Underrated game soundtracks?
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For my part, I'll offer up Gravity Rush. The soundtrack isn't under-appreciated as much as the series in general is, but that doesn't make it any less overlooked.
This music isn't chip tune crap that you have to pretend is actually good or midi compositions you wish were just a bit higher quality—It's all orchestral, baby! Studio Ghibli. The music mapping to the sandbox isn't like either Skyrim's ambient mix or The Witcher 3's brilliant idea of looping a single depressing song over and over, over an entire open world. It's more old-school, with unique area themes for each district of the open world city.
These themes not only encapsulate the feel of each of the quarters, but their upbeat, classical tones, contrast appropriately almost Metroid-esque "paths" series, which score the otherworldly rift planes. And throughout all of these areas, this is the combat theme! I've never heard a combat theme so good that I actually don't get sick of and hate by the end of the game, but Gravity Rush's does it. The dark tracks don't disappoint either, doing some wonderful things with the violin.
And can I just say how fucking lit Raven's motif is?
Lastly, I'll just say that the music in 2 is approaching GOAT territory. I mean seriously, just listen to this song's transition at a minute 54. So good!
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@TheMarcV said in Underrated game soundtracks?:
I'd like to give a shout out to inFAMOUS 2's soundtrack. It's rather unique and I never hear it get mentioned.
I think 1 had a more unique sounding soundtrack and some better tracks while 2 is mostly ambient violin heavy music that sort of blends into the background. Most of it is rather forgettable but works when you play the games, but some would argue that this is the best kind of soundtrack.
Infamous 1 - Genesis
Infamous 1 - Rabble Rouser
Infamous 1 - Hunt for the Ray Sphere
Infamous 1 - End of the Road
Infamous 2 - Plight
Infamous 2 - Bertrand
Infamous 2 - The Beast
Infamous 2 - Boat hopping
Infamous 2 - Half as long... (BEWARE the YT link has a spoiler in the title. Don't click it if you plan on playing Infamous 2)The Infamous 2 soundtrack made me remember M.A.G., a PS3 multiplayer only shooter (which I Fucking loved with a capital F).
In that massively underrated game each faction had their own music, Valor had more usage of acoustic guitars and such, SVER had violins and electric guitars and Raven had a more electronic style. While it was the SVER music that reminded me of Infamous 2, my faction of choice (since you got locked into a faction and couldn't swap willy nilly) was Raven and it was thus the music I grew to love and appriciate.
The composer for MAG was actually Apocalyptica, which some of you might've noticed even if I didn't say anything.MAG - The Shadow War S.V.E.R.
MAG - Raven faction music
MAG - Raven menu theme
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Is Bloodoborne's soundtrack considered underrated? I adore the music from that game.
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@matteroffact I think just about everyone who plays that game loves the music, lol. It's pretty bonkers. Maybe it would be more accurate to say the importance of the music in Bloodborne is under-appreciated? By that I mean, the music is incredible, but maybe it gets overshadowed by other elements of the game, and people don't realize how much it lends to the tone/mood of the game? Idk, I'm kind of spitballing right now.
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I think it's a stretch to say anything about a Souls game has gone unappreciated since 2014.
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I see several mentions of Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze which reminds me of how fantastic Donkey Kong Country 1-3 are for the SNES. DK2 being one of my all time favorite soundtracks. I would go to the sound test options and just sit and listen and get lost in the music back when I was a kid.
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@Meanfingers DKC2 straight up has one of the best soundtracks ever recorded, but I don't think anyone has ever/will ever question that. Stickerbush symphony is a triumph.
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The one that always sticks out for me is Pokemon Colosseum. It has some truly calming themes for towns, tense battle music and even tracks with Latin influences too. It's a masterpiece.
@naltmank I totally agree on Lords of Shadow's soundtrack. Even if the game's quality is subpar, that soundtrack is incredible.
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Note sure if it fits the thread but Oxenfree's soundtrack (which I tend to consider as an underrated game when I check Steamdb and see it has 60-70 k owners) is definitely my soundtrack of the year so far:
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@Maczime I really want to play Oxenfree! I've heard great things about it. I'm hoping to pick this and the Banner Saga up at the next steam sale.
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STRETCH PANIC
This game is soooo underrated. In any case, the soundtrack is straight up insane. I love it.
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The lack of love for Brave Fencer Musashi's soundtrack is all the proof I need to list it.
Exhibit A:
Youtube VideoAlso, La-Mulana (Remake, never played the original so can't say anything in regards to that)
Exhibit B:
Youtube Video
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@ChaosBahamut
Wanted to second that Brave Fencer has a dope ass soundtrack. Another game that really gets no love and this also goes towards its soundtrack is Intelligent Cube. I'd post youtube links but im at work. These songs are freaking EPIC, I use to run shows at my college radio station, one semester I just did a video game show and Id play Intelligent Cube songs and they sounded like epic movie scores.
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Thought I'd add some more underrated music since the thread seemed to have lost a little steam.
Swagman
I really like this one. It has this kind of classic horror movie feel to it.
Swagman OST Boss Battle
Swagman OST Zack's House Upstairs
Swagman OST The Red Desert
Swagman OST Main StreetNeotokyo
Think Ghost in the Shell. I absolutely love this soundtrack.
Ed Harrison - Annul [Neotokyo OST]
Ed Harrison - Tin Soldiers [Neotokyo OST]
Ed Harrison - Departure [Neotokyo OST]Soul Nomad & The World Eaters
One of the more underrated/lesser known Nippon Ichi games. If you like the Disgaea games music then you'll like this.
Soul Nomad OST: Speed Queen
Soul Nomad OST: Rock'n Rocks
Soul Nomad OST: Dark Harp
Soul Nomad OST: Cradle of the Ivory Moon
Soul Nomad OST: Crash LandingZettai Hero Project: Unlosing Ranger VS DarkDeath Evilman
... while we're on the subject of underrated Nippon Ichi games. One particular thing I liked about this soundtrack is how it changes your "hero's" theme depending on how you're equipped. For example if you equip yourself with mecha parts the theme will change in both sound and lyrics (example below).
Z.H.P. OST #30: Unlosing Ranger's Theme Normal Ver.
Z.H.P. OST #35: Unlosing Ranger's Theme Mech Ver.
Z.H.P. OST #07: Zettai Hero Project
Z.H.P. OST #29: The LAST LAST BATTLE!Advance Wars: Days of Ruin
I absolutely love this game and I wish we'd get another one. The music is also fantastic, I pretty much love every single track in this game. P.S. F#ck the Mayor in this game.
Advance Wars: Days Of Ruin - Brenner's Theme (Hope never dies)
Advance Wars Days of Ruin OST: 8 - Flight of the Coward - Waylon
Advance Wars Days of Ruin OST: 6 - Proud Soldier - Gage
Advance Wars Days of Ruin OST: 5 - Goddess of Revenge - Tasha
Advance Wars Days of Ruin OST: 11 - Cruel Rose - Tabitha
Advance Wars Days of Ruin OST: 47 - Power UpThe Darkness
Great little gem that is sadly a bit tricky to get a hold of and play since it's a PS3 exclusive that is not avaliable for download.
The Darkness - The Darkness theme
The Darkness OST - Jenny's theme
The Darkness - Massacre On The Lighthouse@Maczime said in Underrated game soundtracks?:
Note sure if it fits the thread but Oxenfree's soundtrack (which I tend to consider as an underrated game when I check Steamdb and see it has 60-70 k owners) is definitely my soundtrack of the year so far:
I have been planning on playing Oxenfree, but I just haven't gotten in the mood to play that kind of game yet. I feel that the music will be a pretty important part of that game so I don't want to ruin it by listening through the soundtrack, but that track was pretty sweet.
@michemagius said in Underrated game soundtracks?:
STRETCH PANIC
This game is soooo underrated. In any case, the soundtrack is straight up insane. I love it.Never heard of that game before. I like the crazy music though, making me stressed out just listening to it!
@ChaosBahamut said in Underrated game soundtracks?:
The lack of love for Brave Fencer Musashi's soundtrack is all the proof I need to list it.
BFM is such a great game that sadly hasn't aged that well. All those wonderful memories of getting frustrated playing that game as a kid... the pressure valves... getting poisoned in the mines... good times.
The music totally holds up though. I can put on Twin Mountains or something and instantly get in a jolly mood.
How's that proper sequel coming along SquareEnix?Also, La-Mulana (Remake, never played the original so can't say anything in regards to that)
AKA Have-a-walkthrough-ready: The game. A seriously hardcore metroidvania that oozes style and is loads of fun. The music is also perfect for the game, really gets you in that adventurous mood.
Sadly I missed the Kickstarter for La-Mulana 2 so since I'm not a backer I don't know how the game is coming along, but I hope the sequel is even better (and slightly less hardcore).@flower_arrangement said in Underrated game soundtracks?:
panzer dragoon saga
I never actually got around to playing that series. Played the first stage of Panzer Dragoon Orta over at a friends house and that's pretty much it. I've always liked the music though.
There's one particular OC Remix that I liked, so I might as well throw it out.
OC ReMix #951: Panzer Dragoon Orta 'More Than a Weapon' [Ancient Weapon 1] by MC & SGX
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@suplextrain I love when people make big posts in this thread. Gives you lots to listen to. You missed my favorite Days of Ruin track though, so figure I'll post it instead.
Youtube Video
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@suplextrain The Darkness has a fantastic soundtrack and the game is great too. A true hidden gem!
These are my picks:
Mega Man Network Transmission
Not a very popular entry in the Mega Man series, but the soundtrack is quite catchy
Mega Man Network Transmission OST Playlist1942 Joint Strike
This game might have failed to impress because of its boring visuals, but the soundtrack definitely compensates for that
1942 Joint Strike OST - Menu ThemeAce Driver: Victory Lap
Most Namco's arcade games from the nineties had incredible music and this one is no exception. It sounds very similar to Tekken 3's OST, which is still one of my favorite soundtracks. Does anyone here miss arcades as much as i do?
Ace Driver: Victory Lap - Rude
Ace Driver: Victory Lap - Haze In Daylight
Ace Driver: Victory Lap - Infinity
Ace Driver: Victory Lap - Slightly Refraction
