Studying is no fun. Really, there's a reason the word "dying" is hidden in it. It's because it's awful. Video games are not awful. They're quite fun, in fact. Here are the ten best video game soundtracks to keep you alive while you study.

1. Literally anything from "The Legend of Zelda"

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the franchise that helped put Nintendo on the map. Twilight Princess HD released recently for the WiiU, and while Twilight Princess is one of my favorite Zelda games, I'm going to give the honor of recommended song to Dragon Roost Island from Wind Waker (Molgera's Battle Theme is a close second, with the Intro taking a respectable third). Have you ever wanted to listen to a song that was the love child between an Irish folk band and an overly exuberant Ocarina? Wind Waker's soundtrack is for you. The tunes are upbeat, happy, and folksy. Dragon Roost Island takes the cake with its intro and easily whistle-able tune. I dare you to be miserable while jamming to this.

Recommended song: Dragon Roost Island, Koji Kondo

2. "Halo" Series

While the angelic choirs and the dramatic drums of the first three games are great, they don't quite do it for me in the studying department. Halo's music is best sampled when one is under extreme pressure, trying to finish a paper or save the galaxy. Halo 4 remains my second favorite Halo game behind Halo: Combat Evolved so I might be a little biased here, but shout out song goes to 117 from Halo 4. Mournful, urgent, and dramatic are the best words to describe this song- same words I use to talk about math homework.

Recommended song: 117, Kazuma Jinnouchi

3. "MegaMan" 2

R2-D2 sings disco music. MegaMan's beeps and bloops aren't everyone's cup of tea but one can't deny the bouncy happy energy that defined the series.It's certainly got the power to keep any exhausted student awake. I haven't played much from the 8-bit era but I can say that MegaMan 2 is one of the best soundtracks from that time. If the electronic beats aren't your taste, you can always enjoy the Smash Bros releases of the classics like Air Man stage. Personal favorites of mine are Dr.Wily's stage and Metal Man, but really the whole thing is a masterpiece.

Recommended song: Dr. Wily's Stage 1/2, Takashi Tateishi

4. "The Last of Us"

2013 gave us The Last of Us, the video game equivalent of Oscar bait. Don't get me wrong- this game is absolutely amazing, and the soundtrack matches the themes of darkness, loss and a sentimentality for times long gone. Gustavo Santaolalla composed a minimalist soundtrack for what is considered to be third person action horror. While third person action horror could be used to describe my writing style, Santaolalla's dedication to emotional highs and lows can turn any rushed paper into a well-constructed essay, as long as you're ok with tear stains on the pages. Shout out song goes to the DLC's track, Fleeting.

Recommended song: Fleeting, Gustavo Santaolalla

5. "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt"

Do you want to punch a Polish peasant in the face and then cry because nobody loves you? Can't find the perfect soundtrack to accompany that experience? Never fear, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is here. Polish developer CD Project Red worked with folk band Percival to create a soundtrack that works in every situation. Recommended track is a difficult choice, this time around, but I gave it to the song Hunt or Be Hunted. The desperate drumming and fast pace perfectly match the mood of trying to sprint across campus to THAT morning class.

Recommended song: Hunt or Be Hunted, Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikolai Stroinski and Percival

6. "Bioshock Infinite"

I may not always love you, but I will always love the anachronistic soundtrack from Bioshock Infinite. 2013's other Oscar-bait game weaves a confusing tale of time travel and racist sky people, but long story short- there's an acapella cover of The Beach Boys. No, I'm not making this up. The player's introduction to the city of Columbia is marked by a beautiful barbershop rendition of God Only Knows, and it only goes up from there. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun plays on a beach and Fortunate Son is sung by an unfortunate son. Shout out song goes to Will the Circle Be Unbroken. Troy Baker's guitar and Courtnee Draper's sad vocals provide the perfect backdrop for those nights when I wonder if the cycle of procrastination will ever stop. It doesn't.

Recommended Song: Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Troy Baker and Courtnee Draper

7. "Assassin's Creed" Series

Nothing like a like historical secret society of murders to motivate one to stay in school. Assassin's Creed takes place at different times throughout history, so different games have a different sound. Whether you prefer the Middle Eastern sounds of the first game to the catchy pirate shanties of Black Flag, the melodic and driving melodies are certain to keep one's focus on the task at hand. Eight games are a lot to choose from, but I can't give the recommendation to anything but the main theme from Assassin's Creed 3. One could even argue that just listening to the soundtrack is studying for history because the games are totally historically accurate.

Recommended song: Assassin's Creed 3- Main Theme, Lorne Balfe

8. "Mass Effect" Series

I know nothing about Mass Effect. Sorry. Soundtrack's good, though. Song pick is Suicide Mission from Mass Effect 2 and I don't think I need to explain how this could possibly relate to studying.

Recommended Song: Suicide Mission, Jack Wall, Sam Hulick, David Kates & Jimmy Hinson

9. "Street Fighter" series

I'm not too big into fighters myself. I can't seem to master the controls and I end up mashing buttons in a desperate attempt to figure out which 'roided out guy I am. While Mortal Kombat certainly puts a good word in for itself with its main theme, my choice for late night headbanging goes to Street Fighter. The tracks are always upbeat with a fantastic baseline designed to keep players focused and in rhythm. Studying for my upcoming Circuit Analysis test isn't quite as exciting and Hadukoning a giant hole in my opponent's chest, but Street Fighter V's Training Stage certainly helps create the illusion that it is. Warning: recommended track contains Dubstep. Those opposed, turn away now.

Recommended song: Training Stage, Masahiro Aoki

10. "Journey"

Putting Journey on this list is almost cheating. For those of you who "played" Journey- all three of you- you know why. It isn't so much a game as it is an experience. The cello and orchestra accompaniment create a perfectly peaceful and somber mood for even the most frustrated student. There isn't a shout out track for this one because I couldn't pick just one. The album is less than an hour, and each track is beautiful and unique while still presenting a coherent story through music. Give it a listen and I promise you won't regret it.

Recommended Song: The Whole Thing, Austin Wintory

With that, I wish you all luck studying. Hopefully, now you'll be able to focus and enjoy some tunes while you do so. After homework, maybe play a few of these titles too.