What games have the best sound design elements?

Undertale: An underdog in the game sound design industry

When the discussion turns to games with exceptional sound design, it's easy for the spotlight to shine on the blockbuster titles known for their booming orchestras and explosive sound effects. Games like Horizon Zero Dawn, with its enthralling musical score that paints the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world, and the rebooted Doom series, which melds heavy metal riffs with the screams of demons as you plunge into battle, stand out. Yet, it's crucial to take a moment to appreciate the gems hidden in the corners of the gaming world, those small-budget marvels that prove that sound design is an art form that transcends resources.

Among these, one name stands tall: Undertale, an indie game crafted solely by the hands and imagination of Toby Fox.

At first glance, Undertale might be mistaken for a simple 8-bit RPG. Its pixelated sprites and minimalist aesthetics might not scream "epic sound design," but beneath this unassuming surface lies a symphony of auditory artistry that significantly contributes to the game's storytelling prowess.

Undertale is, at its core, a story-driven game where every choice you make matters. As you navigate its world, you encounter a cast of characters, each with their own tale intricately woven into the fabric of the game's universe. But it's when you decide to embark on specific routes that the true depth of Undertale's sound design reveals itself.

The game's background music isn't just pleasant noise accompanying your journey; it's a storyteller in its own right. Consider the haunting melodies that seep from your speakers as you explore the desolate Ruins, setting a tone of mystery and melancholy that perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere. Move on to Snowdin, and you're greeted with warm and charming tunes, resonating with the coziness of a snow-covered town. Each area has its own musical identity, elevating your emotional engagement with the surroundings and characters.

But Undertale's sound design doesn't stop at ambiance. It takes on an interactive role, an integral part of the gameplay. The rhythmic heartbeat that signifies a battle, the "ding" of your attacks landing, the heart-shattering sound of taking damage – all of these audio cues provide immediate feedback, making your actions and their consequences tangible.

Characters, though presented as mere pixels, come alive through their unique sounds. The quirky "wah wah" of the Temmie immediately paints a picture of this eccentric character. Even the absence of sound during intense moments contributes to the narrative tension, demonstrating how silence can be as evocative as music.

At the heart of it all is Toby Fox's ingenuity in combining gameplay mechanics with auditory experiences. The save/load mechanic, accompanied by distinct sound effects, isn't just functional; it's another layer of storytelling. The echoing sound of SAVE points, the sound of loading a game – they all become part of the game's meta-narrative, subtly asking you to ponder your actions.

Undertale's brilliance lies in its ability to showcase that sound design isn't bound by the scope of a project. With a minimal budget and the creative vision of one person, it creates an auditory experience that rivals, if not surpasses, the AAA giants. Toby Fox's work on Undertale isn't just sound design; it's storytelling through sound, a reminder that in the world of gaming, even the smallest voice can resonate the loudest.

So, while Horizon Zero Dawn and Doom undoubtedly deserve their praise for sound design, let's take a step back and acknowledge the smaller, lesser-budgeted games that prove that excellence in sound knows no boundaries. Undertale stands as a testament to the fact that a single individual with a passion can create an auditory masterpiece that forever resonates in the hearts of players.