Soundtracks that Color the Game [Roundup]: From Classics to the Latest Releases

You Were ThereICO

You Were There (Original Mix)

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.

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MutationMinecraft

Mutation

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.

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The Last of UsThe Last of Us

The Last of Us OST – Track 3 – The 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.

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Devil TriggerDebiru Mei Kurai 5

Casey Edwards feat. Ali Edwards – Devil Trigger [Official Music Video]

Devil May Cry 5 is a exhilarating action game where you stylishly take down demons with swords and guns.

One of its protagonists, Nero, has a battle theme called Devil Trigger.

Composed by Casey Edwards and sung by Ali Edwards, it’s a super cool, dark-tinged electronic track that makes fighting feel great.

It also plays in the opening scene, so if you’ve played the game, it’s likely stuck in your head.

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Tutorialbiburibon

Vib-Ribbon Part 1 [Tutorial]

Vib-Ribbon is a PlayStation rhythm game that made waves for its gameplay, which lets you play using CDs from artists you already own.

The track I’m introducing is the one you can hear in the tutorial mode.

The controls are explained as if singing along to the music, and the melody and rhythm are insanely addictive.

Combined with the visuals, it’s crafted to be endlessly repeatable—you’ll feel like you might never make it to the main game.

It’s game BGM with a truly innovative vibe.

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I’m such a foolRyū ga Gotoku 5

Like a Dragon 5: Baka Mitai (Full, Kiryu ver.)

Yakuza 5: Fulfiller of Dreams is the fifth entry in the Yakuza series, which centers on the yakuza.

As the subtitle suggests, dreams are a key theme of the work, portraying both those who pursue their dreams and those whose lives are buffeted by them.

Since battle action is a core system of the game, the battle BGM is particularly robust, featuring many tracks that stir the spirit.

Another hallmark of the Yakuza series is its abundance of substories and mini-games, and a noteworthy point is that there’s music tailored to those as well.

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Prologue ~To the Ancient Land~Ootani Miyuki

Prologue ~To the Ancient Land~

The moment the game boots up, a majestic orchestra resounds as if the doors of an ancient ruin were opening.

This piece, which graces the opening of Shadow of the Colossus—released in October 2005 for the PlayStation 2—is the pinnacle of Koh Ohtani’s symphonic scoring.

The weighty harmonies woven by the low strings and brass, layered with choral resonance, brilliantly convey the protagonist’s resolve and apprehension as he steps into a forbidden land.

Though it carries the grandeur of a Hollywood film, its faintly mournful melody tightens the chest.

Included on the album Shadow of the Colossus: Roar of the Earth, this track became a key piece underpinning the game’s world—a title that won five awards at the 2006 Game Developers Choice Awards.

It’s a masterpiece I highly recommend to anyone drawn to epic adventures and mythic tales.