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There’s no denying that while game designers have to concentrate on graphics and visuals, gameplay and action, they also have to pay close attention to the music and sound effects - as soundtracks also play a huge role in the overall effect and appeal of a game. The soundtrack can shape the whole emotional experience of the game and make it even more immersive, dramatic and adrenaline-fueled.  

Just as in the movies, the right music can make a good game an unforgettable game… and create a whole experience that lingers in your mind long after the game is complete. Here, we’re going to look at exactly how the soundtrack can take your game experience to a whole new level!

Sets the Whole Tone and Atmosphere

The soundtrack is fundamental when it comes to setting a game’s atmosphere. Whether it's an eerie silence with a few moans and groans in a horror game - or whether it’s a grand orchestral sweep when you’re in the midst of an epic adventure, it can really help you to instantly understand the whole mood and setting.

For example, let’s look at The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which has an effective minimalist piano score that perfectly complements the game’s massive, open world and evokes a real sense of wonder and solitude. Then, there’s the big, pounding drums and intense strings sound that’s found in Doom Eternal that are perfect for its frenetic, adrenaline-fueled fights.

If the games didn’t include these soundtracks, then there would be no doubt that your emotional connection to the game just wouldn’t be the same.

A World of Immersion

Good games have to be immersive - and often, it’s music that acts as the bridge connecting players to the game world. The soundtrack needs to be dynamic and change with every action you make and progress as you progress - and should make the whole experience feel alive and responsive.

A good example of this is Red Dead Redemption 2 which uses a musical score that moves seamlessly based on where you are in the game or what situation you’re in… whether you’re riding across the plains or dicing with death in a high-stakes shootout. When done right, it can take you even deeper into the story and make every moment feel even more personal.

Has an Emotional Impact

Soundtracks can really evoke emotions - whether it’s joy, triumph, fear or even sadness. The right music can really up the emotional stakes of a game, making every win even sweeter and any losses more poignant.

A great example is The Last of Us which has a really beautiful score. Composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, it really manages to capture how fragile and desperate the whole post-apocalyptic world is. It makes the biggest moments of the game even more intense. 

Games like Final Fantasy VII are remembered not just for how the whole game plays out - but for its iconic tracks… like "Aerith's Theme," which is tied to one of the most emotional scenes in the entire game.

Creating the Most Iconic Moments

Whether you’re playing a Super Mario game or spinning the reels of games about Rockstars at fast withdrawal casino UK sites, there are some games that are remembered as much for their music as for their gameplay. These iconic soundtracks can become linked with the game itself and leave a lasting impression on players - becoming a part of the game’s whole culture.

Who can forget the catchy melody of Super Mario Bros, the repetitiveness of the Tetris tune or the epic theme of Halo? You can instantly recognise these tracks - and they can transport you all the way back to the first time you ever played the game. Nostalgia for these soundtracks keeps players coming back and helps games achieve legendary status.

Tells a Story

Music can also act as the actual narrator of the game and guide you through the game’s entire storyline. It can be used to foreshadow what’s about to happen, highlight the turning point in a game or even be used to show the development of a character.

In games like Undertale, the soundtrack plays a massive role in telling the story - with recurring musical cues that deepen the narrative and help you form an emotional connection with the progress of the game.

Ultimately, music plays a massive role in how effective a game is - it can make a good game great - and a great game iconic!