The Final Fantasy series
This list doesn't go in any particular order but even if it did, the work that Nobuo Uematso has done for the Final Fantasy series would likely be in the top five. Its one thing to have composed a memorable video game soundtrack but Nobuo has been doing this for the Final Fantasy series for at least 13 games (I imagine he scored the soundtracks for the offshoots such as Mystic Quest, Tactics, Crystal Chronicles, etc.) Throughout this extensive series he's made quite a name for himself as a composer: Final Fantasy OSTs are among the most popular in gaming and an orchestral group called The Black Mages often tour the US and sell out concerts performing his music. My personal favorites are the soundtracks to FF 6, 7, and 8, although there are great pieces in some of the other games as well. In addition to the otherworldly feelings brought to life by his more ambient tracks, like the examples I've chosen, Nobuo has also shown great versatility. If the scene calls for it, he can conjure up the most legitimate marches, waltzes, rock songs, overtures, even polkas to bring a scene to life. Who can forget the huge, moving overture in Final Fantasy 7's main theme? Its pieces like these that would have been Hollywood blockbuster quality if we had heard them in more than MIDI files, although to me they are anyway.
Bomberman Hero
The greatest game OSTs are the ones that sound they were custom made with the game in mind. Not merely music composed by someone with a midi keyboard who needed to make some money, but something that leaves a unique print on the game that makes you think of it and the composer. There is no other soundtrack quite like Bomberman Hero, it has a unique flavor all its own. Its almost like the happiest rave you've ever been to but that still doesn't quite do it justice. Bomberman Hero was a fun game but I'm not over-exaggerating when I say that half of the reason I loved the game so much when I was younger was the music. Strangely, a true OST was never made for purchase, so its hard to pinpoint exact tracks, but each is wonderful in its nostalgic feel.
Ok, seriously, I could keep posting from Bomberman Hero all day, this particular track is one of my favorites even though its nowhere near as peppy as some of the others. I've always just liked the dreamy, ambient chords in this track, although the full soundtrack covers a wide range of unique and nostalgic sounds.
Marvel Vs. Capcom 2
Fighting game sountracks can be pretty cringe-worthy, they mostly sound like bad techno and dance tracks whipped up quickly without much effort. Some can be great though, and its Marvel Vs. Capcom 2's soundtrack's uniqueness that makes it stand out as one of the best. For a game thats basically meant to be over the top fun, the music matches it with extremely upbeat jazz that borders on hyperactive most of the time.
Katamari Damacy
The uniqueness of Katamari Damacy cannot be overstated, so it's fitting that it's soundtrack is just as memorable and quirky. The game itself was one of the few truly new concepts to come into 21st century gaming and it put more of a concentration on fun than anything else. The soundtrack reflects that all the environments that the game takes place in look like they were dreamed up by a child, and it's almost impossible to be in a bad mood when listening to any of this game's tracks. Despite how different some of the songs are, they all make a strangely good backdrop to rolling up objects until people are running away in terror as you uproot massive buildings.
Part two coming soon, thanks for reading!
Corey
