Daily Debate: What is Your Favorite Zelda Soundtrack?
Posted on March 04 2022 by Michaela El-Ters
The Zelda series taught me the value and power of music in video games. From the iconic audio cue that accompanies opening treasure chests in Ocarina of Time to the musical instruments that grant Link various abilities ranging from time travel to summoning rain in Majora’s Mask, music plays an important role in the franchise. Every game has a diversified soundtrack with some memorable callbacks and recurring character melodies sprinkled throughout, and all of these pieces create a holistic experience. Frankly, I’ve been spoiled by how good the music is (something I didn’t fully appreciate until I played Dragon Quest XI…yikes).
Zelda soundtracks have the whole package, including excellent town themes, overworld music, and battle themes that contribute to each one’s identity. With so many to choose from, which is your favorite soundtrack from top to bottom? My answer has changed on this over the years, but I think The Wind Waker has my favorite soundtrack across the board. While some games have stellar town themes or less than stellar battle music, or standout overworld music but mediocre dungeon themes, I find that The Wind Waker ticks all the boxes of having a cohesive identity to the music. When I hear music from The Wind Waker, like “Dragon Roost Island” or “The Great Sea” I immediately associate my experiences playing the game with each melody. While I feel strongly about certain tracks in other games (like excellent tracks such as “Lorule Castle” in A Link Between Worlds and “Ballad of the Windfish” in Link’s Awakening), The Wind Waker‘s music continues to be incredibly strong and memorable for me.
What about you? What is your favorite Zelda game soundtrack, and why? Let us know in the comments!
Michaela El-Ters is a Senior Editor for Zelda Dungeon. She is also an Senior Writer for Boss Rush Network, and writes blogs and streams games on Objection Network. Her favorite Zelda game changes with the seasons, but the series as a whole is near and dear to her heart.
