Video game soundtracks come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. There's the licensed soundtrack with songs licensed from different artists, grand orchestral scores, upbeat hip-hop or trance, and a whole lot more. The best composer can analyze a game and whip together a soundtrack that perfectly encapsulates how a game feels. I think no one does that better than Nintendo. Whether you love them or hate them, Nintendo has some really great soundtracks that really define a game's atmosphere and help to further immerse you into the game world.
Today I want to take a look at some of the best ambient soundtracks in Nintendo games. Just for fun, I'll provide the first 3 game soundtracks. Then Jameson, the host of the excellent VGM podcast "barSILENCE", will provide the final 3 soundtracks.
Let's dive in!
Aaron's Top 3
Wario Land 4 (Game Boy Advance)
While the Game Boy Advance doesn't have the best audio out there, some games really push the glorious handheld to its limit. Wario Land 4 absolutely did that; in terms of both audio and graphics. The game looks great, plays great, and ma, does it SOUND great.
When you think of Wario, you might think of "WAHHH" or some of the little jingles that you'd hear in Warioware. Wario Land 4 has some really great tracks that really add to the feel of each level that you play through. Tracks like Wildflower Fields, The Curious Factory, and Monsoon Jungle don't feel like tracks from a Wario game, but they absolutely match the visuals and the environment.
This one desperately needs to come to Nintendo Switch Online or new game in the series.
Pikmin (GameCube)
This game hammers in the atmosphere with all of its insanely ambient tracks. You start off in Forest of Hope and you feel totally at ease as you guide your Pikmin to different areas of the land to gather ship parts, seeds to make more Pikmin, and open shortcuts. Before you know it, The Distant Spring will slap you with an incredible aquatic feel, reminiscent of "Aquatic Ambience" from Donkey Kong Country.
This soundtrack definitely matches the "new, unexplored land" vibe of the entire game.
Super Metroid (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
Super Metroid is the KING of ambient video game soundtracks. The composer, Kenji Yamamoto, went insanely hard on this soundtrack!
As you explore Zebes, your ears will be graced with tracks that feel as alien as the areas that you'll trot through. Brinstar (Underground Depths) is my favorite track from the game. It will strike you as dark and foreboding, but oddly welcoming.
You really can't go wrong with any track from Super Metroid.
Jameson's Top 3
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Wii U & Switch)
When Breath of the Wild was released in back in 2017, it did something completely different with the series. Eiji Aonuma stated that they aimed to "rethink the conventions of Zelda," and they certainly did.
The game unfolds in an open-world, nonlinear version of Hyrule, where if you see something, you can go there. The art style also brought a new look to the game, inspired by Studio Ghibli, featuring cel-shaded graphics and stunning watercolor-like landscapes. These components, combined with a fresh take on classic Zelda dungeons, offered gamers a new perspective on what they could experience in a Legend of Zelda game.
Breath of the Wild's approach to music, unlike previous entries in the series, is where it changes the most. This game doesnโt have a constantly playing soundtrack, but instead, the score is largely performed on piano sometimes subtly hinting at themes from past games. This creates a softer-sounding, immersive extension of the living, breathing world you explore, while also touching on the series' continuity and nostalgia.
If you need to wind down, stay focused, or want soft music to accompany your own adventures, you can listen to this soundtrack for a relaxing and truly atmospheric vibe.
Wii Fit U (Wii-U)
Wii Fit U might not be the first game's soundtrack that comes to mind for many, but while the soundtrack features some upbeat tunes, the most relaxing pieces come from the setup, menus, and minor tests. These tracks introduce a safe and enjoyable atmosphere, aiming to create a positive and uplifting experience as you work towards better health.
This makes the music to Wii Fit U a perfect example of a breezy and spa-like relaxing soundtrack that you can absolutely live in. Whether youโre doing yoga to the musicโs soft strings, piano, and subtle percussion, or spending time in the Wii Fit Plaza with its soothing guitars, or even taking the potentially dreaded Body Measurement test, the soundtrack ensures nothing but good vibes to accompany you. Even the Main Menu is like a stroll down the street on a sunny day!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch)
New Horizons is no exception, as it delivers a charming and serene audio experience to complement your island life-simulation. The game's incredible tunes make it easy to take each day at a leisurely, chillaxed pace and are perfect for bringing that cozy atmosphere to your everyday life. Just make sure you pay your bills on timeโTom Nook doesn't take IOUs!
There you have it! Six entire soundtracks to vibe to as you slowly melt into your lawn chair on a hot, relaxing summer day. Hopefully you've discovered some new favorite tracks after reading this.
Let us know in the comments what your favorite ambient soundtracks are. We'd love to hear from you!
On behalf of Jameson and myself, take it easy!
