The year 2023 has not only shone brightly with high-quality video game releases for the Nintendo Switch but has also been a standout year for their accompanying soundtracks. Traditionally, the music composition of video games is a somewhat underrated aspect of game development. However, it is now becoming increasingly celebrated, as seen with the Grammy's newly instated 'Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media,' awarded for the first time this year to the soundtrack of "Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok."
At Nintendo Life, we have witnessed a particularly impressive array of soundscapes accompanying the games we've loved and played. This year, instead of merely mentioning these soundtracks, we have dedicated an entire focus to them. We have curated a list of the 16 most outstanding soundtracks for Nintendo Switch games released in 2023. These musical creations span a range of genres, from RPGs to 2D platformers, enveloping listeners in everything from heavy rock to the sounds of sweeping orchestras.
The list ranges from games like "Super Mario Bros. Wonder," which brought back the nostalgic charm of 2D Mario games with an eclectic soundtrack featuring a variety of instruments and themes, to "Bomb Rush Cyberfunk," a title heavily inspired by "Jet Set Radio," which combines the efforts of indie musicians and Jet Set composer Hideki Naganuma for a funky, charismatic soundscape.
"Sea of Stars" is another title that makes it onto our must-listen list. If you're familiar with "The Messenger," you wouldn't be surprised to see the involvement of Eric Brown, who mastered the retro-style soundtrack and captured the essence of epic quests and adventure. Its music is so integral to the game that it even includes a CD full of cover songs performed by in-game pirate musicians.
The role-playing visual novel "Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical" deserves a special mention for its unusual but successful musical gameplay element, led by the talented Austin Wintory who is known for his work on "Journey." This Greek God-starring and Buffy-inspired musical boasts a variety of tracks, both vocal and instrumental, stirring emotions and weaving a cohesive narrative.
"Blasphemous 2" also returns with a soundtrack that takes listeners' breath away with beautiful flamenco guitars and somber string sections. Composer Carlos Viola has expanded upon the stylings of its predecessor with an even greater variety of musical elements, such as piano and electric guitar, highlighting the dark and immersive atmosphere of the series.
"Cassette Beasts" is another unique entry where music is at the heart of gameplay. Battles feature two variations of themes, instrumental and vocal, to accompany the transformative nature of creatures using cassettes. The game's British pop-punk soundtrack is likely to resonate with many listeners, emblematic of a generation's musical preferences.
One of the year's most compelling soundtracks may very well be "Octopath Traveler II," with Yasunori Nishiki returning to weave together 131 songs across six discs. The range of musical styles, from jazz to rock opera, bolsters the game's epic narrative and immersive gameplay.
And who could overlook "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom"? While drawing on the music from its predecessor, "Breath of the Wild," the game also includes new pieces that respond to fans' desires for more in-game music. The Zelda series is known for its iconic musical motifs, and "Tears of the Kingdom" is no exception, offering a rich aural palette that matches the game's deeply engaging world.
This list only scratches the surface of the incredible array of music that has graced the Nintendo Switch this year. Inviting listeners and gamers alike to experience these immersive soundtracks is not just a recommendation but a nod to the talent and creativity that composers have poured into the gaming experiences of 2023. Even if a particular game doesn’t resonate with you, its music could very well capture your imagination and allow for an entirely different appreciation of the artistry involved in video game creation.
While this list has highlighted some of the best, there are numerous other fantastic soundtracks that deserve recognition, rounding out a year where the sounds of the Nintendo Switch have been just as captivating as the adventures they underscore. Whether it's the vinyl crackle of a warm nostalgia-inducing tune or the synthetic beats pumping adrenaline through our speakers, 2023's Nintendo Switch soundtracks have left indelible marks on our gaming memories, setting the stage for future years of innovative and engaging game music.
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