You can't slaughter demons without a thrashing metal orchestra in the background, can you?
A video game doesn't necessarily need to possess a striking orchestra in order to become a groundbreaking phenomenon. But, if they did solely rely on the soundtracks alone – then this list of video games would certainly be the ones that'd be nominated for every music award on the globe.
It takes a lot to compile an award-winning soundtrack in a video game. And, of course, every player has a different taste in music. That's sort of why most tripe-A titles just throw in a bunch of shit from every genre and hope nobody thinks twice.
BUT, WHAT ABOUT THE BRAVE ONES?
We've seen a fair share of games over the years that have stuck to one area and one area only. So, none of this "three tracks from every genre" bollocks. Instead – brave developers have gone out of their ways and really piled in their research on good, hearty music fit for a metal warlord.
From thrash to death, ballads to friggin' pagan – this is where the best video game soundtracks live, breathe, and become legend.
SO, LET'S FEAST.
5. BRUTAL LEGEND
Featuring tracks from Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Mötley Crüe, KISS, and a whole army of other metal legends – Brutal Legend literally crams in the most iconic metal anthems into any game ever seen. Plus, as an overpowered Jack Black playable character, you're whole point of existence is to take an army of metalheads and dismantle an evil empire. That, to us, seems like a gem worth cherishing.
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Playlist: https://spoti.fi/31Wg0cv
4. DOOM
There's something rather satisfying about pulling the trigger of an assault rifle against a demons head whilst banging your head to a badass prog-metal score. DOOM, funnily enough, does just that over an entire gameplay runthrough.
From start to finish, DOOM stuffs in thirty-one gritty tracks which make you feel like the toughest dude on the planet. That, combined with an edgy campaign and mouthwatering concept, all makes up for an overall bloodthirsty experience that any metalhead can approve of.
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Playlist: https://spoti.fi/3g3KDBy
3. DMC: DEVIL MAY CRY
The Devil May Cry franchise has had a long history featuring original metal scores, but if we had to pick one chapter in specific, it'd have to be DmC: Devil May Cry. But, that's not to say that any of the other instalments aren't headbang worthy. It's just that this title in particular gives you that overkill feeling when bursting into battle. And that sudden jolt of metal stepping in every time a battle commences? Shit – I've got shivers just thinking about it.
Platform: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
Playlist: https://spoti.fi/2Y8jY0l
2. PRINCE OF PERSIA: WARRIOR WITHIN
Unlike the first chapter to the Prince of Persia series, which focused on a mystical score brimming with lore and wonder, Warrior Within decided to ramp up the metal and quite literally amp up the carnage.
From beginning to end, Warrior Within grants players otherworldly abilities and the chance to slaughter through endless hordes of enemies during an all-powerful score fit for an empire.
With enough metal to last a lifetime and an endless rampage swarming with monsters, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within sits as the perfect Sunday afternoon time-killer that any metalhead can be proud of.
Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PC
Playlist: https://spoti.fi/2PWmUsH
1. DYNASTY WARRIORS 4
Dynasty Warriors proves that video games don't need to be swimming with dark rooms, gritty monsters and blood-soaked territories in order to feature metal music. In fact, it does the opposite of that particular cliche gaming experience.
Dynasty Warriors has always had refreshing metal-focused scores – even with gameplay that features zero blood, minimal graphic violence, and no hardcore material whatsoever. Instead, it's a simple hack and slash that allows players of all ages to button mash and headbang at the same time. Could there be anything more simple than that?
Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC
Playlist: https://bit.ly/34btW5b
What are your best metal/gaming memories? Have there been any soundtracks that have stood out to you over the years? Let us know down in the comments below.
Oh, and before you flip out – remember that this is a list based on personal choice – not an official one. And yes – I do know Tony Hawk's Pro Skater isn't on here. There'll be time for that later, no doubt,
In the meantime – keep rocking, keep gaming, and keep on keeping on, guys.
– Jord Tury Editor
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