The Best Game Music of 2023: Hi-Fi Rush, Diablo 4, Cocoon, and More / ITech content

Contents:

• Hi-Fi Rush
• Alan Wake 2
• Diablo 4
• Cocoon
• Atomic Heart
• Sea of ​​Stars
• Pizza Tower
• Playlist “The Sound of 2023 in Games”

In this category, we, together with invited developers, sum up the results, focusing on the musical accompaniment, and not just the sound effects. However, we also take into account games that boast a full-fledged sound design. Finally, you will find a playlist with the best game soundtracks of 2023, which, in our opinion, deserve special attention.

Please note that this list is not a rating and does not contain any indication of places.

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Hi-Fi Rush

It's interesting to learn how Tango Entertainment organized the development process of Hi-Fi Rush. One wonders whether the team worked to a metronome, given that there is not a single element in the game that would be out of rhythm. This highlights the developers' skill in creating a harmonious gaming experience, where every aspect, from music to mechanics, blends perfectly.

Interestingly, before creating the comedy game Hi-Fi Rush, the studio developed two parts of the horror series The Evil Within and the mystical action game Ghostwire: Tokyo. After such projects, physical comedy, in which characters constantly receive funny blows and fall in amusing positions, is perceived especially captivating. This contrast of genres highlights the creative range of the studio and demonstrates their ability to create a unique gaming experience that can evoke both fear and laughter.

The developers have created a unique slasher platformer in which all elements of the game are synchronized with the music. The rich environment moves to the rhythm, and the protagonist constantly beats the beat, which forces the player to also adjust to the melody. While rhythm isn't a strict requirement, not following it results in reduced damage output, which detracts from the desired gaming experience. The game is designed to immerse you in the musical flow, allowing you to interact with it as if it were a living score. This creates a unique blend of music and gameplay, making each session not only engaging but also rhythmic.

Alan Wake 2

The musical in Alan Wake 2 has become an important element that elevates the interaction between the soundtrack and gameplay to a new level. This phenomenon can be compared to the dynamic scene from the first Alan Wake or the exciting moment in the labyrinthine game Control, but such comparisons only highlight the uniqueness of this new approach. The musical in Alan Wake 2 represents a significant step forward for the entire gaming industry, opening up new horizons for creating an atmospheric and immersive experience.

Poets of the Fall have surprised fans once again by recording several new metal compositions especially for the game. However, this is not the only thing worth hearing: the full version of the song is played between episodes of the game, which is reminiscent of the musical inserts at the end of each episode of the third season of Twin Peaks. Unfortunately, the performance takes place against a rather boring background, and not, for example, on the stage in Waterleigh.

Diablo 4

Gloom and hopelessness once again reign in Diablo, which is certainly what fans of the series expected. The fourth installment's soundtrack not only reflects the game's overall mood but also actively shapes it, alongside other gameplay elements. Particularly noteworthy is the acoustic guitar, which becomes a recognizable musical symbol of this release. The music in Diablo 4 enhances the atmosphere, immersing players in a world of darkness and adventure, making the gaming experience even more immersive.

A member of the Ansia Orchestra project and a composer for the Pioner game, working in the field of musical art and sound engineering. The Ansia Orchestra project's contribution demonstrates a unique approach to creating musical compositions that immerse the listener in atmosphere. The game's composer, Pioner, is responsible for developing the original soundtrack, significantly enhancing the gaming experience. Music and sound effects in Pioner play a key role in shaping the emotional experience of the game, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for players.

The masters took to the stage to demonstrate how to create music for a game. The Diablo soundtrack has always been distinguished by a strict academic style, complemented by elements of ethnic music to create the desired atmosphere. With the release of the third game, the creators slightly diversified the soundscape, adding ethnic vocals and unobtrusive electronics. This innovation helped to enhance the feeling of impenetrable darkness in which the game universe is plunged. The use of a variety of instruments and sounds helps create a deeper immersion in the game's atmosphere, highlighting the uniqueness and complexity of the Diablo world.

The game's main menu begins with a light, atmospheric orchestral sound, created by double basses and atonal chords on high strings. To avoid associations with a specific geography, the composition includes a tanpura, an Indian string instrument, and a choir that evokes images of tribal music and South American motifs. Furthermore, the Diablo series would not be complete without the distinctive sound of an acoustic guitar, which debuted in the first game and continues to be heard in the fourth, maintaining its unique atmosphere throughout the years.

The composer's job in this series is to create an atmosphere of discomfort for the audience. Even though dedicated fans, including myself, spend tens, hundreds, and even thousands of hours in these games, the world must remain unsettling. Players must feel cold, hunger, darkness, and unpleasant emotions, but it must also be appealing. Diablo has always focused on overcoming challenges, and the soundtrack successfully underscores this theme, heightening immersion in the game's dark and tense atmosphere.

Diablo's soundtrack differs from other Blizzard games in that its composers didn't aim to create a memorable melody. The music plays a background role in the game and rarely draws attention to itself, with the exception of a few cutscenes where it's truly warranted. As a standalone piece, it will only be appreciated by seasoned listeners. However, pick up a guitar and play a few chords from the franchise's well-known themes, and memories of inserting gems into objects, the rewards, and the emotions felt while doing so will immediately surface. This is precisely the main value of the soundtrack and the high professionalism of the composers who created the musical score for Diablo.

Member of the Ansia Orchestra project and composer of the Pioneer game. The Ansia Orchestra's contribution to the music project highlights the composer's creativity and professionalism, which also creates the unique atmosphere in Pioneer. Music plays a key role in gameplay, enriching the player experience and heightening immersion in the virtual world. The composer actively works to create melodies that not only complement the story but also create an emotional connection with the characters and in-game events.

True masters performed on stage, demonstrating their mastery. The Diablo soundtrack has always been distinguished by its academic approach, complemented by elements of ethnic music to create the desired atmosphere. With the release of the third installment, the developers began to slightly expand the musical selection, introducing ethnic vocals and light electronic music in certain moments. This innovation was necessary to enhance the feeling of hopeless darkness that has engulfed the game universe, as instruments alone were insufficient to convey the full depth of the Diablo world.

The main menu music immerses us in a unique atmosphere. It begins with a light orchestral sound, created by double basses and high strings with atonal chords. To avoid geographical associations, we hear the tanpura—an Indian string instrument—as well as a choir that evokes images of tribal and South American culture. Diablo maintains its musical identity with the distinctive sound of the acoustic guitar, which first appeared in the first game and continues to accompany the series throughout the years, reaching a new level in the fourth installment.

The composer's job is to evoke a sense of discomfort in the audience. Despite the fact that many devoted fans, including myself, spend dozens, hundreds, and even thousands of hours playing the games in this series, the world must remain unsettling. The player must feel cold, hunger, darkness, and discomfort, but it must also be compelling. Diablo has always been about overcoming challenges, and the soundtrack successfully underscores this atmosphere. The music creates a unique sense of tension and a thirst for adventure, which makes the gameplay even more engaging and unforgettable.

Unlike other Blizzard games, Diablo's composers did not set out to create a memorable soundtrack. The music in the game rarely attracts attention and cannot be considered a standalone piece of music—only experienced listeners can appreciate it. However, just pick up a guitar and play a few chords of familiar themes and instantly recall the moments when the player inserted a stone into an item, received unique items, and experienced powerful emotions. This ability to evoke memories and associations is the main value of the game's musical design and testifies to the high level of professionalism of the composers working on the franchise.

Cocoon

The new game by Jeppe Carlsen, known for his projects Limbo and Inside, called Cocoon is an engaging puzzle game that reveals its mechanics intuitively. Instead of a complex tutorial, players are immersed in the game's atmosphere, where each riddle requires logical thinking and attention to detail. Cocoon offers complex challenges, but the process of solving them is intuitive: you always know which direction to move in and what actions to take. Sound in the game plays a key role, creating the atmosphere and complementing the gameplay, which makes the experience even more immersive. Cocoon is an excellent example of how to combine complex puzzles with accessible gameplay.

Composer and sound designer, known for his work on the projects "Remember ..." and "Bylina". These works demonstrate his mastery of creating soundscapes and musical compositions that enhance the emotional impact of visual content. He combines original musical ideas with modern sound design technologies, making his work unique and memorable. Sometimes games communicate with players not only through their music but also through their sound design. Creating high-quality sound design and effects is a complex and labor-intensive process. Jacob Schmid, a composer and programmer known for his work on projects such as Inside and 140, accomplished this task brilliantly in Cocoon. His approach to detailed and thoughtful sound design significantly enriches the perception of the game, emphasizing its atmosphere and strengthening the emotional connection with the player.

Composer and sound designer, known for his work on the projects "Remember..." and "Bylina." He specializes in creating unique sound designs and musical scores for film and theater. His portfolio encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, demonstrating his mastery and creative approach to each project. Sometimes games communicate with players not only through music but also through high-quality sound design. Creating a sonic atmosphere and effects requires significant effort and professionalism. Jacob Schmid, a composer and programmer known for his work on projects such as Inside and "140," accomplished this task brilliantly in Cocoon. His detailed and sensitive sound design significantly enriches the gameplay experience, emphasizing the atmosphere and immersing the player in a unique world. High-quality sound design is more than just a collection of sounds; it's an essential element that can enhance the emotional impact and make the gaming experience more memorable.

Atomic Heart

This game from a Russian studio attracted attention from the first days of its announcement thanks to its ambitious concept. Despite being a debut project, some players even doubted its reality. The plot, based on the futuristic Soviet Union, the unique art style, and the scale of the game create the impression of a true AAA gaming experience. The last time something like this was heard in Russia was a long time ago. Additionally, Mick Gordon, the renowned composer of Doom (2016), worked on the project. Although his role was not as significant, the music in Atomic Heart left a vivid impression even without his participation.

The development team brought together talented composers and performers who created a powerful electronic soundtrack and reworked classic pop hits into a phonk style. The phonk version of "Komarovo" was heard from numerous sources in the spring, becoming a real hit. As a result, the project received a vibrant musical accompaniment, attracting attention and creating an atmosphere that matches the game.

Sea of ​​Stars

Sea of ​​Stars is a vibrant tribute to classic JRPGs, encompassing a broad scope, plot, and world development. Particular attention in the game is paid to the musical accompaniment. The soundtrack combines classical instruments and nostalgic chiptune, reminiscent of the SNES era. As a result, the game features a variety of memorable melodies that create a unique atmosphere and highlight the spirit of the genre.

Sea of ​​Stars features a huge number of musical tracks that never get boring. The game features compositions corresponding to different times of day, as well as a variety of combat, epic, lyrical, comical, and eerie melodies. If we were compiling a list of the most diverse and rich soundtracks, Sea of ​​Stars would certainly take the lead. The game's music creates a unique atmosphere and enhances immersion, making it one of the key elements contributing to the overall appeal of the project.

Pizza Tower

The game is designed in the style of classic platformers such as Boogerman and Earthworm Jim, making it appealing to fans of the genre. The game's soundtrack also pays homage to these classics, incorporating familiar sounds and melodies from childhood. This creates a nostalgic atmosphere and immerses players in a world filled with vivid emotions and memories.

Muffled guitars, awkward choirs, and low-quality sound effects create a unique atmosphere that is difficult to put into words. These sounds, called the blues, evoke deep emotions and leave a lasting impression. Blues is not just music, it is a whole world of feelings and experiences that must be experienced to understand its true essence.

Playlist "The Sound of 2023 in Games"

This playlist features music from a variety of games, in addition to those mentioned earlier. 2023 saw the release of a huge number of memorable tracks. Here you will find compositions from Hogwarts Legacy, Final Fantasy 16 and many other popular games. This music creates the atmosphere and allows you to relive the best moments from your favorite video games.