The ultimate battle in all of Battledom has already been written, filmed, and scored.

Music is another huge component of my writing process.  It helps me buckle down and focus in a way nothing else can (aside from wondrous, blessed coffee).  Everything I listen to in this manner is instrumental- I find lyrics distracting- but there’s a wide variety of styles I like for different moods, pacing, etc.

Today, I’ll share some songs from my “fight” playlist- stuff that gets the blood flowing and raises the stakes!  I hope you enjoy these.  If you have your own favorites, please share links in the comments!

Epic Last Stand Asskicking

Armed With Death (from The Walking Dead video game)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPbj3xEZDFI

This plays during Lee’s last fight, on his way to rescue Clementine.  Great game, but invest in a tissue factory before you play it.

 

Techno-y Asskicking

Combat Music 5 (From the XCOM: Enemy Unknown soundtrack)

A great game and soundtrack.  If you like this one, go grab the remaining tracks (and the game, if you enjoy turn-based strategy).  You won’t be disappointed!

Shoot Straight (from the Shadowrun Returns soundtrack)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=pjowifCdxFU#t=127

As above, great music from a great game; well worth tracking down more.  It’s around 2:08 that my favorite part starts up.

Never Return Alive (from the Streets of Rage 2 soundtrack)

This one takes me back!  I must’ve beaten this game about 3,000 times during my teenage years.

 

Fantasy-Themed Asskicking

Dragonborn (from the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim soundtrack)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVVXNDv8rY0

More amazing music from Jeremy Soule, the John Williams of video game soundtracks.  (I have an autographed copy of this soundtrack!)  If the refrain around 2:08 doesn’t make you want to jump out of your chair and rip a dragon’s head off, I’m afraid you’re not a living human.

Ride Forth Victoriously (from the Europa Universalis IV soundtrack)

This game is Civilization on crack, in real-time.  I haven’t the fortitude to play, but I enjoy watching others, and listening to the soundtrack.

 

Western-Themed Asskicking

Sixty Seconds to What?  (from the For A Few Dollars More soundtrack)

Music that both Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef will kick your ass with.

Man With a Harmonica (from the Once Upon A Time In The West soundtrack)

Haunting and dramatic- Ennio Morricone at his best.  (Fun fact: the German title of this film is Spiel mir das Lied vom Tod, or Play Me The Song of Death.)

 

Share your own links below.  Let’s get an awesome music exchange going!