Below is a list of some modern video games I have played with a short note about the sound design of each. If you can't tell, yes I am predominately a console player although I do play some PC games too.
The Witcher 3 - Great implementation of sound that adapts to changes in gameplay through the use of Wwise. Interesting weather changes affecting ambiences. Combat and movement sounds are interesting enough whilst still being believable. Huge amount of dialogue and a great, interactive and adaptive score.
The Last of Us (Both parts) - Eerie ambiences and amazing creature sound design. Audio plays a unique and important role within the gameplay. No elements of sound design take away from the experience and each sound clearly has true dedication behind it. Second part takes all those elements from the sound design of the first and builds upon them to create very suspenseful environments that raised the hairs on my neck multiple times.
Red Dead Redemption 2 - A great score that feels absolutely right for the setting. Great Foley used for the many, many animations in the game. Dialogue adapts to changes in gameplay to reflect gameplay choices and the changes in narrative. Recordings used for the vast amount of wildlife in the game only add to the world building.
God Of War - Character sounds are designed in such a satisfying way. All the actions have the right amount of weight to their sound which makes the combat so enjoyable. Every environment feels right in terms of ambience and reverberance. The overall experience would only be half as good without the integral and powerful score.
Battlefield 1, 4 and V - All make great use of the high dynamic range that gives priority to certain sounds over others. This allows for immersive gameplay that makes each battle feel alive. The score of each really make battles feel intense through their adaptive implementation. Weapon sounds, explosions, vehicles and even UI all sound accurate and, at moments, satisfying.
Battlefront 2 (Recent EA release) - A definite Star Wars experience that takes every well known sound from the series and implements them perfectly. As a fan of the older releases, I was not let down at all by any element of the sound design in this game. You could assume that the sound design would cause listener fatigue but the implementation of score and the vast amount of sounds you can hear in one match stops that. It also perfectly implements one of my all-time favourite Star Wars sounds - the Seismic Charge explosion from Slave One.
Uncharted 4 - This game takes the player to multiple types of environments throughout. From navigating mountain-side cliffs to exploring abandoned ruins, the ambient tracks used throughout really bring life to the areas and truly support the narrative of being an explorer in uncharted land. From huge cinematic set pieces with linear interaction, to fun rope swing combat sequences, the game blends its sound design between from linear media to interactive gaming seamlessly.
GTA 4 and 5 (Rockstar) - The fourth game makes a leap from older games in the series in terms of sound design. With a great, memorable score that perfectly fits the setting and a larger world needing a greater level of detail than before, the overall sonic impression of the game resonates with the main theme present. GTA 5 has been a big part of my gaming history and I believe the sound design in this game builds upon the fourth's with greater detail and believability. Of course, I have to mention most people's favourite part of the sound design within these games - the vehicle radio stations.
Fall Guys - With their use of the middleware FMOD, this game has the ideal sound design for the intended purpose. This game is fun and the sound design reflects that, especially in the fun and easy to listen to score. Whilst the sound design is not too complex, or at least as it appears to be, it does not need to be for it to fulfil it's role.
Hollow Knight - Similar to the previous game, the sound design is not overly complex whilst still being engaging and enjoyable. The character sounds including movement and dialogue are unique and simple to an extent. The score present adapts to changes in the gameplay, especially when fighting a boss and it adds an appropriate level of intensity with themes and leitmotifs. Overall, the sound design in this game is simple and enjoyable, perfect for the gameplay in my opinion.
Some honourable mentions I should include are: The recent Call of Duty Modern Warfare (especially the campaign missions), Jedi Fallen Order, Lego games (Star wars, Indian Jones etc), the Assasins Creed series and the Crackdown Series (although the latter is pure fun for me).
I currently am about to play Ghost of Tsushima and finally get around to playing Skyrim so I will add to this list once I play through a new game. Thanks for reading through :)
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