As a seasoned gamer and music enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into some truly remarkable video game soundtracks over the years. But none have left me quite as enthralled as the sonic symphony that is Just Shapes & Beats.
Having played countless indie games, I can recognize a great soundtrack. However, with so many outstanding options available, reaching a universal agreement on what constitutes the best can be quite challenging due to the sheer number and quality of entries in this field.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t highlight some truly amazing game soundtracks from the past few years, and that’s exactly what we’ll do.
One delightful aspect of independent games lies in their eagerness to experiment with innovative ideas, often resulting in remarkable soundtracks.
Regardless if it’s chiptunes, electronica, instrumentals, or a blend of styles, you’ll find some energizing tunes here to fuel your enthusiasm. Therefore, prepare yourself to groove along with this rich array of musical wonders.
10. Death’s Door
Walk with the Crows
Death’s Door could be described as a game that blends the gameplay mechanics reminiscent of series such as The Legend of Zelda, with a narrative that is filled with mystery and darkness.
The story revolves around you as the Crow Reaper, whose job is to collect souls and escort them safely home. However, complications arise when a single soul vanishes, leading you on an exhilarating journey through a desolate yet intriguing universe.
The entire game carries a somber tune through its instrumentation, which is also reflected in the music it plays.
In the game, we travel from the Hall of Doors to the Peak, the Domain of the Witch with the Urn, and to the Dance, where pianos and various musical instruments infuse a melancholic atmosphere into this desolate environment.
The game is reminiscent of a blend between Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Zelda, immersing you into an incredible miniature universe.
9. Celeste
Climb a Mountain of Emotion
In a skillful manner, Celeste masterfully combines difficult platform gaming elements with a heartfelt narrative that delves into themes of depression and discovering the resilience to persevere.
Every inch of the journey mirrors this constant struggle and imbues it all with a sense of magical realism. The game is both eerie and emotional, sweet and sinister.
Ascending the mountain, you feel a dreamlike atmosphere filled with wonder and exploration. This feeling is encapsulated in tracks like First Steps, the mysterious Spirit of Hospitality, and reaches its peak in the suspenseful tension of Anxiety.
As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but highlight the fact that Celeste beautifully spotlights the extraordinary musical prowess of Lena Raine, a renowned and revered figure in the realm of video game music.
8. Blasphemous
Get Ready to Repent
Death’s Door could be considered a somber journey, yet it pales in comparison to the weightiness of Blasphemous. The realm of Cvstodia is a terrifying landscape where the alleged Miracle has twisted existence into a waking nightmare. Only the Penitent One holds any chance of rescuing this world from its own destruction.
You probably can guess that this game doesn’t have a jovial soundtrack. In fact, it feels quite like the dark and intense scenes from The Lord of the Rings films, particularly those depicting when Sauron’s army seemed insurmountable against our heroes.
The guitar playing is fantastic, and the overall feel is tense and gloomy, encompassing songs such as “La Muerte de Los Relinchos,” “Que Las Campanas Me Doblen,” and “Cantes de Confesión.
These melodies may not bring a grin to your lips, but they will convince you that the realm of Cvstodia could be as real and plausible as our own world.
7. Hades
Get Out of Hell
Without a doubt, it’s hard not to appreciate the exceptional work put into Hades by Supergiant Games. The game was delightfully enjoyable, boasting excellent voice acting, a captivating narrative, and outstanding music.
Instead of focusing on the somber aspects like certain other entries, it successfully combines elements of excitement, disappointment, and delightful moments that truly matter.
As a gamer, I never considered the Lute as something exhilarating until I played Hades. They somehow made it thrilling with their intense, dark, and hard-rocking soundtrack. It perfectly reflects the gravity of Zagreus’ seemingly impossible mission, making me feel every moment of his journey.
As a gamer, I’ve got to say, the soundtrack in this game is top-notch! A few tracks that really stood out for me were “No Escape,” “The Painful Way,” and “Mouth of Styx.” Escaping the underworld has never been so thrilling!
6. Sea of Stars
The Call to Adventure
Attempting to match the greatness of a timeless game such as Chrono Trigger is never easy, but remarkably, Sea of Stars has accomplished this feat, becoming the highly anticipated spiritual sequel that fans have longed for. Interestingly, it unfolds within the universe of The Messenger.
As a gamer, I’m diving into a world where childhood pals, forbidden magic, and slumbering shadows intertwine. The narrative swings from inspiring quests to heart-wrenching lows, much like this game. The music, on the other hand, is incredibly adaptable, mirroring the game’s emotional rollercoaster ride.
In this extraordinary journey, you’ll discover a variety of tunes including classics such as Devoted Warriors and Crucible of Confirmation, along with newer hits like Cursed Woods and The Melancholy Sovereign, which are sure to captivate your heart.
5. Wandersong
Big Bard Energy
Given the heavy topics we’ve been discussing, how about we shift gears for a moment and explore something more cheerful like Wandersong? This game isn’t just amusing, it’s downright vibrant. Its charm lies not only in its playability but also in its visually appealing design.
Essentially, it’s an interactive journey akin to a choose-your-own adventure, filled with spontaneous singing and engaging diverse personalities along the way.
Although the game boasts vibrant colors, it also offers a good mix of tunes. To clarify, the majority of these songs lean towards cheerful and enchanting melodies, ranging from “Falling Stars” to “The Sword,” “Dreamscape,” and “Spooky Jam Sesh.
It’s not all fun and games, however, and the story will slap you awake when you least expect it. An emotional, cheerful, and quirky platformer full of memorable tunes.
4. Cassette Beasts
Rewind and Enjoy
Typically, we don’t engage with creature-taming games primarily for the music. However, I find it astonishing that the melodies from Cassette Beasts continue to linger in my mind even a year after I stopped playing it.
The musical design in this game surpasses its visually striking appearance, a remarkable feat indeed.
“The music can best be characterized as lively and dynamic, with a strong electronic influence. Although it might seem a bit old-fashioned, its fun factor remains undiminished when you listen to it.
As you journey through, encountering both foes and allies, you’ll stumble upon numerous favorite tunes spanning tracks such as Cross Your Heart, Wherever We Are Now, Archangel Encounter, and Face Down.
3. The Messenger
Musical Ninja Magic
Rather than simply being a carbon copy of Ninja Gaiden, The Messenger surprisingly offered a daring and astonishing journey. It encompasses ninjas, hordes of demons, and time-traveling elements – and these are merely the edge of its sharp blade.
Stepping into the pixelated realms, I encounter intricate jumps, formidable adversaries, and a host of unexpected twists at every turn, whether it’s traversing 8-bit or 16-bit landscapes.
In response, The Messenger equally impresses with its exceptional musical composition that remains relevant today. It boasts talented musicians such as Rainbowdragoneyes and more, who created an array of memorable chiptune tracks.
Some of the best examples are The Demon Army (Underworld), Hills of Destiny (Autumn Hills), Harness the Winds (Howling Grotto), and The Time Gauntlet (Tower of Time).
As soon as the credits finish rolling, you’ll be all set to embark on the next thrilling journey of Sabotage in the Sea of Stars, as previously mentioned!
2. Shovel Knight
Get Ready to Dig In
Shovel Knight stands out as quite an achievement. It not only helped establish Yacht Club Games in the gaming industry, but also paved the way for other games within its universe such as Shovel Knight DIG and Pocket Dungeon.
That’s plenty impressive, but it’s also a really engaging retro platformer with some amazing music.
The tunes from the initial game are thrilling and invigorating, filled with chip sounds that immerse you profoundly within this fantastical realm. Every character from the Order of No Quarter has a distinct melody, and each one is enjoyable to listen to.
Among the songs I particularly enjoy are “Strike the Earth,” the enchanting underwater atmosphere of “A Thousand Leagues Below,” and “Of Devious Machinations.” Frankly, this soundtrack is a must-have for any music lover like myself. Its quality truly sets it apart.
1. Just Shapes & Beats
If You Know, You Know
At events such as PAX West, it’s usually best to steer clear of the thick crowds. Therefore, if something manages to pull you further into the bustling core, know that it’s truly exceptional.
That was me the first time I heard the siren song of Just Shapes & Beats at PAX West, and I haven’t looked back since.
The game blends the intense, vibrant styles of bullet-hell and rhythm games, and what’s more, boasts an astounding array of tracks from a diverse group of gifted musicians.
It’s somewhat akin to a digital dance hall, playing tracks such as Mortal Kombat and music reminiscent of Shovel Knight.
Speaking of which, some outstanding tunes are by Danimal Cannon (Long Live the New Fresh), Sabrepulse (Termination Shock), and Kubbi (Cascade). It’s quite a challenge not to find one among the 80-plus tracks in this remarkable indie music collection that you won’t adore.
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2024-12-10 19:39