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Whether you’re a child or a grown adult, there’s always something magical about playing a new video game for the first time. And a lot of that magic has to do with the games’ sound effects. Some video game sound effects are so epic and well-known that the moment you hear them, memories from your youth come flooding back in. From first-person shooters to lengthy adventure titles, the top video game sounds all have one thing in common: They make a difference in how we ultimately experience the game.
Chances are you already have a few iconic sound effects that come to mind when you think of the best video game sounds. And that’s what we’re going to talk about today. Take a look at our list of top 10 most iconic sound effects in video game history:
Our favorite blue hedgehog is famous for a number of reasons. But let’s face it: We can’t talk about the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise without mentioning its video game SFX, more specifically, the unmistakable ring sound effect.
Sure, you could probably find this in many collections of free sound effects online. But you can’t deny the impact that the ring sound effect has had when it comes to video game sound design. Whether you’re talking to a total newbie or a long-time veteran, everyone and anyone–even people who don’t play video games–can recognize this sound.
Ready to power up? From the adorable mustache to the stylish red hat, the famous Italian video game character has many features that make him the icon that he is. But nothing screams “Super Mario” like the video game’s jumping sound effect, which pop culture has referenced for decades.
Even if it lasts less than six seconds, this iconic sound effect is enough to mentally transport anyone back to the golden age of video games.
Be sure to check out Tuna, our community sound library, to add this exact sound effect to your soundboard!
Mysterious, engaging, nostalgic. The Legend of Zelda’s iconic sound effects are almost as famous as its incredible gameplay and storytelling.
The most recognizable sound effect is probably the chime sound that plays when the player discovers a secret within the game. Whether you’re trying to solve a complex labyrinth or simply stroll through an undiscovered area in the game’s map, you can expect this sound to pop up when you’re near a hidden treasure or path.
No fighting game would be complete without its share of custom sound effects designed to keep the energy at an all-time high. And if you’re a veteran gamer, you know there’s no brawler as famous as Street Fighter’s Ryu.
Aside from his power and martial arts skills, we’d argue that Ryu’s most recognizable trait is his iconic shout: “Hadouken!” Honestly, there’s nothing more satisfying than hearing this Street Fighter defeat sound right before defeating an opponent.
As one of the most influential video games ever released, it’s no surprise that Pacman is on our list of top video game sounds. No matter how old you are, we bet you’d be able to recognize this yellow character’s signature “waka waka” noise from a mile away.
What better way to enjoy a Pacman game than with your speakers blasting as you gobble up lines of white dots and avoid the pestering ghosts. You can find plenty of free sound effects inspired by this class video game SFX, like these Pacman sounds from our community on Tuna.
We can’t mention the Street Fighter defeat sound on this list without also referencing the custom sound effects in Mortal Kombat. While its main claim to fame is its controversial, gore-drenched gameplay, the franchise is also famous for a few iconic sound effects of its own.
Even if you haven’t played a Mortal Kombat game yourself, you can probably recognize Scorpion’s iconic “Get over here!” shout. No matter the situation, you can tell things are going to get ugly from the moment he says it.
We’re not finished with Mortal Kombat just yet.
In addition to Scorpion’s famous catchphrase, you can’t talk about the video game SFX without acknowledging the iconic line: “Finish him/her!” This line always comes in just before a character performs a fatality on their defeated opponent (another sound effect that’s worth an honorable mention). When you hear this, get ready for your screen to fill with some gruesome, bloody imagery.
Turning our attention to a much more kid-friendly game, we can’t forget all those iconic custom sound effects we heard during the Wii’s glory days.
Wii Sports had many different sound effects to accompany its gameplay, but there’s none that we love more than the Wii Tennis sound effects. This sound is played every time you hit a tennis ball with your Mii and it’s honestly one of the most satisfying sounds ever. So whether you’re competing against a friend or family member, you know it’s time to bring your A-game any time this effect starts playing.
Speaking of satisfying game sound effects, let’s bring it back to The Legend of Zelda and its thrilling chest opening sound effect.
This gorgeous melody plays any time Link opens a new chest, an exciting highlight to the discovery of a new weapon, item, or something else. Regardless of what you receive, there’s nothing as rewarding as this brief song, especially when playing a game as fascinating as the Zelda series. It’s basically nostalgia in audio form!
Last but certainly not least, we conclude our list of top video game sounds by revisiting the Super Mario serious and its unforgettable sound effect… The coin collect noise!
Even if you only play one hour of a Mario game, you’re bound to hear this chime dozens–if not hundred–of times throughout your gaming session. And no matter how many times you hear it, it’s basically impossible to grow tired of the sound. Young or old, every gamer holds this “cha-ching” melody in a special place in their heart.
Now that you know the top video game sounds of all time, you can add them to your Voicemod’s Soundboard feature to play them in all your gameplays, streaming sessions, or group chats. Head over to Tuna and search through thousands of sound effects organized by different categories that you can then add to Voicemod for customizable soundboards. And if you’re feeling really inspired, go ahead and add your own sound effects to Tuna to keep the content flowing!
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