Video game soundtracks are an integral aspect of creating atmosphere and pulling the player into its world. Many games feature catchy melodies and motifs that perfectly capture the themes of the journey that the player experiences. As such, the ending credit music of video games can give closure for players that are invested in the story.
A great ending credit theme captures the essence of the overall game. These include some ending themes that include lyrics, some that are instrumental, and typically have specific motifs that are played throughout the overall soundtrack. There are many ending credit themes that do this exceptionally well; however, there are a handful that stand out from the rest. Obvious spoiler warnings for all of the games on this list!
10 Memories Of You (Persona 3)
The ending of Persona 3 is known as one of the most emotional endings in video game history. Players are left in shock to learn that the protagonist -- who has formed countless bonds, grown individually, and triumphed over the shadows -- has quietly passed away with Aigis on the roof of Gekkoukan High. As "Memories Of You" begins to play, the piano in the beginning has always felt like the ringing of school bells alluding to the fact that the term is over, and so too the protagonist's life.
Not only is this track a catchy song to listen to, but the translation of the song reveals that it's told from Aigis' perspective as she grasps the fact that the protagonist has just died, and her desperate attempts to come to terms with his death as the moments of their journey together flash before her. It perfectly captures both what the characters in the game, and the player are feeling.
9 Bossa Nova (Dark Cloud)
After the Dark Genie is vanquished, Seda and the revived Sophie look into the night sky and envision a new kingdom that the two will build together.
This leads to the credits of the game, and Bossa Nova, a fantastic rendition of the main theme of the game that perfectly captures the resolution that all of the characters have reached at the conclusion of the game. The tone of this rendition is hopeful as images of Toan's journey flash behind the credits.
8 The End Credits (The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask)
With Majora finally defeated, Clock Town is finally able to hold the Carnival Of Time after the dreaded third day. The credits immediately pick up as the festivities begin, with a festive, joyful song in the background. As the credits roll, characters all across Termina are shown in celebration, and the theme of the credits shifts to reflect the characters that are displayed. This includes the iconic Indigo-Go's song, and funnels into the wedding ceremony of Anju and Kafei.
While the credits music ends on a somber note, it really captures the element of mystery that surrounds Majora's Mask.
7 Tears Of... (Silent Hill)
In the annals of both survival horror and video games as a whole, the Silent Hill series is one of a kind because of the easily recognized world and lore that it has crafted. The case can be made that the series' inaugural entry is the best, and this game's emotional power can be felt in the closing theme "Tears Of..."
The ending theme of the original Silent Hill perfectly captures the tone of desolation and strife that Harry Mason must fight through to escape the town, and the theme allows for just a slight hint of hope to reflect the bittersweet ending.
6 Credits (Sonic 3 & Knuckles)
As is being one of the franchise's most popular titles wasn't enough, Sonic 3's soundtrack is already famous for having influence from the king of pop Michael Jackson. It's no wonder that the ending theme would end up on this list.
The ending credit music gives renditions of many zones featured throughout the game, funneling into a triumphant fanfare that celebrates the defeat of Eggman.
5 Simple & Clean (Kingdom Hearts)
Everyone who has finished the original Kingdom Hearts knows the heart-wrenching scene of Sora and Kairi grasping for each other as the two drift apart, leading right into the dramatic explosion that is "Simple And Clean" when their hands break away.
Hikari Utada did such an amazing job with this track that she lent her voice to the Kingdom Hearts 2 soundtrack as well, specifically through the equally emotional song "My Sanctuary."
4 Ending Credits (Tales Of The Abyss)
The ambiguous ending of Tales of the Abyss may leave a bit to be desired, but the soft melody during the credits sequence is the perfect way of ending the game -- this is something even the most disappointed of fans agrees with.
As images of Luke's quest flashes on screen, it slowly leads up to the post-credits sequence, and Tear singing the Grand Phonic Hymn that she had learned throughout the game.
3 A Little Bird Who Forgot How To Fly (Star Ocean: Till The End Of Time)
Continuing on the trend of games with ambiguous endings but amazing ending soundtracks is the closing track of Star Ocean: Till The End of Time.
"A Little Bird Who Forgot How To Fly" can actually be heard in one instance at the very beginning of the game, and a melody with the motif of the ending track can be heard often throughout the game. The song is in Japanese but once you get the meaning of it, the lyrics are very fitting for the game's futuristic themes involving traveling between planets and other dimensions. Seek out a translation when you can.
2 Cast Credits (Earthbound)
Nothing beats an ending montage and just like with Majora's Mask, Earthbound has a great one with a literal curtain-call of all of the characters. Not only that, but there's a great rendition of the game's themes playing in the background.
This is perfect for a game that emphasizes nostalgia so much.
1 Still Alive (Portal)
The last thing players expected at the end of Portal was a poppy soliloquy by GLaDOS -- the game's central antagonist -- of all characters, and yet that's exactly what they were treated to.
The song has a Taylor Swift quality to it in the best way, featuring an invective of GLaDOS' frustrations with the player and her triumphant declaration that she will remain alive while the player eventually will die. "Still Alive" almost feels like a break-up written and performed song by a scorned ex-lover, and that's what adds to its timeless charm.