Synthwave has been enjoying a surge of popularity over the past decade, and it’s not difficult to see why. In a world that longs for the perceived simplicity of yesteryear while actively wishing to ignore the present, a genre with futuristic vibes and a nostalgic soul seems the perfect balm.
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This applies to video game soundtracks as well, with synthwave OST’s becoming more and more common. Many titles utilize one or both of its retro and sci-fi influences to create some truly incredible experiences, and these smooth musical collections are sure to stick with you long after you’re done playing.
10
PinOut
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Artist(s): |
Douglas Holmquist |
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Not even mobile games are immune to the draw of synthwave. Android and iOS pinball-inspired title PinOut goes all-in on the vibes, sporting an often hauntingly gorgeous soundscape to perfectly accompany its pleasing neon-centric visuals.
Artist Douglas Holmquist is to thank for PinOut’s shockingly satisfying soundtrack. But with the help of vocalist Susanna Lundgren, several of the tracks like the excellent ‘Hypersphere’ make you feel like you’re doing tests while a much more chill version of GLaDOS from Portal serenades you.
9
Hotline Miami
Some of the most compelling proof that synthwave isn’t just for relaxation comes from high-octane top-down shooter Hotline Miami. This ultraviolent ’80s-inspired romp people still think inspired that one scene from John Wick: Chapter 4 brings the energy with its star-studded track list.
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Boasting artists like Perturbator and M|O|O|N, this action-packed soundtrack is the perfect complement to its game. The same can easily be said about the sequel, which includes even more heavy-hitters like Carpenter Brut and Mitch Murder. Imagine synthwave artist names being read aloud upon their arrival at a fancy gathering.
8
Furi
Furi
- Developer(s)
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The Game Bakers
- Publisher(s)
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The Game Bakers
- Engine
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Unity
- ESRB
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t
With such a striking visual style as Furi has, its soundtrack would be all but required to similarly nail its aesthetic. Luckily, this fast-paced action game brings it on all fronts from the looks to the gameplay and, of course, the music.
Perhaps more than even Hotline Miami, Furi really brings the star power with artists like Carpenter Brut, The Toxic Avenger, and arguably one of synthwave’s best, Waveshaper. It’s worth vibing to even if you’re not a fan of Furi, though it’s hard to deny yourself the pleasure of slashing dudes to these tunes.
7
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
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Artist(s): |
Power Glove |
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Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
- Released
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April 30, 2013
- Developer(s)
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Ubisoft Montreal
- Engine
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Dunia 2
- ESRB
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M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
Far Cry 3’s standalone expansion Blood Dragon is an aggressive love letter to over-the-top ’80s action movies, and its thumping soundtrack by synth duo Power Glove carries that same energy right down to the artist’s own name. The game may be a parody, but the music doesn’t seem to care.
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From pounding and grooving fight themes to the occasional uneasy serenity of calmer moments, this soundtrack is perfect for the game’s action on both an ironic and unironic level. Play it at your next hangout, because it’s perfect with or without firing an explosive sniper rifle at glowing neon dinosaurs.
6
Ghostrunner
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Artist(s): |
Daniel Deluxe |
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Listen: |
Ghostrunner is what happens when somebody sees Mirror’s Edge and thinks ‘too relaxing.’ This first-person action platformer sees you slashing, wall-running, and just causing some good all-around chaos in a dystopian cyberpunk city.
The soundtrack from Daniel Deluxe understands the assignment as well. Not every cyberpunk setting needs synthwave, sure. But this one is all the better for it, with tracks ranging from pulsing action to more chill yet still tense moments. But it’s still synthwave, so it’s all oddly soothing.
5
Katana Zero
- Released
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April 18, 2019
- Developer(s)
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Askiisoft
- Engine
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gamemaker
- ESRB
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M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs and Alcohol, Violence
Hardcore run-around slashy slashy games take many forms, from the top-down perspective of Hotline Miami to the first-person action of Ghostrunner. Katana Zero takes a 2D platformer approach, which isn’t new by any means, but certainly makes you less likely to miss with your slashy slashy.
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So while you’re mowing through dudes on a 2D plane, you need an appropriate soundtrack, and that’s what you get with artists like Bill Kiley and LudoWic. It’s got the synthwave sounds to match the game’s aesthetic, but there’s almost more of a dance club feel that meshes perfectly with the nonstop mayhem.
4
Risk Of Rain 2
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Artist(s): |
Chris Christodoulou |
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Roguelike games like Risk of Rain and its sequel are kind of perfect uses of synthwave, particularly given the genre’s inherent affinity for familiar, repeated rhythms that don’t really get stale. But artist Chris Christodoulou clearly didn’t want to settle for just more of that samey vibe.
The pulsing, grooving sounds you expect from synthwave are there, but these pieces seem truly unique in more than just melodies and the like. The instrumentation and composition for many of them feel a bit more anxious and deliberate, matching the gameplay while keeping that core feel you know and love.
3
Cloudpunk
If the premise of a game has you driving a hovering delivery vehicle through a perpetually rain-soaked cyberpunk city, would you honestly expect any soundtrack genre other than synthwave? Cloudpunk knows what it is, and artist Harry Critchley knows what it needs.
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But the soundtrack still goes above and beyond to make sure you remember it. Sure, there are plenty of typical synthwave sounds and tracks, but you’ll also occasionally pick up some jazzy inspiration in there, perfect for that lived-in city feel that Cloudpunk truly excels at.
2
Midnight Fight Express
Midnight Fight Express brings a new spin on the beat-em-up genre with its almost isometric perspective and motion-captured animations. It kind of makes the whole experience feel much more brutal, and the soundtrack does its part to add its own visceral touches.
Noisecream augments some typical enjoyable synthwave offerings with lots of variety. This ranges from grindy techno to even some epic, almost orchestral sounds. It hits hard, almost as hard as your character does in a dingy public restroom (among other delightful locales).
1
VA-11 Hall-A
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
- Released
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August 16, 2014
- Developer(s)
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Sukeban Games
, Wolfgame - Publisher
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Ysbryd Games
- Engine
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GameMaker, Ren’Py
- ESRB
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t
Even in a capitalist dystopia, you can still find ways to relax and be good to yourself. That’s one lesson in VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action. The other is that it’s OK to hire dogs, probably. But it’s all under the backdrop of a soothing synthwave soundtrack, as any good dystopia should be.
The track list from artist Michael ‘Garoad’ Kelly keeps things chill while also adding some more distinct retro vibes that wouldn’t be out of place in your favorite gratuitous ’80s anime. The best part is you can customize the game’s own playlist, so if you’ve got a favorite from the soundtrack, feel free to put it on repeat and leave your bar patrons wondering why they chose this place again.
