Video games and heavy metal mesh together well, in such a way that when combined, they come up with a viable product that give us a so-called heightened experience. This is also why the common majority considers them the ultimate slacker’s paradise. A vast amount of games – console, PC, and even mobile – take advantage of the genre’s aggressive nature, giving titles such as Call of Duty, Dead Space, and Gears of War the attention they deserve
The relationship between games and music has come a long way. From the classic arcade games of the past, to the present day’s plethora of multiplayer and online games, we normally recognize a connection just by hearing the theme music alone. In fact, In an infographic entitled ‘Music and Gaming’ it stated, “electronic entertainment has always hinged on sound’s ability to match the action on-screen with our growing anticipation of what happens next.” This is why as we subconsciously listen to a game’s background music, we get the feeling of an intensified event. It’s like we’re actually in the milieu rather than just playing it.
On paper, it reinforces the idea that violence and heavy metal go hand in hand. Games Radar reaffirms the point as they suggest, “to be truly metal takes passion, nerve, a black hole of rage deep in the soul, and an incoherent roaring voice that can clear the stratosphere.” Moreover, this hard-hitting genre gives video games in general easy recognition from players. Meaning, we often associate a band or a song to a popular gaming title in an instant. It’s a tall order, indeed, but there are a handful of games that truly capture the essence of heavy metal so perfectly, it’s effortless.
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Beavis and Butthead (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
This cult classic MTV animated show had a stranglehold over the hearts of the ultimate generation. Back in the day, the original rebels of the ‘90s (the counterpart of today’s Internet trolls) hung out at home, watched Beavis and Butthead, and lived the lifestyle. It’s so iconic – the characters and the actual music – that it gave justice to an equally fascinating and successful video game title.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (Playstation)
Before the turn of the century, console giants Sony released the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater for the PlayStation merely as a famous person-plus-inspiring storyline formula in the same manner as the Mike Tyson’s Punch Out of the past. However, as the skateboarding game quickly slid off store shelves and into living rooms, it slowly transformed, becoming one of the most iconic games of all time. It also helps that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater featured a soundtrack including Anthrax, Rage Against the Machine, and Motorhead.
Halo (Xbox)
Halo, on the other hand, is more than just the lifeblood, the savior of what was once a fading Xbox franchise; it’s an ideal outlet for heavy rock music and almost all its subgenres. As the console’s flagship title, the game made it a point to have intuitive gameplay and an enigmatic protagonist to inspire a generation. Add that to the fact that Halo featured tunes from the likes of Steve Vai and we’ve all got the ideal representation of gaming and metal.
