Greatest PC Game Songs: 1990-1995, Part Two

Welcome to part three of our series showcasing some of the best tunes ever composed for our little PC gaming ears. There is no set criteria for making the list, and no songs are ranked higher than others. We are simply showing our love for these great numbers heard from our favorite PC games. Enjoy!

“Theme”

Composer: Al Lowe
Year: 1991

The best version of the classic Leisure Suit Larry anthem, composed by the series’ creator Al Lowe himself. This was the last time we heard that memorable tune in such a unique way.

“TIM”

Composer: Timothy Steven Clarke & Randy Dersham
Year: 1995

The best way to describe the theme song to The Incredible Machine is: “creative.” It hits on that key human emotion that brings out imagination. This song makes you want to think, which is what the game essentially required for someone to play it!

“War Has Never Been So Much Fun”

Composer: Jon Hare & Richard Joseph
Year: 1994

Satire is arguably a rarity in the video game medium. And when it does show up, it’s either really good, or really bad. “War Has Never Been So Much Fun” is probably the best satire ever seen in PC gaming. Aside from the song itself, the game Cannon Fodder is also famous for its “dark humor” and social commentary on war. Not to mention it’s extremely catchy.

“What The Heck?!”

Composer: Tommy Tallarico
Year: 1994

Mix 19th-century romanticism classical music with 20th century elevator music, and you have “What the Heck?!” With Tommy Tallarico handling the composing, Earthworm Jim had quite a unique soundtrack, with this number being the most unique. In a hellish way.

“Act on Instinct”

Composer: Frank Klepacki
Year: 1995

I only first played the original Command & Conquer four years ago. I booted the game up, watched the astounding intro cutscene, and then loaded the first mission. The first thing that caught my attention wasn’t the gameplay; it was the music. “Act on Instinct” alongside “Hell March” from Red Alert are probably the Command & Conquer series anthems, and both are totally well-deserved.

“Theme”

Composer: Robert A. Allen & Joshua Jensen
Year: 1994

Jazz Jackrabbit is sort of a cult classic. One of those games that got lost in the endless sea of other titles being released around the same time. Epic wanted to basically put Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog series onto the PC, so they essentially just took the staple of the Sonic games (speed) and ported it to the PC. While I’m not that big of fan of the game, the music is really good. The theme song will stay in your head.

“Doll Room”

Composer: George “The Fat Man” Sanger
Year: 1993

Sometimes video game music doesn’t have to be happy and catchy. Sometimes, it can be dark and gloomy. That’s what this song from The 7th Guest is. The 7th Guest was one of the early full-motion video pioneers, complete with a cast of actors and a plot of any good B-horror movie. This song will make you scared outside of the game.

“Eat Your Veggies”

Composer: Robert “Bobby” Prince
Year: 1991

You’ve got to eat your vegetables! Billy, did you hear me? You’ve got to eat your vegetables! The anthem of the Dopefish, the anthem of life.