The 2024 Golden Lance Award for Best Soundtrack is not just an award for the best music that underpins and accentuates gameplay and story. It is an award that is a suggestion for what you should be doing right now. The beats behind the games in this category stick with you. They can (and should) be taken out of the game and made into a part of our everyday routine. The thumping rhythms and melancholy tones can be a soundtrack to more than just a game. The soundtracks here ooze vibe and sensation. They tie the experience of the game together and add that final X factor that elevates a game from great to excellent. With that said, here are the winners of Lords of Gaming’s 2024 Golden Lance Award for Best Soundtrack.
Winner – Metaphor ReFantazio
Atlus has consistently excelled in creating memorable music for its games. For example, the Persona series features iconic tracks like “Beneath the Mask” from Persona 5, which fans can enjoy on repeat without tiring of them. However, the soundtrack of Metaphor: ReFantazio marks a departure from their usual style. It leans more heavily on classical and orchestral influences, which initially led to mixed reactions from fans.
This may have been the case initially, but as players progressed further into the game, the songs began to grow on them. It became clear that the music served as a perfect backdrop for the long journey, enhancing the overall experience. Once again, the soundtrack proved to be something truly stellar and memorable.
Runner Up – Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Final Fantasy music is generally really great. It captures the aura and magic of the fantastical worlds that are explored in the games. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is no different. For me, it starts at the very beginning with the menu music being a beautifully orchestrated piece that is so full of emotion. In just the title track the music evokes the breadth of the adventure that Cloud and the gang will go on through the course of Rebirth.
The reason why Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth gets my vote for best soundtrack of the year is because the music is so dynamic and each track is masterfully layered with deep themes that fit every scene. While in combat it reflects a high-octane dance, but when the characters are relaxed in one of the various small pockets of civilization the music is serene and gives off warmth.
