Humans have a strong connection to music. The wonderful thing about music is that the variety is endless, and the diverse melodies and voices can influence the very way we feel. I’ve curated a list of top ten “emotional” tracks from the gaming industry that is sure to send chills up your smile and maybe even tease out a tear. It is in no particular order, but please check it out and share any songs you would vote to be on this list.

10. “Promise” (Pragma Version); Silent Hill 2 remake

Despite the horrific monsters and gore that lay in James Sunderland’s wake, the music composed by Akira Yamaoka is nothing short of beautiful. The balance struck between horror and beauty can be felt by the track called “Promise”. The particular one I’ve been listening to is the Pragma Version found in the Silent Hill 2 remake. However, I want to throw out “Theme of Laura” as a solid honorable mention from the game.

9. “The Last of Us”; The Last of Us

There is something so simple yet striking about the main theme from The Last of Us game. Strong acoustic guitars lead the melody, and the supporting sounds providing an untold and chilling story. If you are listening to this on a quiet walk home alone, you way feel a chill beneath your skin.

8. “Unshaken”; Red Dead Redemption 2

“Unshaken” is a somber melody with strong Western vibes, fitting right at home in Red Dead Redemption 2. For those familiar with the game, you can recall that it plays during a low point for Arthur and the Van der Linde gang, and a reprise even later on to put the cherry on top of the emotional roller coaster. I can feel the sense of exhaustion and hopelessness that likely was flowing through the protagonists’ veins.

7. “I Want to Live”, Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 has an astounding OST, and it was tough to choose between “I Want to Live” and “The Power”, which is the credit’s song. Honestly, both are moving and worth listening to, but “I Want to Live” carries so much weight when the companions I travelled with during my gameplay. While the melody is stellar, the lyrics are deep and moving as well, and it’s worth listening to whether you played the game or not.

6. “Simple and Clean”; Kingdom Hearts II

Let’s turn the clock back twenty years. Yes, Kingdom Hearts II released on the PlayStation 2 in 2005, and its banger hit “Simple and Clean” became an iconic song in gaming. Despite the convoluted plot the Kingdom Hearts franchise has strung us along since then, “Simple and Clean” has stood the test of time and gives me goosebumps each time I listen to it.

4. “Faye’s Theme”; Finding Paradise

The lullaby-like melody in “Faye’s Theme” can really take you back to your childhood days. Such a touching song fits exceedingly well in this sequel of To the Moon. Faye is a mysterious character that researchers found within Colin’s memories, and this theme is so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.

3. “Suteki Da Ne (Isn’t it Wonderful?)”; Final Fantasy X

With a lovely violin to lead us into the first minute of this five-minute long song, “Suteki Da Ne” has such a gentle way about moving you. It’s got that bittersweet feeling when you listen to it!

2. “BB’s Theme (Instrumental)”; Death Stranding

We already know that Kojima has a way with his games–strange yet brilliant. This is no different that “Death Stranding“. With a sequel releasing later this year, I listened to the Death Stranding OST. Perhaps the most recognizable score is “BB’s Theme”–it infuses you with wonder and curiosity; however, for a thorough emotional cleansing, I prefer the instrumental version.

1. “The Way of the Ghost”; Ghost of Tsushima

This song carries the weight of Jin Sakai’s responsibilities on its shoulders. You can almost feel the crushing loss Jin experiences, from witnessing the deaths of his Samauri brethren to the internal struggle to break his culture’s traditions for the sake of saving his country. The instrumentals and Japanese influence can shake even the coldest of hearts.

Honorable Mention: “Fi’s Gratitude”; The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

The orchestral beauty from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword‘s OST is nothing short of awe-inspiring. At the conclusion of an epic journey, Link’s seemingly emotionless guide, Fi, bids him farewell. The melody exposes a crack in her robotic demeanor; perhaps she truly has learned emotion through the bond of her master, citing that she hopes to meet him in a next life.

What are some tracks from a video game that gave you goosebumps or maybe even cry? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.

The Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast About Video Games

The Boss Rush Podcast is the flagship podcast of Boss Rush Media and The Boss Rush Network. Each week, hosts Corey Dirrig, LeRon Dawkins, Stephanie Klimov, and Pat Klein, as well as their friends, fellow content creators, developers, and industry veterans come together to discuss their week in gaming, including what they’ve been playing, a randomly chosen rotating weekly segment, the Boss Rush Banter of the week, answer community write-ins, and more. New episodes are released every Thursday. Members of The Boss Rush Network’s Patreon will receive the exclusive Pre-Show at any tier along with other perks.

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