Best music in RPG?

[Ergonpandilus]

So, yet another poll, but what's the best music in any RPG game that you can think of?

For me it's definately Ultima series themes, like the intro in Ultima IV and most of the songs in Ultima VIII: Pagan, but the best is of course is Ultima Stones (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6SJO_Vjjg0).

Of the newest games, Risen had very pleasant, though not so touching, background themes.

[DArtagnan]

Gothic 3 is definitely a strong contender.

Arcanum intro music.

Age of Conan.

[Maylander]

Gothic 3, hands down.

[bjon045]

I would go with the ultimas as well. Sometimes simple is best.

[DArtagnan]

Oh, by the way, I agree with the Ultima choice as well.

But I think that's down to the nostalgia factor - in my case ;)

[GothicGothicness]

Ultima, Betrayel at Krondor, Divine Divinity, Final Fantasy ( especially VI and VII)

Each of these games had fantastic music, especially FF games truly fantastic and is still played in concert halls to this day.

[holeraw]

Bloodlines and Fallout(1) are the only RPGs where I stopped playing to listen to the music. (More points to Bloodlines because of the dancing)

+1 for Arcanum's intro, and I also liked Morrowind's intro a lot.

Also something music-related that I liked very much was in Risen when that guy walks into the brothel at night and starts playing the lyre-(or-whatever-that-was). It was not so much about the music itself but the entire 'scene' was incredibly atmospheric and it fit very well with the setting, so I also had to pause and listen.

[BasiliskWrangler]

One of the composers of Gothic 3's music, Borislav Slavov, composed the soundtrack to Eschalon: Book 1 and 2.

http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/gothic-3/credits

[GothicGothicness]

I love the beginning music in Eschalon, I keep listening to it everytime I start book 2 up…. however…. that's about the only memorable mention from the two Eschalon books… I was acctually thinking about mentioning it.. but just the intro is not really enough I guess, here is hoping there'll be more as I further progress in book 2 though!

[Ergonpandilus]

Ah, yes Gothic 3 has very good music.

The music plays more important role especially in RPG games to create right mood, than many of us think.

I kind of miss the old midi music from old console games, like Phantasy Star 1 and 4 has some very nostalgic songs for me.

[JemyM]

Gothic 3.

Divine Divinity is also good.

The Jade Empire Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHYARoLPpDw) gives me goosebumps.

[Rills]

I liked Icewind Dale's soundtrack and loved the opening music to Thief:The Dark Project.

[Thrasher]

I haven't played all those mentioned, but I think the Morrowind theme has been stuck in my head longer than any other (and it's not a bad thing).

[bkrueger]

The music in all Gothic parts and the music in Spellforce are my favourites.

In general I like orchestral music as done by Dynamedion in many games I like, e. g.

Drakensang, Sacred 2, Paraworld, SpellForce 1 and 2, Overclocked,
Ankh, The Moment of Silence...

[crpgnut]

The most memorable song for me, outside of some already mentioned, is the snowfall theme from Daggerfall. It's just a midi tune, but it has stayed in my mind all of these years. The exploration theme from Ultima IV is another that still resonates.

[BasiliskWrangler]

The most memorable song for me, outside of some already mentioned, is the snowfall theme from Daggerfall. It's just a midi tune, but it has stayed in my mind all of these years. The exploration theme from Ultima IV is another that still resonates.

Mine too! I love that Daggerfall MIDI track. When Borislav was making Book II's music, I sent him that track as an inspiration piece for the snowy village of Durnore. He captured the mood pretty good!

[crpgnut]

Mine too! I love that Daggerfall MIDI track. When Borislav was making Book II's music, I sent him that track as an inspiration piece for the snowy village of Durnore. He captured the mood pretty good!

Cool. I plan on downloading EB2 as soon as I get over my current Oblivion playthrough. I'll be looking forward to finding Durnore.

[Arhu]

Huh, I never played Gothic 3 … the continuous mentioning of it makes me curious.

My favorites are all relatively old. I love it when game soundtracks have both catchy melodies that have you hum or whistle along and help create a mood. Newer games tend to go all orchestral and stuff. Might be atmospheric, but not very memorable. Morrowind was praised for its soundtrack, for example (IIRC) … but while I thought it had a relatively nice title theme, I found the rest totally forgettable.

Anyway …

Stones from the Ultima Series is one of my favorites as well, even though I have never (!) played one of those games (I know, shame on me).

Realms of Arkania
Catchy soundtrack, the hum-along kind.
Examples: A New Life Is Born (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzyP2I7NIXE) (RoA1), Diary (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUQ5RRR16Ig) (RoA2) and Pondering in Solitude (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOdJ2ARHhWw) (RoA3)

Divine Divinity
Incredibly diverse and slightly melancholic music.
Example: Sighs Of The Elvenkind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5W8zLt6HpI)

Diablo
Oozing with atmosphere.
Example: Tristram Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU9TN4CTAJ0)

Actually, the Tristram Theme may be my most favorite of them all.

Arcanum gets an honorable mention because its soundtrack was certainly unique.

[DeepO]

When it comes to exploration soundtrack, Morrowind hands down.

Its themes are put together really sensibly. Mostly unobtrusive, subtle and nonrepetitive, constantly massaging player on a subconcious level, with just the right amount of bombast and hooks emerging from time to time to sustain emotional impact on a concious part, without ever getting old.

I don´t think any other game has its soundtrack integrated into the environment this well. For me, Morrowind´s landscapes are painted audiovisually and without the music part of the picture is notably missing. This may be true for some other games as well, but not to this extent.

Morrowind Soundtrack - Explore 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TviU2e2S0K4)
Morrowind Soundtrack - Explore 5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UNLs6WxjsE)

When it comes to emotional impact, Planescape: Torment it is.

Its soundtrack is imo just the most effective at accenting the emotion of game´s key story/character moments. Basically, what Morrowind´s soundtrack does for exploration, P:T´s soundtrack does for the story.

Planescape: Torment - Deionarra´s Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g05awcTskKE)
Planescape: Torment - Fall-from-Grace Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CcYDWvLmZI)
Planescape: Torment - Fortress of Regrets (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXv95nrat_s)

The leitmotiv that is part of Deionarra´s Theme, Fortress of Regrets and some others just encapsulates the whole in-game journey so, so well.

[HiddenX]

The Master of Magic - Commodore 64 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm5Hjsm5NZ4)

rings of medusa theme for amiga (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX6ElDgqvdw)

Cannon Fodder on Guitar (3 Songs) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doggIJX90is)

Legend of Faerghail intro music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE7Hi9UKc6w)

The Bards Tale - Beer Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdO6xLqc-Yo&feature=related)

more tracks:

IK+ [ amiga game ] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xkx4cIm7Ps&feature=related)

Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 - Music [HIGH QUALITY] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQSsq7HCNHw&feature=related)

Amiga Longplay [168] Super Cars II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWzlO7HkF3w)

Megablast (Xenon 2 CDTV remix) - Bomb The Bass (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqkhCohffBY&feature=related)

Amiga Blood Money 2min Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t98K3reeqG4&feature=related)

PINBALL FANTASIES - Stones n' Bones (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRLhyObYbQo&feature=related)

[Rills]

Morrowind Soundtrack 2 catches the essence of exploring Morrowind in all its "othernesss." Just listening to #2 brought back memories of transversing the landscape with a sense of trepidation.

[Ergonpandilus]

Stones from the Ultima Series is one of my favorites as well, even though I have never (!) played one of those games (I know, shame on me).

Realms of Arkania
Catchy soundtrack, the hum-along kind.
Examples: A New Life Is Born (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzyP2I7NIXE) (RoA1), Diary (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUQ5RRR16Ig) (RoA2) and Pondering in Solitude (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOdJ2ARHhWw) (RoA3)

Divine Divinity
Incredibly diverse and slightly melancholic music.
Example: Sighs Of The Elvenkind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5W8zLt6HpI)

Diablo
Oozing with atmosphere.
Example: Tristram Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU9TN4CTAJ0)

Actually, the Tristram Theme may be my most favorite of them all.

Arcanum gets an honorable mention because its soundtrack was certainly unique.

Love them all.

I never knew that Realms of Arkania has that beautiful medieval music. Sadly I miss the games back then, but now that I'm familiar with Drakensang, maybe I should try them out. :) At least gotta listen the soundtrack through!

Diablo 1's Tristram theme definately needs to be mentioned. I love the guitar sound. What an EVIL theme. At the very instance I heard the music, my mind flew years and years back when I was still sitting on my old room in my parents house playing Diablo as a teenager. ;) I think it says it best here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2evIg-aYw8&feature=related): "Enjoy your trip!"

[Gokyabgu]

1- Planescape Torment entire soundtrack
2- Icewind Dale's Theme Music
3- Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 and 2
4- Divine Divinity entire soundtrack
5- Too Human Theme Music
6- Arcanum Theme Music

[Arhu]

I loved the music of IWD, PS:T, BG, Gothic and the like, too. But I can't say I enjoy listening to the soundtracks on their own. Too much ambiance, not enough melodies.

@HiddenX: Thread title said something about music in RPGs, not other games. :p JemyM had that game music nostalgia thread going, there's more in there.

[Tragos]

Morrowind & BtM:B

[Grandor Dragon]

Planescape Torment's music is wonderful. Baldur's Gate 2 was also extremely good. I also liked Diablo's (though I did not like the game).

I loved U7's music for a long time, up to the point where I used some tracks as background in pen&paper sessions. But I honestly can't stand the poort quality anymore. When I replayed the Black Gate and Serpent Isle last year, I played them without any sound.

I haven't seen Mass Effect mentioned. Both games had good music, but the Kraftwerk-like tracks of the first game struck me as quite unique considering other games I played. Mass Effect 2's music has more of a Blade Runner feel to it, also nice.

[Alrik Fassbauer]

I still love the intro theme of the original Settlers. :)

And - the song "Wahooka the mighty" of Stonekeep was something I loved for long time. :)

Plus, hre is another music theme of the town of Icewind Dale … Just under that giant tree … I still haven't found a name for it, and I don't think it has been released in any form yet.
Some time ago, someone pointed me towards a theme from that as an an MP3 file, but that wasn't it.

But on top of all there still is for me the music of the Realms Of Arcania series. :)

[JDR13]

Interesting to see so many people list Gothic 3 as their favorite. While I agree that G3 had excellent music, I preferred the sound of Gothics 1&2.

[Ergonpandilus]

Interesting to see so many people list Gothic 3 as their favorite. While I agree that G3 had excellent music, I preferred the sound of Gothics 1&2.

Gothic 3 has very "majestic" soundtrack, but in Gothic 1&2 and soundtrack is very subtle. Most of the time, you barely here it. It's much more about good ambient sounds in G1&2.

Ultima 5 Lazarus also has notable good music.

[Zloth]

Morrowind/Oblivion had some very good music, as did Final Fantasy 7.

Am I the only old coot that remembers Alternate Reality (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc_Jd79KA38&feature=related)?

[Nithrakis]

I haven't seen Mass Effect mentioned. Both games had good music, but the Kraftwerk-like tracks of the first game struck me as quite unique considering other games I played. Mass Effect 2's music has more of a Blade Runner feel to it, also nice.

The ME1 & 2 soundtracks are near the top of my list.

[crpgnut]

Morrowind/Oblivion had some very good music, as did Final Fantasy 7.

Am I the only old coot that remembers Alternate Reality (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc_Jd79KA38&feature=related)?

Certainly not. I loved the different songs as you entered the various inns. They'd scroll the lyrics to the songs too, which was a cool idea at the time. I always hoped someone would buy the rights to that game.

[Zloth]

Yeah, bunches of the songs are on YouTube now. Best sing-along RPG evah!! ;)

[JemyM]

Ok, the Eye of the Beholder music wasn't that special, but these two remixes are pretty good considering they are remixes on pretty boring tunes to begin with;
http://www.remix64.com/track/amigamer/eye_of_the_beholder_wrath_of_xanathar_remix/
http://www.remix64.com/track/amigamer/eye_of_the_beholder_2__main_theme_remix/

[booboo]

Well, it's not really an RPG, but it has been reviewed here ;-) Some of the themes for King's Bounty:The Legend - well, one in particular: Under the shadow of an Oak
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jyDFm_FTws) - it was the combination of music withe the tranquil elven forest...I found myself going back to that area just to listen to it! (and look at the pretty sparkly unicorns...oooo pretty!)
Others: Morrowind intro was beautiful, and Icewind Dale/BG etc - agree with many of the other choices above.

[Arhu]

Well, it's not really an RPG, but it has been reviewed here ;-) Some of the themes for King's Bounty:The Legend - well, one in particular: Under the shadow of an Oak
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jyDFm_FTws) - it was the combination of music withe the tranquil elven forest…I found myself going back to that area just to listen to it! (and look at the pretty sparkly unicorns…oooo pretty!)
Oh yes … I wanted to do a music video with that song plus maybe Valley of a Thousand Rivers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I37TBfrbiTE), also from KB, with footage from The Last Unicorn. Perfect synergy. Haven't gotten around to it yet though.

[Thrasher]

Yes, both of those are great!

[EvilManagedCare]

It's hard to choose an overall best music because imo the music for CRPGs can be divided into those where it was MIDI only, as opposed to those with a "live sound" i.e. like you're watching an orchestra or other ensemble play it live with real instruments. The MIDI tracks all take me back to playing C64 or Atari ST games. In that regard my favorites are Ultima VII (love Stones), and RoA series. Or any of those Thalion games from the 80's.

For the "live" or "realistic" soundtracks, Black Isle excelled here with BG 1 & 2, IWD. However, Diablo is my all time favorite (loaded with atmosphere). This is followed closely by Planescape and Fallout. Both of these can be appreciated most if listening by headphones. Fallout certainly was more like ambient noise, but it still had music.

[Alrik Fassbauer]

It's not an RPG, but the music for Tropico 1 is the best I have ever had in a game - overall. It just ... fits everything sooo perfectly ... :)

The soundtrack was once available on Audio CDs ... I don't know whether it is nowadays, too.

If someone here has this audio CD ... I'm interested in it. ;)

Maybe we should open a new topic "best music in games in general ?

[bloodlover]

I like the soundtrack from Gothic 3 and Baldur's Gate 2.

[Haitham]

Gothic 3 music really took me away, Gothic 2 tntor also was unique, the new world (Jharkendar).

[Resch]

Fallout 1 and 2, Torment, Bloodlines and Ultima V: Lazarus for me.

[Dez]

Gothic 3, Morrowind, Deus ex 1 come first in my mind. These games have so many memorable and inspiring themes. Also baldur's gate 2 has quite a few majestic pieces..the main theme for one always gets my heart bumping.

Outside rpgs..Both max payne are worth of mentioning..Really memorable scores. :)

[Lucky Day]

Starting 10 years ago, especially with RPG's, I've thought there should be a category in the Grammies for Video Game music (although the Oscar's have a best song category I don't think the Grammies have a best song in a movie category).

The only drawback would be that the awards would likely go to some Japanese made thing and forget about past greats like Stones or the technology of the Mockingboard.

But seriously, what other medium has revived interest in classical music other than video games?

[tolknaz]

Arcanum; Fallout; Fallout 2; Planescape: Torment; Divine Divinity. While Gothic 3 has a good soundtrack on its own i think it's too damn dramatic for such a long game.

[LuckyCarbon]

Best: Betrayal at Krondor.

Really good atmospheric: Arcanum & Fallouts.

[Lemonhead]

I know it's already been mentioned but the Fallout soundtrack really floats my boat.

For non-RPGs it's The Secret of Monkey Island for me. It's really stuck in my head all these years.

[human_male]

I think both Neverwinter Nights deserve a mention.

[Zloth]

But seriously, what other medium has revived interest in classical music other than video games?
Looney Tunes! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxiv3CBMS4M)