What is the best licensed music to make its way into videogames?
PC Gamer’s ‘Critical Hit’ column (formerly ‘Soundtrack Sunday’) explores the significance and cultural impact of licensed music in video games. The article celebrates how professional musicians and well-known tracks have become integral to memorable gaming experiences. The piece highlights several standout examples of licensed music in games, including Snoop Dogg’s interpretation of ‘Riders on the Storm,’ Motorhead’s ‘Ace of Spades’ from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, and Foals’ ‘Spanish Sahara’ from Life is Strange. The author reflects on how these curated soundtracks contribute substantially to the emotional resonance of games, sharing personal experiences of how the music elevated gameplay moments and story beats. In Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, songs like ‘Ace of Spades’ helped create the cool, rebellious atmosphere that became iconic to the franchise. Similarly, the author describes being moved to tears by Life is Strange’s conclusion, crediting the included Foals track with amplifying the emotional impact. The column underscores how thoughtfully selected licensed music transforms video games from purely interactive experiences into culturally significant artistic works, enhancing both gameplay and narrative depth.