The results from NeoGAF's Game Soundtracks of the 6th Generation vote are below. Additionally, we are still in the process of building out a discography for the winning composers, and filling out the archive with all of the soundtracks that were discussed during the voting phase. Enjoy!
Results
1.
Shadow of the Colossus – 259 points, 2 honorable mentions
Makoto Yuki said:
It's almost otherworldly (Silence), ethereal (Prologue) and mysterious (Creeping Shadow). Just a few of the tracks that fit The Forbidden Lands so perfectly. When fighting the Colossi, the music changes from wispy and desolate to something more earthly and violent. Grotesque Figures highlights how awe-inspiring and intimidating the colossi are. The Opened Way is filled with a determined vigor, aiming to down the towering behemoths. A Violent Encounter establishes a sense of urgency throughout. It's the juxtaposition between the bleak serenity of the before mentioned tracks, to the ones played during colossi encounters that helps make the soundtrack so memorable.
Famassu said:
Prime example of how music can enhance the whole experience in profound ways. Shadow of the Colossus simply wouldn't be the magical experience it is without this soundtrack. The resting-places of the colossi are filled with eerie, haunting melodies that fit the environments and fighting against the colossi have suitably epic and tailored-to-each-colossi combat music to go with the experiences.
Axelstream said:
Ko Otani’s work with Shadow of the Colossus is heavy with the burdened fate of its protagonist, immense with power, mystery, and silence. I don’t think gaming has seen a soundtrack quite like this one since its release, and for its utterly sublime highs, I have no qualms with calling it the best soundtrack of its console generation.
2.
Metroid Prime – 213 points, 4 honorable mentions
McNum said:
As I said in the Game of the Generation vote, Metroid Prime came out of nowhere, and it's soundtrack is... unique. The series as a whole has a distinct sound from instruments and tune alone. The heavy synth beats, the whining whistle, the soft choirs. You don't even need to look up the name of the game, you just know it's Metroid Prime.
Earthpainting said:
I already used the word "haunting" in this post before, but I think Metroid Prime practically begs me to use it again to describe it. Prime has one of those soundtracks that feels cold and isolated, which is one of the frequently brought up feelings when describing the game's atmosphere. I wonder how much of that can be directly attributed to its music. The music is full of electronic "noise" and high pitched theremin-esque sounds, really helping set the sci-fi mood. I think the track people associate most with this game is the menu theme. It's so cool and well-liked that people easily forget that this is not its theme song or the theme that plays on the title screen. Another popular one, for good reason, is the Phendara Drifts theme. Not only does it perfectly capture the intense feeling of cold, it also sets up an atmosphere of eerieness and mystery. The song itself is quite understated and low-key, which makes it kind of surprising to see it stand out like it does.
Nocturnowl said:
Kenji Yamamoto’s score for Metroid Prime successfully breathes life into the alien world of Tallon IV with the electronic and synth heavy style within and is what I’d consider his top work. There’s a strong use of distorted sound and otherworldly noise to create ambient themes that lend a heavy dose of atmosphere to the decaying ruins within the planet and of course there’s the origin of good old Yamamoto choir synth that is something of a series staple and even later made the jump into DKCR of all things. The sound and music combo also goes a way into defining environments, Space Pirate bases carry this uneasy air of electronic background noise that can transition perfectly into the Pirate’s battle theme, the toxic phazon substance that devastated the planet is accompanied by a rather chilling radioactive sound that puts the player on immediate notice as it crackles away
3.
Final Fantasy X – 202 points, 4 honorable mentions
Wazzy said:
What a soundtrack. There's so many emotional and beautiful tracks that really fit the atmosphere. The OST really knows how to contrast the more sorrowful music with hardcore tracks to get you pumped such as Overworld and Battle With Seymour. You have your hauntingly beautiful track with Hymn Of The Faith that fits into the religious tone making the game a well rounded mix of sounds. One of the best soundtracks in the Final Fantasy series.
GamerJM said:
One of the better FF OSTs. I don't really know how to explain this but this game's OST actually feels more like something out of gen 5 to me, idk it just kind of has a PS1ish vibe to it. Seymour's Battle Theme and of course To Zanarkand are some highlights. Really fits the vibe needed for the world of Spira.
4.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker – 190 points, 5 honorable mentions
Anth0ny said:
The best looking game I’ve ever played also enjoys one of the best soundtracks I’ve ever heard. My standards for a new Zelda soundtrack are probably higher than any other franchise out there, and Wind Waker certainly passes that test with flying colors. The instrumentation used in Wind Waker is unlike any other Zelda title, boasting an Irish folk sound that meshes with the cel shaded, colourful art style so perfectly. For the first time, Koji Kondo wasn’t the head composer for a Zelda game, but that didn’t stop composers Kenta Nagata, Hajime Wakai and Toru Minegishi from creating another unforgettable soundtrack that is more than worthy of being attached to the Zelda name.
5.
Persona 4 – 145 points, 3 honorable mentions
Axelstream said:
Persona 4’s brand of irresistible pop rock made for an arguably less interesting soundtrack than Persona 3’s, but a catchy one nonetheless. ”Pursuing My True Self” is a bombshell opener with its boom-boom drum claps and electric organ, and the Engrish doesn’t stop there. The melancholy ”Heaven” and the jazzy (and, in context, rather sad) ”Never More” stand out amidst a handful of vocal tunes. I also had ”Signs of Love” set as my ringtone for a good while, so there’s that. Shoji Meguro got to bare his rock fangs too with tracks like ”I’ll Face Myself –Battle-” and my personal favorite, ”Fog.” It’s very fun, stylish, accessible music, and for all of its imitators in the last few years, there’s still nothing quite like it.
demidar said:
The music plays such huge part in the overall feel of the game. When you first gain control, you go "What's up with the chirpy pop song?". You might like it, or not, but it's there and it gives a lively feel to the town of Inaba as you're exploring around; It's omnipresent so you start taking it for granted. Now here's the trick, on rainy days the music completely disappears, replaced by the sound of a gentle shower. All of a sudden, the town feels empty, completely drained of life; the mood is coloured blue. The white noise in the background and the uninhabited streets lends a disconcerting and serious atmosphere despite being geographically exactly the same. Not to mention the gravitas of rainy days heralding the impending doom of someone. You'd gladly welcome back that pulpy pop song.
6.
Super Smash Bros. Melee – 121 points, 2 honorable mentions
Axelstream said:
Look, Melee is one of my all-time favorite soundtracks like how my favorite food is a burger (stay with me for a moment!). Yes, a burger isn’t really anything complicated or earth shattering in cuisine. But nothing is more satisfying than a juicy, tasty burger, and that’s what Melee’s soundtrack is to me: immensely satisfying, every single time.
Nocturnowl said:
Even among SSB4 and its 400 plus tracks the Melee remixes are still among the stand outs that have endured through time, as much as I love the stylistic variety and sheer choice the series has now part of me longs to go back to the basics where every song counted and was treated with lavish care.
Anth0ny said:
There is one primary reason why Melee’s soundtrack works as well as it does: the incredible new arrangements that breathe new life into Nintendo’s greatest hits. The orchestrated versions of Nintendo’s classic themes in Melee are, to this day, the best they’ve ever sounded. Being a competitive player, I’ve played thousands of hours of Melee. This also means I play on just a few stages most of the time: Battlefield, Final Destination, Pokemon Stadium, Yoshi’s Story, Fountain of Dreams and Dreamland 64. After close to 14 years of listening the same tracks over and over and over… I’m not tired of them. Not even close. In fact, I find myself listening to the beautiful Fountain of Dreams piece and the orchestrated Pokemon theme song that plays at Pokemon Stadium when I’m not playing Melee. The music in this game is that good.
7.
Okami – 116 points, 0 honorable mentions
Earthpainting said:
Okami's soundtrack feels as big as the game is itself. The compositions are pretty lively and atmospheric by themselves already, but the big thing that makes them stand out to me is the fact that they incorporate just a crap ton of seemingly random sound effects into quite a lot of the tunes. These little sound effects give the entire game the feel of a Japanese play. Fitting, since that's pretty much what the game is going for to begin with. Perhaps it's just a westerner's perspective on this, but while I have played a lot of Japanese games, these cues and flourishes felt very fresh to me, in spite of being hella retro by design… Okami has just too many cool tracks to pick from, so I encourage you to check the entire thing out, or even better play the game.
Nocturnowl said:
Okami’s soundtrack is an interesting one for me, I always felt that much like the game itself I should like it more than I actually do, still when it shines it shines as bright as you’d expect from the sun goddess Amaterasu. Traditional Japanese instruments galore along with odd grunts because that’s a thing seemingly. It’s a truly vast soundtrack, I do find this creates a number of themes that fall short of the games stronger songs but it all fits the theme, you couldn’t ask for a more fitting soundtrack to accompany the brushstroked land of Nippon.
8.
Kingdom Hearts – 115 points, 3 honorable mentions
MrSaturn99 said:
The game has not aged well in the slightest, but fuck me if the soundtrack isn't incredible. Yoko Shimomura captures the essence of Disney to a tee, be it Destiny's Force, Gummi Ship 1, Neverland Sky, Traverse Town, or Scherzo Di Notte.
Makoto Yuki said:
Having played the NA version, I had the pleasure of hearing Simple and Clean (PLANETb Remix), but I feel like the original Hikari (Planetb Remix) deserves the credit. Utada Hikaru sings both versions beautifully might I add. The orchestrated version of Hikari and the ever enchanting Dearly Beloved have both become some of the most recognizable, dare I say beloved, tracks in Yoko Shimamura's catalog. Entering combat in Traverse Town, plays Hand in Hand. Which captures the enchanting nature of many Disney classics musical scores in an exciting way. Listening to these tracks again continue to increase my excitement for what she has in store for us with Final Fantasy XV.
9.
Persona 3 – 104 points, 3 honorable mentions
sasliquid said:
While I'd say I like the music of P3 and P4 about equally as much I'll admit I'm biased to the latter but, more importantly, I think Persona 3 has a greatly diverse, unique soundtrack that suits the game beautifully. Also one of the great last boss themes (Battle of Everyone's Souls) to rival Dancking Mad and It Has To Be This Way.
Makoto Yuki said:
Persona 3 was the first Persona game I enjoyed playing, both the NA releases of Persona 1 and 2 did nothing for me. What made Persona 3 even more enjoyable was its soundtrack. There was something refreshing about playing a JRPG that didn't have an overtly triumphant and powerful scores littered throughout. Instead we had the diverse sounds of music one would encounter in a large city. From the crazy Japanese rapping of Massive Destruction, or to the hauntingly beautiful tune of the Velvet Room, P3 had almost something for everyone. It was the ending theme (Kimi no Kioku) in particular that I absolutely adored, It was even more powerful when I read the translated lyrics. When winter comes, and The Journey nears its close, Memories of the City plays, I can't help but reminisce. Even once the main game is finished, The Answer, (the portion that is included with FES) continues to amaze in the soundtrack department. In particular, Heartful Cry encapsulate's how Aigis must overcome fighting her friends through it's gentle piano intro that conveys apprehension to a determined synthetic rock riffs.
10.
Katamari Damacy – 88 points, 3 honorable mentions
randomkid said:
Universally beloved, everyone already knows why it’s so great. It’s not just Cherry Blossom Color Season, every song on this thing makes me cry for some reason, I dunno, there’s nothing better to listen to in the world I suppose.
Jordan117 said:
An unrivaled masterpiece, and one of the most infectiously joyous soundtracks of all time -- an eccentric, richly produced, and incredibly catchy blend of funk, salsa, bossa nova, experimental electronica, J-Pop, swing, lounge, bamboo flute, hair metal, buoyant parade music, soaring children's choirs, Macintalk fanfares, and the finest theme song this side of Super Mario Bros.
11.
Halo: Combat Evolved – 83 points, 1 honorable mention
kosmologi said:
There's really no other choice. Halo's soundtrack is epic, but it's not bloated like many newer soundtracks are. It still sounds fresh after 14 years.
sasliquid said:
While to whole soundtrack is really good, it's that main theme that remains iconic.
12.
Final Fantasy XII – 72 points, 3 honorable mentions
Famassu said:
The sense of adventure is strong in FFXII's soundtrack, without forgetting some more dramatic & bombastic stuff when situation so requires. Funny thing, I've used FFXII's OST as BGM for many other games with similar exploration of fantastical worlds (Sacred 2's exploration was so much better with FFXII's OST).
13.
Sonic Adventure 2 – 71 points, 1 honorable mention
MrBadger said:
Sonic Adventure 2 makes the list because it's probably the king of cheesy Sonic music. It's the game where both Escape from the City and Pumpkin Hill originate from, plus it has some pretty great tracks as well as the ironically good ones. I don't rate it quite as highly as Sonic Heroes or Sonic Adventure, because I personally didn't find the music to be as memorable. Basing the music around the characters rather the environments does work though, and my boy Knux has a sick flow
Nocturnowl said:
SA2 has one of the most unusual melting pots of game music, the six playable characters are given defining music styles, while there’s a healthy amount of wailing guitars that fit Sonic himself you’ll follow that up with the infamous raps of Knuckles, make the jump to the dark story and chill out to the smooth jazz stylings that accompany Rouge the Bat who nabbed a chao key to be transported post stage to the plinky plonky music of the Chao garden, we’ve got mood whiplash all over the place
14.
Silent Hill 2 – 69 points, 1 honorable mention
Jucksalbe said:
What's horror game without good atmospheric music? This one tops them all, though. It was Silent Hill 3 that made me immediately buy a soundtrack while the credits still rolled, but this one slightly wins above even that. Aside from all the environment music that's just there to creep you out and very succesfully does so, there are some very nice character themes in here that deserve some spotlight. It just all works very well in the game and in my opinion the top spot should belong to an OST that's part of a game instead of just playing alongside it. Coincidentally this is also what earned it the top spot on my list in the Games of the Generation vote. Sadly, because of the many atmospheric tracks it doesn't work as well when I put the YouTube links here, so this only gets a few examples. No worry, though, I compensated that by including a ridiculous amount of examples for my #2 choice.
15.
Mother 3 – 68 points, 0 honorable mentions
Axelstream said:
Mother 3, like Earthbound before it, is a celebration of music. When I walk through the endgame dungeon and suddenly show up in a bathroom with this chill tune playing in the background, or when Erik Satie’s Gymnopedie No. 1 suddenly shows up during a key moment, or when Beethoven drops in a boss fight with a classically-trained ghost, how can I help but laugh in awe or grin ear-to-ear at each unexpected wonder? Mother 3’s soundtrack is so diverse, so unpredictable, but always such a pleasure, whether it’s making me feel happy, sad, or something more complicated.
Crayolan said:
A game with amazing music despite the technical limitations of the GBA. It has awesome battle tracks, it has funny, quirky tracks, and it has some tracks which really hit me hard and make me feel.
16.
Kingdom Hearts II – 56 points, 2 honorable mentions
Famassu said:
It's no secret that Yoko Shimomura is probably my favorite composer ever. The Kingdom Hearts series is a big reason why. Ranging from fun, light-hearted tunes to blood-pumping combat BGM and emotionally charged, dramatic themes, there's so much variety & quality that it would be hard to not like the OST.
