The soundtracks for the games of the 16-bit generation is where the music started to sound less like simple chip tunes and more like something you might hear on an actual album. The hardware in video game consoles was at last getting close to the level of CD quality audio. This allowed for more varied styles and sounds; the SNES even had pre-sampled instrument sounds for composers to use. Like our previous list about the best music from the 8-bit generation, we’ve provided links to these soundtracks on YouTube. You’ll also find a few well-done covers of these classic melodies by YouTuber Banjo Guy Ollie.
10 Street Of Rage 2
This was not only one of the best beat ‘em ups from the 16-bit generation, but it also had one of the best soundtracks from that time as well. This soundtrack was composed by the legendary Yuzo Koshiro. The most memorable soundtracks of Sega games were from Koshiro.
The soundtrack in Streets of Rage 2 is quite varied in style. The songs range from fast-paced techno, mellow jazz, and funky rock tunes. The other Streets of Rage titles had okay soundtracks, but part 2 is by far the best. You can go here to listen to Streets of Rage 2 soundtrack.
9 Donkey Kong Country Series
The Donkey Kong Country games are some of the most beloved games from the 16-bit era. The games featured pre-rendered graphics - which still look incredible. Some of the tracks in these games are so good that it took some clever programming just to get the SNES to play them. The music ranges from up-beat tropical sounds to moody ambient compositions.
Particularly good tracks are the opening theme from the first title, and the ambient music of the aquatic stages. Some of these tunes are good enough to listen to apart from playing the game. If you want to listen to the Donkey Kong Country 1 soundtrack click here.
8 Turrican
There were many ports of the Turrican series, but none of them had better music than the original on the Commodore Amiga. The Amiga was a 16-bit microcomputer, which at the time was maybe the most advanced home computer available. It’s graphical and musical capabilities were noticeably better than any PC, or Apple product.
Turrican, and its sequel, really showed-off what the sound chip in the Amiga was capable of doing. If you’ve never played Turrican you’re missing out on a fun game with an excellent soundtrack. Check out the soundtrack here, and one of Banjo Guy Ollie’s covers of a Turrican track here.
7 Super Castlevania IV
For many gamers this is the best game from the 16-bit generation, and it’s hard to argue against that claim. This game is essentially a re-imagining of the original Castlevania for the NES. The original had some great music, but this remake improved on that soundtrack and also added some great new tracks.
The music in Super Castlevania IV has a gothic feel to it; with samples of instruments like pipe organs being used. The music really helps set a creepy tone and gives the game a horror movie feel. Go here to listen to the soundtrack.
6 Thunder Force II
This was an early title for the Sega Genesis, and in those days the music in Genesis games wasn’t the best. The Genesis didn’t have samples of instruments to use like the SNES, the music had to be programmed just like the other code for the games. Thunder Force II is a fun space shooter, and the elector-pop style music really compliments the action. The music in Thunder Force II has that “twangy” sound the Genesis was famous for. Unfortunately Sega chose Thunder Force III for the Mini Genesis, but its music is also pretty good. Go here to listen to the Thunder Force II soundtrack.
5 Final Fantasy III
This is for the North American Final Fantasy III. This was a phenomenal game - maybe the best Final Fantasy game ever made. The music gives the game an operatic feel; every scene is perfectly paired with a unique track. All the main characters have a theme song that accurately captures their personality.
Compared to other 16-bit games, the soundtrack for Final Fantasy III is huge; with over sixty varied tracks. The music ranges from classical, ambient, waltzes, and even a little ragtime. Some of the tracks have a little too much reverb, but that was common for SNES games. Check out the extensive soundtrack here.
4 Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
If you can get past the sound of baby Mario’s crying, the music in this game, by Koji Kondo, is actually very well done. Much of the music has the whimsical tone of a Disney cartoon. There are also interesting concepts to some of the tracks, like the one track that imitates the sound of a music box – including the whir of spinning gears.
The main theme of the soundtrack is an funky, upbeat, Caribbean sound. The sampled drums and accompanying percussion instruments are particularly nice. The track titled “Flower Garden” is one of the best songs from the 16-bit era. Check out the soundtrack here, and Banjo Guy Ollie’s cover of “Flower Garden” here.
3 Super R-Type
This is for the early SNES game. This game’s music definitely sounds more like a Sega Genesis game – probably because of the lack of reverb. Some of the music has a light jazzy sound; the rest of the soundtrack is more of a driving techno style. All of the music in this game has a funky undertone to it. If you want to listen to this soundtrack go to Youtube, don’t play the game. It is an extremely difficult game; therefore it will be a while before you will hear the music in the later levels. Click here to check out the Super R-Type soundtrack.
2 Earthworm Jim: Special Edition
All the versions of Earthworm Jim had good music, but the Special Edition for the Sega CD was by far the best. The Special Edition had improved graphics, animation, along with some extra content - the biggest improvement was to the game’s soundtrack though. This soundtrack is varied in style. There are ragtime, rock, funky jazz, and ambient tunes that are perfectly suited for their levels. Some of the tracks have pre-sampled sound effects, like animal noises, which should have been left out. You can listen to the soundtrack here.
1 Ecco The Dolphin
This is for the Sega CD version of Ecco the Dolphin. The other versions of Ecco the Dolphin didn’t really have much of a soundtrack, but for the Sega CD version Shiny really went the extra mile.
This soundtrack is not only worth listening to apart from playing the game, but it might be one of the best ambient albums you will ever listen to. The primary style is a sort of an transcendental ambient meets soothing techno, but there are some tracks that have a more ominous tone. If you only check out one soundtrack in this list, make it this one – which you can do here.
NEXT: The 10 Best Soundtracks From The 8-Bit Generation
