Isn’t it fascinating how video game audio we heard long ago can trigger memories even years later?
Although often overlooked when discussing video games, nostalgic game sound effects possess an incredible power of bringing back long-forgotten memories.
If your favorite old games could produce smells, they would probably evoke very similar reactions! It’s a fascinating subject, so let’s take a look at classic titles that have the most recognizable and iconic sounds.
The Most Iconic Game Sound Effects of All Time
Mario Jump
While Mario is iconic enough with his signature attributes, such as his lush mustache and charming nature, the jump audio is one of his landmark sound design moments. Today’s grown-up kids surely remember that endless boink boink!
Sonic Ring
While people celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog for his incredible speed, his ring effect remains well-known to this day as one of the most famous game sounds. If you’ve ever played a game featuring Sonic, there’s no way you’d mistake this sound for anything else.
Metal Gear Alert
The Metal Gear Solid alert is so iconic that probably every internet user has heard it at least once in their life. Why? It turns out that many YouTubers use it as an exclamation point in their videos, indicating surprise or other plot twists regarding the discussed topic. On the other hand, many Metal Gear fans complain that the sound appears too often in online videos.
Pokémon Level Up
When it comes to Pokémon video game audio design, most players mention the level-up sound as the most iconic. No wonder, since it suggests further progression and eventual evolution. Doo doo doo dooo!
Pac-Man Waka Waka
It’s fascinating how the human brain can associate the simplest sound with hours of fantastic fun – that’s the power of Pac-Man Waka Waka! Is there anything more satisfying than the memory of our beloved yellow hero eating?
Legend of Zelda Item Theme
Similar to the Metal Gear alert, the Legend of Zelda Item Theme is often used by YouTubers in their videos, indicating unraveling some piece of information. In contrast, players associate it with the most satisfying feeling of achievement!
Doom Door Opening
Interestingly, the Doom door opening sound doesn’t originate from the game itself but from recordings for the Bradbury 13 radio series. Moreover, it’s a compilation of several independent sounds that create this memorable theme!
Conclusion
According to a 2022 review, nostalgic music seems to improve the listener’s mood. Furthermore, it has the potential to help patients with dementia, and that may include memorable sound effects from video games.
And while this topic still needs to be further researched since video games have only recently become a subject of study, there is a hint of truth in how we can recall the most ancient, nostalgic, happy, or sad memories by hearing the sound itself.
Sources:
- https://www.voicemod.net/en/base/video-game-sound-effects/
- https://www.stuff.tv/features/13-iconic-video-game-sounds-thatll-take-you-back-in-time/
- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BJgFbx-0nRA
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo_QZhKxKK4
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yGfQak-q9M
- https://www.reddit.com/r/metalgearsolid/comments/ykbryr/i_hate_that_the_alert_sound_is_mainstream_and/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv6dAUwZv2s
- https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/16wxy5c/which_game_has_the_most_iconic_level_up_sound/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHSnLtzCcE8
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69AyYUJUBTg
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BVygrVoxC8
- https://doomwiki.org/wiki/Origins_of_Doom_sounds
- https://www.inverse.com/gaming/nostalgic-video-game-music-does-this-to-your-brain