“The Dawn Will Come” by Corinne Kempa & Greg Ellis (Dragon Age Inquisition)
As the only group singing performance on this list, Dragon Age Inquisition’s “The Dawn Will Come” holds a special place in my heart.
Occurring shortly after the tragedy of Haven, this song is an inspiring Chantry hymn lead by Mother Giselle in the hopes of comforting the Inquisitor.
Giselle is soon joined by Leliana, Cullen, and everyone else that has survived, all singing of the hope that can be found amidst troubling times.
“The Dawn Will Come” sets the stage for the Inquisitor’s return to glory, as well as the support he’ll have along the way.
“Scientist Salarian” by Michael Beattie as Mordin Solus (Mass Effect 3)
Mordin Solus is responsible for some of the most odd and interesting conversations throughout the Mass Effect franchise. Whether discussing medical matters or even emotions, every line from his mouth is either thought-provoking or entertaining.
Surprisingly enough though, his most impactful moment in the series has to do with his singing voice.
If players are able to keep the Salarian scientist alive in Mass Effect 2, he appears to help Shepard cure the Genophage in the sequel.
In order to fully administer the cure, Solus must travel to the highest point on the planet, sacrificing himself in the process.
Mordin dies singing the heart-wrenching tune of “Scientist Salarian,” rhyming all the way until the end.
“The Wolven Storm” by Emma Hiddleston as Priscilla the Callonetta (The Witcher 3)
Despite his various drunken songs, Geralt of Rivia’s monotonous voice has never really been a hit outside of Karaoke. Luckily, he’s got very talented friends.
Depending on the ending you get for the “Broken Flowers” quest-line in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players can hear that talent on full display via Priscilla’s ballad, “The Wolven Storm.”
In a song that describes Yennefer and Geralt’s tumultuous relationship, the bard captivates the audience with her soothing voice, bringing even the toughest goons to tears.
Regardless of your opinions on who Geralt’s true love is, there is no denying that “The Wolven Storm” paints a beautiful tapestry of the tragic romance of Yennefer and Geralt.
“Dynamite” by
Matthew Porretta as Dr. Darling (Control)
In one of the more lighthearted portions of Control, Jesse can come upon a projection screen located in a side office. On it, she finds the most bizarre thing in all of the FBC: a music video Dr. Darling created called “Dynamite.”
Yes, the brilliant Head of Research for the FBC devoted his time to covering an 80s song by the UK rock band Mud. He didn’t just sing and edit the video though, as Darling can be seen sporting an old school outfit, mullet, and mustache to match the campy vibe of the video too.
The video is cheesy and perfect in every way, providing some much-needed levity amidst a see of creepy happenstances that occur to Jesse throughout Control’s story.
“The Parting Glass” by Sarah Greene as Anne Bonny (Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag)
As much as I loved battling other ships while traversing the high seas of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, I’d be lying if I said most of my time spent on the boat wasn’t for the sole purpose of hearing sea shanties.
With that said, none of the sea shanties in the game can hold a candle to the song that rounds out the game’s ending.
Taken from a Scottish song of the same name, Anne Bonny sings a beautiful rendition of “The Parting Glass” in the game’s final cutscene. The song plays over a cinematic of protagonist Edward Kenway’s coming home journey, as he parts from Great Inagua for what could be the final time.
“Lost Cause” by Ellen Page as Jodie (Beyond Two Souls)
Even though Beyond Two Souls is the red-headed stepchild of Quantic Dream’s developed games, there were moments of brilliance layered throughout it.
An example of this can be found mid-way through the game, as the main character, Jodie, is given several ways to earn money to keep herself from starving while homeless.
Of the options provided, players can borrow a guitar and begin to perform a cover of Beck’s “Lost Cause.”
The tune is not only somber and beautiful, but it also represents everything our troubled protagonist has had to suffer through so far throughout the events of Beyond Two Souls.
Even if it was only brief, “Lost Cause” provides both a moment to reflect as well as time for Jodie to simply enjoy something as simple as singing and playing guitar.
“Jump Up, Super Star!” by Kate Higgins as Pauline (Super Mario Odyssey)
Mario has always been a man of few words, as his vocabulary usually consists of “Wa-hoo,” “Oh yeah!” and “Here we go!” He isn’t alone though, as that lack of a lexicon extends to the other characters in the Super Mario world as well.
Bowser tends to chuckle evilly, Toad often screams nonsense, and Luigi grunts out various noises to indicate he is terrified. One of the few characters that seem to be an exception to that rule is Pauline.
The original damsel-in-distress can be seen putting on a vocal extravaganza in Super Mario Odyssey, singing the song “Jump Up, Super Star!” near the end of the game.
The performance was certainly a spectacle, playing in the background while Mario traverses a colorful New Donk City skyline to make for one of the best set pieces of the whole game.
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