Soundtracks that Color the Game [Roundup]: From Classics to the Latest Releases
When it comes to essential elements of games, the soundtrack is a must, right?
“Soundtrack,” or OST, refers to the music that plays during various scenes throughout the game, as opposed to the main theme or ending theme.
This time, we’ve put together a collection of game soundtracks.
We’ve picked masterpieces from various eras, so both the PS2 generation and the PS5 generation should enjoy it.
We’ve also touched on each game’s characteristics, making this recommended for those who want to enjoy games with a focus on musicality and world-building.
- [2026] Many classic tracks! A compilation of nostalgic Japanese video game music
- [Dragon Quest BGM] Iconic and popular tracks from the Dragon Quest series
- [All-Time] A Collection of Masterpieces in Video Game Music [Up to the Latest Tracks]
- Recommended video game music: compelling masterpieces and popular tracks you’ll want to listen to.
- A collection of video game music I want to perform in a wind ensemble
- [Drama Soundtrack Collection] Timeless soundtrack masterpieces that revive the emotion: BGM and main theme
- Anime BGM compilation: background music and insert songs that color the story
- [Game Music] Splatoon BGM and Popular Songs Compilation
- [Epic] A Collection of Game Music to Enjoy with an Orchestral Sound
- [Game Battle Music Compilation] Burning Fighting Spirit! Recommended Battle BGMs
- BGM from the Pokémon series through the ages: A compilation of legendary tracks
- Masterpieces from the Persona series. Recommended video game music.
- [Theme Song & BGM] Popular Anime Soundtrack Special
Soundtracks that Color the Game [Roundup] | From Classics to the Newest Titles (1–10)
Light of lifeDairantou Sumasshu Burazāzu SPECIAL
Many of you must feel that tingling excitement of “the battle is about to begin”! Since its release on the NINTENDO 64, the Super Smash Bros.
series has become indispensable when discussing the history of games.
And the theme song of the 2018 Nintendo Switch title Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate is “Lifelight,” performed by singer and voice actor Erina Koga.
December 17Ryū ga Gotoku 2
The adventure game series Like a Dragon centers on former yakuza Kazuma Kiryu, known as the “legendary gangster.” Its second installment, Like a Dragon 2, features the ending theme December 17.
Performed by the funk band Crazy Ken Band led by Ken Yokoyama, the song was included on their 2006 album GALAXY.
The lyrics depict a mature tale of a man and woman—a bittersweet romance.
That masculine, cool vibe of the Like a Dragon series is really great, isn’t it?
Proof of a Heromonsutā hantā
It’s like… your blood is boiling, your chest is burning! Here’s the theme song of the popular action game series where you battle gigantic monsters, Monster Hunter: “Proof of a Hero.” It’s a BGM track used since the very first Monster Hunter.
That sweeping orchestral sound that makes a vast world unfold before your eyes—so good.
It even made waves when it was chosen as one of the athlete entrance songs at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Give it a listen and you’ll be itching to grab your weapon and face down a rampaging dragon—guaranteed!
Soundtracks that Color the Game [Compilation] | From Classics to the Newest Entries (11–20)
You Were ThereICO
It’s a soundtrack that makes you feel as if you’ve wandered into a foreign land.
Released for the PlayStation 2, the masterpiece game ICO still has a devoted cult following even after all this time.
Its ending theme and main song is “You Were There.” The ethereal tone and innocent vocals—and the way they blend to create a distinct atmosphere—perfectly embody ICO’s world.
Just by following the music, you can picture that scene where the protagonist takes the heroine by the hand.
The game itself is exceptionally well crafted, so I recommend experiencing this track as you play through the game.
MutationMinecraft
This is the BGM from the sandbox game Minecraft, often called “the best-selling game in the world.” It plays on the title screen after launching the game, so it’s very familiar to those who’ve played it.
With its reverb-soaked ambient sound, it’s soothing to listen to.
It’s crafted in a way that makes you feel the vastness of the world map.
The composer is C418, a.k.a.
Daniel Rosenfeld, a music producer from Germany.
Abandoned Place / Diagonal LightNieR:Automata
Once you play it, the emotions pierce your heart and won’t let go…
The action RPG NieR:Automata, with its somber, story-driven atmosphere, is beloved around the world.
One of the maps that appears in the game, the Ruined City, features the BGM “City Ruins (Shade).” Buildings crumbling under the embrace of greenery, sunlight streaming through—the in-game scenery perfectly matches the title of the track.
The composer is Keiichi Okabe, a popular composer known for his work on anime music and more.
The Last of UsThe Last of Us
Here’s the theme song from the action game “The Last of Us,” in which you fight to survive in a ruined world overrun by zombies.
It’s not just another zombie story—the game also places great emphasis on the relationship between the two protagonists, Joel and Ellie, and you can hear that aspect reflected in the music.
The arrangement conveys sorrow, poignancy, and tension, resulting in a sound that tightens your chest.
I can’t say more because it would be a spoiler, but if you’ve played it, scenes like the shocking cutscenes will surely come to mind.