video game music influences

Streets of Rage 2: Yuzo Koshiro did an incredible job on this soundtrack. When I was 9, I remember distinctly the first time I heard this music, and remember that I enjoyed the music as much as the game. His music (composed on the sega four operator FM chip) inspired me to create my own, and to later on experiment with FM synthesis, which I incorporate into my music today. Best boss music EVER (never_return_alive)!
Bio-hazard battle: I love this soundtrack because it was a FM style techno rendition of sci-fi music that fit the game perfectly! Second best boss music ever. I wonder who K.N.U. really is...he/she deserves recognition.
Myst: Myst was possibly some of the first ambient style music I heard. I loved its atmosphere and it complemented the game perfectly. I can't believe this was composed on just a Proteus!!!
Sonic The Hedgehog: This was just fun music! I can still remember all the catchy melodies, especially Sonic 2.
Earthworm Jim: This had a great eclectic soundtrack, very quirky and memorable. Very different from the normal stuff back then and even today. A classic.
Unreal Tournament: I really like the music in UT; a great mix of rock and electronic. I'm not sure who it was composed by, but I especially love the "Phobos Moon" stage song.
Half-life (1 and 2): Great eclectic mix of music by Kelly Bailey to a great game. Mr Bailey does great ambient style work.
Contra Shattered Soldier: I love Sota Fujimori and Akira Yamaoka's work and they have greatly influenced me. This was truly an all-star effort from Konami...there was no filler in this soundtrack, every track was gold and worthy to listen to for fun.
Max Payne: I am unsure who composed this soundtrack but whoever they are, they did a great job. A truly original soundtrack with very different instrumentation, and a common overall theme is what stood this one apart for me. I still remember the Nightmare levels perfectly because the music and visuals were so extraordinary.
KOTOR 2: I never plated KOTOR 1 (Knights of the Old Republic) for some reason, but I played KOTOR 2 and absolutely LOVED the composer's variation of classic John Williams themes, as well as the addition of his/hers own great theme that rivaled Williams! Best orchestral score in recent memory.