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.
This applies tovideo game soundtracksas 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.
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Not even mobile gamesare 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.
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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.
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.
With sucha striking visual styleas 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.
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.
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.
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 chaosin 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.
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.
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.
Roguelike games like Risk of Rainand 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.
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.
But the soundtrack still goes above and beyond to ensure 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.
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Midnight Fight Express brings a new spin onthe beat-em-up genrewith 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).
Even in a capitalist dystopia, you’re able to 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.
