Genres in video game OSTs

I wasn't sure whether this should go in VG or here, but I figured it's primarily about music.

So anyway, obviously the standard for video game tunes is either that kind of film influenced classical-esque music such as this, or something more directly descended from the classic video game chiptunes, such as this.

But then of course, video games can have any style of music, such as hard rock, heavy metal, hip hop, electronica, reggae and just about anything else possible.

But do they? That's what I was wondering. What other styles of music have been used in video game soundtracks? I'm not talking about licensed music here, only original soundtrack recordings. Has there ever been a game which has used, say, dreampop? Or post-hardcore? Or jazz-rock fusion?

"Flame Core: The Cavern" (the guitar solo starts at 1:40) from Sonic The Hedgehog 2006 is the closest I can think of to jazz fusion.

On the subject of Sonic, I really like the genre mashups in Sonic Unleashed. Accordion-funk? Middle-Eastern flamenco swing? Jazz techno? Don't mind if I do!

edited 11th Nov '10 11:30:38 PM by MetaFour

Maybe in weirdo indie games? Also I don't even know what dreampop is. ._. To Wikipedia!

Relatedly, I'm still rather lost on how to describe Drakengard's soundtrack. Penguin's "Stravinsky in a blender" is the best I got.

We have an article on Dream Pop.

Oh, like Radiohead? That's easy enough, thanks. ^_^

Radiohead are dream pop?? O_O

Maybe the odd track, I guess?

Well, they're listed there, that's all I know.

This is what I think of as dreampop. I'm kind of fuzzy on the genre myself; our article says Efterklang is an example, but they're also listed as an example of Baroque Pop.

Anyway! ICO is interesting. A lot of the music has a sort of industrial, sort of ambient electronic sound. But then the two songs that play over the ending credits are a folk song and a folky Award Bait Song.

Ooh, ICO music is interesting. It's different.

I'm not sure why, but some of it, along with some of that Drakengard music, reminds me a little bit of the ObsCure series music, such as this and this.

Some of the Rayman 2 music was kind of symphonic prog, which was cool.

Y'know, I never noticed how eclectic the Sonic Unleashed soundtrack was, but you're right, Meta, it's amazing.

There's a lot of great rock in the No More Heroes universe. This is my favorite, simply called "Map Screen" because that's what it's from. It's rather 90's "backyard party" alt rock/punk. There's also the epic No More Riot, which is basically Japanese nu metal—and it works.

The Neverhood's soundtrack borders on indescribable. It's sort of bluegrass meets jazz meets oompah meets... heck if I know. Olley Oxen Free; Klaymen's Theme, Rock 'n Roll Dixie, and the very potent Southern Front Porch Whistler.

And I'm not sure if it counts under your "classical" banner, but when Kirbys Epic Yarn does classical... It really goes classical. Reminds me of the soundtrack to the Little Bear TV show, mixed with Winnie The Pooh.

edited 13th Nov '10 11:32:30 PM by FreezairForALimitedTime

^Terry Scott Taylor is some kind of mad genius.

Japanese screamo

Sounds more like slightly punky nu metal </disappointed>

That map music was surprisingly epic, though.

The Neverhood's soundtrack is insanely catchy for something so unconventional.

I'm not an expert on genres, but I do think that Masashi Hamauzu does a great job at blending together both orchestral and electronic elements.

He's also quite the classical genius, as well.

OK, so it's not as screamy. Still, it's not bad. In my opinion. Whatever that counts for.

@Meta: Yes. Yes he is.

Speaking of hip-hop in game soundtracks, I got two words: Mad World. No, no, not the song. The game. Ain't That Funny is some kind of awesome. Also pretty hilarious. I get mo' money by killing these dudes! Now ain't that funny?

Bio Rex's theme from F-Zero GX is very metal.