Spring Break
A Gamer's Symphony
The Playlist
Stephen Ortiz
Issue date: 9/26/07 Section: Focus
What makes a good game a great game? The simple answer? Sound. The long answer? Gunshots, explosions, screams, idle chatter, voice acting and most important of all, music. Music inspires, motivates and immerses the player in whatever the task at hand may be - from fighting a group of invading alien extremists to running from the police or nailing a big trick from that kicker to the rail. This week's column will focus on the five best soundtracks compiled from contributing artists in a video game. Check back next week for the top 10 best original soundtracks.
5. "Guitar Hero II"
Platform: PS2, XBox 360
When Released: 2006
Tracks: 74 (XBox 360), 64 (PS2)
Why It's So Great: It's quite simple actually. It's a game about songs that have awesome guitars in them. In fact, that's one of the biggest reasons that "Guitar Hero II" doesn't rank higher; it has the unfair advantage to being all about music. Still, this guitar-playing sequel has a vastly superior selection as compared to the original, with a wide range of well known (Kansas' "Carry On My Wayward Son") to obscure (Count Zero's "Radium Eyes") songs.
Available in Stores?: No, which is a complete shame because you have to acquire them independently. The collection of songs that comprise the soundtrack is amazing, all of which grow on you as you progress through the game.
4. "Need for Speed: Most Wanted"
Platform: XBox 360, PS2, GC and XBox
When Released: 2005
Tracks: 26
Why It's So Great: A blend of techno, trance and hip-hop, the "Need for Speed: Most Wanted" soundtrack is a marvelous listen in or out of the game. The tracks go well with the setting and theme of the game, and change to match the situation. Just cruising around? How about some T.I.? Getting chased by the cops? Cue the fast-paced techno. All in all, it's a great game complimented by a great soundtrack.
Available in Stores?: Nope. Surprising, considering Electronic Arts is no stranger to cashing in on its franchises.
5. "Guitar Hero II"
Platform: PS2, XBox 360
When Released: 2006
Tracks: 74 (XBox 360), 64 (PS2)
Why It's So Great: It's quite simple actually. It's a game about songs that have awesome guitars in them. In fact, that's one of the biggest reasons that "Guitar Hero II" doesn't rank higher; it has the unfair advantage to being all about music. Still, this guitar-playing sequel has a vastly superior selection as compared to the original, with a wide range of well known (Kansas' "Carry On My Wayward Son") to obscure (Count Zero's "Radium Eyes") songs.
Available in Stores?: No, which is a complete shame because you have to acquire them independently. The collection of songs that comprise the soundtrack is amazing, all of which grow on you as you progress through the game.
4. "Need for Speed: Most Wanted"
Platform: XBox 360, PS2, GC and XBox
When Released: 2005
Tracks: 26
Why It's So Great: A blend of techno, trance and hip-hop, the "Need for Speed: Most Wanted" soundtrack is a marvelous listen in or out of the game. The tracks go well with the setting and theme of the game, and change to match the situation. Just cruising around? How about some T.I.? Getting chased by the cops? Cue the fast-paced techno. All in all, it's a great game complimented by a great soundtrack.
Available in Stores?: Nope. Surprising, considering Electronic Arts is no stranger to cashing in on its franchises.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Hugh
posted 9/26/07 @ 2:13 PM EST
I've raved about it to everyone I know..just can't seem to get enough
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