Top 10 retro game soundtracks you need to hear
Bhav Soor takes us through the most stunning audio in retro games.
Music can be such a core element in any video game. I still listen to some of my favourite soundtracks even outside of gaming sessions. Finding a community of people that share the same appreciation for these soundtracks and detailing their memories of playing these games is something that is quite special in the retro gaming community and also for casual gamers.
That said, I would like to share my Top 10 list of my favourite video game OSTs between 2005-2010. Note that this list is not in any specific order or rank.
1) Sonic Rush (2005)
I have hyped extensively about the OST to this game, including in my review of it a few months back. Now, I can get into the real crux of why I love this soundtrack so much. Firstly, a little context is needed. The soundtrack was composed by Hideki Naganuma, who was also responsible for the OST in 2000s Jet Set Radio.
Naganuma brings this Electronic amalgamation of multiple genres to Sonic Rush which gives it an energetic and youthful edge that slots nicely into the realm of Sonic the Hedgehog. It provides a sense of urgency while staying captivatingly upbeat.Some of my personal favourites include ‘Back 2 Back’, “What U Need is Remix”, “A New Day” and “Right There, Ride On”.
I also have to address the ‘Blazy’ mixes that really encapsulate the idea that Sonic and Blaze are the simultaneously the same and different in their own respects.
2) Mini Ninjas (2009)
The Mini Ninjas soundtrack was probably one of the first atmospheric OSTs I was introduced to as a kid. Peter Svarre, composer for Square Enix’s Gameglobe (2012), took the helm on this project. With a meditative and enchanting start to the game, Svarre captured the journey of a young ninja through its East Asian inspired chimes and flute-based pieces.
The music itself reflects the the story, starting with more tame and tranquil qualities and eventually transitioning into suspense and drama as Hiro encounters increasingly vicious foes. There is something so simple and charming about the music in Mini Ninjas.
My personal favourite pieces are Parts 1 and 4 with their steadiness of adventure and Part 8 picking up the pace as Hiro has to face vigorous rapids. I have yet to find a video game soundtrack quite like the structure of this one.
