Sound is incredibly important in video games, both for conveying information and influencing the player’s mood. Video game history is packed with memorable tunes, from Tetris‘ rearrangement of Russian folk song “Korobeiniki,” to the iconic Super Mario Bros. theme, to Untitled Goose Game‘s innovative use of Debussy’s “Préludes.” Yet while instrumental tracks are by far the most common, some of the best video game songs also include vocals.
Early video games didn’t have the technology to include music with lyrics, limiting 8-bit games to compositions of chiptune beeps and trills. But an impressive catalogue of vocal video game songs has formed since then, many of which are more than capable of standing on their own.
Here are some of the best video game songs that feature vocals, listed in chronological order. Beware: There will be spoilers ahead.
