10

Crusader Kings III

Year: 2017
Composer(s): Andreas Waldetoft; Philip Wareborn
5 star tracks: 3

This showpiece of the 'games with a medieval setting' category ranks surprisingly low, with only three tracks scoring 5 stars in my rating. However, this may be due to the meagre scope of the soundtrack, coming in at just nine tracks, so 1/3 top ratings reads quite differently again. As an epochal fetishist, I naturally like the banging tracks that proclaim a 'royal sense of rule' right in your face. On the other hand, there are the quieter, strategy game-style background tracks, which accompany the tactics on the world map in a pleasantly unagitated manner. With more to choose from, there would probably have been a higher ranking in this category, but unfortunately it's only good enough for the entry level.

9

For Honor

Year: 2017
Composer(s): Danny Bensi; Saunder Jurriaans
5 star tracks: 4

The fact that a game with the title For Honor would qualify for this list should be self-evident. Even if it's debatable whether the childhood dream of a battle arena with Vikings, knights and samurai is really that historically accurate, I've included it. After all, all three factions were represented in the Middle Ages. The fact that they probably never met in this form is of secondary importance.

The accompanying music with its powerful instrumentation is fun and the highlight tracks are pleasantly short - after all, who has time to listen to songs that are longer than two minutes? What's more, in keeping with the games-as-a-service principle, new albums are constantly being added to the score. So fans can look forward to further additions in the future, as can readers of this article - after all, there are still eight more soundtracks to come.

8

The Settlers

contains The Settlers II (1996) | Die Siedler II – Die nächste Generation (2006)

Year: 1996-2006
Composer(s): Haiko Ruttmann
5 star tracks: 7

The Settlersused to be a guarantee for fun build-up entertainment with a observation-factor, which was only topped - or at least completed - by the beautiful and catchy music. The fact that it was only enough for 8th place here is due to the fact that, in addition to the aforementioned Siedler III and Siedler IV also Das Erbe der Könige (bad game, good score) were excluded as you can erect a building that allows you to change the seasons. Strict, I know, but I have to be firm.

Nevertheless, 8th place is quite respectable, after all, the games don't score points with me because of their unusual soundscapes, but largely because of the nostalgia bonus, which takes me right back to a simpler past of sometimes more, sometimes less peaceful settlement. Fans will be able to empathize with me, but for everyone else I recommend a short, acoustic relaxation bath in the background music of my childhood.

7

Ghost of Tsushima

Year: 2020
Composer(s): Ilan Eshkeri; Shigeru Umebayashi; Chad Cannon
5 star tracks: 8

This place is probably the only shaky candidate where I'm not 100% sure, due to a lack of gaming experience, whether the supernatural has been avoided or if something unnatural does take place here and there in the game. Be that as it may, I never promised infallibility, so I can be forgiven for that Ghost of Tsushima takes 7th place in this list.

Again, not everyone who is exclusively interested in the Middle Ages will be satisfied here. As you would expect, the focus in this samurai adventure is on Asian sound culture - and since it falls into the same era, I can recommend this very atmospheric score here. The music composed by Ilan Eshkeri and Shigeru Umebayashi is exciting, soulful and absolutely atmospheric. A definite must for anyone in the mood for Asian action entertainment.

6

Stronghold

contains Stronghold (2001) | Stronghold 2 (2005) | Stronghold Crusader 2 (2014)

Year: 2001-2014
Composer(s): Robert L. Euvino
5 star tracks: 10

Here I readily admit that the classification of the tracks is probably not entirely correct. After all, inside the music department of the Stronghold-series, songs tend to be passed on from game to game, slightly varied or instrumentalized, so I can't say exactly which song appeared by which name in which spin-off. Be that as it may, the reuse of melodies does not necessarily speak for simple cost-cutting measures, but can equally be interpreted as the preservation of a cherished tradition - and that fits perfectly with the medieval theme.

If you're looking for epic battle tracks or driving rhythms, you won't find them here (with the exception of "The Lamb"). Instead, the score of the Stronghold-games brings the romanticized charm of being a lord of the castle to life for long passages, suggesting that a world without sewers, medical facilities or oral hygiene is not so bad after all. Together with the the soundtrack of The Guild 2 - more on that later - this is probably the most authentic medieval experience on this top 10 list.

5

Anno 1404

Year: 2009
Composer(s): Dynamedion
5 star tracks: 12

With a time period up to the 15th century, unfortunately only the third offshoot of the series, Anno 1404falls into the grid of this list. The fact that it is still enough to conquer the middle of the ranking in 5th place should be sufficient proof of the quality featured in this outstanding score. The German composition studio Dynamedion, which we will encounter twice more on this list, shows after Anno 1701 its quality and delivers catchy tunes with a feel-good factor in tracks such as "When Cultures Meet", "The Outpost" and "Moneycounters".

At the same time, they incorporate another important facet of the Middle Ages, namely the Orient, which we see in Anno 1404 as an additional region and which, in a historical context, is responsible for some of the most important scientific achievements of this era. The motto is: unwind and enjoy.

4

Age of Empires

contains Age of Empires II (1999) | Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (2019) | Age of Empires IV (2021)

Year: 1999-2021
Composer(s): Kevin McMullan; David Rippy; Stephen Rippy; Todd Masten; Dynamedion
5 star tracks: 12

It was obvious that at least one of the Age of Empires-games would appear on this list, right? Naturally, the choice falls on the second part of the series, which can be clearly located in the Middle Ages, as well as its new edition in the form of the Definitive Edition from 2019. The newest rendition, Age IV pushes the series with three 5-tracks past Anno 1404 and climbs to fourth place on this ranking.

Unlike the Stronghold-games, there is not a trace of romance to be heard in these games. Instead, we are offered cool themes that oscillate between melodic and dramatic, are fun to listen to and prove that background music in strategy games does not necessarily have to be low-key in order not to disturb. In authentic style, of course, featuring bagpipes and harpsichord.

3

The Guild 2

Year: 2006
Composer(s): Dynamedion
5 star tracks: 13

Even though The Guild 2 is probably the least known, let alone the most successful game in this list, the music is probably the closest thing to a medieval atmosphere. As with Anno 1404 and Age of Empires IV the lads and lasses from Germany show just how beautiful video game music can be.

With its minimalist instrumentation, "A Farmer's Life" brings out the simplicity of medieval peasant life without distracting from its hardships. "The Court" and "The Keep" have a stately, royal feel, and tracks like "Through the Citygates" and "Netherlands" conjure up images of feudal alleyways or farmland before our mind's eye.

The Guild 2 represents one of these examples that I wish to highlight on this website: insider tips. Sure, for me the actual game has its charm and I enjoyed it so much back then that there is hardly any other series for which I would like to see a successful sequel so badly. But since I will probably never get one, at least I have the amazing soundtrack, which can even be heard in other games such as Runes of Magic - is there a better seal of quality?

2

Assassin’s Creed

contains Assassin’s Creed (2007) | Assassin’s Creed II (2009) | Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (2010)

Year: 2007-2010
Composer(s): Jesper Kyd
5 star tracks: 13

In the case of 2nd place, I am happy to argue whether the inclusion of the Assassin’s Creed-series in this list is justified. After all, the premise is that we replay the historical events of the main character Desmond Miles' ancestors and the later protagonists in the modern day through the Animus. That screams more sci-fi than feudal. But since the games themselves are set in a historically accurate context and there is no fantastic content (with the exception of the eso artifacts), I still think it is justified that at least individual parts are listed here. In other words: Assassin’s Creed, Assassin’s Creed II as well as Assassin’s Creed II: Brotherhood are in, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (transition to the Renaissance) and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (superhuman abilities and gods plot) are out. Besides, this is my list, so I do what I want anyway.

After this very technical and absolutely plausible explanation, now to the why. Why does the Assassin’s Creed-score rank so high on this list? On the one hand, of course, because with three entries there already is a large pool for good tracks. Secondly, however, because the music in the series is generally considered to be extremely worth listening to, myself included. Where forefather Assassin’s-Creed 1 still falls somewhat behind and in my opinion is one of the weakest entries in the series, composer Jesper Kyd shows what fantastic pieces he can come up with in part 2 at the latest.

Tracks like "Earth", "Ezio's Family" or "Flight Over Venice 1" are iconic and still frequently quoted by their successors today. "Venice Rooftops", with its masterful blending of guitars, strings and vocals, creates a rarely achieved and intoxicating sense of freedom. We can literally see Ezio light-footedly leaping over the rooftops of the city or racing through the streets sitting on a cart in "Chariot Chase". If I hadn't decided to limit myself to the Middle Ages, the series would easily have reached the top spot - but without this limitation, the ranking wouldn't exist at all. In this respect, Jesper Kyd has to make do with 2nd place and admit defeat to one game series that represents the Middle Ages like no other.

1

Total War

contains Medieval: Total War (2002) | Medieval II: Total War (2006)

Year: 2002-2006
Composer(s): Jeff van Dyck; Richard Vaughan; James Vincent
5 star tracks: 13

You can expect two things from a game whose title screen begins with an interpretation of the Christian litany 'Kyrie eleison', or 'Lord, have mercy on us', and mixes this call for grace in a death-defying, oppressive marching melody with the chiming of a grandfather clock: firstly, it presents the cruelty of battlefields in times when people slaughtered others to please their Lord, relentlessly and brutally. Secondly, we are treated to a soundtrack that is second to none and knows how to walk the fine line between excitement and depression better than any other.

Jeff van Dyck, together with Richard Vaughan and James Vincent, manages to compose a music in Medieval 2: Total War , which sounds just like the Middle Ages. Both the instrumentalization and the themes, such as the Kyrie eleison mentioned above, create a knightly atmosphere like in no other game. Through the design of the battle music we get offered, as with Anno 1404, different spectra of the medieval world:

"Crusaders" is in the spirit of its predecessor Rome: Total War and seems like a continuation of the Roman campaign of conquest. Songs like "High Winds" and "Death Lullaby", on the other hand, have a more southern feel and suggest battles in sunnier climates. At the same time, "This Is It" presents us with moods such as the final rebellion against the implacable enemy, while "The Widow" suggests the fate of the bereaved in a sad and hopeful way.

Now the series alone with Medieval 2 would not have made it onto the winners' podium were it not for the predecessor Medieval: Total War from 2002, which levies at least one 5-star track, resulting in a tie between the Assassin’s Creed– and Total War-series. But because it's my list, I get to decide who ends up in 1st place in the case of a tie, and in my opinion that simply has to go to Medieval after all, 'Medieval' is the fucking name.

That's why it's number one of the best strategy games ever with one of, if not the best (medieval) soundtrack.

	Title	Interpret(en)	Album
	Charge of the Knights	Andreas Waldetoft; Nina Åkerblom Nielsen	Crusader Kings III
	The Crusade Starts	Andreas Waldetoft	Crusader Kings III
	The Dynasty	Andreas Waldetoft	Crusader Kings III
	Fugacious Hope	Luc St-Pierre	For Honor: Year of Reckoning
	The Jotunn's Tides	Luc St-Pierre	For Honor: Year of the Covenants
	The Plunderers	Luc St-Pierre	For Honor: Year of the Covenants
	The Medjay's Deliverance	Luc St-Pierre	For Honor: Lost Horizons
	Die Felder blühen (Siedeln)	Haiko Ruttmann	The Settlers II
	Battle	Haiko Ruttmann	The Settlers II (10th Anniversary)
	Briefing	Haiko Ruttmann	The Settlers II (10th Anniversary)
	Credits	Haiko Ruttmann	The Settlers II (10th Anniversary)
	Rome	Haiko Ruttmann	The Settlers II (10th Anniversary)
	Rome 4	Haiko Ruttmann	The Settlers II (10th Anniversary)
	The Settlers II 10th Anniversary	Haiko Ruttmann	The Settlers II (10th Anniversary)
	The Last of Clan Adachi	Ilan Eshkeri	Ghost of Tsushima
	The Tale of Sensei Ishikawa	Ilan Eshkeri	Ghost of Tsushima
	The Fate of Tsushima	Ilan Eshkeri	Ghost of Tsushima
	Sacrifice of Tradition	Ilan Eshkeri	Ghost of Tsushima
	Lightning in the Storm	Chad Cannon	Ghost of Tsushima: Music from Iki Island & Legends
	The Battle for Iki Island	Chad Cannon	Ghost of Tsushima: Music from Iki Island & Legends
	The Eagle's Curse	Chad Cannon	Ghost of Tsushima: Music from Iki Island & Legends
	Forged in Blood	Chad Cannon	Ghost of Tsushima: Music from Iki Island & Legends
	Castle Jam	Robert Euvino	Stronghold
	Two Mandolins	Robert Euvino	Stronghold
	Harp	Robert Euvino	Stronghold 2
	Harp 2	Robert Euvino	Stronghold 2
	O'Carolan's Draft (Arranged)	Robert Euvino	Stronghold 2
	O'Carolan's Draft (Solo)	Robert Euvino	Stronghold 2
	The Lamb	Robert Euvino	Stronghold 2
	Wedding Song	Robert Euvino	Stronghold 2
	Brawler	Robert Euvino	Stronghold 2
	Breathe	Robert L. Euvino	Stronghold Crusader 2 [Gamerip]
	Bow to the King	Pierre Langer; Tilman Sillescu	Anno 1404
	Moneycounters	Pierre Langer; Tilman Sillescu	Anno 1404
	Monumental Cathedral	Pierre Langer; Tilman Sillescu	Anno 1404
	The Outpost	Pierre Langer; Tilman Sillescu	Anno 1404
	When Cultures Meet	Pierre Langer; Tilman Sillescu	Anno 1404
	The Outpost [Variation]	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	Anno 1404 [Gamerip]
	Salt of Earth [Variation]	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	Anno 1404 [Gamerip]
	Joy and Hapiness	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	Anno 1404 [Gamerip]
	The Battle	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	Anno 1404 [Gamerip]
	Coronation of a King	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	Anno 1404 [Gamerip]
	Restored Kingdom	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	Anno 1404 [Gamerip]
	Restored Kingdom [Variation]	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	Anno 1404 [Gamerip]
	The Guild 2	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	The Guild 2
	Walking Forest	Tilman Sillescu	The Guild 2
	A Farmer's Life	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	The Guild 2
	The Keep	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	The Guild 2
	Hamlet	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	The Guild 2
	Festival	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	The Guild 2
	Romance	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	The Guild 2
	Forlorn	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	The Guild 2
	Marketplace	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	The Guild 2
	Victory in Combat	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	The Guild 2
	Through the Citygates	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	The Guild 2
	The Court	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	The Guild 2
	Netherlands	Tilman Sillescu; Pierre Langer	The Guild 2
	Quest for Butter	Stephen Rippy	Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
	I Will Beat on Your Behind	Stephen Rippy	Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
	Bass Bag	Stephen Rippy	Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
	Rich Corinthian Leather	Stephen Rippy	Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
	Pork Parts	Kevin McMullan; David Rippy; Stehphen Rippy	Age of Empires II: The Conquerors
	Voodoodoodoo	Kevin McMullan; David Rippy; Stehphen Rippy	Age of Empires II: The Conquerors
	Seamus and Chamois	Kevin McMullan; David Rippy; Stehphen Rippy	Age of Empires II: The Conquerors
	Neep Ninny-Bod [Mix 2]	Kevin McMullan; David Rippy; Stehphen Rippy	Age of Empires II: The Conquerors
	Hazulu	Todd Masten	Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
	Age of Empires IV	Tilman Sillescu; Alexander Röder; Henning Nugel; Armin Haas; Mikołaj Stroiński	Age of Empires IV
	The Rus - Dark Age Combat	Tilman Sillescu; Alexander Röder; Henning Nugel; Armin Haas; Mikołaj Stroiński	Age of Empires IV
	The Abbasid Dynasty - Castle Age Combat	Tilman Sillescu; Alexander Röder; Henning Nugel; Armin Haas; Mikołaj Stroiński	Age of Empires IV
	Flight Through Jerusalem	Jesper Kyd	Assassin's Creed
	Masyaf in Danger	Jesper Kyd	Assassin's Creed
	Jerusalem Horse Ride	Jesper Kyd	Assassin's Creed [Gamerip]
	Access the Animus, Part 1 (Red in the Face)	Jesper Kyd	Assassin's Creed [Gamerip]
	Earth	Jesper Kyd	Assassin's Creed II
	Venice Rooftops	Jesper Kyd	Assassin's Creed II
	Flight Over Venice 1	Jesper Kyd	Assassin's Creed II
	Venice Escape	Jesper Kyd	Assassin's Creed II
	Chariot Chase	Jesper Kyd	Assassin's Creed II
	The Brotherhood Escapes	Jesper Kyd	Assassin's Creed Brotherhood
	Fight of the Assassins	Jesper Kyd	Assassin's Creed Brotherhood
	Flee the Guards	Jesper Kyd	Assassin's Creed Brotherhood [Gamerip]
	Credits	Jesper Kyd	Assassin's Creed Brotherhood [Gamerip]
	Arabian (Battle)	Jeff van Dyck	Medieval: Total War [Gamerip]
	Time and Again	Jeff van Dyck; Richard Vaughan; James Vincent	Medieval II: Total War [Gamerip]
	The Widow	Jeff van Dyck; Richard Vaughan; James Vincent	Medieval II: Total War [Gamerip]
	Solenka	Jeff van Dyck; Richard Vaughan; James Vincent	Medieval II: Total War [Gamerip]
	This Is It	Jeff van Dyck; Richard Vaughan; James Vincent	Medieval II: Total War [Gamerip]
	The Duke of Death	Jeff van Dyck; Richard Vaughan; James Vincent	Medieval II: Total War [Gamerip]
	Crusaders	Jeff van Dyck; Richard Vaughan; James Vincent	Medieval II: Total War [Gamerip]
	Duty	Jeff van Dyck; Richard Vaughan; James Vincent	Medieval II: Total War [Gamerip]
	Mare Nostrum	Jeff van Dyck; Richard Vaughan; James Vincent	Medieval II: Total War [Gamerip]
	Death Lullaby	Jeff van Dyck; Richard Vaughan; James Vincent	Medieval II: Total War [Gamerip]
	Lifted to the Hotplate	Jeff van Dyck; Richard Vaughan; James Vincent	Medieval II: Total War [Gamerip]
	High Winds	Jeff van Dyck; Richard Vaughan; James Vincent	Medieval II: Total War [Gamerip]
	Crack Your Head with a Tabla	Jeff van Dyck; Richard Vaughan; James Vincent	Medieval II: Total War [Gamerip]