Music is one of the most important elements in a video game.
From the perspective of audio engineers, a game’s soundtrack is just as pivotal as the setting, character design, and even mechanics. It helps inform the mood and atmosphere of the game, setting players up for an immersive and grand adventure.
For open-world games with plenty of side quests, audio also helps add a sense of texture and progression. That’s also true for other releases, too—after all, even short-form games need to capitalize on their audio.
For example, slots are the most popular game at virtual casinos—and they use catchy soundtracks to keep players engaged. Platforms like Wildz offer hundreds of slots to choose from, each of which offers a unique auditory experience.
But let’s take a closer look at what, exactly, audio does for video games. From games that offer re-playable soundtracks to cutting-edge games that use music as a mechanic, here are the best projects in musical gaming.
Soundtrack: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
This 1997 release helped pave the way for compositional soundtracks. Rather than include familiar hits or catchier tunes, the producers of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night worked with an acclaimed composer, Michiru Yamane, to put together a very dark take.
The musical soundtrack perfectly matched the game’s gothic themes and haunting setting. To date, it’s considered a master class in audio design.
Soundtrack: DOOM
A few years prior to Castlevania’s release, composer Mick Gordon was taking things in a new direction for the release of the terrifying shooter game DOOM. Like Yamane, Gordon focused on songs that matched the gory, violent nature of the game.
His big trick? Gordon created a heavy metal soundtrack. Given how edgy this genre was considered at the time, DOOM’s soundtrack became as iconic as the game itself. In fact, many fans of the franchise’s latest releases still prefer the original soundtrack from the early 1990s.
Soundtrack: Cuphead
In 2017, Cuphead hit the market as a highly difficult and maddening side-scrolling platformer. But this game offered multiple twists. Its unique gameplay was only the start.
The game’s unique design harkens back to comics from the 1920s and 30s—and its soundtrack mirrors a frenetic and exciting audio design. While not everyone loves the soundtrack, it’s widely regarded as one of the best-integrated pieces of audio design in recent gaming history.
Simulation: DJ Simulator
For decades, musical simulators have delighted gamers. Hits like Guitar Hero and Brutal Legends have helped keep musical controllers on the market—even if more elaborate and large-scale hits like Rock Band have fallen out of favor.
But modern gamers are starting to drift toward educational games like DJ Simulator. Using gamification, the release educates electronic music fans on how to compose, produce, and mix songs.
Game: Beat Saber
Just like DJ Simulator and similar projects are providing a new spin on musical controllers, Beat Saber is adding a new and more kinetic twist. For those who have missed out on the Beat Saber hype, this game bridges elements of dancing and matching tones.
While the very best players are usually physically fit, the game also challenges players to stay on beat—something that’s notoriously difficult as players unlock new levels.
Game: No Straight Roads
Looking for an innovative musical game? No Straight Roads builds on the excitement of rhythm-matching games like Guitar Hero and Beat Saber. But there’s also a storyline at play as two piano prodigies set out to revolutionize the world of electronic dance music.
The narrative dives into musical themes like composition, while also including more standardized gaming mechanics like fighting and dodging. That makes No Straight Roads one of the most innovative new games in the musical genre.
