Fourth year of me writing about wonderful soundtracks in gaming while listening to Ukrainian Air Force protecting my life from russian missiles and killer drones behind the windows. I’m starting to get slightly angry at games that include air raid sirens in their soundscape, which is somewhat funny, but also a bit sad.
But speaking of games like that, Silent Hill 2 remake from last year is not even going to be included in the list because the original had a better soundtrack and was included last time. Plus, Akira Yamaoka composed one of his best soundtracks last year for a different game you will find listed. Anyways, as usual, I am listing the games and their soundtracks that I’ve played or re-played since the last time I’ve done this type of an article last year. This time it was about the same amount of new titles and re-releases. And while re-releases do win in numbers, a few of the new games had soundtracks that are bound to become instant classics.
NEW GAMES RELEASED IN 2024:
Withering Rooms by Moonless Formless: https://moonlessformless.bandcamp.com/album/withering-rooms-original-soundtrack
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess by Chikara Aoshima: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3232370/KunitsuGami_Path_of_the_Goddess_Original_Soundtrack/
Hebereke 2 (and Hebereke) by Various Artists: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2877330/HEBEREKE_Enjoy_Edition_Original_Soundtrack/ (sequel music is mostly re-arrangements from the original)
Slitterhead by Akira Yamaoka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlFD7r_GdCQ&list=PLRW80bBvVD3WzQYo5DqneUrOM4_ziaoQy&index=10
Final Fantasy XVI by Masayoshi Soken: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3372350/FINAL_FANTASY_XVI_Original_Soundtrack/
Sorry We’re Closed by Various Artists: https://akuparagames.bandcamp.com/album/sorry-were-closed-original-game-soundtrack
Sonic X Shadow Generations by Various Artists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y93Ef6FrFxo&list=PLo6SSHo84XM4lvRew8jGPf0RRLW4AcLzn&index=15
RE-RELEASES/COMPLETE VERSION RELEASES OF 2024:
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered by Nathan McCree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8o_rmzGzP8&list=PLBBEB7990EE04D7BD
Beyond Good & Evil (20th Anniversary Edition) by Christophe Héral and Various Artists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mCr6HOeAWc
Doom + Doom II by Bobby Prince and Andrew Hulshult: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGK1dr-Ql0w
Castlevania Dominus Collection by Various Artists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDynplObnQE&list=PL033ACB4A4D55BB2D&index=17
Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged by Barrington Pheloung: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3303470/Broken_Sword__Shadow_of_the_Templars_Reforged_Soundtrack/
OneShot: World Machine Edition by Nightmargin and Various Artists: https://nightmargin.bandcamp.com/album/oneshot-soundtrack
Half-Life 2 (20th Anniversary) by Kelly Bailey: https://store.steampowered.com/app/323140/HalfLife_2_Soundtrack/
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered by Kurt Harland and Jim Hedges: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6YZIX6ofWE&list=PLllLTey98Ce46CXE-nHCE3IDbrjySPBL3&index=1
Clock Tower: Rewind by Kōji Niikura and Various Artists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5nVGqdd8Vo
STUFF FROM OTHER YEARS I’VE PLAYED SINCE LAST TIME:
Death Stranding (Director’s Cut) by Ludvig Forssell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRsvwTydwJo
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection by Various Artists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGIIo1vPvGc&list=PL74EC525F2D355CD4&index=2
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 by Various Artists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMTBt1-Q1Q8
Sonic Frontiers by Various Artists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO-YIVPps00&list=PLvNp0Boas720kf8hWiCDhdNqsuCYhkSKY&index=8
Well, let’s hope the next year list can be compiled under much nicer conditions and the game music continues to inspire.