Best Video Game Soundtracks of 2023 

2023 is hands down the blockbuster year for the gaming industry. Although it started slow with a few releases in January, the year kept getting better with multiple offerings. Ideally, we have enough titles to get us through the first half of 2024 before other new titles launch. Many of the games boast great visuals and audio, which shows the developers' great dedication to their creation. As such, it's only fitting to appreciate the games that went a notch higher to ensure they play great and include soundtracks guaranteed to give you an eargasm. Without much further adieu, here are the best video game soundtracks of 2023.

5. Sea of Stars

Sea of Stars takes you on a wonderful trip down memory lane by combining modern action with old-school RPG. Players take on the roles of two protagonists, Sale and Valere, who take on an alchemist using the power of the sun and moon. Much nostalgia comes from the gorgeous 16-bit pixel art, which borrows a page from Chrono Trigger and Secret of Mana.

But that's not the only thing the title borrows. Accompanying you through your adventure is a symphony of tunes by Eric B. Brown and Yanosuri Mistuda. Mitsuda is behind the great compositions in Shadow Hearts, Xeno, and Chrono Trigger. Plus, Brown roped in two of his friends, Reece Miller and Vincent Jake Jones, to add their artistry to the tunes.

The result is a soundtrack that features music for day, night, and pirate-type scenarios. Meaning you get a distinct feel depending on your situation. Moreover, the game’s genre is not the only throwback. The soundtrack blends real instruments and chiptune, producing a rich and nostalgic score.

4. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Besides Super Mario Bros. Wonder being the best platformer, it features an impeccable lineup of tunes in its OST. Of course, I didn't expect anything less, considering this title is among the first without any recycled tracks. The last title to debut with an original soundtrack is New Super Mario Bros. 

In simple words, the game title can only be described as wonderful. Every beat is in sync with your character's actions. For instance, the final boss fight, where you face off with Bowser, features a rock concert by the King of the Koopas. The music captures Bowser's malevolent intentions while maintaining its true form as a soundtrack. 

Moreover, the effects complement actions in the game. There are plenty of catchy tunes, and you can easily find yourself singing along with The Talking Flowers. And if that's too out-of-tune for you, you can blast your speakers away to metal tunes with a remix of the Metal Cap theme. Essentially, there's a seamless blend of genres that caters to a diverse audience. 

3. El Paso, Everywhere

Picture this: You find out your girlfriend is a vicious demonic entity about to unleash hell on Earth. If you're the tough guy who needs a couple of jams to weave through this situation, I'd recommend a couple of badass tunes. You know, the kind of music Miles Morales jams to in Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse, because what else speaks badass more than hip-hop?

El Paso Everywhere takes you through the dungeons of hell as you nod your head to Kendrick Lamar and N.W.A.-style tunes. Composers R.J. Lake and Xalavier Nelson attest to using these hip-hop moguls as the inspiration behind their tracks. The music is so good that it can pass for a rap album. In fact, it'll soon be on vinyl. Surprisingly, the duo did all the work themselves. As R.J. produced the beats, Nelson was laying the vocals. As a first-time project for the duo, the music is simply exceptional. 

Moreover, the soundtrack perfectly complements the game. Instead of capturing the protagonist’s demons, it evolves as a horror anthology that emphasizes the game’s atmosphere.

2. Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man 2 is undeniably one of the games with the best soundtracks of 2023. The plethora of themes that seamlessly switch from heroic thunder beats to a calm interlude put you in the shoes of a Marvel superhero. 

Spider-Man 2 combines the adventures of Peter Parker and Miles Morales. Meaning each gets their own tune for a more immersive feel. John Paesanon really outdid himself on this one. The composer takes the music from Spider-Man and Miles Morales and gives them historic tunes. The OTS has familiar triumph tunes common in superhero movies.

What’s more, the music is perfectly timed for each moment. It winds down during cutscenes and amps up during intense moments. Every villain has their own cue of low-pitched, moody music, which slowly builds up. Ideally, Spider-Man 2’s score is a heavy orchestral and detailed thematic adventure that will have you falling in love with the franchise all over again.

1. Hogwarts Legacy

2023 has got to be the year we go back to Hogwarts. If you don't believe me, you should check out Hogwarts Legacy. Like Spider-Man 2, the music adds a cinematic feel to the game as players explore the magic school before He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named determines Harry’s fate. The period is the 1800s, and it's not Harry Potter as the main character. It's a whole new storyline in the wizarding world. 

The soundtracks borrow a page or two from Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts, which puts you right in the JK Rowlingverse. With the high stakes, the composers ensured that every song fit the moment. Plus, the need to pay homage to great composers such as Jeremy Soule and John Williams put the soundtrack team on their toes. And it was all worth it. 

What's impressive is that the composers strived to create a unique identity for music. Let's face it: there's plenty of music in the wizarding world, and it takes an entire village to have your very own unique sounds. That's precisely what Pert Murray and J. Scott Razoky did. What you get is a Harry Potter experience that is exceptional. The orchestral tunes will certainly make you feel like you're wandering through the corridors of the wizarding school. 

So, what's your take on our best video game soundtracks of 2023 picks? Let us know on our socials here.