Gaming has come a long way since Pong. While classic arcade titles will remain forever, today's video game scene has become so much more. Graphics, narrative, gameplay and audio all need to come together in harmony to make the complete package.
Video game designers are working with almost movie-like budgets these days to produce high-quality, well-written cinematic experiences for audiences who expect the best. Any one of these elements can make or break a future classic and sound design is highly important to get just right. From 8-bit sound effects to BAFTA-winning audio, sound design in games has come a long way.
10 Gears Of War 4
The first in the Gears of War series to release on Xbox One consoles, Gears of War 4 arrived in October 2016 in time for Halloween, fitting timing as the game was a return to the series' horror roots. Coming with a new patch for Xbox One X was Dolby Atmos 7.1.4, creating one of the most immersive gaming experiences in all the franchise.
From the roar of the machine gun lancer to the snarl of the grubs advancing, the audio in Gears of War 4 is fantastic. Enhancing the eeriness of the broken cities above to the hive tunnels below, each moment is finely tuned to keep players on the edge of their seats.
9 Resident Evil HD Remaster
A remake of the classic horror title, Resident Evil HD Remaster was an updated version of the 2002 game. The HD remaster supports 5.1 surround sound, bringing horror to speakers and headphones for gamers everywhere. In Resident Evil, the gameplay and sound design truly come together as one.
From creepy hallways with the iconic slow-opening door load screens to underground labs with horror around the corner, each step of the way is taken with a deep breath thanks to atmospheric audio and horrific sound effects. Each crunch, squelch, and ghoulish moan sets off panic in players brave enough to face the terror of the Spencer mansion.
8 Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
No characters in gaming can stand toe to toe with Lara Croft and Indiana Jones — except for Nathan Drake. The swan song of the phenomenal Uncharted series was the crowning moment of the franchise as a whole.
Vast environments begging to be explored would be nothing without phenomenal audio to match. Winning the Audio of the Year category at the Game Audio Network Guild awards should speak to the quality of the sound here. From the crashes of waves to the background noises of a Panamanian prison, each story beat is accompanied by some of the best audio work in gaming.
7 Marvel's Spider-Man
Insomniac Games have cemented themselves on the Mount Rushmore of game developers. Marvel’s Spider-Man from 2018 was one of the best titles ever released on PlayStation to this day. No other Spider-Man game comes as close to feeling like Peter Parker as this one does.
Swinging through New York City skylines and zipping around on street level, each moment in this game is brought to life by music that took two years to compose. Iconic-sounding themes mixed with crunchy combat audio and the perfect "thwip" of each web made the sound design crucial for the experience to feel just right.
6 Rise Of The Tomb Raider
The second installment of the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy stands out among gaming's greatest adventure titles. Continuing Lara's story from 2013s Tomb Raider, players had an open-world feel for the first time in the series. Featuring amazing wide-open vistas from the outset, Rise Of The Tomb Raider combined graphics, gameplay, narrative and sound in flawless style.
From the crunch of the snow to the howl of the wind in the opening level, it is clear something special was ahead for players. The soundtrack was made using a 52-piece string-and-brass orchestra and crafted specially to complement the narrative.
5 The Witcher 3
Perhaps Geralt's greatest moment yet, The Witcher 3 is worthy of the high praise it received. Made ever more popular with Netflix's The Witcher starring Henry Cavill, this is truly a contender for the greatest game ever.
Each town, village, and city is populated with interesting and sometimes shady characters. The audio gets to show off its tricks with the hustle and bustle of market stalls, and busy taverns filled with songs and banter. The Witcher 3’s wide open fields spring to life with the sounds of the creatures who live there. A fantastic experience with amazing audio is present throughout the continent.
4 Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar Games may be best known for their automobile-stealing crime series GTA, but its western-set sibling is no slouch. From sitting at camp with Arthur and company to robbing the train for riches, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a great time for cowboy fans.
Players could be roaming the woods only to hear a snarl in the distance, warning that a hungry bear awaits. Whistles of trains and busy barrooms across the wild west are so atmospheric it is easy to get lost in the moment.
3 The Last Of Us
This third-person post-apocalyptic game from the wonder weavers over at Naughty Dog arrived in 2013, and it set the gaming world alight. Joel and Ellie were the players' viewpoint into this emotional rollercoaster of an experience. Winning multiple awards including several for its sound and audio, The Last Of Us meant business.
Players had to creep through tunnels listening for any audio cue that Joel was not alone. Making it through buildings by the skin of one's teeth relied on using the listen mode, allowing players the ability to hear enemies through walls and objects. The terrifying noises the clickers made will haunt dreams forever.
2 Returnal
Developed by Housemarque and released in 2021, Returnal brought horror to the roguelike arena. Using 3D spatial audio, this time, in space, everything was heard. At the 18th British Academy Games Awards, Returnal won the award for audio achievement.
Deserving is an understatement, the atmosphere in each biome from the pitter-patter of rain to the screams of the giant bosses, Returnal is a game where players can feel the audio. The use of 3D audio provides fantastic immersion, each haunting step of the way carefully accompanied by audio. Each unique weapon found along the way has incredible audio while shooting, a real treat for the ears.
1 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Ninja Theory brought gamers a Norse-based dark fantasy adventure in Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. With a sequel on its way in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, players have much to look forward to. Experiencing the game using headphones is essential.
The game is designed to allow players to understand what it's like to experience psychosis, and the use of audio truly makes for a harrowing experience. From hearing voices and whispers to the wind and rivers, the sound feels more crucial in this game at times than any other aspect. Using spatial audio to make the voices feel like they are all around the player is only part of why it won several awards for sound.