The Grammy category for Best Score for a Video Game was recently added, meaning many games have gone unrecognized for their music over the years. We’ve only recently seen Grammys being given out in the past three years.
These games have some of the best soundtracks. Whether they make you laugh, cry, or give you chills, they are unforgettable.
1. Bloodborne (2015)
Nothing beats the soundtrack for Bloodborne. It’s haunting and can make boss fights so much more challenging. It can be a very disorienting experience, but it just makes the game that much better.
While the soundtrack is excellent throughout the game, the soundtrack for the boss fights in the downloadable content (DLC) ramps up the experience and makes it incredibly intense.
2. Cuphead (2017)
Cuphead is one of the most unique games in terms of run and gun games with soul-like boss fights. Along with the game’s beautiful graphics and retro feel, Cuphead also has one of the best soundtracks.
Each boss has its unique soundtrack, which is incredibly jazzy and adds to the old-time aesthetic. If any game got a Grammy for its soundtrack, it’d be this one.
3. Hades (2020)
Hades is another stunning, award-winning game created by Supergiant Games. The gameplay is fun, exciting, and intensely replayable, plus it has some of the best sound design in an indie game.
When it comes to music for boss fights and intense scenes in the game, the music is unforgettable. Luckily, Hades II is now in early access, so we may still see a Grammy for sound design for this game.
4. The Last of Us (2013)
The Last of Us is one of the best zombie apocalypse games out there, and the second one is equally as good. What really makes this game unique is the fantastic soundtrack.
It’s beloved by many The Last of Us players and even gamers who haven’t tried it. The Last of Us certainly deserves a Grammy for such a beautiful soundtrack.
5. BioShock Infinite (2013)
All the BioShock games had phenomenal soundtracks featuring prominent songs from the era in which they were set. However, nothing quite beats the soundtrack of Bioshock Infinite, especially the one featured in the Burial At Sea DLC.
The music immerses you in BioShock Infinite‘s dystopian world and provides great gameplay. If it were produced today, BioShock Infinite would have been nominated for a Grammy.
6. Minecraft (2009)
Even if you aren’t a fan of Minecraft, you’ve probably heard the soundtrack at some point in your life. It has a calming vibe that makes playing Minecraft a relaxing experience.
While the game is sometimes slightly spooky, the soundtrack levels everything out. It’s peaceful and relaxing and reminds you of your wholesome experience in the game. It’s a great soundtrack to work to or even sleep to.
7. Stardew Valley (2016)
Stardew Valley’s soundtrack is loved by many — so much so that a live orchestra is currently performing it globally.
Each season offers a different soundtrack that perfectly matches the weather. Its upbeat, vibrant soundtrack deserves a Grammy for Best Score for a Video Game. Once you’ve heard the soundtrack, it’s completely unforgettable.
8. Undertale (2015)
Undertale gave gamers one of the best songs from a gaming soundtrack: “Megolavania.” The song is so recognizable that even if you haven’t played Undertale, you’ll immediately recognize where this song comes from.
Only one man created the game and soundtrack: Toby Fox. He created a fantastic game and an even better soundtrack to accompany it.
9. Ori and the Blind Forest (2015)
Ori and The Blind Forest is one fantastic game. Not only is it incredibly frustrating at points, but the story is bound to break your heart and possibly leave you crying like a baby.
What adds to that experience and makes it so moving is the soundtrack. The music gets your adrenaline pumping during high-intensity scenes where you have to run for your life. Both Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and The Will of the Wisps deserve Grammys for their soundtracks.
10. Hollow Knight (2017)
Hollow Knight is beloved by many worldwide. Gamers are still waiting to hear about the sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong. The original may seem like an unassuming Metroidvania meets soulslike kind of game, but it’s so much more than that.
With surprisingly heartwrenching quests and non-player characters (NPC) that bring joy around every corner, what makes this game so magical is the phenomenal soundtrack that goes with it. Maybe Hollow Knight: Silksong will get a Grammy instead?
11. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was one of the first games to come to Nintendo Switch. Some players may have played it on the Wii U, where they had heard the beautiful soundtrack in prior years.
There is no such thing as a lousy soundtrack for Zelda games, but Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have some of the best music in the franchise.
12. Celeste (2018)
Celeste is a challenging game, but it’s gratifying once you overcome the difficulty. The game is exactly like climbing a mountain, which is what this game is about.
Accompanying you on your journey to understanding your identity and emotions is a beautiful soundtrack that amplifies everything you see and feel. Celeste has some of the best music in any indie video game.
13. Tekken 2 (1995)
This is one of the older games on this list, but it’s still worthy of a place. Tekken 2 has a fantastic soundtrack. Whether it’s the main menu music or Jun’s theme, all the songs are memorable.
Even if you aren’t playing the game, Tekken 2 has a soundtrack worth listening to in your spare time if you need some music to get your adrenaline pumping.
14. Kingdom Hearts (2002)
Most people remember “Simple and Clean” from Kingdom Hearts. However, the soundtrack was more complex than just that song; it offered memorable tunes throughout the game. Whether they were songs from Disney, Final Fantasy, or the Gummi theme, there was a song worth remembering for everyone.
Kingdom Hearts is one of the best soundtracks where expansive, fun sound design is concerned. It would deserve a Grammy today.
15. Dark Souls III (2016)
Some may think it’s cheating that two FromSoftware games are on this list. They all deserve to be on this list since they all have unique soundtracks. However, Dark Souls 3 and Bloodborne are the most recognizable.
Whether you want the comforting vibe of the song for Firelink Shrine or something more intense and haunting by listening to the song of the Dancer of the Boreal Valley, this game takes you on an emotional rollercoaster via music.
16. Tomb Raider (1996)
This is the oldest game on this list, but it has one of the most iconic soundtracks of all time. The music on the menu is unforgettable, and who could forget the catchy but intense music of St Frances’ Folly? For a game released in 1996, it has some of the best sound design today.
If this game could win a Grammy for best soundtrack, it would definitely be nominated. It’s been remastered, so there’s always a possibility, but the likelihood is slim.
17. Tunic (2022)
Tunic was one of the most interesting games released in 2022. It featured stunning graphics, challenging but rewarding gameplay, and fantastic reasons to master the game. Players also enjoyed the manual, which required collecting pages to complete.
In addition to the puzzling gameplay, it was also accompanied by a beautiful soundtrack, which added to its whimsy and intensity.
18. Doom Eternal (2020)
Many people are familiar with the soundtrack of DOOM and DOOM Eternal. The soundtrack gives you a hefty adrenaline boost, especially as you carve through horrific monstrosities and mutants.
If any game could get a Grammy for the most intense and adrenaline-inciting soundtracks, it would definitely be DOOM Eternal. The feeling you get from listening to the soundtrack is unforgettable.
