Summary
There’s nothing quite likegood sound design in video games. From rain pattering on a window to the distant shouts of NPCs in whatever world you’re wandering through, audio can transport you to entirely new places. There are many games awarded for their enchanting sound design, but most of them also contain beautiful graphics to guide you through.
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So, what happens when the importance of sound is taken to a whole new level? Can the balance of sound and graphics be tipped while maintaining playability? There are a number of games out there that embed sound into its gameplay, making it impossible to play without it.
9Stifled
Games have always required a good balance of graphics and sound. Stifled, however, puts everything into sound. With a simple art style, the game forces you to interact with the environment to create sound waves that guide you.
You’re not the only one listening though. The gameuses your microphone inputso that enemies can locate you, so it’s important to be aware of how much noise you’re making. The game is also available to play in VR if you’re looking for that next level of immersion with this sound-based horror game.
8Unheard
There’s something thrilling about the work of a detective, gathering as much information as you can, linking clues, and discovering secrets. The satisfaction of catching the right person and uncovering the whole story is unbeatable, which is why Unheard is one of the most innovative detective games out there.
Rather than reading through files and statements, you rely entirely on audio to identify suspects and uncover the events of the crime scene. There are lots of overlapping sounds and the cases get progressively harder, making it perfect if you’re looking for a unique challenge.
7Dark Echo
Dark Echo is a game that visualises the movement of sound waves. With each noise, the game generates geometric shapes that bounce off of obstacles around you. Using those shapes, you must find your way through the world to escape from pursuing enemies before they catch you. It’s a tense game that gives you a unique challenge when escaping foes.
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There are eighty levels available that take you through different environments, all mapped out by your movements. Along the way, you might also hear other survivors trying to escape. Tread carefully and quickly through creepy environments before you’re engulfed by a wandering evil.
6The Vale: Shadow Of The Crown
If you’re looking for a game with a rich story, The Vale: Shadow of the Crown is a perfect pick. Playing as a blind warrior, you wander through hostile environments, using sound as your guide. The game’s mechanics and fighting are simple to follow, but there is enough of a challenge to leave you feeling satisfied after playing.
It’s important to listen carefully while playing The Vale; the game offers a well-designed combat experience without graphics, so missing audio cues can give enemies a chance to fight back.
5Perception
Perception combines the beauty of simple graphics with incredible audio to give you a unique experience. You play as Cassie, a blind girl searching for the truth behind a mansion that holds a dangerous presence. The game is filled withhair-raising soundsthat keep you on your toes as you play a dangerous game of hide and seek through the mansion.
As a frightening horror game with no combat, Perception forces you to use sound cues to search for clues and stay alive.
4EchoBlade
EchoBlade is a game that combines the mechanics of a dungeon crawler with echolocation. Relying on sound, you play as a knight travelling through the halls of a dungeon in search of an escape. There are traps, enemies, and puzzles that block your way, giving you a satisfying challenge as you roam.
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The game can be played however you see fit. If stealth is more your style, then there are ways to pass enemies and avoid traps as long as you listen carefully. Otherwise, heading straight in for a fight will work just as well.
3Sightless
Sightless is a short but nerve-racking indie horror game that follows a lone man in his apartment. Using a cane to create noise, you must travel round the house and keep an eye out for what lurks in the dark. There is no combat, but there are a few jump scares and a tense atmosphere that create an effective addition to the horror genre.
The game doesn’t have much of a resolution, but the focus on everyday sounds such as birds singing, a shower running, and even a simple door closing emphasise the creepy environment that you have to explore.
2Blind
Blind is a VR game driven by the thrilling narrative of a blind woman who wakes up with no memory. Led by a character known as the Warden, you have to pay close attention to sound cues to make your way through the mansion.
You are guided by the game’s unique use of sound, from music to voice acting, which assists you in uncovering an emotional story. There are a range of puzzles to keep you invested, along with small interactions that help you piece together small parts of the story whenever you explore.
1Echolocaution
Echolocaution is a quick and cute game for those who prefer a more casual experience. By using both your voice and your ears, you play as a small bat hunting throughout the night while keeping away from larger predators.
The game utilises sound by making it a primary mechanic, so it’s important to pay attention so you can earn the highest score possible. While the games don’t take long to complete, they range in difficulty, making it a great game for casual players who still want a slight challenge.
