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What music type/genre do you think best suits video games in general?

Started by RAYDEN, May 10, 2023, 10:20:21 PM

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RAYDEN

It may be hit or miss, and it may depend on the era you grew up in. But for me, I believe DnB and peer genres like Trance and Techno made an impact on video games during the 90s. These tunes felt synonymous with the non-stop action and/or thrills most games of the era offered. And heck it's no secret that I hold Klonoa's "Beats From Above" in high regard  ;D

The tunes managed to bleed into the OSTs of early 2000s games as well! I got a friend who pointed out how deliciously mixed up the intro music for the first Splinter Cell was. Granted that's technically DJ turntable scratch music but those were just as prevalent in this age that I think they deserve a mention.

Below are a few mixtapes (well one's actually the radio playlist of a GTA game  ;) ) I listen to once in a while, ideal for a relaxing afternoon.





Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho


rapappa the pepper

#1
Most soundtracks i love comes from 90s games, but, late 80s as well i guess... Mostly from games that have to do with fighting.  :embarassed: That's totally my thing, but, honestly there are so many kinds of music you could fit into a game, but i'd say stuff like...

These from Die Hard Trilogy, late 90s and early 2000s stuff is something i kind of like, the feel and sense of Y2K as if you're entering "the virtual world" and the future is now, very techy.  :smile2:

https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/die-hard-trilogy-psx/ewattdpp/01_Die%20Hard%20Background%20Music.mp3
https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/die-hard-trilogy-psx/rbzocfhb/02_Die%20Hard%20Background%20Music.mp3
https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/die-hard-trilogy-psx/lzdduxqs/03_Die%20Hard%20Background%20Music.mp3

Doesn't mean that's all i root for.  :bad_straight_face: I like late 80s stuff as well, early 90s too. Hmmm... Terminator for Sega CD, has like, jesus christ, the music didn't had to be this good!  :O
Like, seriously, listen to all of this, ALL of these, not just the start, since it isn't all there is to it, oh my god, this is one of the best... (sorry, if you don't want to listen to all of it, then don't.  :O)

https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/terminator-the-scd/wnsvylnm/02-taking%20to%20the%20air.mp3
https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/terminator-the-scd/soxweyhl/03-future%20shock.mp3
https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/terminator-the-scd/hogpezqg/04-destinations%20unknown.mp3
https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/terminator-the-scd/elniqbck/05-this%20way.mp3
https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/terminator-the-scd/dvhdazni/06-visions.mp3

Continuing on this... While not very consistent, Double Dragon and its many versions has offered tunes that genuinely makes my mind get back to work some times. Silly isn't it?  :embarassed:
Here are a few arrangements of the arcade version, which sounds, oh so 80s, but, so, ohhhhh...

https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/double-dragon-original-sound-of-arcade-version/lofdjrztue/01%20Opening%20%28Double%20Dragon%29.mp3
https://downloads.khinsider.com/game-soundtracks/album/double-dragon-original-sound-of-arcade-version/05%2520Setting%2520Off%2520%2528New%2520Struggle%2529.mp3

Also level 1's song from Arcade, not arranged this time, might not sound so good at first, but, well, then skip to the NES version under these.  ;D

https://downloads.khinsider.com/game-soundtracks/album/double-dragon-arcade/02%2520Slums%2520%2528Arrival%2520of%2520the%2520Black%2520Warriors%2529.mp3

Now here's from the NES versions, which made them super fast but feel so, awesome oh my god... I'm not a huge fan of chip-tunes, and, i don't really like Undertale's way of mixing high quality MIDI samples with Famicom chip-tunes, and, i'm sorry, but this one was just that good, here are my favorites:

https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/double-dragon-nes/yrfzatmgdb/01%20Main%20Title.mp3
https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/double-dragon-nes/swxyzacyiw/03%20Mission%201%20%5BBilly%20%26%20Jimmy%20Lee%27s%20theme%5D.mp3
https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/double-dragon-nes/jdlawsmwqb/04%20Mission%202%20%5BWilliam%27s%20theme%5D.mp3

Tekken 2 PLEASE!  :screaming:

And, well, Street Fighter II i guess, and Alpha 2 of course. Insert Guile's epic theme, M. Bison's funky theme at Las Vegas (shining eyes)  :O, and Ryu's and Ken's dramatic yet epic themes...
(well here they are!):

https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/street-fighter-ii-the-world-warrior-arcade/rvphyfcmqf/05%20Japan%20%28Ryu%29%20I.mp3
https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/street-fighter-ii-the-world-warrior-arcade/bdovgabmic/10%20U.S.A.%20%28Guile%29%20I.mp3
https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/street-fighter-ii-the-world-warrior-arcade/ylvldevnfk/18%20U.S.A.%20%28Ken%29%20I.mp3
https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/street-fighter-ii-the-world-warrior-arcade/qhmsoftcmv/24%20U.S.A.%20%28Balrog%29%20I.mp3

Speaking of Tekken and Street Fighter, Virtua Fighter i like very much! Mainly 2 and 3.
Here's one of the all time greatest songs in history, Sarah's theme from VF2!  :hey:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HZlF-DE0wU

It's, perfect, i don't know what to say, so awesome, yet still quite dramatic, and has all sorts of instruments i like.  :big_smile:

I'd say something that is a mixture of 80s, 90s Japanese and late 90s / early 2000s music is something i'd love to hear in general in video game music, while still having emotion that matches the situation, and maybe some rock from time to time, synth as well, 90s MIDI very much as well, gimme those Roland Slap bass samples, gimme Korg M1, gimme house pianos and strings!

Doesn't mean it should be all energy, i like calmer songs that aren't entirely ambient as well, Klonoa Door to Phantomile's full soundtrack is amazing at both, and, yeah, as i said, situation appropriate.  ;D

I love majestic and "pleasant" music...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVxlO_Qs0Ho

(one from Klonoa here)
https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/klonoa-of-the-wind-door-to-phantomile/wjlbeqipnd/1-13.%20Melancholy%20Soldier.mp3
(scrapped, but i love)
https://vgmsite.com/soundtracks/klonoa-of-the-wind-door-to-phantomile/pfwjaesgbb/2-31.%20Demo%20Prototype.mp3

(insert Super Mario Galaxy, and many more...)

Truth is... Besides all the rockin' i also really want to add a bit of majestic instruments and feel... Please bring me both, thank you.
Is this a forum they forgot, or has the forum forgot them?
Hello, i'm i guess a general artist, 3D modeller, 2D traditional illustrator, and some times make music. You can know more about me at my Neo Cities: https://rapthepep.neocities.org/

If you want me to work on a project of yours, please contact me!

RAYDEN

Gosh, that's such a loaded reply Rapa. I don't even know where to begin! Until I do!

I always thought these space age computer tunes were the future, but that turned out to be a massive understatement. This music transcends its own worth, it is timeless.

Yes, I forgot to mention the first half of the 90s was defined by the mastery of sequenced audio by 16-bit consoles and arcades (and the Amiga computer, but that's a topic on its own). It was like a revolution unfolding before us, the industry had no shortage of musical talent. Even some bad games had banging soundtracks.

The first two Termination movies are some of my top picks in cinema, and I'm more than glad to hear how the music their tie in games hold up.

I did not play as many fighting games, let alone beat em ups, but good golly those tracks ain't bad either. I think the music alone helps in the replayability of those, it makes your heart pump! I'd say the same for all the other games mentioned!

Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho


PhantomShiba

Obviously it depends on the game, but in general I'd have to say I like some form of rock, sort of like in Stepping Wind, the Sonic Frontiers boss themes and some things like that. I like more intense songs because it gets me in a determined sort of mood, but obviously it depends on the game and the level/boss or situation. Also this is half-related but organs in video games songs are really amazing, they can create such an menacing aura that resonates with me and create an amazing atmosphere, like in Pokémon USUM's V.S. Ultra Necrozma theme. I could go on and on about what genres fit in games, and a bunch of random stuff about instruments and how they effect everything but i'm dead inside right now  :bad_straight_face:
-PHANTOM SHIBA (Moxie)-
(Actual age: 15 - I made a mistake on my profile :p)

RAYDEN

Quote from: PhantomShiba on May 10, 2023, 11:43:06 PM
Obviously it depends on the game, but in general I'd have to say I like some form of rock, sort of like in Stepping Wind, the Sonic Frontiers boss themes and some things like that. I like more intense songs because it gets me in a determined sort of mood, but obviously it depends on the game and the level/boss or situation. Also this is half-related but organs in video games songs are really amazing, they can create such an menacing aura that resonates with me and create an amazing atmosphere, like in Pokémon USUM's V.S. Ultra Necrozma theme. I could go on and on about what genres fit in games, and a bunch of random stuff about instruments and how they effect everything but i'm dead inside right now  :bad_straight_face:

Most forms of rock are my jam too! There was an explosive amount of it during the 2000s, naturally video games also picked up the trends. Sonic Adventure 2, Burnout 3 and both of NFS Underground games had a great splash of variety, ranking among some of my top picks in terms of video game soundtracks. I should mention the first two main Kingdom Hearts games too, I dare say they have the most beautifully crafter intro cinematics in the whole gamingsphere thanks to their music alone.

Hmm, I can't quite point to an organ song I remember from the top of my head, but I think Kingdon Hearts had a few? It sure is a joy to hear the instrument pop up once in a while, I reckon it takes skill to even begin to tame such a tool.

Unfortunately for me when it comes to Pokemon I only played up to Gen III, not to say I didn't have an absolute blast with it on my sister's Gameboy Advance! The sountrack of the game is notable for its almost copious use of trumpets for battle music, which I found very inspiring and admirable. It helped it stand out from the rest of the generations, redefining what the saga could sound like and establishing memorable tracks like the wild Pokemon battle theme, and the one for the Elite Four.
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho


qwerty9537

oh! well personally I think that early 2000s rock was quite influential in games but I couldn't pick a single song for games as a whole. Hypnospace Outlaw has some great tracks for the feel of 90s web and I don't think it'd fit like klonoa or something :P

obligatory plug, https://youtu.be/NUYjCAWJ0uw is a trailer song for the game and lemme grab a different one....
https://youtu.be/H_7Ten6mi1g and https://youtu.be/F02AbWidU1E rock  :D

PhantomShiba

Quote from: qwerty9537 on May 11, 2023, 05:07:24 PM
oh! well personally I think that early 2000s rock was quite influential in games but I couldn't pick a single song for games as a whole. Hypnospace Outlaw has some great tracks for the feel of 90s web and I don't think it'd fit like klonoa or something :P

obligatory plug, https://youtu.be/NUYjCAWJ0uw is a trailer song for the game and lemme grab a different one....
https://youtu.be/H_7Ten6mi1g and https://youtu.be/F02AbWidU1E rock  :D
I didn't think many people knew of hypnospace outlaw, it's one of my favorite games of all time! I've put way too many hours replaying, it's so unique. The music is incredible, it's been like 7 months since i last thought of HSO so thanks, maybe I should replay it again
-PHANTOM SHIBA (Moxie)-
(Actual age: 15 - I made a mistake on my profile :p)

qwerty9537

Quote from: PhantomShiba on May 11, 2023, 10:26:36 PM
I didn't think many people knew of hypnospace outlaw, it's one of my favorite games of all time! I've put way too many hours replaying, it's so unique. The music is incredible, it's been like 7 months since i last thought of HSO so thanks, maybe I should replay it again
HS:O rocks! sequel soon too  ;)

PhantomShiba

Quote from: qwerty9537 on May 12, 2023, 01:45:28 PM
HS:O rocks! sequel soon too  ;)
I saw it awhile back, I have it wishlisted on steam, can't wait
-PHANTOM SHIBA (Moxie)-
(Actual age: 15 - I made a mistake on my profile :p)

Rupurudu!

It's not an exact type/genre but I like the how old video games used to sound like. The classic MIDI/FM synth music, always feels magic to me. For the games that have that oldschool feel to it, I actually recommend using it.

For the modern games, depends on the genre. Video games are so vastly different these days that one type of soundtrack does not suit every game.