shooter / Stealth fighter games
Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...MbOhuANXqicrU2
Medal of Honour
Medal of Honour - Allied Assault / Spearhead / Breaktrough
Medal of Honour - Frontline
Medal of Honour - European Assault
Medal of Honour - Pacific Assault
Medal of Honour - Airborne
Medal of Honour 2010
I. G. I. 2 - Covert Strike
Deus EX
Call of Duty 1-2
Hitman 2
Battlefield Bad Company 2

Racing games
Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...kylJLcCrvwHu8W
Need for Speed III - Hot Pursuit
Need for Speed IV - High Stakes
Need for Speed VI - Hot Pursuit 2
Need for Speed Underground 1


Strategy games
Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...IdLmlvZ_BYSger
Anno 1404
Anno 2070
Age of Empires 1-2
Age of Mythology
Total War: Shogun 1
Total War: Rome 1
Total War: Medieval 2
Total War: Napoleon
Total War: Shogun 2
Settlers IV-V
Civilization 5
Dune 1
Dune 2
Dune 2000
Dune Emperor
Europa Universalis III-IV
Praetorians

Indy Games / Others
Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbfVSil51s_vzwh88ppPN7OTvoLdRPdxe
Faster than Light (FTL)
Risk of Rain
Child of Light
Limbo
Ori and the Blind Forest


Removed again after check
Command & Conquer Red Alert
Command & Conquer Red Alert 2
Duke Nukem 3D



I hope you can share my passion. Keep your suggestions coming!

Many many thanks to the composers, Jeremy Soule, Jeff van Dyck, Ian Livingstone, Frank Klepacki, Michael Giacchino and so many more

[Wulfburk]

I'd say Mass Effect 1 and 2 (though i guess it could be a little eletronic...)

[Karnil Vark Khaitan]

Have YOU even Heard the sound track of Shogun 2 Jesuzite its awesome!

[Akhenaton]

I´d also include the soundtracks from Dungeon of the Endless ( http://gameaudiofactory.bandcamp.com...ess-soundtrack)
and Endless Legend ( http://gameaudiofactory.bandcamp.com...end-soundtrack ).

[gastovski]

Don't forget Half Life 2.

[HigoChumbo]

For me, there is A game that reigns supreme in this category.






Hands down the most epic and original soundtrack I can remember in a PC game. It was not just that the songs were good by themselves... it's that they fit perfectly the style of the game and hugely contributed to create a distinct feeling to the different realms and gods. Just brilliant.




(although it's not the same to listen the music out of context, when playing the game felt plain great)


My honourable mention would be World of Warcraft, not because of particular sounds, but because the overal sound design (the perfect blend of ambient and music tracks) is still unmatched to this day. I think it's the only game I've logged in to to just walk around somewhere. Walking through places like Barrens or Stranglethorn Valley (vanilla) was just an unique experience. Also, if you are after nostalgia, and you played this for an extended period of time... well you already know what I'm talking about, there is little stuff that can beat it (the "wololo" sound from AoE 1 comes close ^)




Also, not a complete soundtrack, but this Warcraft 3 song is epic:





Some other good mentions:

* The Mass Effect series
* Shogun I and II (not just the music, but the ambience)
* The Monkey Islands (nostalgia themes)
* Age of Empires I and II (nostalgia themes)
* Mafia 1 was pretty good (although it was more like a compilation of liscensed tracks. Lots of Django Reinhardt)

[beckyolt]

For me, there is A game that reigns supreme in this category.






Hands down the most epic and original soundtrack I can remember in a PC game. It was not just that the songs were good by themselves... it's that they fit perfectly the style of the game and hugely contributed to create a distinct feeling to the different realms and gods. Just brilliant.




(although it's not the same to listen the music out of context, when playing the game felt plain great)


My honourable mention would be World of Warcraft, not because of particular sounds, but because the overal sound design (the perfect blend of ambient and music tracks) is still unmatched to this day. I think it's the only game I've logged in to to just walk around somewhere. Walking through places like Barrens or Stranglethorn Valley (vanilla) was just an unique experience. Also, if you are after nostalgia, and you played this for an extended period of time... well you already know what I'm talking about, there is little stuff that can beat it (the "wololo" sound from AoE 1 comes close ^)




Also, not a complete soundtrack, but this Warcraft 3 song is epic:





Some other good mentions:

* The Mass Effect series
* Shogun I and II (not just the music, but the ambience)
* The Monkey Islands (nostalgia themes)
* Age of Empires I and II (nostalgia themes)

Second on Warcraft3/WoW. Say what you will about those games, but they had amazing music, especially vanilla WoW.

Old Barrens soundtrack coupled with dat epic global chat. Good times.






I'm sure people are gonna recommend plenty of classic,older games. Recently - past few months - the game with the soundtrack that I liked most was DAI. This is one of my favorite ones. The ancient elven temple section of the game is one of my favorites due to this one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEt2PMk0lVU

[HigoChumbo]

Second on Warcraft3/WoW. Say what you will about those games, but they had amazing music, especially vanilla WoW.

Old Barrens soundtrack coupled with dat epic global chat. Good times.

WoW was a masterpiece in that aspect (and many others). As for Warcraft, while the sound design is superb (actually WoW inherits tons from it), the music felt more like background noise than a remarkable experience as in WoW. The exception would be music used for the trailers, which was superb. The one above is a great example (and later used in WoW if i recall properly). Also, the final notes in this one still give me the chills:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOdTeT1xUQQ&t=1m44s

[alQamar]

I´d also include the soundtracks from Dungeon of the Endless ( http://gameaudiofactory.bandcamp.com...ess-soundtrack)
and Endless Legend ( http://gameaudiofactory.bandcamp.com...end-soundtrack ).

Don't forget Half Life 2.

For me, there is A game that reigns supreme in this category.

Hi nico thanks for proposing Sacrifice. I think I will include it but need to listen to the complete score sometimes.


Some other good mentions:

* The Mass Effect series
* Shogun I and II (not just the music, but the ambience)

* The Monkey Islands (nostalgia themes)
* Age of Empires I and II (nostalgia themes)
* Mafia 1 was pretty good (although it was more like a compilation of liscensed tracks. Lots of Django Reinhardt)

I can remember Shogun 2 should be a good thing that is currently missing. I will also have a look into Shogun 1 again
Age of Empires are already in.

[Epic28]

Regarding point 4.

Nothing got me quite as excited to game endlessly for hours than hearing that Battlefield 1942 theme song.

Love how they've kept it throughout the series even through to Battlefield 4, albeit some new age effects.

[Adamwestisgod]

Regarding point 4.

Nothing got me quite as excited to game endlessly for hours than hearing that Battlefield 1942 theme song.

Love how they've kept it throughout the series even through to Battlefield 4, albeit some new age effects.

I do love that they do that. Its a nice little nod to the series.

For the post above me FTL has an amazing soundtrack every time I load that game up the child inside of me gets excited when it hears the opening notes. Mass effect 1 is a good addition also.

[John I Tzimisces]

The "FTL: Faster than Light" and "Risk of Rain" soundtracks are really great. And by really great I mean an integral part of the experience.

[Finlander]

I would remove Command & Conquer from the list. Baldur's Gate game had several excellent soundtracks, same with Dragon Age.

[alQamar]

Regarding point 4.

Nothing got me quite as excited to game endlessly for hours than hearing that Battlefield 1942 theme song.

Love how they've kept it throughout the series even through to Battlefield 4, albeit some new age effects.

Is the whole BF 1942 score good enough or just the theme song?

I would remove Command & Conquer from the list. Baldur's Gate game had several excellent soundtracks, same with Dragon Age.

Thanks for the suggestions Finlander. Why would you remove C&C ?

[Wulfburk]

Command & Conquer Generals had some pretty epic soundtrack IMO.

And from all those Medal of Honor, i believe the only one worthy of being in such a list is definitelly European Assault. Best Medal of Honor of all time because of the campaign and also... man... this soundtrack.

[alQamar]

wow I am impressed by the many suggestion. Please know that I am not looking for single tracks. All full tracks will be checked (mostly quality) and added. Thanks for your overwhelming participation!

I've added European Assault yesterday.


To Half-Life 2: Well i think it is a great soundtrack of it is only, but listening to it apart from playing the game is not very enjoyable, that's why I did not include it.

[HigoChumbo]

Here you have a playlist of Sacrifice themes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgWR...112D86093C634D


WoW's sountrack is just way too big probably. Here you have a couple of lists:

With zone ambients: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHLa...FB9F18&index=2
A compilation of epic themes (just music) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3QY2C-sd1I

[Achilleslastand]

Two come to mind that I have always loved and the atmosphere they helped create is amazing.
Divine Divinity.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pVdCtm44fg
As well as the first Medieval Total War.

[alQamar]

Hi guys I have updated our playlist!


If yours is not in, it is likely that I haven't had the time to listen into it yet.

• Civilization 5
• Praetorians
• Hitman 2
• The Witcher I-III
• Assasins Creed I - V
• Age of Empires I-II
• Battlefield Bad Company 2
• Europa Universalis III-IV
• Payday 2

Look forward to more additions tomorrow, and keep your suggestions coming, please!

[alQamar]

After listening closer to the following soundtracks

• Command and Conquer - Red Alert
• Command and Conquer - Red Alert
• Duke Nukem 3D

I think that they are good when listened to while in the game but I apart from that I have to agree with Finlander, they are barely enjoyable / audible.
In the next days I will get more into touch with your plenty suggestions and also listen to the ones, that are already included.