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Biohazard EXTREME's Lists
Well, in light of recent trends, I can safely say that this journal will probably include mostly my Top 10's or best of worst of lists, or fun things like that. So read up! If you read my journal, please take the time to comment. I lurve comments!
Top 10 Video Game Scores
10. Mass Effect 2
Composed by Jack Wall, Sam Hulick, David Kates & Jimmy Hinson
There's a reason why Mass Effect is such a highly praised franchise. Everything about it screams quality, and that doesn't exclude its soundtrack. And while the original Mass Effect has a much more noticable and catchy soundtrack, when you really listen to it, Mass Effect 2 is simply a lot more complex and has more variety. Its atmospheric scores are haunting and beautiful. Its combat music is reminiscent of 80s action films like The Terminator. Its epic scores are contemporary and satisfying. And definitely lives up to this massive and beautiful franchise.
The Normandy Reborn

9. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
Composed by Norihiko Hibino
I'm not saying that Harry Gregson Williams is a bad composer. But somehow, it's the Metal Gear Solid soundtracks that he did NOT score that end up being the most memorable for me, Twin Snakes included. But Portable Ops just has such a beautiful score. The cutscene music is powerful and epic, the gameplay music is unique and really stands out. And lets not forget the end credits song, "Calling To The Night" which is easily my favorite vocal track out of all the Metal Gear Solid games. I'm glad that this song got shared with non PSP owners via Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and Metal Gear Solid 4.
Calling To The Night

8. Double Dragon II: The Revenge
Composed by Kazunaka Yamane
Back before video games had voice overs, game composers were allowed to make loud and elaborate video game scores, and didn't have to worry about it drowning out the voices. And even in the 8-Bit era, some of these scores were simply amazing. Such is the case for Double Dragon 2, which had some of the most memorable and catchy video game music that I have ever heard. It's hard to think about this game and not think about its wonderful soundtrack.
Low Pursuit (Arranged)

7. Contra: Hard Corps
Composed by Michiru Yamane, Aki Hata and Hiroshi Kobayashi
While I love a lot of music from the classic 8-Bit and 16-Bit era of video games, I don't listen to chiptunes. I usually like to find remixes of video game songs I used to like, and even with Double Dragon 2, I've had success. Contra Hard Corps, not so much. But I have to say that I love this soundtrack so much that I will listen to it even in its original form. It's a melodic industrial soundtrack that almost reminds me of bands like KMFDM, but frankly, even better. And if that wasn't enough, it even incorporates a crazy techno remix of the Simon Belmont theme from Castlevania.
The Hard Corps Blues

6. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
Composed by Koji Kondo
As I stated, I usually prefer music that is technically more complex and boasts more variety. And in Legend of Zelda's case, that would be Majora's Mask. Nevertheless, the Ocarina Of Time soundtrack goes deeper than just simple 'musical excellence' for me. There is a lot of nostalgia behind it. And hearing every song on this soundtrack only reminds me of the wonderful experience I had playing this game. Whether it's cheerful Saria's Song, melancholy Lon Lon Ranch or down right creepy Forest Temple music, this soundtrack is simply amazing.
Gerudo Velley

5. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Composed by Masami Ueda and Saori Maeda
It is difficult to say Which of the original three Resident Evils has the best soundtrack. I'd expect to hear 1 or 2. But personally, I like Resident Evil 3's soundtrack better. It's still very close to what Resident Evil 2 was, but in order to accomodate the UBCS mercenaries, it also incorporated a very powerful military undertone, and I just love it.
Options Screen

4. SMT: Persona 3
Composed by Shōji Meguro
As I've said before, I enjoy deep and complex music. The music in Persona 3 is the polar opposite of that. Its tunes are simple and catchy, its Engrish lyrics make absolutely no sense, and the overall soundtrack incorporates relatively short loops. So considering how much I (and so many others) absolutely love this soundtrack, it has to be a work of some extremely evil genius. Because in spite of everything I just stated, it's absolutely brilliant.
Burn My Dread -Last Battle-

3. Final Fantasy VIII
Composed by Nobuo Uematsu
As much as I love the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack, and have many fond memories of it, I find it extremely overrated, especially "One Winged Angel." It's the Final Fantasy VIII soundtrack, that I personally consider superior, and my personal favorite in the series. It has a brilliant score that's not invasive. And its vocal tracks are beautiful. And yes, "Eyes On You" kicked a**.
Ami

2. Silent Hill 2
Composed by Akira Yamaoka
Silent Hill Soundtracks, much like its level design, have a duality to them. In the game, its tonal landscapes are disturbing and invoke absolute dread. However, it's certainly not something I would listen to on my MP3 player. However, its music is. Akira Yamaoka utilized the beautiful and unique sound of Acid Jazz to create some excellent pieces of music over his Silent Hill career. And Silent Hill 2 boasts plenty of them. Being the last Silent Hill not to have any vocals on the soundtrack, its music in itself paints plenty of pictures, helping invoke very powerful emotions.
Love Psalm

1. Silent Hill 4: The Room
Composed by Akira Yamaoka
As much as I love the music in Silent Hill 2, I personally think that Silent Hill 4 simply has an overall better soundtrack. It incorporates four vocal tracks, all of which are drastically different, but equally great. But more than that, I personally think it has some of the best instrumental tracks among the Silent Hill games. The ratio of Tonal Landscapes is slightly smaller, and instead, it had some very unique and memorable pieces of actual music to fill its gameplay with. But its the aforementioned vocal tracks that push it to be my single favorite Video Game soundtrack.
Your Rain






User Comments: [1] [add]
King of Paradise
Community Member
avatar
commentCommented on: Wed Feb 02, 2011 @ 07:00pm
Can't comment on 'em all, so...

All the Metal Gear Solid soundtracks have songs that I love, but each individual soundtrack as a whole doesn't interest me.

I will give a listen to both Double Dragon II's and Conta: Hard Corps' soundtracks. 3nodding

This might come as a surprise, but (probably) none of the Legend of Zelda soundtracks will be on my list. Although I love listening to the songs while playing the game, I don't think any of the soundtracks work as casual mp3 listening material. That being said, I might honor Ocarina of Time just because of it's familiarity to me. And yes, the Forest Temple theme rocks!

I'll comment on FFVIII's soundtrack on my own list.

I definitely want to give a listen to all of the Silent Hill soundtracks.


User Comments: [1] [add]
 
 
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