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Over the years, games have evolved beyond mere entertainment and increasingly resemble film productions, encompassing various elements to deliver a high-quality product. Sound, undoubtedly, stands out as a crucial segment in crafting a top-notch gaming experience, contributing significantly to the overall quality of the product.
As the gaming industry advances, so do expectations, leading to the recruitment of prominent composers for AAA titles to craft soundtracks and music. Frequently, the sound design in certain games evolves into a genuine masterpiece.
In 2023, we were fortunate to experience games featuring truly remarkable soundtracks and compositions. In this article, we'll share our humble opinions on the games that particularly deserve praise for their outstanding sound design.
The best soundtracks in games in 2023
1. Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 made its entrance into the gaming scene in 2023 through a modest doorway, overshadowed by major titles like Spider-Man 2, Assassin's Creed: Mirage, Lords of the Fallen, and others. Surprisingly, the game exceeded expectations, proving to be exceptionally strong in nearly every aspect.
However, one area where Alan Wake 2 unquestionably shone was in its sound, particularly the soundtrack. Sound plays a pivotal role in Alan Wake 2, as the game is structured to offer players the chance to enjoy a fantastic track after each chapter. Furthermore, if you fancy a particular track, you can later listen to it on the in-game radio at a designated location.
Additionally, within its gameplay, Alan Wake 2 features segments incorporating the special rock band, Old Gods of Asgard, whose musical compositions are genuine masterpieces. Undoubtedly, if you're seeking a game with an exceptional soundtrack that aligns with your preferences, Alan Wake 2 is a must-play title for you.
2. Tchia
Another game that centres its core gameplay around music, particularly traditional songs, is Tchia, an indie title by Awaceb. The game vividly portrays the vibrant and culturally rich traditions and folklore of New Caledonia, a small country situated in Oceania.
While Tchia may not be a game that stands out as particularly spectacular, it undeniably possesses its merits. Notably, a segment of exceptionally high quality is the sound and soundtrack, which are simply phenomenal. Throughout various parts of the game, you'll have the chance to engage in QTSs (Quick Time Sequences) as the protagonists play and, along the way, sing some memorable songs. The tunes linger in my mind even now, despite having played Tchia back in the fifth month of this year.
3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor was eagerly anticipated for a prolonged period, generating considerable excitement leading up to its release. However, technical difficulties hampered the game, and, to be honest, in terms of quality, it could have easily been a contender for the game of the year.
However, from a technical standpoint, one aspect where the game faced no issues post-release was the sound and soundtracks, showcasing Respawn Entertainment's excellence once again. Beyond the phenomenal in-game sounds, particularly those of lightsabers, combat, and weapons in general, the soundtrack deserves notable acclaim for its top-notch quality.
Among the collectibles in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor are special song discs that, when brought into the game's hub area, play for the duration of your stay. Each of these songs is a genuine masterpiece, and I distinctly recall just standing there, letting the song play without any other actions. It's truly an outstanding achievement by Respawn Entertainment.
4. Assassin's Creed: Mirage
Considering Ubisoft's track record and their dedication to delivering exceptional soundtracks in all previous Assassin's Creed games, it comes as no surprise that the latest addition to the Assassin's Creed series, Assassin's Creed: Mirage, is featured on this list. The music in this game is truly top-notch.
Given the game's setting in Baghdad during the Abbasid reign, creating an authentic desert ambience akin to a fairy tale was imperative, and Ubisoft succeeded admirably. The music in Assassin's Creed: Mirage is so impeccably crafted that it genuinely transports players into the enchanting realm of a tale from 1001 nights.
5. Lies of P
The entire atmosphere of Lies of P demanded a high-quality soundtrack, and in the end, Neowiz certainly delivered. Set in a dark rendition of the Pinocchio story, the game's unique setting necessitated top-notch sound and music accompaniment, and Lies of P unquestionably lived up to expectations in this regard.
The sounds of puppets and monsters and the clatter of weapons, especially with a well-executed parry, resonate through the vast halls and desolate streets of Krat so masterfully that they infuse a unique vitality into the game, enhancing its already eerie atmosphere.
However, what truly sets Lies of P apart are the gramophone records, which serve as collectibles that you gather and later play in the hub. The compositions of these songs are so expertly done that, upon discovering a new record, I often found myself in a search for a stargazer only to return to the hub to listen to yet another musical masterpiece.
And there you have it—in the opinion of our editorial staff, these are the five games that have delivered the finest soundtracks and sound experiences to the gaming world this year.
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