Ever found yourself jamming to a catchy tune while playing your favourite game? You’re not alone! The Game’s Champion, for instance, pushes us to victory in NBA 2K offerings and stays with us long after we’ve put down the controller. Epic soundtracks and memorable songs have been a part of the culture for years.
In this article, we’re diving into the world of video game-inspired music. We’ve put together a list of the top songs that have been influenced by video games. These tracks pay tribute to the games that inspired them and have become iconic in their own right. Hit play!
Champion — The Game
‘I’m a champion. So amazing, undefeated. Who can see him, who could beat him?’ is a tune nearly every NBA 2K10 fan can sing along to. The song’s energetic beat and motivational lyrics perfectly capture basketball’s competitive spirit. The Game’s powerful delivery and the song’s infectious hook make it a standout track on the NBA 2K10 soundtrack. The fact that the project consists of ‘Amazing’ by Kanye and ‘Waving Flag’ by K’naan testifies to its legacy. ‘Champion’ has long become an anthem for players pursuing greatness on and off the court.
Video Games — Lana Del Rey
‘Video Games’ is a dreamy pop ballad subtly referencing the world of video games. The lyrics tell a tale of love and longing, while games serve as a metaphor for escapism and nostalgia. Lana Del Rey’s ethereal vocals meanwhile impress a strong sense of melancholy and yearning. The music video, featuring vintage footage and clips of classic video games, adds to the nostalgic vibe, making it a perfect go-to for gamers who cherish those memories.
Shadow Moses — Bring Me The Horizon
Inspired by the iconic Shadow Moses Island in the Metal Gear Solid series, Shadow Moses is a brilliant song! By using intense guitar riffs and a haunting melody, the song mirrors the game’s stealth and action elements. When you hear the lyrics, ‘Can you tell from the look in our eyes? We’re going nowhere,’ it feels like you’re right there, sneaking through the shadows and facing off against enemies. Bring Me The Horizon leaves their fantastic metalcore imprints all over this song, so it’s easy to see how that captures Shadow Moses’ ambience.
Symphony of the Night — DragonForce
Symphony of the Night pays homage to the Castlevania series, specifically the chapter that shares a title with it: ‘Symphony of the Night’. The song’s blistering guitar solos and rapid-fire drumming reflect the game’s intensity and excitement, while the lyrics explore adventure and heroism, echoing the storyline of a vampire hunter’s quest to defeat Dracula. DragonForce’s signature sound, characterized by fast tempos and intricate melodies, makes ‘Symphony of the Night’ a fitting tribute to one of the most iconic Castlevania titles.
Ilomilo — Billie Eilish
This hauntingly beautiful track is named after the puzzle game of the same name. To capture the latter’s eerie and introspective atmosphere, Billie Eilish’s whispery vocals and a minimalist production combine. It’s about separation and longing, mirroring the game’s storyline of two characters trying to reunite. ‘Ilomilo,’ is a clever play on words, as it can be read as ‘Ilo’ and ‘Milo,’ the names of the two characters trying to reunite in the game. The famous hook, ‘Where did you go? I should know, but it’s cold,’ reflects this best.
Omikron: The Nomad Soul — David Bowie
This is a fascinating example of a musician’s deep involvement in a video game project. David Bowie not only contributed music to ‘Omikron: The Nomad Soul,’ but he also lent his likeness to characters within the game. The tracks he created for the game were later included on his album “Hours,” blending his signature sound with the game’s futuristic and otherworldly themes. Bowie’s work on “Omikron: The Nomad Soul” highlights his versatility as an artist and his willingness to explore new and innovative mediums.
Kernkraft 4000 — Zombie Nation
Sampling ‘Stardust’ from the 1984 computer game Lazy Jones, this electronic anthem has become a staple at sports events around the world since it was released in 1999. The track has an infectious, high-energy charm, thanks to the driving beat and catchy melody. Zombie/Zombie/Zombie/Zombie nation/ can come up anywhere, whether at a stadium or a club. Zombie Nation’s ability to bring people together and create an electrifying atmosphere speaks to its enduring popularity and the timeless appeal of its video game-inspired roots.
Other memorable songs that have come from video games include:
- Money, Cash, Hoes — JAY-Z feat. DMX
- You Ain’t No Gangsta — 50 Cent
- Pac-Man Fever — Buckner & Garcia
- The Legend of Zelda — The Rabbit Joint
- Still Alive — Jonathan Coulton
Jam Up and Hit Play
As you can see, many tracks have come from video games. That shows the lasting influence of gaming on the music industry, ensuring that lovers of both activities can satisfy both longings simultaneously. Plug in your headsets and grab your controller; it’s time to jam and play!
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