7 Best Game Soundtracks During the 2000s
Video games were terrific in the 2000s. The graphics improved, online gaming gained traction, and the stories became more exciting.
But one more thing made the games even more incredible: the music!
It wasn’t just background noise anymore. It was like another character, making you feel happy, scared, or excited, depending on the game.
Even after you finished playing, these songs would stick in your head.
Here are 10 soundtracks from this era that gamers still resonate with today:
Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)
This soundtrack is a fan favourite, and players praise it for its high-energy blend of rock, pop, and techno.
The combination of genres perfectly complements the game’s fast-paced action and vibrant levels.
More importantly, it creates specific themes for each character, like the hasty urgency for Sonic, the moody rock edge for Shadow, and the technological feel for Tails.
This character-specific approach adds another layer of depth to the music, making you feel more connected to the characters and the world you’re playing in.
Video games are not the only ones that use music during the game. Music is also essential for player immersion in many casino games, especially online slots, available in Australian online casinos.
Just like video games, online slots enhance the players’ experience by using different sound themes and music, both from famous bands and composers.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002)
Like the game itself, this soundtrack is a delightful and unique entry in the Zelda series.
It was composed by Kenta Nagata, Hajime Wakai, Toru Minegishi, and Koji Kondo, featuring a lighter and more whimsical tone compared to previous Zelda titles.
The soundtrack also uses nautical instruments and sea shanties. In tracks like “Great Sea” and “Outset Island”, it perfectly captures the feeling of sailing across a vast ocean.
Consequently, this creates a sense of adventure and exploration.
Moreover, the light and airy pieces reflect the game’s cel-shaded art style, making it stand out.
You can experience this in tracks like “Morning Sun” and “Forest Haven.”
They design a serene and whimsical atmosphere that’s perfect for exploring islands and solving puzzles.
Shadow of the Colossus (2005)
This soundtrack by Kow Otani creates a powerful and emotional soundscape that perfectly complements the game’s desolate beauty and epic encounters.
What makes it even more special is the use of minimalist arrangements, often featuring just a few instruments or even ambient sounds.
They portray a sense of isolation and loneliness that reflects the game’s vast, empty landscapes.
It’s amazing how, when facing the Colossi, the music explodes with powerful orchestral moments and chanting vocals.
Moreover, as the fight progresses, the music builds, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
However, the soundtrack isn’t all about bombast. There are slower, more peaceful pieces like “Lakeside” that provide a moment of rest after intense battles.
They accompany the action in the game, creating a sense of wonder and discovery.
Silent Hill 2 (2001)
If you’re looking for the most effective video game soundtracks for horror games, this soundtrack is a must-listen.
It’s a chilling and beautiful experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
This haunting soundtrack perfectly captures the psychological horror atmosphere of the game.
It relies heavily on ambient soundscapes with distorted guitars, industrial noises, and static crackles.
In return, this creates a feeling of unease and dread, perfectly reflecting the foggy, nightmarish world of Silent Hill.
Underscoring the emotional core of the story, the soundtrack features melancholic piano melodies and distorted yet strangely beautiful vocals.
Furthermore, the soundtrack goes beyond pure horror. There are industrial tracks for intense moments, distorted rock for action sequences, and even moments of unsettling silence.
As a result, players are always on their toes.
Jet Set Radio (2000)
The Jet Set Radio soundtrack is a perfect example of how music can elevate a video game experience.
It combines elements of funk, hip-hop, and electronic music that perfectly complement the game’s action-packed gameplay.
The composers Hideki Naganuma, Richard Jacques, and Toronto gave the soundtrack creativity and catchy hooks.
As a result, it captures the vibrant, cel-shading aesthetic of the game and the aggressive gameplay that it is known for.
Okami (2006)
If you’re a fan of video game music, you might recognise the name Masami Uematsu.
He’s a legendary composer known for his work on the Final Fantasy series, and Okami’s soundtrack is another gem in his collection.
The Okami (2006) soundtrack is a beauty, much like the game itself. It’s known for its dazzling blend of traditional Japanese music with orchestral and electronic elements.
The composer crafted a soundtrack that goes well with the game’s breathtaking visuals and deep mythology.
The soundtrack is quite vast, spanning five volumes. This allows for a rich and diverse soundscape that reflects the different areas and situations players encounter throughout the game.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001)
This is another gem in the world of video game music that has left a big mark on gamers.
It was created through a collaborative effort between Harry Gregson-Williams and Norihiko Hibino.
Some of the impact of this soundtrack on the game is the heightened tension and drama of the story.
It also reflects the individuality of each character, creating a memorable soundscape for the game.
With so many great tracks, one that stands out is “Can’t Say Goodbye To Yesterday” (both the piano and full versions).
It is a beautiful and melancholic vocal track that adds emotional depth to the story.