Top 10 Best Video Game Music You've Never Heard

Top 10 Video Game Soundtracks That Need More Love

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These tunes are more than worthy of your time! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’ll be going over some truly unappreciated video game soundtracks. Pump up the volume!

#10: “Sonic Adventure 2” (2001)

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Upon the blue blur’s jump to 3D gaming, many of his entries ended up receiving a rather mixed reception, some that time has not been especially kind to. Even so, “Sonic Adventure 2”’s soundtrack still stands tall as one of speedster's best! Although heavily influenced by the music of the period, the game is commendable if only for how many varied styles were included, from rock, to punk, to hip hop. And even if there are some definite clunkers cough Death Chamber Theme cough, it still has some of the catchiest songs in Sonic's canon of work. Seriously, it is impossible to forget Escape from the City or Live and Learn out of your head!

#9: “Mighty” Series (2009-13)

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The simplicity found in this series of puzzle platformers is only matched by the brevity of their soundtracks, and yet both managed to knock it out of the park! In regards to the music itself, we shouldn't be too surprised by its quality given how it was composed by Jake Kaufman, the genius behind Shovel Knight's exquisite score. From the title track all the way to hits like Love You Love You Love, the OST manages to implement melodies found in classic platformers all the way to techno dance remixes. These games may fly under most people’s radars, but you won’t soon forget these beats once they've blasted through your speakers

#8: “Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth” (2015)

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While often shoved aside in favor of its more successful pocket monster cousin, the Digimon franchise is not to be underestimated! Especially when it comes to this awesome outing. With composer Masafumi Takada at the helm (you know, the dude responsible for arranging multiple Smash Bros. remixes and all things Danganronpa?) Digifans were in safe hands as far as the soundtrack was concerned. Filled with electronic flares that perfectly fit its cyberspace setting, you can expect to be soothed to no end with tracks like Tranquil City and Hacking Pride. Also, the ending here has lots of coffee!

#7: “Halo 3: ODST” (2009)

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The “Halo” series has some of the most celebrated video game music of all time, so it can be hard to believe that any of it is unappreciated. Alas this spin-off's soundtrack, just like its game, tends not to get its due. Sure, there's less of the overwhelming, messianistic tunes that often herald the Master Chief's arrival, but it makes sense here. It's dark, gritty, hopeless even, just like the cimsumtacnes surrounding the Rookie and the rest of the Helljumpers. The sheer amount of melancholy that accompanies songs like Overture and Deference for Darkness is astounding!

Let's just take a moment here to appreciate how phenomenal SuperGiant Games are when it comes to all aspects of game design, especially their soundtracks. While Bastion is often cited as their crowning achievement, we want to give a little love to their fantasy/action-rpg/bizarre sports hybrid. While practically every song manages to beautifully convey the characters and the many facets of life as an exile, we have to draw your attention to the tracks featuring guest vocalist and SuperGiant regular Ashley Barret, whose vocal and lyrical contributions manage to truly elevate songs like In the Flame and Bound Together to the greatest of heights.

The Divinity franchise has been going for a looooong time, with each entry accompanied by a distinct and illustrious soundtrack. While Original Sin II managed to continue this trend in spectacular fashion, we're giving this one to the vastly overlooked Dragon Commander. From the fiercest war anthems all the way to the most potent of serenades, it's a treasure trove of orchestral wonderment. Afterburner is sure to put a fire in your belly, The Bastard Son Foretold captures that sense of anxiety as you prepare for battle, while For The Hand of a Princess is strikingly beautiful in how it presents the daunting task of choosing which royal maiden to give your heart to!

The Super Nintendo era was truly a golden age for RPGs, so it’s only natural that gamers missed out on a few hidden gems. With a carefully-crafted blend of puzzle-solving and rogue-like elements, this is one that definitely deserves a lot more attention - especially when it comes to the soundtrack. With songs such as The Prophet creating an almost-tender mood, all the way to some good ol' head-bangers like the three Battle Themes, Lufia's second outing is in dire need of rising in the estimation of gamers everywhere.

#3: “Tomb Raider III” (1998)

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Given how this threequel was not as well received as the rest in Lara Croft's canon of work, it's only natural the soundtrack was the last thing on the mind of gamers as they tried to overcome mediocre levels. Which is a damn shame because the music here is kind of brilliant! Highly atmospheric, perfectly immersing the player in the exotic locales, evoking all manner of moods as Lara delves into the unknown. Something Spooky Is In That Jungle, A Long Way Up, There Be Butterflies Here, they all capture the danger and intrigue that comes with this iconic gunslinger's rather unique profession.

#2: “Fester’s Quest” (1989)

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Let's be real here, the reason no one appreciates this particular soundtrack is simple – it’s because its attached to bad game. Its unrelenting difficulty and poor design choices are glaring. We know that the Addams Family are all about fear and nightmare fuel, but come on! That being said, despite the awful gaming experience, its limited soundtrack is surprisingly good. Many of its tracks exude menace and dread despite being 8-bit tunes. In addition it has several great spins on the classic “Addams Family” theme, so at least you have something nice to listen to while the game itself causes you endless suffering. Maybe that was the goal all along...

Although this Metroidvania is regarded as something of a mini-masterpiece, we still feel like its soundtrack doesn't nearly get as much love as it should! Layered with enchanting melodies that lend further ambience to the hauntingly, whimsical atmosphere of Hallownest, even if you exclude all of the excellent additional tracks from the DLC, the core selection of songs are a wonder to behold. City of Tears, Resting Grounds and White Palace illustrate the forlong beauty of this forsaken kingdom, serene yet sorrowful in their delivery. And then you've got the boss themes. Nothing makes you feel like a knight facing down impossible odds quite like songs such as Mantis Lords and Radiance!