Blow Me Away (Halo 2, Breaking Benjamin)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svdR8_w1N0Y
Yes, the Halo 2 soundtrack had some kickass songs (ugh, Incubus, your Odyssey still holds up), but this was the jam to beat back in ’04. Thankfully, you can hear it in Halo 2 Anniversary if you switch to the classic graphics, and the band released an updated version not too long ago featuring Valora. Maybe it’s blasphemy to like that version, but it’s still so awesome.
One-Winged Angel (FF7: Advent Children, Nobuo Uematsu)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_MW65XxS7s
Fighting Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII is one of the biggest moments in gaming to this day, and One-Winged Angel forever remains a classic. That being said, Uematsu outdid himself by adding electric guitar and percussion to his original creation for the Advent Children movie. It feels like a natural addition to the vocals and instrumentals of the original, while still being its own thing.
Simple & Clean (Kingdom Hearts, Utada Hikaru)
Sanctuary may be the one getting the most attention right now, but you gotta go with the classics. Whether you hear the slower and more romantic original version or dancey vibe of the remix, there’s no denying how catchy it is to sing when you’re driving or just having a regular day around the house. It’s also great to sing while you’re drunk… not that we’d know.
Opening Credits (Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Michael McCann)
It’s painful to watch your protagonist get thrown out a window and broken beyond repair, but it’s great to see them rebuilt with the best cutting edge technology. With the opening credits, Deus Ex got people hyped up to play as Adam Jensen 2.0, and the music played a big part in that. McCann’s soft synth tones gradually increase as Jensen is reborn.
Far Away (Red Dead Redemption, Jose Gonzalez)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IkvAb6THQY
2010’s Red Dead Redemption was lauded by near everyone for its portrayal of the Old West and central lead, John Marston. A hero is only as good as his song, and to that end, “Far Away” is more than worthy to follow the elder Marston over the course of the game. Much like John, it’s haunting, but has a beauty about it that demands to be heard as you ride around.
