Video Game OSTs!

[Miss Doronjo]

Yup, a video game topic about OSTs, or if you prefer, you can simply refer this topic as a topic all about video game music. So, what are your favourite pieces of music or soundtracks from video games, and why? Is a specific game where it has all, or most of your favourite tracks? How do these tracks enhance your video game playing experience? What are your least favourite tracks, and what don't you like about them?

Feel free to list all your favorite / non-favorite tracks here, and feel free to list your favourites from a video game series!

For example, some of my absolute favourite video game musics come from the Golden Sun series. They are addicting to listen to, and the tunes are just... amazing for the GBA. Another series that have amazing tracks in my opinion are the ones from Fire Emblem, since they can range from mystic, to suspenseful, to just silly, which I find are refreshing! Finally, I'm going to mention the music tracks from the Phoenix Wright series, because they are always amazing to listen to as well.

I'll give you 5 of my favourites from each of the video game series I've mentioned (not in any specific order):





Golden Sun
Jenna's Battle theme

Spoiler:

Battle with Saturos

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Non-Adept Battle Theme

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Issac's Battle Theme

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Fusion Dragon Battle Theme

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Fire Emblem
Beyond the Distant Skies

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Victory Now!

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Start The Justice Attack

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Ike's Theme

Spoiler:

A Mighty Foe

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Phoenix Wright
Phoenix Wright - Investigation ~ Cornered 2001

Spoiler:

Apollo Justice - Pursuit ~ Overtaken

Spoiler:

Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth - Pursuit ~ Lying Coldly

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Gyakuten Kenji 2: Pursuit ~ Wanting to Find the Truth

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Phoenix Wright ~ Objection! 2001

Spoiler:

 

[sρεcтяα]

Without a doubt, my favourite soundtrack is NieR's. I'm a huge fan of vocal tracks in game OSTs, and 90% of NieR's OST utilizes vocals in some way or another. Whether it's the haunting Snow in Summer, the uplifting Hills of Radiant Winds, the ominous Blu-Bird (which I heard on the reveal site and immediately decided I was going to buy the game before I'd even seen a gameplay trailer) or the pulse-pounding Song of Ancients - Fate, I love every single track in this game. It complements each area and scenario perfectly and makes for a unforgettable experience.This, in my opinion, is what video game music should be.

Xenoblade Chronicles had some truly amazing OST as well. I dragged out the final boss fight for several minutes just so I could listen to The God Slaying Sword, and I'll never get tired of Gaur Plains. I quite like that a lot of areas have a day and a night theme as well, with the night theme being slower paced and more calming.

Bayonetta is a game I have a love-hate relationship with when it comes to OST - I hate the remixes of Fly me to the Moon (a song I never liked anyway) and the light-hearted pop songs. I LOVE the boss battle themes. For a game that has you shooting angels, it really conveys a fantastic atmosphere, with ridiculously dramatic choral music. Balder's theme in particular is a favourite of mine; blazing speed piano and vocals really complement the fight.

Dark Souls gets a mention as well from me, if only because of how effectively it utilises music to create tension. The majority of the game is silent, but when you find a boss you get something like this in your ears; it's quite jarring.

I'm also very fond of the Ar Tonelico series' OST, where the music is actually relevant to the plot. Akiko Shikata is already one of my favourite Japanese artists, so all three games (even the third one) were fantastic in the soundtrack department. EXEC_CHRONICLE_KEY./ is probably my favourite hymmnos, if I had to pick one.

As for my least favourite OSTs...Persona 4's ranks quite highly up there. I quite liked The Golden's opening, but incessant pop just isn't for me; it just got on my nerves. The same with Cosmiclagoon, Trinity Universe's main theme - I love the game, but hearing that for hours on end made me want to claw my ears off. I don't even want to think about what passed for OST in FFXIII or FFXIII-2...especially the latter. I ended up putting my TV on mute for much of it, and I rarely do that.

...there is more. A lot more. I'll be back. xD;

 

[machomuu]

Here are some of my favorite OSTs from games as well (I won't post my least favorites since I've never been a "list your least favorite X" type of person). I think good music is important in a game. It may not be essential, but it can do a lot to enhance an experience, and it helps to give games personality. Problem is, if I put all of my favorites, I'd be here all day, so I'll just put three or four of my favorites from various franchises. This may backfire and result in incredibly long lists. The thread has been warned.

.Hack//

.Hack//Link - Stairs of Time (Project X Zone Ver.)

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.Hack//G.U. - Desktop

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.Hack//G.U. - Gentle Hands

Spoiler:

.Hack//G.U. - Prairie

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Ace Attorney

Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth - Lying Coldly

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Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth - Let Me Laugh at the Coo

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Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney - A New Trial is in Session!

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yyx7dhcACZA

Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations - Please Listen!

Spoiler:

Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations - Caught

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Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger - Corridors of Time

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Chrono Trigger - Wind Scene/Yearnings of the Wind

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Chrono Trigger - World Revolution

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Dragon Ball Z Budokai

Comments

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You might not expect Dragon Ball Z Budokai to be on a "Favorite OSTs" list, but it just can't be ignored. As much as I love Dragon Ball Z, my love for these songs has nothing to do with it. The composer for these games made truly unique soundtracks, many of which you wouldn't expect to hear in a game but just work, and work really well here. Ranging from Rock to Jazzy to Mellow to Kageyama, the soundtracks have a heart pumping rhythm with all around appeal. It doesn't matter who you are, you'll probably enjoy at least some of the tracks that this series has to offer. The songs on paper seem out of place, but oddly enough they meld so well with the game you'll wonder why the idea that they're out of place would ever pop in your head.

Sadly, these tracks were axed in the HD remakes, so you'll have to go to youtube or play the original PS2 versions if you want to hear the tracks. I recommend it, the games are fun (especially 2 and 3), and since 2 isn't in the HD remake, now you have an incentive.

Dragon Ball Z Budokai - The Battle With All My Force

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Dragon Ball Z Budokai 2 - Story Theme #1

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Dragon Ball Z Budokai 2 - Pulp Fiction We Go Nuts! ~Restless Night~

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Dragon Ball Z Budokai 2 Opening

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Dragon Ball Z Budokai 2 - Wild Soul

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Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy XIII - Blinded By Light

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Final Fantasy XIII - Saber's Edge

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Final Fantasy X - To Zanarkand

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Final Fantasy VII - Fighting

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Final Fantasy V - Battle With Gilgamesh

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Final Fantasy IV - Battle With the Four Fiends (DS ver.)

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Shin Megami Tensei

Comments

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Shin Megami Tensei isn't a series that places its emphasis on music as much as other series. It's rather Western in the sense that it's music is meant to be atmospheric rather than memorable. The mainline series, as well as Devil Summoner and Digital Devil Saga, are more rock oriented, using the pacing of the music to set the atmosphere that fits the current situation.

Enter Persona. Seeing that Persona is a character oriented series, talented composer Shoji Meguro stepped in. The Persona games are about finding one's identity and cracking the masks of others, so Shoji set out to make each game vastly different from the last in terms of the music. This is most apparent in Persona 3 and Persona 4, where the aforementioned themes are far more prevalent. They are meant to capture the mundaneness of life, without actually being mundane themselves. They still manage to be atmospheric (especially in the dungeons), but they also work to be their own songs that are enjoyable on their own.

Persona 4 - Heartbeat Heartbreak

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Persona 4 - Nevermore

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Persona 4 - The Almighty

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Persona 4 - Pursuing My True Self

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​

Definitely adding on to this! The thread has been warned, I haven't even gotten into Touhou yet...Dear God...
...Maybe I should just highlight the whole soundtrack <_<

 

[Spinosaurus]

The lack of DKC2 in this thread is ridiculous. Very ridiculous!

I'll probably just copy and paste my post from a similar thread.

My top 5 (not in order), because I can't choose.

Self-explanatory
Forest Interlude
Stickerbrush Symphony
Minining Melancholy
Crocodile Cacophany
Disco Train

Do I even need to explain?
Aquatic Ambiance
Northern Hemisphere
Fear Factory
Jungle Japes
Life in the Mines

Now I'll explain this. Normally people underrate the OST of this game because of course, it's going against DKC1 and 2, but I feel it's just as good. This is Kenji Yamamato at his finest imo, and while the remixes are good, they're not as good as the original (except Tree Top Rock, I like DKCR's version better), however the original tracks this game spawned are amazing and very addicting. In fact, they managed to fit with DK's concept as Miyamoto himself envisioned due to how wacky and cartoony they are, and most of all the JAZZ! (I may biased though, Jazz is my favorite.) Also something of note, but the boss themes all incorporate the instrument their respective boss Tikis took form of. That's an amazing touch of detail. (and also why Tikis > Kremlings)
Tiki Tong Terror
Furious Fire
Rocket Barrel Theme 1
Feather Fiend
Palm Tree Grove

Call me biased all you want, but the fact remains this was one of my favorite OSTs before I even called Wario Land 4 my favorite game. (which is after I started Hard mode) The variety this game covers, coupled with the fact most of the music are still wacky, crazy and crude to compliment Wario, really lends itself to have one of the most memorable OSTs.
Hurry Up!
Fiery Cavern
Arabian Night
Toxic Landfill
Toy Block Tower

I OUGHT to have had a Rhythm Heaven game in my top 5 OST. I mean, why not? Though the DS game is my least favorite of the three (Still solid though), the OST is easily the best. No, really, "easily". And I love Fever's and Tengoku's OST. The soundtrack is just fun and, well, gives a smile in my face whenever I listen to it. I That's something special. I really think the best two ways to describe the OST of this game is, as vague as both may be, "charming" and "magical". I may be exaggerating, but Rhythm Heaven is THAT special to me.
Munchy Monk 2
Rockers 2
Menu 1 (Best menu music of all time? Yes)
That's Paradise (and here's the Japanese version if you're picky about this stuff.)
Remix 9
And what is probably my favorite piece of video game music of all time:
Remix 4

 

[thedestinedblade]

I love video game music; I can guarantee you that 95% of the time it's what I'll be listening to. Not really sure with what game it started, but either way, I'll try to narrow it down and pick a few favorites.

Atelier series - All the games from the Atelier series have a certain distinct sound and charm to them. I can honestly say it's my favorite part about the series.

Atelier Totori - GO GO TOTORI

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Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana - Alchemic Blast

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Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis - Wind Festival

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Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana - Beat of Illusion

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Atelier Viorate - Trotting Through the Darkness

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Chrono Cross - For me, this game has one of the greatest video game OSTs of all time. The emotion each songs invokes is something; not much else needs to be said.

Star-Stealing Girl

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Arni Village (Home World)

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Dream of the Shore Near Another World

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Time's Scar

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Leaving the Body

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Super Robot Wars series - A lot of catchy tunes in this one. I mean, you have a lot of OP/BGMs from the various anime series included in each game, but their original music is as equally top notch.

Super Robot Wars Z - The Wings Which Away Tears

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Super Robot Wars: Original Generations - Burn Now!

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2nd Super Robot Wars OG - Flame of the Chinese Gym Teacher

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Super Robot Wars Compact 3 - Crimson Shura God

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Super Robot Wars GC - Charge of the Soul Fighters

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Super Robot Wars MX - Faraway Battle, the Curtain Rises

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Wanted to include the Suikoden and Ys games as well, but I think that's enough for right now. Took me awhile to compile this list anyways, lol.

 

[TY]

I adore video game music, i just turn my volume up for them. I have a lot i like, but i just pick the ones i like and listened to recently aswell

Borderlands 2: This game has music that fits every enviroment and it's just amazing in my opinion.

Dam Top

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Main Menu Theme

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Pandora Park

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Jack Final Boss

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Tiberian Sun: This game had also some good music in it, fitting the theme the game has.

The Defence

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Lone Trooper

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[Xela]

I'm an absolute fan of video game OSTs. I love them so much and listen to them everyday.
I personally think that the OSTs from some of the Mario franchises are underrated and could be appreciated a lot more. Here's a few examples of the ones I love listening to:

Super Mario Galaxy 2

Throwback Galaxy

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Melty Monster Galaxy

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Bowser's Galaxy Generator

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Final Bowser Battle

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Super Paper Mario

Champion of Destruction

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Dimentio, Charming Magician

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The Ultimate Show

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Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Title Screen & File Select

Spoiler:

We Believe in You Mario!

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Boss Battle - Rawk Hawk

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[Spinosaurus]

Mario series is a gold mine of soundtracks, I agree

Mario Galaxy ~ Battle Rock Galaxy
Mario Galaxy ~ Buoy Base Galaxy
Mario Galaxy 2 ~ Digga-Leg
Mario 64 ~ Koopa's Road
New Super Mario Bros ~ Castle
Mario Sunshine ~ Ricco Harbor
Paper Mario Sticker Star ~ Megasparkle Goomba
Paper Mario Sticker Star ~ Gooper Blooper
Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon ~ Haunted Towers
Mario 64 ~ Dire Dire Docks

And my favorite from the whole series:
Super Mario Land ~ Muda Kingdom

And the official arranged version is even better!

 

[Pave Low]

OSTs are very important in gaming for me. I always keep the music volume high up in games with good OSTs. I don't have least favorites, I have the ones I like and the ones I don't listen to.


Minecraft

C418 - Cat

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C418 - Danny

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C418 - Sweden

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Awesomenauts

The Eye of Aiguillon

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Party at the End of the Universe

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Wormhole Surfing

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Guild Wars 2

Fear Not This Night

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Here Be Dragons

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Raven Speaks

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Skyrim

The Streets of Whiterun

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Far Horizons

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Ancient Stones

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Dragonborn

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Far Cry 3

Falling Into a Dream

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Rook Island

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Heat

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Castle Crashers

Rage of the Champions

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Chaoz Japan

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Winter Bliss

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[Epickid]

I like the OST from Uncharted 3. Really goes with the game and is just so beautiful.

 

[Miss Doronjo]

I really, really, want to have the Mana Khermia tracks a good mention as well; they're soooo epic for battle scenarios. <3 Oh, and some other Fire Emblem osts I didn't mention:

Mana Khermia

Nefertiti

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Disruptor

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Crystalized

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Hallucinate Bell

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Fire Emblem

Fateful Showdown

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Decisive Attack

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Clash

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With Mila's Divine Protection (Celica Map 1)

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Alm Map 1

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Hm, what about the tracks that you didn't really like, guys? You know, the tracks that immediately want you to mute your game. ^^; Here's one:

The Legend of Zelda ~ Oracle of Ages Music - Crown Dungeon

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I mean, I loved this game but, this music was... just. Urgh. u__u;; I can't even figure out the tempo or anything from it. :x It's the only music from an ost that I didn't like so far, but, maybe there was more?

 

[Plumpyfoof]

Journey. /thread

For real though i can't do justice to this.masterpiece with words. Go check it out.

 

[Nil Nuane]

Journey. /thread

For real though i can't do justice to this.masterpiece with words. Go check it out.

I've heard acclaim about the game itself, but haven't heard much about the music actually. I might check that game out after I finish Okami.

Anyway, my favorite video game osts of all time.

Streets of Whiterun from Skyrim was already mentioned. The first few seconds of that song are inspiring.
Dire Dire Docks from Mario 64. Magical.
Wings of Kynareth from Oblivion. Really uplifting, and a great adventure song for the soul.
Dragon Roost Island. I don't care if it's mainstream, this song is great. My favorite Zelda song.
Summer Forest from Spyro 2. I was really surprised to hear a song of this calibre in this game. This is ambient music done right.

 

[LolPizzaLol]

The game franchise that has the best music in my opinion are TLoZ. The people that compose the songs for those games are just musical gods. So, here are some of my favorites:
A Link to the Past: Dark World
Link's Awakening: Tal Tal Heights
Ocarina of Time: Zora's Domain
Ocarina of Time: Gerudo Valley
Majora's Mask: Ikana Valley
The Wind Waker: Dragon Roost Island
Skyward Sword: Faron Woods
Skyward Sword: Ancient Cistern

 

[Ivysaur]

From the latest game I have beaten, Mario & Luigi: Dream Team:

- Somnom Woods

- Boss Battle

- Antasma Battle

- Final Dungeon (spoilers)

- The Last Dream (spoilers)

- Final Boss (spoilers)

 

[machomuu]

Dragon Roost Island. I don't care if it's mainstream, this song is great. My favorite Zelda song.

There's nothing wrong with liking mainstream music, Nil.

 

[shadowdueler474]

So here are some of mine that I really love.

Xenoblade Chronicles
Mechanical Rhythm

Spoiler:

Engage the Enemy

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Okami
Ryoshima Coast

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Reset ~ "Thank You" Version

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Sun Rises

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Okamiden
Kurow loses Faith

Spoiler:

 

[KriegStein]

Many games have a fantastic soundtrack. But some series just come to my mind more than others.
Ill try to keep this brief...haha...ha.

Castlevania: I tried to choose all tracks from different games...

Sorrows Distortion. Albus battle theme. (Order of Ecclesia)

Spoiler:

Piercing Battle fury. Menace battle theme. (Dawn of Sorrow)

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Dance of Sadness. Stella and Loretta battle theme. (Portrait of Ruin)

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Belmont the Legend. Trevor battle theme. (Curse of Darkness)

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Clock Tower. (Aria of sorrow)

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Ace Attourney: I tried not to flood it with Trials and tribulations...I failed

Apollo Justice. Objection!

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Theme of Luke Atmey: "I just want love" (from trials and tribulations)

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Furio Tigre's theme: "Warehouse Tiger" (again from TRials and Tribulations)

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Godot's Theme: "The Fragrance of dark coffee" (last from TRials and Tribulations I promise)

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Kay Faradays theme: "The great Truth Burglar" (from ace attourney investigations)

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Shi Long Langs theme :"Speak up, pup!" ( again from ace attourney investigations)

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I had hard time deciding with the last two so I put them both. :'D

Sonic the hedgehog: (Sorry its mostly heroes and adventure)

Team dark: "This Machine" by JulienK (Sonic Heroes)

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Boss Egg Albatross (sonic heroes again)

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E-102r Gamma (Sonic Adventure)

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E-101b Beta mkII battle: "Crazy Robo" (Also from adventure)

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Metal Sonic :"never let it go" (From Sonic The Fighters)(nobody remembers this game...)

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Guilty Gear: Aka "Heaven or Hell?! LETS ROCK!"

Justice battle theme: "Meet Again" (Guilty Gear XX Accent core Plus R)

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Vs I-no Final Battle: "The Midnight Carnival" (Guilty Gear X2)

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Riches In Me (Guilty Gear Isuka) (Man the koreans realy showed how to make music for Guilty gear)

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Prologue: "Shout & Burning" (Guilty Gear)

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Slayers theme: "Haven't You got eyes in your head?" (Guilty Gear X2)

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Sengoku Basara: (sorry its purely Samurai Heroes) (SB3)

Date Masamune

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Nobunaga Oda: The Abyss

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Magoichi Saica

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Osaka Summer Siege

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Map screen variation: "Will"

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Of course there are much more but I think my post is too long as it is...

 

[Ivysaur]

On a similar note, I'll add

Examination ~ Moderato 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJfNrW1Q_GA

Examination ~Allegro 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3_ZDQM7T8c

 

[Infinite Latios]

Best Music in a Video Game

So, what has been the best theme in a video game you've ever heard. Unless it's a tie, you can only say one. For me, it has to be Last Battle from Cave Story. It's just... amazing. You'd have to hear it yourself, it's just indescribable.