Well...as you may have noticed, I generally try and do things that are on the periphery of the public concious, or at the very least, something a little different. As such, I bring you, my top ten in game scores.
Just so we're clear, the rules for this list are one game per franchise, and the whole game has to use music, or the lack of it, well.
#10 Goldeneye 64 - Music was used really effectively in with each level having it's own score to reflect what was going on in the game. This went a long way in making the gamer feel as though they had actually stepped into the shoes of Bond and the game itself feel like a movie.
#9 Halo 3 - While it should be counted off for it's multiplayers complete lack of sound, the main campaign's score was the culmination of the previous two installments brought to bear. Gone were modern rock hits that weren't really all that good and back were the sweeping fanfares that made you feel a hero.
#8 Super Castlevania 4 - the main theme's full remastery alone is enough to get it on this list, but the music in areas like the clock tower bring it up to the number eight. The boss music and Dracula's theme having been entirely redone add to the experience.
#7 Super Mario Bros. 3 - the whimsical nature of the Mario Brothers series is encapsualted in just the first level. However, it had the best stage select screens music as well, with a different one for each world.
#6 Jade Empire - The distinct sounds of each area made in feel like you were in a Bruce Lee or Kurosawa film. The collective usage of the Chinese harp and drums gave it a unique feel, and with area having their own special theme based on what was going on there with changes from time to time...this was by far better than Biowares two other great console games by far.
#5 Fable: The Lost Chapters - As with Jade Empire, this game relied heavily on it's score to set the mood for what was going on. The reason I selected Lost Chapters over Fable 1 is the theme for the Final Battle with Jack, but music was the key in a lot of this game.
#4 Enclave - Ok, here's one probably none of you have heard of, and if you have, it's because of how bad the game can be if you have no idea what you're doing, or if you like Elder Scrolls, how neophyte it can seem because of it's core design, but this game's score is special in that it makes you feel like you're actually in the middle of a fantasy epic, from it's monumental opener to it's repeat of that same tune for the ending credits (wait, why is this such a good score?). Seriously, play the game, you'll see, if you can stomach the controls.
#3 Final Fantasy IV - While the opera and the opening credits always give me that sense of incredible going ons in VI, it's IV's Theme of Love and Overworld music that help it win out. Also, I'd much rather listen to Zeromus' final battle theme then Kefka's.
#2 Megaman 2 - Dr. Wily's Theme. That's all there really is to it that put this Megaman game at the top of the list. It has great music throughout the entire classic series, but Wily's Theme makes this one stand out.
#1 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Zelda was going to be at the top of the list regardless. I love the music. The main theme is my ringtone, chest opening is my message indicator, and Navi let's me know when I have a voice mail. But why Twilight Princess over the rest. The overworld theme for this song is still stuck in my head nearly three years since I've really sat down and played the game. It was the best throughout the series, in my opinion, with Majora's Mask coming in at a close second.
So that's my list. What do you think? Is it good? Do you have problems with the list (besides the fact that I didn't embed the music)? Let me know.
-Sara
Edit: Yet another Top Ten I want to redo at one point...especially since there are things like the following that really help explain my point of view, these days.
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