The Video Game Critic

Video game music, like any other music, can set the mood perfectly in games depending on the setting. From serious, to dark, to happy, to sad, to whimsical, there's all sorts of emotions video game music can reach.

So when the setting is peaceful, what songs/soundtracks come to mind as your favorites? I'll name some favorites of mine I consider obvious as well as more obscure ones.

Dire Dire Docks-Super Mario 64 (duh)

Inside the Deku Tree-Ocarina of Time

Zora's Domain-Ocarina of Time

Corridors of Time-Chrono Trigger

Ambient Wonder-Halo: Combat Evolved

In a Snow Bound Land-Donkey Kong Country 2

Aquatic Ambiance-Donkey Kong Country

Starborn Valley-Paper Mario

Dungeon-Wind Waker (Really overlooked)

Still of the Night-Secret of Mana

Observatory-Majora's Mask

Buzz Buzz's Prophecy-Earthbound


Thoughts? What peaceful video game music is your favorite?

SOOOOO PEAAAAACEFULLLLLLL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tY92NAdGaR4

But in all seriousness, Song of the Ancients (Devola) from Nier is a great "hometown" theme. It really gets across how this is one of the few places in the game that won't try to murder you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1CjxQXXA7o

Funny you should mention this. I was about to post a snowboarding game review where you could select your music. Most of the songs were not great, but one has a very peaceful tranquil sound that I found very appealing. Have you ever noticed that when it's snowing outside, the world outside is almost silent? I like that.

Recently, when I played Suikoden (PS1) I got to experience a wide variety of very unique musical tracks. For an RPG it isn't the usual type of music you'd find on most other RPGs but instead has a variety of cultural music. Many of the tracks of the first game evoked a sense of tranquility and I really enjoyed it.. Since I beat the first two games I've been itching to actually replay both of them again in large part due to the soundtrack (and stories).

How could you mention Donkey Kong Country and leave out Stickerbrush Symphony?

Each of the main Genesis Sonic games has a tune that could be considered peaceful as well: Star Light Zone from Sonic 1, Sky Chase Zone from 2, Ice Cap Zone from 3, and Sky Sanctuary Zone from & Knuckles.

eneuman96 wrote:How could you mention Donkey Kong Country and leave out Stickerbrush Symphony?

That song may be calm, but YOU will not be while playing it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-VJeVPeawk

This music from Elite. The link is from the Commodore 64 version. Its the Blue Danube Waltz playing in the docking sequence. This is an homage from 2001: A Space Odyssey, of course. Playing this game in a dark room, late at night, with those wireframe graphics, trying to synchronize rotation with that spinning station was very soothing...until you crashed into the station. Stupid sexy space station. Buy a docking computer to do it for you -- first thing on your to-buy list.

The save room theme from Resident Evil 4 - sounds like one of Aphex Twin's ambient pieces or maybe something influenced by Brian Eno:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3SwvRntnyA

"Jib Jig" - Donkey Kong Country 2 (SNES)

"Mystic Ruins" - Sonic Adventure (DreamCast/GameCube)

"Summer Forest", "Autumn Plains", and "Winter Tundra" - Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage (PS1)

"Dragon Realms" and "Platform Peril" - Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly (PS2)