For me definitely The world ends with you. It completely shaped my modern taste in funk, pop, rap and hip hop. That and Jet set radio.
FFX back in the PS2 day’s was when I discovered I really love heavy metal.
Strangely, despite playing many games over the years, and enjoying tons of soundtracks and themes, I don’t think any of them awakened any interest that weren’t already there. Owing, I suppose, to a pretty diverse exposure in my youth which led to a lot of seeking new genres.
With perhaps this exception:
Civ 4’s Warlords Expansion pack.
The theme is a classic Lebanese folk song called ‘Al Nadda’, popularized by famed singer and actress Sabah.
It’s a catchy little tune that sticks in your head. You can find many variations, including the original (roughly 1963ish), as well as instrumental versions, online. Sometimes it is reimagined in a modern style like this one:
SSX tricky for the PS2
Portal 2. Absolute banger of a soundtrack that I have listened to over and over, and I absolutely loved Exile Vilify by The National, which frustratingly is not on Spotify.
I always liked electronic music but Machinarium made me consciously realize how much I liked ambient music and how much could be done with it.
And now the sequel has been announced!!
Whaaaaa? I searched the tubes and it’s true. Amaaaazing!https://boingboing.net/2026/10/09/classic-puzzle-game-machinarium-is-getting-a-surprise-sequel.html
So many
Half life.
Thief 1/2
Wing Commander 3
I may have a sweet spot for industrial music.
Hotline Miami.
Undertale and Celeste for me for sure
Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue! and Final Fantasy VII.
Then later on you obviously have all of the Guitar Heros and Rock Bands (I’m so excited for Stage Tour)
Adding a few more to my list.
Spyro (PS1) - Stewart Copeland’s genius cannot he understated, and subsuqently got me into his original band The Police (I’m seennddinngg out an S O S)
Final Fantasy VII and IX both sound tracks I go back to frequently
Kingdom Hearts definitely started my love for JPop
Lots of songs from Tony Hawk (the PS1 era)
need for speed underground for obvious reasons
Stubbs the zombie got me into indie rock
Donkey Kong FFVI (or IV if you’re Japanese)
FFVI is what was originally known as FF3 in the US. FFIV is what was originally known as FF2 in the US.
Also, I’m intrigued by the concept of Donkey Kong Final Fantasy 6…
Yeah, I get the numbers mixed up. Meant 3. Lol
Pretty much anything that took full advantage of the SID.
Although I still have Journey To Silius’s OST burned into my head, there have been plenty of very influential games, in no particular order -
Super Mario RPG
Chrono Trigger
FFVII
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
Jet Set Radio (and Future)
Grand Theft Auto (Vice City and San Andreas, I only listened to talk radio in 3)
Stepmania
These days, I feel a little calcified but it’s always nice when I turn on a game and see artists I know.
Re/Volt & electronic music
