We've come a long way with music in games. As you can see in the photo, there are symphonic orchestras performing Final Fantasy soundtracks for thousands of people now - this isn't your little brother's 8-bit obsession anymore. Earlier this week we discussed the Greatest Video Game ever, which was very enlightening if not hilarious. I know many hardcore gamers also take their their favorite game tunes just as seriously - and into their mp3 players. SO! Settle this - which single game stands out in your mind as having the best soundtrack - *ever* - in the history of video games??? That's a pretty tall order. Even as I'm writing this, I'm struggling with my own vote. I narrowed it down to five (ok, maybe TEN) and provided download links to mp3s for your consideration.

So many good soundtracks, which do we choose?

Click on the links provided below to download samples of my top picks. Please submit your own picks if not on this list! Do I go with the emotional Final Fantasy X or 7 soundtracks (why did she have to die!!!) go with a retro awesomeness of either Lifeforce or MegaMan 2 (I looove the Airman song - OC Remix has a great one too), or go with the funky Jpop variety of Gitaroo Man or Katamari Damacy (let's roll up to beeee a single star in the sky), or should I choose the darker ambient sounds of Silent Hill 2, or the 16-bit sounds of Super Adventure Island or the original Streets of Rage.... ...or meet myself somewhere inbetween.... Yes, that's definately my pick. I may filter out some of those grizzly satanic tracks, but I never ever get sick of hearing the Castlevania: Symphony of the Night soundtrack. It has classical piano, hard rock and roll, vocal choruses, and captures the essense of both classic video game music and newer symphonic production values. That always has permanence on my iPod and is my vote for best video game soundtrack ever. What's yours?