For myself, a "good soundtrack" is one that, regardless of music style and source (original music or licensed tracks) fits in well with the game itself. With that in mind, in no particular order, these are the games which I remember for having a good soundtrack (in no particular order):
The Medievil games on PS1 had a great Elfman-style soundtrack to accompany the Burton-style visuals.
Ico had a fantastic soundtrack - like the game itself, it was both minimalist and poignant.
The Syphon Filter series on PS1 (up to SF3) had great modern-spy interactive music by Chuck Doud. The PSP games have similar music, but not as good I think. The PS2 SF:Omega Strain went for orchestral, which I didn't like at all.
SSX and SSX Tricky had some of the best licensed music to fit a game. Later sequels went for the generic EA "rawwk" soundtrack that has ruined other series as well (Burnout for example).
One does not do a best-soundtrack list without mention of the fabulous Grand Theft Auto: Vice City music. As much as the 80's style was evident everywhere, it was the songs which really took us back in time! Also, GTA:Vice City had one of the most extensive game soundtracks to be released - 8 CDs in total I think!
The God of War games had epic-sounding scores that fit the action perfectly.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time had an intriguing score, mixing oriental themes with modern sound. The delicate balance was lost in the sequels.
Jet Set Radio and Jet Set Radio Future had great synergy between style and music as well.
I recall that both Red Faction games on PS2 had fantastic original music.
Rebel Without a Pulse had a great lineup of oldies performed by contemporary artists, to go with its steampunk/60's style (steamhippie, maybe?) Sadly, the music was criminally under-used in the game itself.
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few titles, I'll post any I remember later!
The Medievil games on PS1 had a great Elfman-style soundtrack to accompany the Burton-style visuals.
Ico had a fantastic soundtrack - like the game itself, it was both minimalist and poignant.
The Syphon Filter series on PS1 (up to SF3) had great modern-spy interactive music by Chuck Doud. The PSP games have similar music, but not as good I think. The PS2 SF:Omega Strain went for orchestral, which I didn't like at all.
SSX and SSX Tricky had some of the best licensed music to fit a game. Later sequels went for the generic EA "rawwk" soundtrack that has ruined other series as well (Burnout for example).
One does not do a best-soundtrack list without mention of the fabulous Grand Theft Auto: Vice City music. As much as the 80's style was evident everywhere, it was the songs which really took us back in time! Also, GTA:Vice City had one of the most extensive game soundtracks to be released - 8 CDs in total I think!
The God of War games had epic-sounding scores that fit the action perfectly.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time had an intriguing score, mixing oriental themes with modern sound. The delicate balance was lost in the sequels.
Jet Set Radio and Jet Set Radio Future had great synergy between style and music as well.
I recall that both Red Faction games on PS2 had fantastic original music.
Rebel Without a Pulse had a great lineup of oldies performed by contemporary artists, to go with its steampunk/60's style (steamhippie, maybe?) Sadly, the music was criminally under-used in the game itself.
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few titles, I'll post any I remember later!
