The Mount Rushmore of Video Game Soundtracks

Hey gamers — the Thanks for Playing crew is back with another classic Mount Rushmore episode, and this time we’re diving deep into the sounds that shaped our favorite gaming experiences. In this jam-packed episode, Matt, Lucas, and MilkMan (aka Chambers) break down their Mount Rushmore of Video Game Soundtracks — and things get emotional, nostalgic, and just a little chaotic (in the best way).

Why Game Music Matters

The guys kick things off by sharing what makes game music so special. Unlike film scores, game soundtracks live with us for dozens of hours. They loop, evolve with gameplay, and often carry deep emotional weight. Whether it's the whimsical weirdness of Katamari Damacy or the haunting melancholy of Journey, these tracks become core memories.

As Chambers puts it: “Sound is the best trigger for memory — it's why these moments stay with us."

The Mount Rushmores

Here’s what each host picked for their personal top four:

Matt's Picks

• Kingdom Hearts – A deeply emotional mix of orchestral and pop, featuring the iconic "Simple and Clean."

• Katamari Damacy – Pure J-pop funk weirdness. Perfectly matches the bonkers tone of the game.

• Undertale – A solo effort by Toby Fox. Full of character, feels, and memes.

• Journey – Sweeping, spiritual, and Grammy-nominated. Hits hard with no dialogue needed.

Honorable Mentions: Fallout: New Vegas, Disco Elysium, Neon White, Papers Please, Hades, Death Stranding, Alan Wake 2

Lucas' Picks

• Chrono Trigger – Timeless SNES epic with legendary composers. Nostalgia incarnate.

• Undertale – Lo-fi perfection. Iconic battle themes and deep emotional resonance.

• Donkey Kong Country 2 – David Wise went way too hard in the best way. “Stickerbrush Symphony” is god-tier.

• Old School RuneScape – Lo-fi fantasy at its finest. Whimsical, weird, and wonderfully nostalgic.

Honorable Mentions: Final Fantasy VII, Majora’s Mask, Banjo-Kazooie, Hyper Light Drifter, Outer Wilds

Chambers' Picks

• Halo 3 – Epic orchestral energy. Who hasn’t sung the theme in the shower?

• Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec – Jazzy, stylish, and deeply rooted in global car culture.

• Mass Effect – Moody, ambient sci-fi done right. Gives Blade Runner vibes.

• Civilization IV – Home of the Grammy-winning “Baba Yetu.” World-building music for world-building gameplay.

Honorable Mentions: Super Mario Galaxy, Elden Ring, Persona 5, Ocarina of Time, Witcher 3

Community Shoutouts

The TFP Discord came in hot with their own favorites:

• Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Riley)

• Witcher 3, Doom 2016, Red Dead Redemption 2, Skyrim, Hotline Miami (Riley)

• Final Fantasy VII (Hyalet)

• World Ends With You (Dragoon)

• Elwynn Forest (WoW), OSRS Book of Spells (Xuluu)

🎧 What Makes a Great Soundtrack?

Throughout the ep, the guys touch on some shared criteria:

• Quality & Replayability – Do you bump it outside the game?

• Cultural Impact – Does it live on in memes, covers, or collective memory?

• Emotional Resonance – Does it make you feel something?

• Intentionality – Was it made specifically to serve the story?

  
  

Whether it’s the grandeur of Halo 3 or the lo-fi charm of RuneScape, the best soundtracks do more than set the mood — they become the game.

🔊 Your Turn!

Think we missed a banger? Want to argue that Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 deserves a spot? Hop into the Thanks for Playing Discord and let us know. We’re always looking for new faves — and we might just shout you out on a future ep.

And remember, the Mount Rushmore isn’t about “the best” — it’s about what hits you the hardest.