Top 5 favorite Super Nintendo video game soundtracks
The Super Nintendo represented a huge leap forward in terms of what was capable on a home game console. While most people focused on the drastically improved graphics and 3D effects made possible by their “Mode 7” graphics technology, sound and music also received a huge improvement as well.
The Sega Genesis was the main competitor to the SNES, but coming out far earlier put it at a technical disadvantage. The Super Nintendo was simply far more advanced on what could be achieved with its sound hardware.
So without further ado, here are my personal favorite top 5 Super Nintendo soundtracks that illustrate a wide range of what the console was capable of.
#5 Super Castlevania IV
Source: scigamerfan07 on YouTube
The Super Castlevania IV soundtrack is extremely impressive, especially considering the history of great music the series was already known for and the fact that this was released very early in the system's life. This track in particular always stood out to me as being out of place, but strangely perfect. The 60's jazz influence makes music from The Submerged City stand out as a memorable piece in a classic game.
#4 Sonic Blast Man
Source: SNESMD16-OST on YouTube
The oddball choice here for sure, little known game Sonic Blast Man is a simple beat-em-up with an extremely goofy hero and an over-the-top comic book aesthetic. The music from this game has always stood out to me and I love every one, but the track for the factory stage really takes it up a notch.
#3 F-Zero
Source: SonicSpeedsMyGame on YouTube
F-Zero was a launch game for the Super Nintendo, featuring new type of racing that established the entire high-speed futuristic racing genre that spawned other great games like Wipeout. F-Zero features a strange, yet wonderful soundtrack that combines dance-influenced tunes that capture the high-tech and alien environments you're racing through.
#2 TMNT Turtles in Time
Source: gbelair3 on YouTube
There is simply no mistaking the trademark sound of this game. Each track is filled with energetic synth hits and wailing faux electric guitars. From the famous TMNT cartoon theme to all of the original tunes, this game is filled with fantastic music from beginning to end.
#1 Actraiser 2
Source: SomeVideoGameMusic on YouTube
While the first Actraiser was rightfully recognized for the amazing orchestral soundtrack they were able to achieve early in the Super Nintendo's life, its sequel really blew me away. The entire soundtrack is simply amazing and truly feels like a digitized orchestra is cranking away inside that Super Nintendo. If anything ever deserves to get orchestrated by a concert like Video Games Live, Actraiser 2 is at the top of that list.
This was a difficult list to compile as there are a ton of games with amazing soundtracks on the Super Nintendo, but I think these represent those that left the biggest impression on me.
So what are your favorite game soundtracks on the Super Nintendo? Let's discuss!
Actraiser is still one of my favourite games ever ...!
Actraiser 2 strips away all of the simulation stuff from the original game and turns it into a pure action title, but its really, really hard.
The SNES had a ton of great music and your picks are definitely top notch. You can never go wrong with Castlevania or TMNT either.
It's really tough to pick just one but I gotta say that the sound track that has stuck with me for as long as I can remember has to be Mega Man X. Storm Eagle's theme in particular. :)
You must not have played Final Fantasty VI or Secret of Mana...
I have, but its been a long time since Mana and a very long time since FFVI.