Video games can be known for their game mechanics and their amazing storylines. There are many games that can be identified this way. But there are a few legendary game series that set the bar even higher by adding an element that other games seem to overlook. The music. Here are my top three gaming series with the best music.

For those who know me personally know that music is close to my heart. I can geek out over any music that can move me emotionally. I love music that can change my mood and make me feel all the feelings. I love grand orchestras and bops. Here are my picks:

Final Fantasy

So this series has to be in my third spot only because I haven’t had the chance to play more games. I’ve played Final Fantasy III, VI, X, and XV. I’ve played a couple of spinoffs for the PSP too. Those first two I played back when Gameboy games worked on the Nintendo DS, so needless to say it’s been a minute. But I was greatly surprised to find these catchy songs in the 8-bit games. It didn’t stop either, these songs evolved into the masterpieces we hear now in recent releases like Final Fantasy XV. I loved how the scores told the story as much as the gameplay did. Final Fantasy has great traveling songs that are made for adventure, and the battle music is iconic. However nothing is as iconic as the fanfare:  duh-duh-duh-duh-daa-duh-da-duh-daa!! You know this brass heavy tune and it’s music to your ears after a grueling battle. Final Fantasy is a series that knows what it’s doing when it comes to music. It’s for sure some of the best music gaming has to offer.

Legend of Zelda

Next on my list is if course Legend of Zelda. This should be a no-brainer as many of the stories told in this series are centered around music. And while I loved playing Breath of the Wild, there was a musical lack that most LoZ fans could feel (Sorry Kass). Music has helped shape this series and has driven the story. There are songs that have stayed with me since the fourth grade. That’s how memorable LoZ has become. The melodies are simple but convey their messages. Zelda’s lullaby is sweet and innocent, while Saria’s song is upbeat and jovial. A bop if I may. I love LoZ and the way they use music as a tool.

Let’s look at Wind Waker. Link is guy who uses a baton to request assistance from the wind to help his boat sail. If that’s not integration I don’t know what is. I loved playing Ocarina of Time and playing the ocarina to impress the Gorons or talk to the skull kids. This series was a lot of people’s first impression on a game and its music. There’s no other music like LoZ.

Kingdom Hearts

My last and final choice for game series music is none other than Kingdom Hearts. Kingdom Hearts is so underrated for it’s music. I will say that of the three choices, I think Kingdom Hearts has some of the most emotional invoking music of all time. This is aided by the frequent use of the piano. One song that does this so well is Xion’s song. This song can be overlooked because it’s not from a a main story game. Nevertheless, I have cried from this song because the emotions were too much. There’s nothing like hearing a song and feeling what the song is invoking. Let’s also not forget the opening song. “When you walk away, you don’t hear me say please…”I bet you could finish that part. Couldn’t you? The original version and all it’s interations are amazing. I loved hearing it in Chain of Memories and thought it was a great callback to the previous game.

Overall, I believe Kingdom Hearts has the best video game music of any other gaming series. It’s emotionally satisfying and each song draws you closer and closer into the story. You can feel the care the musicans put in each song, it’s palpabe. I love this game series and the way the music makes me feel.

Let me know what game series’ music is your favorite? Until next time, peace!