Music is adored throughout the world and lends itself to an array of different entertainment options, be it film and television, but also video game soundtracks. A variety of creations are remembered purely for the soundtrack or some of the music featured throughout a show or a television series. The same applies to video games, with numerous iconic soundtracks recorded over the years.
Video game music can play its part in the success or failure of a video game. Back in the day, computer games had limited audio ability, with most games offering the odd strange noise or weird beeping sound. Now, whether you’re playing the Nintendo Switch or visiting the home of the best casino games in the UK – slotsheaven.com, games are filled with an array of sound effects and theme music which helps elevate the all-round gaming experience dramatically. Soundtracks for games have certainly evolved over the last few decades. Some video game soundtracks are memorable, while others aren’t.
With several iconic video game soundtracks over the years, here’s a look back at some of the most memorable tracks.
Streets Of Rage 2
The Streets of Rage games are truly iconic in their own right, but so too is the soundtrack behind the games. Available on the Sega Genesis, the soundtrack for Streets Of Rage 2 features techno and breakbeat-influenced compositions from Yuzo Koshiro, which truly serves as the perfect accompaniment to what is a classic game. When people think of Streets of Rage 2, the soundtrack certainly springs to mind also.
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Doom
Another classic game with a dedicated and loyal community of followers, the music in Doom isn’t bad either, although we aren’t sure if it would make this 75-year-old DJ’s playlist. Robert Prince’s soundtrack for Doom is said to have shaped video game soundtracks of the future. The heavy metal and punk styled track went beautifully well with the chaos of Doom and helped give the game the additional aggression and rage that was needed. Without the soundtrack, Doom wouldn’t be the same.
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The Last Of Us
Released in 2013 on the PS3, The Last Of Us was a post-apocalyptic zombie classic, featuring a soundtrack that took to it to an even higher level. Thanks to composer Gustavo Santaolalla, the game’s mood and emotional developments go perfectly with the subtle yet highly effective musical subtlety in this truly memorable game.
You can tell composer Akira Yamaoka was clearly a huge fan of British electro-pop and German industrial music if you’ve ever played Silent Hill. The survival horror was a truly epic game to play at the time of its release in 1999, with the music being a key cog in the game’s horrifying and spooky wheel. It’s a brilliant game with a stunning soundtrack.
Final Fantasy VI
The Final Fantasy franchise has a dedicated and loyal following after registering tremendous success since its inception. The music on the games has been well received too, with the soundtrack for Final Fantasy VI regarded as being one of the best. The music throughout is fantastic in truth, with opera classics and dramatic beats as you fight bosses, all contributing towards what is a memorable game.
Journey
Journey is the first-ever video game to have its soundtrack nominated for a Grammy Award so that we couldn’t leave it out really, could we? Composed by Austin Wintory, the music in Journey perfectly matches the game as players immerse themselves in a truly unique gaming experience. The music actually took three years to be made too, which sums up just how much importance was placed on it.
News
GMP officer sentenced after hitting pedestrian during police chase in Rochdale
Emily Sergeant
A police officer has been sentenced this week after he struck and ‘seriously injured’ a pedestrian following a pursuit of a suspected drink driver in Rochdale.
35-year-old Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer PC Sam Lockley pleaded guilty back in January 2026 following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
The IOPC investigation established that, in the early hours of the morning on 19 November 2023, PC Lockley was driving a marked police vehicle with the lights and sirens activated, and attempted to stop a suspected drunk driver on Drake Street in Rochdale.
A short pursuit that commenced but stopped merely a minute later after the police vehicle collided with a pedestrian on the footpath of Rochdale Road at approximately 3:30am.
The evidence gathered indicated that PC Lockley failed to slow down as he approached and drove through the red traffic lights at the Kingsway junction, and was travelling at a speed of 96mph in a 30mph zone.
The pedestrian suffered ‘serious injuries’ as a result of the collision, and received extensive medical treatment following.
At a hearing back in February of this year, PC Lockley received a two-year suspended sentence and was ordered to carry out 15 days community service, while also receiving two-year driving disqualification.
Also following the investigation, the IOPC decided that Lockley should face a gross misconduct hearing to face allegations that his manner of driving breached the police standards of professional behaviour.
“We continue to liaise with the force about disciplinary proceedings,” the IOPC concluded.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe added: “My sympathies remain with the man, who sustained serious injuries, and all those affected by the incident.
“This was a complex investigation which relied on extensive amounts of data and expert analysis and the evidence showed PC Lockley drove at excessive speeds at night-time and although he was responding to a report of a suspected drink driver, it does not excuse his manner of driving.
“PC Lockley admitted he drove in a dangerous manner when he didn’t address hazards or warnings during the pursuit and ultimately by the time he saw the pedestrian, he was travelling too fast to avoid a collision.
“His actions that day have had long-lasting consequences and he has now been held accountable.”
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Manchester Town Hall is FINALLY taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018
Emily Sergeant
A new era is on the horizon, as Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’ll be finally taking bookings for weddings and events once again.
That’s right… for the first time since it closed its doors to the public for what is the UK’s biggest restoration project to date back in 2018, one of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks is soon set to welcome its first weddings and events in a decade – with bookings for the city’s most romantic address now open once again.
Manchester Town Hall has stood at the centre of civic life in the city since 1877, and for generations, couples have exchanged their vows within its walls.
Now, as it enters the home stretch of its restoration, the Grade I-listed building is gearing up to kickstart weddings and corporate events from January 2028.
Set reopen to the public next year, first up will be a series of celebratory reopening events – which are yet to be announced – before a phased approach will then allow the building and teams to be fully prepared to host commercial events again from 2028.
Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’s finally taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018 / Credit: Supplied
From its grand architecture and soaring stained glass windows, to sweeping staircases that offer the perfect ‘just married’ photo opportunities, this one-of-a-kind venue gives couples the opportunity to combine the romance and grandeur of a historic setting with the energy of a city centre celebration.
Inside the restored building, you’ll find The Great Hall, which is a magnificent setting with striking architectural character, as well as The Conference Hall, The Banqueting Hall, and The Reception Room, all of which offer equally characterful spaces that are perfect for private dinners, ceremonies, or corporate events.
The Lord Mayor’s Parlour is one of many settings overlooking the newly reopened Albert Square, while various elegant reception areas provide the perfect location for drinks and arrival moments.
“Our Town Hall is a real Victorian masterpiece and we’re looking forward to sharing it with the public once again,” explained Cllr Garry Bridges, who is Leader of Manchester City Council, as bookings finally open up this week.
“It’s a special building which belongs to the people and it’s great that they will be able to celebrate important landmarks in their lives, such as marriage, in its spectacular setting.
“The Town Hall is full of history. Here’s to many more stories being written within its walls.”
Want to be one of the first people who gets married or hosts an event at Manchester Town Hall once it reopens in 2028? You can enquire about booking here.
Andy Kinsey -
17th February 2021 
