10 Iconic Video Game Scores That'll Give You Goosebumps

10. Halo Series - Martin O'Donnell And Michael Salvatori

One might imagine a franchise like the Halo series - with its futuristic weaponry, alien hordes, space travel, and unashamed science fiction influences - to play out against a backdrop of beeps, boops, and lasers, electric keyboards, and the occasional theremin thrown in for good measure.

The reality, however, is really very different.

From the debut of Halo: Combat Evolved through to the upcoming Halo Infinite for Xbox Series X, Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori have taken fans of the franchise on a very different musical journey.

Where other sci-fi shooters may rely on the aforementioned keyboards and electronic drum loops, Halo has always been more about pianos and haunting chorus lines by full, live choirs.

Tracks like Halo 3's "One Final Effort" demonstrate this beautifully, with both dramatic and beautiful effects.

Beginning with a piano ringing out the familiar Halo theme, the track builds, layer upon layer, with increasingly dramatic sense of pace and urgency, all complimenting the accompanying gameplay sequence(s) perfectly.

Ending more or less where it started, the track culminates in a reprisal of the opening piano theme, bringing a sense of calm to the proceedings, and allowing the player / listener to catch their breath following such an intense musical ride.