The Most Underrated Game Soundtracks

Hidden Melodies in the Digital Realm

In the vast landscape of video games, soundtracks often serve as the unsung heroes of immersive storytelling. While iconic scores like The Legend of Zelda or Final Fantasy rightfully receive acclaim, many lesser-known gems remain overlooked. These underrated soundtracks enhance gameplay with emotional depth, atmospheric richness, and unforgettable melodies—yet they rarely get the recognition they deserve.

1. Hollow Knight (2018) – A Hauntingly Beautiful Masterpiece

Christopher Larkin’s score for Hollow Knight is a mesmerizing blend of melancholic piano, eerie strings, and ethereal choirs. Each track mirrors the game’s decaying kingdom of Hallownest, from the somber “City of Tears” to the unsettling “Deepnest.” Despite its brilliance, the soundtrack is often overshadowed by the game’s visual and gameplay achievements.

2. Furi (2016) – Synthwave Fury

The Furi soundtrack, composed by Carpenter Brut, Danger, and others, is an adrenaline-pumping synthwave journey. Every boss battle is elevated by pulsating electronic beats, creating an exhilarating rhythm that matches the game’s high-octane combat. Yet, outside of niche circles, this electrifying score remains underappreciated.

3. Gris (2018) – A Symphony of Emotions

Berlinist’s work on Gris is nothing short of breathtaking. The delicate piano and orchestral swells mirror the protagonist’s emotional journey through grief and renewal. Unlike many soundtracks, the music here is inseparable from the game’s visual storytelling—yet it rarely appears in discussions about great video game scores.

4. Outer Wilds (2019) – Cosmic Folk Wonder

Andrew Prahlow’s Outer Wilds soundtrack blends rustic banjo melodies with spacey ambient tones, perfectly encapsulating the game’s themes of exploration and existential wonder. Tracks like “Timber Hearth” evoke warmth and nostalgia, while “The Nomai” carries a sense of ancient mystery. Despite its brilliance, it remains a hidden treasure.

5. Katana ZERO (2019) – Neo-Noir Synth Perfection

LudoWic’s Katana ZERO OST is a high-energy mix of synthwave and dark electronic beats. The music amplifies the game’s stylish, fast-paced action, yet it rarely gets mentioned alongside other great synth soundtracks like Hotline Miami.

Why These Soundtracks Deserve More Love

Great game music does more than accompany gameplay—it elevates it. These underrated soundtracks create worlds, evoke emotions, and linger in players’ minds long after the credits roll. Whether through haunting melodies or pulse-pounding synths, they prove that brilliance often lies in the overlooked.

Next time you play a game, take a moment to truly listen. You might discover a masterpiece hiding in plain sight.