Home Features The Critical Hit Games of the Year 2018 – Best Video Game Soundtrack

The Critical Hit Games of the Year 2018 – Best Video Game Soundtrack

3 min read
11

CH-Best-soundtrack

Video games may be a visual medium, but without any audio they’d just be a collection of good-looking shells that were hollow inside. Music creates an atmosphere, it tells a story and pushes players in the right direction when a game needs to pick up the pace. They’re the subliminal prods that keep the momentum going, but there are times when a game’s soundtrack can stay with you long after the end credits have rolled. Here’s a look, at the video game soundtracks that defined 2018.

Honourable mentions

God of War by Bear McCreary

God of War

From thumping orchestral compositions to throaty collections of operatic singers belting out Nordic lyrics, God of War’s soundtrack was an audio trip into the epic legends that it was built on. Weighty, awe inspiring and able to perfectly complement the action unfolding on the screen, this was a soundtrack that was fit for the gods of old.

Celeste by Lena Raine

Celeste

Celeste isn’t just one of the most underrated gems of the year, but its also the kind of game that would not have achieved as much critical acclaim were it not for a soundtrack that wove itself into the very fabric of this indie darling. A throwback to the sounds and effects of yesteryear, Celeste’s soundtrack is subtle at times and an auditory kick in the pants when the situation calls for it, resulting in a collection of music that feels like a reunion with a long lost friend.

Tetris Effect by Hydelic

Tetris Effect

It’s amazing just how malleable Tetris can be, but merging the DNA with one of the greatest puzzle games of all time with an intuitive use of music? Sheer genius, made even better by an electronic score that evolves and rows according to your own actions. That alone made Tetris Effect have a magical effect on players, but the almost infinite variety in tunes, styles and genres made for a soundtrack that encapsulated the very best of multiple ideas.

Florence by Kevin Penkin

Florence

You don’t need hundreds of classical instruments and millions of dollars of recording equipment to create music that sets the scene perfectly. One of the very best mobile games of the year also had one of the best soundtracks available, as Florence’s amazing work in evolving handheld gaming saw its whimsical visuals perfectly complemented by a soundtrack that was light, breezy and appropriately emotional when necessary.

And the winner is…

Far Cry 5 by Dan Romer

Far Cry 5 (2)

We had a good debate in the office about which game truly had the best soundtrack, with Far Cry 5 winning thanks to one crucial factor: It’s an album of amazing hymns and background music that manages to surpass the game itself. Dan Romer’s authentic collection of church-inspired music taps brilliantly in Far Cry 5’s themes and cults of personality, creating a world that feels truly authentic and alive.

Heck, it may be an album that honours a perceived madman and his dangerous church, but there’s no denying just how damn good this music really is. The World is Gonna End Tonight, Oh the Bliss and Help Me Faith are soul-stirring masterpieces that’ll grab you by your very soul and never let go. Video games may be an escape from the pressures of the lives that we lead, but Far Cry 5’s album is so downright blissful that you’ll find it hard to ever want to return to reality.

It’s apocalyptic audio for the ages.

Last Updated: December 11, 2018

11 Comments

  1. I disagree, God of War’s soundtrack was much better

    Reply

  2. Guild

    December 11, 2018 at 13:04

    Yeah I disagree with this one. The music from FC5 annoyed the shit out of me that I actively blew up the vehicles that had the big speakers on the back that were blaring away when I heard one.
    My choice would be with Tetris Effect

    Reply

  3. Sageville

    December 11, 2018 at 13:10

  4. RinceThis

    December 11, 2018 at 13:19

    Eish, not sure about this one. Think red dead 2 is better.

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      December 11, 2018 at 13:31

      Red dead gets my vote too.

      Reply

  5. V@mp

    December 11, 2018 at 14:39

    Not even an honourable mention to Red Dead or Astro Bot?
    The shame.

    Reply

  6. Captain JJ

    December 12, 2018 at 06:23

    Interesting. Very interesting.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also

Manchester United Sues Football Manager Over Use of their Name and Fan Mods

Manchester United, that massive global football brand whose fans are as equally annoying a…