Ever since the technological capability has existed, game developers and publishers have looked to license great songs by mainstream artists as a sort of cross-promotional way to entertain the player, while exposing them to worthwhile music. Most of the time, developers make strong choices as to what songs would fit the mood or play style of the game, and thus, the game experience is enhanced.
Every so often, however, a song will fit so perfectly into a game’s cutscene or gameplay, that players will always associate that song with the game itself. I’m not talking about how “Cocaine” by Eric Clapton was memorable for Power Gig: Rise of the Sixstring because it was the only redeeming quality of the game. These are songs that, when heard on the radio, players will instantly find themselves taken back to the countless hours they poured into the game.
Please note that the list below may contain minor spoilers relating to the song and its appropriate use in the game. Check out the list below, and comment with what songs you instantly associate with games!
“Jerry Was a Racecar Driver” by Primus | Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (1999)
Also appearing on: ATV Offroad Fury (2001), The Bigs (2007), Rock Band 3 (2010)
Click here to view the embedded video.
“Superman” by Goldfinger | Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (1999)
Also appearing on: N/A
Click here to view the embedded video.
“All I Want” by The Offspring | Crazy Taxi (1999)
Also appearing on: Jugular Street Luge (2000), Rock Band DLC (2009)
Click here to view the embedded video.
“It’s Tricky” by Run D.M.C. | SSX Tricky (2001)
Also appearing on: SSX (2012)
Click here to view the embedded video.
“Broken Wings” by Mr. Mister | Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)
Also appearing on: N/A
Click here to view the embedded video.
“Through the Fire and Flames” by DragonForce | Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (2007)
Also appearing on: Audiosurf (2008), Brütal Legend (2009), Guitar Freaks V6 (2009), DrumMania V6 (2009), Guitar Hero Smash Hits (2009), Rock Band 3 DLC (2011)
Click here to view the embedded video.
“Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” by Cage the Elephant | Borderlands (2009)
Also appearing on: N/A
Click here to view the embedded video.
“Space Oddity” by David Bowie | Alan Wake (2010)
Also appearing on: Rock Band 3 (2010)
Click here to view the embedded video.
“Sympathy for the Devil” by The Rolling Stones | Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
Also appearing on: Tony Hawk’s Proving Grounds (2007), Guitar Hero 5 (2009)
Click here to view the embedded video.
“Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler | Saints Row: The Third (2011)
Also appearing on: N/A
Click here to view the embedded video.
Big thanks to @kitlerc on Twitter for the suggestion of “It’s Tricky”
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