Video Game Music for the Soul

Who would have thought video game music could have become such a powerful and emotive format, with many masterpieces of composition being created for the genre? Certainly, head back to the days of the Commodore 64 and even the Amiga, you might not have supposed the tinny soundtracks which sounded very 'digital' could ever transform into such beautiful works of art.

I find video game music some of the most soulful music out there. It is designed to bring alive a story, conjure up emotions and to embrace the listener. In many cases it has a classical feel to it (game music being quite often orchestral) and just hearing a certain piece will take you instantly back to that game you lost hours of your life too.

When I want to meditate, video game music is my choice and here is my favourite selection of inspiring, emotive and soothing pieces from the genre.

To Zanarkand (Final Fantasy X)

When I hear this humble melody it just makes me pause. I played FFX and the memory of that final scene still brings tears to my eyes. The music was the perfect accompaniment and this piano version by the talented pianist Kara Comparetto is just breath taking. I could have this on repeat all day.

Reign of the Septims (The Elder Scrolls IV - Oblivion)

I have lost track of how many times I have played Oblivion, sometimes I load up the game just to go strolling through the landscape, there is something peaceful about it, even with the trolls and bears. The opening theme tune is both powerful and uplifting. Listening to this, you feel everything is possible, but there is also a wistfulness to the melody, a sense of things changing and never being the same again.

Still Alive (Portal)

This has to be the weirdest, quirkiest songs around and it is sung by a homicidal computer at the end of Portal - I love this song. It is happy, bouncy and never fails to bring a smile to my face. If you have never played Portal, you are not going to understand Gladys' special ditty (play Portal, you won't regret it!) but it is still a good tune to relax too.

Out of the North (Assassin's Creed Valhalla)

You may have noticed I like my music fantastical, dramatic and slightly medieval. That is certainly the case with this hearty tune from the latest installment in the Assasin's Creed series. When I hear this I feel like I am soaring, or perhaps sailing upon an ocean (which, of course, with Valhalla being about Vikings, is logical). This is a piece of music to lift you up into the clouds.

The Dragonborn Comes (Skyrim)

Another epic tune from the Elder Scrolls series. This song is found within the game being sung (somewhat awkwardly) by a tavern bard. This version sung by Sabina Zweiacker with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, is utterly amazing and includes elements of the Skyrim theme.

Nate's Theme (Uncharted: Drake's Fortune)

If you are needing something inspirational, a tune to pick you up and help you carry on with dramatic overtones, you definitely need this melody. Beautifully harmonic and with some elements of tribal music, to match the theme of the game, this is a perfect mood booster.

Theme of Laura - Reprised (Silent Hill 2)

Laura is one of the most haunting characters of Silent Hill 2, a game that has so much atmosphere. Theme of Laura, Reprised, is the slower, longer version of the song from the game which played at the end. Much like the character it is haunting, a little sad and delicately beautiful.

New Worlds (Mass Effect 2)

This piece of incidental music features on the world selection screen of the game. It is a peaceful, yet also encouraging piece of music, conveying hope of adventure and discovery. It is also very rhythmic with a steady under beat that suits settling into a deep meditation.

Main Theme (Dishonored 2)

If there is such a thing as music that oozes steampunk it has to be the opening theme from Dishonored 2. The soft strings over lacing the music seem to sum up the exact feel of the game. It is also a gentle tune to guide your mind to another place, nothing too dramatic but certainly atmospheric.

Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt)

The stormy theme tune of Geralt from the third instalment of the Witcher series, is another great piece of instrumental music. There is a hint of sadness and wistfulness to this piece, but also endurance and triumph. The melody sweeps you along and transports you to another time and place.

I hope this selection of video game music offerings will be useful to you, whether you are pursuing meditation and are looking for an amazing soundtrack to guide your mind, or you are exploring the world of gaming music for the first time. I hope it also inspires you to dive deeper and look for other amazing tracks, because there are plenty out there. Thank you for reading!