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When it comes to music in games; it can either make them or break them. No one wants to come up to a colossal giant in need of a slaying; only to hear honky tonk country music begin. Instead, gamers are often treated to something more along the lines of an epic masterpiece. These pieces not only motivate, but also give you a slight degree of determination. So without further ado, I present to you my Top 10 Epic Songs in video games!

And as I’ve done before in my Top 10 Lists; no double dipping from the same game/series, and only selections from games that I’ve played. And most importantly, their all based on my OPINION.

10. Megaman 2 (Wily’s Castle, Stage 1)

Megaman has never really been known for its musical prowess (although it does indeed feature some great tunes!), but when it comes to this song, you can find renditions and covers everywhere and all for good reason. This song is very driven; giving the player a sense of purpose and sending a chill up their spine as they take the first step into Wily’s homestead to fight for the future of the human race.

9. Mario 64 (Bowsers Theme)

Every time I hear this song, I think of my younger siblings passing the controller to me. Whether the song simply invoked a sense of boding and fear, or they just didn’t like hurling a massive lizard into bombs around the arena, this song fits perfectly according to the attitude of Bowser and the lack of fucks he gives whenever he kidnaps the princess. It’s also the song that plays in my head every time my boss calls my office phone….

8. Skyrim (Main Theme)

Whoever can go on an epic quest without this song in their head is either

A. Not truly going on a quest of epic proportions, or….

B.  Have recently been Fus Ro Dah’d off of a mountain.

This song just screams adventure, and for good reasons! Skyrim is one of the largest worlds of this generation. Ranging from mountains to ice covered lands to green forests and massive cities embedded in hillsides. Skyrim is one of the greatest epic adventures to come out recently, and every time I hear this song, I figuratively punch a dragon in the snout.

7. God of War III (Overture)

God of War is solely based around the idea of “Fuck you, vengeance is mine”. I honestly can’t listen to this song without thinking of Kratos sailing the ocean like he did in the first game (Although this is the main theme from the third installment, it still reminds me of the beginning of his journey). One does not simply listen to this song without feeling the urge to rip off limbs and sever a few heads.

6. Zelda (Gerudo Valley)

This was an awkward selection for me. I could’ve gone with the main theme to Zelda, but Gerudo Valley is not only epic, but it also set the tone and atmosphere for the level. This is probably one of the oddest songs in the Zelda-verse. Usually, most songs are orchestra-based, but Gerudo Valley is more along the lines of a Spanish Flamenco. Regardless of its background, it definitely deserves a spot on this list for not only setting the mood, but keeping an epic edge as Link draws closer to the end of his journey.

5. Shadows of the Colossus (The Opened Way)

This song screams volumes to the player. Can you size up the challenge? Find the weakness? Exploit it? Do you have the courage to take down the gargantuan beast that is in front of you? This is song is an amazing demonstration for of how a soundtrack can make the adventure as grandiose as ever!

4. Castlevania (Bloody Tears)

This song has been used over and over in Castlevania games and for good reasons too; it’s awesome! This song first debuted in the original Castlevania, and has appeared throughout the franchise ever since. It’s also a great song to listen to while you’re at the gym (Odd statement, but it’s true!).

3. Dark Souls (Gwyn’s Theme)

While this song isn’t nearly as epic as the rest of my list, it still serves an epic purpose. In my mind, this song isn’t about Lord Gwyn, but it’s FOR Lord Gwyn. Theoretically, you (The player) essentially take everything that was left for Lord Gwyn; his most loyal knights, his family, his kingdom, and his soul. After losing everything including his sanity, he just continued to guard the Fire as a hollowed shell of a God until you came along and ended his miserable existence.

Rest in Peace, Lord of Cinder.

 

2. Darksiders 2 (Guardians Theme)

This song is so fitting and so epic, my Norseman beard grew 6 inches while listening to it (Sorry for your luck ladies, but you’ll be bearded as well).  This song takes place during a boss fight in which you must tackle a giant 75’ (just a guess) colossal beast. This fight is overall fairly easy, but it entails some horseback techniques, grappling, and shooting apart a golem’s limbs. I’ve actually died on purpose just so I could hear this song again because it’s so good!

And again, I’m sorry if this song made all the ladies grow a beard….

 

1. Final Fantasy IX (You’re Not Alone)

If you don’t like this song, you should probably check yourself for a soul and conscience. This song is a masterpiece which perfectly portrays the turmoil Zidane is going through towards the end of the game. It's important to bear in mind that Zidane is one of the greatest optimists in any Final Fantasy who helps people without ever needing a reason to. This is important, because after a certain series of events (No Spoilers!), he is left in a state of misery and broken spirit. And as the world he knows crumbles around him; Zidane has no reason to believe he can go on any further... which is when this song begins to play.

And one by one the party members come to his side, not only help to protect him from harm at the hands of the continual boss battles, but offer the loving encouragement he needs to realize he isn't so alone after all.

The meaning and purpose behind this song are so sincere that it’s almost heartbreaking, and that’s why it fully deserves the #1 spot on this list.

 

I hope you all enjoyed it, because this list was a bitch to make, lol