The gaming industry has provided a medium for musicians to take their songs in new directions. Sometimes this led to songs that were incredible in the context of the game, but obnoxious anywhere else. Yet there are quite a few who have composed some of the most creative music that goes unnoticed. Since you generally won’t be hearing musicians of either sort at any upcoming festivals I have compiled a list of five of the greatest composers in gaming.
Yuki Iwai – Mega Man X, Street Fighter Alpha 3
There are many other minds that created the sondtracks to these series, so it is difficult to narrow it down to just one. Yuki Iwai knows what it takes to get us pumped about kicking some ass. These songs were very effective at keeping the pacing quick while giving you the feeling of accomplishment by blasting Sigma into oblivion.
Koichi Kyuuma – Metroid Prime
The ambience created for this game was outstanding. It was a combination of the natural world and technology which tied in perfectly with the themes of the game. Each song had its way of making everything seem so much more vast and mysterious. Though many of these tracks were based off of the previous games, the new sound potential of its generation gave way for Kyuuma to turn them into a true masterpiece.
Nobuo Uematsu – Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, Super Smash Brothers: Brawl
No soundtrack has captured our imaginations quite like those compused by Uematsu. It is disapointing to return to reality and find that riding an emu does not come along with a catchy little tune. Uematsu adopts a wide range of styles from all over the world. From dances like “Vamo’alla Flamenco” to epic operas like “Liberi Fatali”, Uematsu is an accomplished composer even beyond the gaming industry. His music has been performed on world tours with massive orchestras.
Akira Yamaoka – Silent Hill
Who doesn’t get creeped out when they’re walking down a dark hall and the silence suddenly breaks with loud metallic crashing sounds. Yamaoka was quite possibly the most important contributor to the creep factor of the Silent Hill series. Try listening to this in an abandoned school yard in the middle of the night. You will be hearing voices in no time!
Christophe Héral – Beyond Good and Evil
Saving the best for last may be an exageration to a degree. However, for a game that went under the radar for most and a composer who slipped right on past our perception, credit is long overdue. He didn’t have a symphony orchestra at his disposal, but he did use a piece of sheet metal as an instrument for one of the fight songs. Some of the best songs you will hear come from walking through town. These are songs that you wouldn’t have to feel embarassed if you were caught listening to them. Influences from reggae as well as Russian propaganda make for great songs. If you won’t give the game a chance, check out the soundtrack.
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