For me definitely The world ends with you. It completely shaped my modern taste in funk, pop, rap and hip hop. That and Jet set radio.
FFX back in the PS2 day’s was when I discovered I really love heavy metal.
Not an awakening per se but Splinter Cell Chaos Theory introduced me to Amon Tobin and the world of weird, experimental electronic music.
Symphony of the night of course, bust before that also games like streets of rage (1,2) and thunder force 4.
I don’t know if it shaped anything but definitely inspired increased listening. Tropico, any version. Those games always have excellent playlists. The music is so good, I could be board with the game and still play because the music drags you in.
I don’t know if it was necessarily an awakening, but I’ve had the music from Super Mario Brothers in my head for 40 years. It’s so damn catchy.
Strangely, despite playing many games over the years, and enjoying tons of soundtracks and themes, I don’t think any of them awakened any interest that weren’t already there. Owing, I suppose, to a pretty diverse exposure in my youth which led to a lot of seeking new genres.
With perhaps this exception:
Civ 4’s Warlords Expansion pack.
The theme is a classic Lebanese folk song called ‘Al Nadda’, popularized by famed singer and actress Sabah.
It’s a catchy little tune that sticks in your head. You can find many variations, including the original (roughly 1963ish), as well as instrumental versions, online. Sometimes it is reimagined in a modern style like this one:
SSX tricky for the PS2
Portal 2. Absolute banger of a soundtrack that I have listened to over and over, and I absolutely loved Exile Vilify by The National, which frustratingly is not on Spotify.
I always liked electronic music but Machinarium made me consciously realize how much I liked ambient music and how much could be done with it.
And now the sequel has been announced!!
Whaaaaa? I searched the tubes and it’s true. Amaaaazing!https://boingboing.net/2026/10/09/classic-puzzle-game-machinarium-is-getting-a-surprise-sequel.html
Hotline Miami.
Adding a few more to my list.
Spyro (PS1) - Stewart Copeland’s genius cannot he understated, and subsuqently got me into his original band The Police (I’m seennddinngg out an S O S)
Final Fantasy VII and IX both sound tracks I go back to frequently
Kingdom Hearts definitely started my love for JPop
Lots of songs from Tony Hawk (the PS1 era)
Undertale and Celeste for me for sure
need for speed underground for obvious reasons
Stubbs the zombie got me into indie rock
Tony hawks pro skater series and gta vice city mostly
Love fist
Tony Hawk Undergound 1 and 2 for me, someone made a Spotify playlist for their soundtracks and I use it on at least a weekly basis
Ah, I used to just drive around like a normal driver listening to the radio stations in GTA vice City. Damn they were so good
The stations were just MP3 files on the game disc. I burned them to an audio CD and had them in my car.
Libertycityhardcore!
Libertycityhardcore!
Libertycityhardcore!
Fuck!
You!
So many
Half life.
Thief 1/2
Wing Commander 3
I may have a sweet spot for industrial music.
Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue! and Final Fantasy VII.
Then later on you obviously have all of the Guitar Heros and Rock Bands (I’m so excited for Stage Tour)
