2023 has been a remarkable year for Nintendo Switch games, not just in terms of the quality of the gameplay but also the fantastic soundtracks that accompanied them. As the appreciation for video game music soars to new heights, with recognition from esteemed award entities like the Grammy's, we turn our spotlight to 16 of the best soundtracks that have graced the Nintendo Switch this year.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder seized our ears with its vibrant, eclectic soundtrack that enriched the classic 2D Mario platforming experience. From the acoustic guitar that introduced us to the game's acoustic style to the unique themes and instruments representing different worlds, this soundtrack was reminiscent of the joy and wonderment found in the Mario universe. With tracks like 'Athletic Theme' and 'Piranha Plants on Parade,' fans experienced a fresh yet nostalgically delightful set of compositions.
In the realm of stylish skating adventures is Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, heavily influenced by Jet Set Radio, which brought with it a soundtrack rich with personality and spunk. The music, created by an assembly of indie musicians including 2 Mello and GRRL, provides a soundtrack perfect for summer jam sessions.
The RPG Sea of Stars, made by the same studio that gave us The Messenger, delivered a musical feast in a game where the score is as central to the experience as the gameplay itself. Eric Brown curated an impressive retro-style soundtrack, with epic boss music and lively overworld themes, which even included a full CD of in-game pirate music covers.
Next up is Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical, a unique role-playing visual novel that is shaped as a musical. Composed by Austin Wintory of Journey fame, this soundtrack showcases that musicals can indeed find their place in video games. With striking vocal tracks and a range of instruments, this Greek mythology-themed game is a testament to the effectiveness of music in enhancing narrative storytelling.
Blasphemous 2's soundtrack is a masterpiece of emotion, blending flamenco-style guitars with orchestral melodies. Carlos Viola built upon the first game's aural delights and added more variety to the sequel's soundtrack, further cementing his legacy as a composer in the gaming world.
The indie title Cassette Beasts brought to the table a British pop-punk soundtrack that perfectly complements its cassette-themed transformation mechanic. Composer Joel Baylis crafted battle themes in both instrumental and vocal versions, capturing the game's most poignant moments with brilliant musical alignment.
In Octopath Traveler II, Yasunori Nishiki outdid himself with a soundtrack that many consider the year's finest. The bewildering number of tracks—131 spread over six discs—boasts an incredible variety of stylistic approaches, from jazz to rock opera, without a single moment of disappointment.
Finally, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom met players with a mix of familiar tunes from Breath of the Wild and new compositions designed to address past criticisms about the series' music. The soundtrack brought iconic callbacks, dungeon and boss themes, and new immersive tunes fitting for the game's vast and mysterious world.
These soundtracks, ranging from the heights of Sky Islands in The Legend of Zelda to the catchy tunes of New Wirral's nightlife in Cassette Beasts, form the backdrop to some of this year's most memorable gaming moments. As the trend of critically acclaimed music in video games continues, composers and developers alike are finding innovative ways to incorporate music into interactive storytelling, creating an immersive audiovisual experience for players.
While these highlighted games represent just a sample of the musical artistry found on the Nintendo Switch platform in 2023, they serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of melodies, harmonies, and rhythms that gamers were treated to throughout the year. Each soundtrack contributes uniquely to the gaming industry's cultural fabric, reminding us that the resonance of a good game musical score can be felt long after the console is switched off.
You must be logged in to post a comment!
