Amazing Moments of Licensed Music in Video Games

Mike Deneen from GamesAreEvil writes:

"Music and sounds have always been an integral part of video games. Whether it was the 8-bit bleeps and bloops of the NES, all the way to the crisp, HD orchestrated music featured in modern games, I have always taken an interest to the sounds and scores of my favorite games. Halo, for instance, while not totally being my cup of tea, features some of the most beautiful ambient songs I have ever heard in a game, or anywhere else for that matter.

While countless other examples of great music made specifically for games exist, sometimes I don’t think the use of great licensed songs are given enough credit. Much like in movies, the perfect song at the perfect moment can make the difference between a generic experience and an unforgettable sequence. As someone who is obsessed with music, I take a great deal of interest in songs within games. Though I do enjoy the great original soundtracks many games have to offer, when it fits a scene perfectly, previously recorded tunes from established artists hold a special place in my heart."

[JohnnyWayne_]

Great article! Music definitely sets the tone for gaming- I couldn't imagine a game like Dead Space without the musical score it received.

[PaladinXII]

Licensed music can be hit or miss (hello, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within). When it's good, though, it can absolutely enhance the experience.