The 12 Best Video Game Scores and Soundtracks of 2024

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As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the year 2024 has been a golden one for video game soundtracks! From the nostalgic echoes of Star Wars Outlaws’ Grammy-nominated score to the futuristic blend of orchestral and electronic elements in Stellar Blade, this year’s offerings have truly impressed me.

2024 saw some remarkable achievements in video game scores, as composers produced soundtracks that could resonate deeply with both dedicated gamers and casual ones, by exploring new frontiers of what music can accomplish within a gaming context. Among the numerous exceptional games launched in 2024, only a select few can truly be classified as the cream of the crop.

To be among the top video game soundtracks of 2024, it’s essential that they bring something original and groundbreaking to enrich their game’s environment and support its narrative. The ideal music for a video game should neither overpower nor hide; instead, it should harmoniously blend with the gameplay, serving as an enhancement rather than the main attraction. In 2024, no less than 12 games achieved this delicate balance, with a remarkable five of them being shortlisted for the Best Score and Music category at the 2024 Game Awards. For your convenience, the scores and soundtracks are presented in alphabetical order.

Astro Bot

Read Game Rant’s Review of Astro Bot

2024 contender for Game of the Year, as well as numerous other categories, Astro Bot stands out as one of the year’s top games due to several compelling factors, including its exceptional soundtrack. Primarily created by Kenneth C M Young, who is recognized for his work on LittleBigPlanet and Tearaway, Astro Bot’s soundtrack boasts 87 tracks that seamlessly blend original compositions with remixes of fan favorites, all while incorporating familiar elements from Sony games to amuse and touch fans. Ultimately, the music significantly enhances the overall immersive experience of Astro Bot, with each track harmonizing flawlessly with its varied levels and themes, adding to the game’s cheerful ambiance. Collectively, these components solidify Astro Bot’s place among the top video game scores and soundtracks in 2024.

Black Myth: Wukong

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In addition to being recognized for its exceptional gameplay, visuals, and storytelling, the highly-acclaimed game “Black Myth: Wukong” also boasts an outstanding soundtrack. To complement the game’s immersion into Chinese mythology, the soundtrack had to be equally impressive. Remarkably, the music in “Black Myth: Wukong” is extraordinary, providing a fitting auditory backdrop for its intricate narrative and detailed settings. Traditional Chinese instruments are skillfully used, adding depth to the game’s cultural context. The music subtly integrates with the gameplay, creating a harmonious experience that solidifies “Black Myth: Wukong” as a strong contender for one of the best video game scores in 2024.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

As a gamer immersed in the world of Elden Ring, I can’t help but be amazed by the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Despite being just DLC, it’s managed to earn a spot among 2024’s Game of the Year nominees. The reason? Its vast and explorable landscape, its dedication to preserving the essence of the base game while pushing boundaries, and its engaging yet satisfying gameplay are undeniably impressive. But what truly sets it apart is its music. At times, it blends so seamlessly with the scenery and battles that you almost forget it’s there, but a great soundtrack should walk this line between foreground and background. And let me tell you, the soundtrack for Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC does just that, making it a stellar addition to 2024’s top video game scores and soundtracks.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Read Game Rant’s Review of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

For the second time, a title deserving Game of the Year recognition has been added to the roster of outstanding video game soundtracks in 2024. The contender is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, part of Square Enix’s trilogy remake of Final Fantasy 7. While the game shines with its exceptional gameplay, storytelling, and world-building, its soundtrack stands shoulder to shoulder in terms of awe-inspiring quality. By skillfully weaving reinterpretations of tunes from the original Final Fantasy 7 alongside fresh, original compositions, the soundtrack for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth deftly caters to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Moreover, with music that adapts in real-time to the gameplay situation, creating an uninterrupted and absorbing experience, it’s no surprise that the soundtrack for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has earned its place among 2024’s top video game scores and soundtracks.

Helldivers 2

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The soundtrack of “Helldivers 2” stands out as one of the top scores of 2024, effectively emphasizing the game’s themes and action. Although the entire score reflects the epic conflicts featured in “Helldivers 2”, its most renowned track, titled “A Cup of Liber-Tea,” is particularly noteworthy. This track stirs emotions of military valor as players engage in combat with colossal insects on devastated battlefields. In essence, the soundtrack amplifies the game’s intense action scenes and encourages players to persevere in their fight for democracy, rightfully earning a spot among the finest video game scores of 2024.

Neva

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Released in October this year, Neva has garnered widespread praise for its stunning visuals and heartfelt storyline, with its music significantly contributing to the overall immersive experience. Since Neva focuses heavily on atmosphere, its music must align perfectly, and it certainly does exceed expectations. The simplicity of Neva‘s soundtrack is deliberate, allowing it to effectively echo the emotions and ambiance portrayed by the game’s graphics and gameplay. In essence, the music in Neva serves as a significant narrative element, enhancing immersion within the game. Given its exceptional quality, it is more than deserving of being featured on the list of 2024’s top video game scores and soundtracks.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Read Game Rant’s Review of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Achieving an authentic Indiana Jones atmosphere within gaming is no small task, yet MachineGames’ Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has accomplished this feat remarkably well, offering one of the truest-to-film Indiana Jones gaming experiences ever crafted – a claim that extends even to its soundtrack. Transforming Indiana Jones into a game is challenging enough, but adding to that the task of honoring a musical legend like John Williams while still creating an original score is quite another. Nevertheless, Gordy Haab, the composer for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, successfully encapsulates the spirit of adventure inherent in the franchise through the game’s music, creating a playable experience that feels like an Indiana Jones film, thus earning it a place on the list of 2024’s top video game scores and soundtracks.

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Read Game Rant’s Review of Metaphor: ReFantazio

Composed by Shoji Meguro, renowned for his work on the Persona series, the soundtrack for Metaphor: ReFantazio reinterprets the music fans have come to know from Persona in a symphonic and operatic manner, suitable for the game’s darker, medieval ambiance. Although some dedicated Persona series fans may have struggled with Meguro’s shift away from his previous jazz and pop influences, Metaphor: ReFantazio’s soundtrack has left an indelible impression in 2024 due to its artistic vision and resonance with the game’s themes. This Game of the Year nominee boasts a soundtrack that deserves recognition for possessing one of the best video game scores in 2024.

Persona 3 Reload

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In order to resonate with both old and new fans, the remake of “Persona 3 Reload” aimed to preserve the authenticity of its music while introducing innovative elements that would invigorate it for contemporary players. Luckily, the soundtrack of “Persona 3 Reload” has succeeded in striking this balance, offering a mix of familiar and new tracks that blend genres beautifully, creating an unforgettable musical journey that has garnered numerous accolades since its launch. With its dedication to honoring the original score of “Persona 3” and the seamless integration of its music into gameplay, the soundtrack of “Persona 3 Reload” is undeniably one of the standout scores in the gaming industry in 2024.

Silent Hill 2

Read Game Rant’s Review of Silent Hill 2

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but get excited about the upcoming remake of Silent Hill 2 in 2024. Just like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Persona 3 Reload, this new version faced a similar challenge: how to respectfully revamp the legendary soundtrack from the original game while also breathing fresh life into it for the remake. And boy, did Silent Hill 2’s remake deliver!

Star Wars Outlaws

Read Game Rant’s Review of Star Wars Outlaws

In 2024, the game “Star Wars Outlaws” faced challenges meeting expectations, but its soundtrack has accomplished something that many of the top games of that year failed to achieve. The soundtrack for “Star Wars Outlaws” was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games, showcasing its standing among this year’s video game scores. Created by Wilbert Roget II, with additional work from Jon Everist and Kazuma Jinnouchi, the soundtrack for “Star Wars Outlaws” skillfully blends the charm of John Williams’ work with modern elements such as distorted synths and deep 808-style kicks, offering a unique listening experience. To quote Yoda, “On the list of 2024’s best video game scores and soundtracks, ‘Star Wars Outlaws’ has found its place.

Stellar Blade

Read Game Rant’s Review of Stellar Blade

2024 has seen Stellar Blade outshine in numerous aspects. Apart from offering an unexpectedly captivating gameplay experience, it boasts one of the most impactful soundtracks of the year. The music, a unique fusion of orchestral and electronic elements, greatly enhances its post-apocalyptic setting. As such, Stellar Blade has made a notable mark among 2024’s top video game scores. From the very first demo, it was evident that its soundtrack would leave an impression, and it has done just that.

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2024-12-14 14:24