I'm about a third of the way through the fourth game and I had the idea brewing of highlighting some of the best from the four original Ratchet & Clank games.
There's far too many to adequately highlight but I believe these are some of my personal standouts.
First game
Orxon perfectly encapsulates how cold and inhospitable the planet has become.
Gemlik Base hits hard with that chilling first note and surreal scene. Makes you wary of what's around each corner.
Kalebo III is such a uniquely mechanical song I can't quite place it. Very memorable.
Second game
Tabora Mining Area beautifully reflects the desolate planet with hidden pockets what little life remains.
Wupash Nebula is a surreal mix of ethereal yet present in the high stakes moment of fighting the facility defenses.
Silver City is a rad bop at a major difficulty milestone.
Third game
Starship Phoenix is iconic. Stately. Grounding yet open to possibilities.
Aquatos has that bubbly jazzy vibe with a touch of mystery and dread that makes for a very compelling song.
Obani Gemini is a calmer atmospheric song that echoes itself into space in a haunting way. Love it!
Gah! The third game has so many bops it's so difficult for me to choose just three!
Obani Draco is an intense, mysterious, and very catchy that combined with the environment produces such a uniquely trippy vibe I can't even put words to it.
Thran Asteroid is a frosty, unforgiving work of art.
Fuck. Uh...
Fourth Game
Labyrinth of Death is so sharp, grindy, & industrial it echoes the kind of cold malice reminiscent of the original Orxon.
Lost and Found is a toxic mix of atmospheric tension that I absolutely love.
Energy Collector is tense atmospheric rock that melts to determined melancholy.
Oh god I did it again uh...
Grinding Chase is great piece of atmospheric rock that rips wit a charged upbeat atmosphere that the guitars help carry you on along the grind rails, and then throw some awesome funk. Masterpiece.
Prison Break is more rock BUT atmospheric and so surreal. Spooky even.
Amaya 🌹