POST E3 2018: MY MOST ANTICIPATED SOUNDTRACKS (Updated)

E3 wrapped up earlier this month and I finally took some time to watch most of the trailers and gameplay videos that were shown during the event. Game music was showcased at the event this year once again, which included some really cool live performances.

In past years I’ve written about my most anticipated game soundtracks. After this year I’ve settled on 10 titles that I’m most excited to hear their soundtracks. Read on for my full list ordered from number 10 to 1.

10. NIGHT CALL

From the developer’s: Night Call is a murder mystery noire game set in modern-day Paris, under threat from an unknown serial killer. You are a taxi driver, working hard to earn enough to pay your bills while secretly aiding the investigation by doing what you do best: getting people to talk in the little time that you have their attention. Coming early 2019 to PC and console.

The music featured in the soundtrack is ambient and electronic and compliments the stunning visuals. I can’t wait to listen to the full soundtrack once it’s available. The developers via twitter let me know that the music for the game will be composed by Corentin Brasart (Take Five), and that the music in the trailer is “Dieu était Grand” by French Artist odezenne. You can read more about the game on its official website.

9. HAROLD HALIBUT

From the developer’s: Join Harold Halibut in his clumsy undertakings on an ark-like space ship trapped inside of a planet made of water. Underwater atmosphere, self-reflective humor and contemporary mechanics make up the foundation of this narrative exploration game created entirely out of craft supplies.

The music featured in the trailer has a music-box esque sound to it, and the handmade art style nature of the game suggests that the music is going to be intimate and character driven. I’m also really looking forward to this one. Sascha Haus is listed as the Sound Designer for the game, I’m not sure if he’ll also be handing the music. You can learn more about the game on its official website.

8. RAJI: An Ancient Epic

From the developer: Raji: An Ancient Epic is a video game set in ancient India. Chaos unfolds as demons invade to conquer the human realm with ambitions to overthrow the mighty gods themselves. Amidst this chaos, a girl is chosen, her destiny to face the demon lord Mahabalasura. The demon lord plans to sacrifice Raji’s very own younger brother, which will complete a ritual granting him relentless powers. Blessed by the gods, Raji set’s on her journey to rescue her younger brother, and to face the treacherous Mahabalasura.

This game originally debuted on Kickstarter and was not successful, however it lives on and it still under development. The gameplay shown at E3 this year still looks like it needs some polishing, but the music is what really caught my ear. I appreciate that the game’s main character is a woman, and that it features some stunning original Indian music. The game has it’s own Soundcloud page where you can listen to some of the game’s music. I can’t wait to hear the finished product.

7. STORMLAND

From the developer Insomniac Games: Deep sci-fi story. Revolutionary VR traversal. Unprecedented presence. The Tempest shattered your android body. Now you must journey through an ever-changing cloudscape to augment yourself and save your friends. Explore an expansive world with complete freedom — bound up cliffs, glide across chasms, and fly through the slipstream with velocity. Detonate explosives, harness electricity, and wield makeshift weapons to overcome titanium sentries and monolithic guardians. Play single-player, or explore forgotten ruins together. It’s time to reclaim your world.

This game looks like a lot of fun. The music in the trailer reminded me of moments from Metroid Prime, as did the gameplay. Very much looking forward to hearing this soundtrack too.

6. MARIO + RABBID KINGDOM BATTLE’S DONKEY KONG ADVENTURE

Although this is only a DLC, Ubisoft put composer Grant Kirkhope’s music on centre stage which was performed live by Critical Hit. Everything I heard during the performance sounded great, and loaded with elements of previous Donkey Kong scores. I’m hoping it also receives a soundtrack release like the first part of the game did.

5. UNRAVEL TWO

I fell in love with the first game’s soundtrack and declared it a natural wonder of the soundtrack world, and if you missed my review you can read it here. Frida Johansson and Henrik Oja have returned for the music, and since I don’t own a PS4 I’m hoping it gets an official soundtrack release. It’d be lovely too it they could include the music from the trailer featuring the Celtic-inspired rendition of Aurora’s gorgeous song “Queendom Come”, collaborated on with composer Bear McCreary.

4. TUNIC

From the developer: TUNIC is an action adventure about a tiny fox in a big world. Explore the wilderness, discover spooky ruins, and fight terrible creatures from long ago.

The character design in the game is both stunning and adorable and the music in the trailer compliments it expertly. Eagerly awaiting both the game and soundtrack.

3. ORI AND THE WILL OF THE WISPS

Gareth Coker returns! That’s all you need to know. The composer has graciously shared the trailer music as a free download on his bandcamp page. Listen below and click the link to grab the track for yourself.

2. SEA OF SOLITUDE

From the developer Jo-Mei: When humans get too lonely, they turn into monsters. That’s what happened to Kay. Now only monsters can change her back.

Sea of Solitude looks absolutely stunning, and like a ghostly version of Ponyo (feel free to read up on the fan theories about the film too). The game’s trailer features a rendition of a Johnny Cash song “I Tremble For You”. A twitter user @trihsder identified the vocalist of this version as Ruby Amanfu, and also commented that she outdid Johnny Cash. I agree. Cornelia Geppert the CEO of Jo-Mei confirmed with me on twitter that UK based composer Guy Jackson who has handled the music for their previous games, will be scoring Sea of Solitude.

1. SABLE

From the developer: Sable is a coming-of-age tale of discovery through exploration across a strikingly rendered open world desert. Go on a deeply personal journey across an alien planet while learning its history and discovering Sable’s place in the world.

Part Journey, part Moebius. That’s all I needed to see and hear. This game looks amazing and the audio in the trailer is the song “Glider” by Japanese Breakfast. Really looking forward to this one too!

Were you at E3 this year, or like me have you simply been watching trailers online? What game soundtracks are you most excited for?