Luci Holland's Top 5 Video Game Soundtracks of 2023
Luci Holland selects her favourite game soundtracks of the year
In the world of video game music, 2023 has been an exceptional year. For her last show of the year, Luci Holland likes to reflect on the last 12 months and the video game scores which have stood out to her. With a year's worth of captivating and immersive video game music to choose from, the task of picking just 5 of her stand-out scores has been challenging.
It's clear that video game music continues to thrive, elevating gaming experiences to new heights. And if 2023 is anything to go by, the bar has been set high for the scores et to come in 2024.
Luci Holland's Top 5 Game Soundtracks of 2023
5. Paul Aubry - Station to Station
At number 5 is Paul Aubry's elegant and invigorating score for Station to Station. Aubry's approach to the game's soundtrack is a blend of expressiveness and elegance, perfectly complementing the game's dynamics. 'Station to Station' offered him a canvas where the music needed to be relaxing yet dynamically versatile to support the player's journey. Aubry describes this balance as a "fun challenge," contributing to a memorable musical experience.
4. Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab - Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
At number four is Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab's score for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. This soundtrack continues the legacy of the iconic Star Wars musical themes, instilling the game with a sense of grandeur and adventure. Barton and Haab's collaboration has successfully captured the essence of the Star Wars universe, making it a noteworthy addition to the franchise's rich musical history.
3. Pinar Toprak - Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Pinar Toprak's score for 'Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora' lands at an impressive 3rd place. Released in early December 2023, this game based on the film series has been treated to a cinematic and atmospheric score. Toprak, an avid fan of the Avatar series, described working on this project as an "honour and a joy." The score, recorded over two years with more than 200 musicians globally, captures the essence of Pandora's awe-inspiring landscapes and the depth of its narrative.
2. Inon Zur - Starfield
Coming in at number 2 is Inon Zur's score for Starfield. This soundtrack stands as a monumental achievement, having been composed over seven years. Zur's goal was to create a "Starfield musical universe" that evokes human emotions, particularly curiosity for the unknown. His five hours of original score for this space-faring open-world roleplaying game is a testament to his vision and artistry.
1. Takeshi Furukawa - Planet of Lana
Luci Holland's top video game score of 2023 is Takeshi Furukawa's score for Planet of Lana. This score not only captivated Luci but also resonated deeply with Console listeners, rightfully earning it the number-one spot. Furukawa's work on Planet of Lana is intensely personal, as the game's main theme was written for his daughter, who was learning piano at the time. He aimed to create a piece that was simple enough for a four-year-old to play, yet rich and full enough to be adapted for an orchestra. This blend of simplicity and emotional depth makes Planet of Lana a standout score of the year.