There are many components to consider when determining the greatness of a game. Some may look at combat, others will be attracted to beautiful graphics. Both of which are important, no one wants to look at a clunky mess. However, never underestimate the power of music. That’s right, a beautiful soundtrack can be what makes a game memorable. After all, there is nothing better than slaying monsters with a backing track that makes the player feel all mighty.
So, it is time to take a look at those RPGs that capture the emotion through music. The games that force the player to feel, or simply give some epic tracks to listen to while on a long journey.
10 Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age: Origins is one of the best role playing games out there, with its soundtrack standing the tests of time, 11 years after release. Fantasy RPGs have a tendency to offer some of the best music, and Bioware’s epic is no exception. In fact, DA: Origins may have set the standard for future titles in the genre.
Without a doubt, the piece of music that stands out on the soundtrack is the theme music. It is beautiful, and while Dragon Age II and Inquisition offer theme tracks of a gorgeous nature, they would not exist without the original.
9 Final Fantasy VII Remake
No RPG list of any kind would be completed without a Final Fantasy entry. The real question here was, which game from the legendary series would get the honor? Ultimately, the Final Fantasy VII Remake cemented its place on this list with one the best soundtracks to be found in the RPG genre. The music found within FFVIIR captures the emotions beautifully.
A stunning soundtrack with a nice variety, there is something for everyone in this RPG’s tracklist.
8 The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
While The Witcher 2 lacks music that has a certain umph, it certainly makes up for it in beautiful tunes. A Nearly Peaceful Place is a stunning piece of music, one that conveys emotion. The Witcher franchise is known worldwide as a leader in the RPG genre. Many components have been blended together to create such a strong franchise. One seriously underrated piece of The Witcher 2 is the soundtrack.
However, its subtlety and beauty were welcomed with open arms.
7 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
It is not possible to think of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and not listen to Silver for Monsters. The song is iconic, any fan of Wild Hunt will surely know the music. As soon as it hits, the blood pumps and it is time to slay some beasts.
Not only that, but the overall soundtrack can standout as a leader in the RPG genre. Having said that, CD Projekt Red cemented its title as a leading RPG for many reasons. However, its music is beautiful to the ears. Nothing like slaying some monsters to a fitting backing track.
6 Bloodborne
The music of Bloodborne is unnerving and gothic. It matches the atmosphere of the game perfectly. Any of FromSoftware’s games could have made this list. In fact, spoiler alert, a second one did. But, Bloodborne is here for its gothic and Lovecraftian themes. Particularly when it comes to the music that accompanies its many bosses.
One piece that stands out is Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower’s theme. Going toe-to-toe with that legendary hunter with such a stunning musical background was one heck of an experience.
5 Demon’s Souls
The Godfather of the Souls Series, Demon’s Souls is the original brutal challenge. Fortunately, it has some beautiful music for the chosen wanderer to listen to.
In all honesty, there is one piece of music that cemented this entry. The boss track for Maiden Astrea. It is subtle at first, beautiful yet eerie. Until the player enters combat with Garl Vinland, then the music gets some umph. It moves from subtle and fragile to big and powerful in seconds. Maiden Astrea’s theme music captures the essence of her boss fight beautifully. It almost makes getting through the Valley of Defilement bearable. Almost.
4 The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim
Who hasn't heard of Skyrim? The game will surely stand the tests of time, but more than that, so will its soundtrack. Many know of Skyrim for its world and combat, and for good reason. Yet, more should remember it for the music found within. Few games out there can match up to the soundtrack of this legendary RPG.
No matter where one may be in this stunning world, there will be music to match. Whatever emotions are to be felt, will be conveyed in the soundtrack.
3 Nier: Automata
If a game gets recognized for its musical prowess then there is a good chance that it will appear on a list such as this. Nier: Automata certainly deserves to be recognized as such a title. One of the best games of the last generation, for multiple reasons, yet its music should be viewed as a key component.
Beautiful environments are found wherever one goes in this RPG, all of which are matched by the music that accompanies them.
2 Cyberpunk 2077
Despite the many issues that plagued Cyberpunk 2077 at launch, there is one area in which the game flew high with no issues. The RPG has a killer soundtrack.
Those who happened to watch Night City Wire will have been aware of Gr4ves, the main song from the game. However, there are many great beats to be found in this world. The best of which is arguably Never Fade Away. The cover version, though Samurai’s original hit, is also fantastic. Overall, the soundtrack of Cyberpunk 2077 captures the theme and essence of the game perfectly.
Cyberpunk 2077 may be filled to the brim with bugs, but it is also plugged with incredible tracks.
1 Bastion
There were several games that came to mind to conclude this list. However, Bastion came out on top.
A fantastic RPG that stole the hearts of many back in 2011. Not just for its gameplay, but for the music found within too. It beautifully captures the world and its story, letting the player feel all that the character feels.
For a game that turns 10 this year, Bastion sure holds it own. It has a standout soundtrack that will continue to be known for years to come.