As Madonna preached, music makes the people come together. The PlayStation Vita may have fewer games on its library as compared to other handhelds, but it is not lacking in music games. Here are seven of the platform’s games with the best soundtrack.
PS vita games with the best soundtrack
7. Jet Set Radio
The small but crazy good catalog of the Dreamcast is one of the most noteworthy events in video game history. Sega’s console had the privilege of breaking into the 128-bit generation and it did with a bang.
To revive the most iconic games of the console, Sega has brought back Jet Set Radio. Although its name might not be as familiar to new generations, Jet Set Radio was a revolution in its time, largely responsible for the cel-shading phenomenon. This shading technique with flat colors influenced games from anime aesthetics like Dragon Ball and Naruto to legends like Dragon Quest and Zelda. While Jet Set Radio was not the first to use cel-shading, it was the best showcase of what this art style could achieve in the new generation.
But we are not talking about the looks, we are humming the sound. The soundtrack of Jet Set Radio is eternally amazing. Featuring a mix of funky, electronic, and pop sounds, it has remained almost intact from the original version. Additionally, it includes tracks that were not available in the European version and some unlockable ones from the sequel, including what is considered the best track of the series, “The Concept of Love” by Hideki Naganuma.
6. Sound Shapes
Sound Shapes might have slipped under the radar due to the influx of indie titles at the time, but it offers a unique experience due to its music. The game is a musical platformer where you control a small, sticky ball navigating levels filled with collectible orbs and dangerous red obstacles. The gameplay involves standard platforming mechanics with a twist: your ball can stick to surfaces, allowing for upside-down traversal. The sticky feature can be turned off for more traditional movement too.
What sets Sound Shapes apart from platformers is its integration of music into the gameplay. As players collect orbs, they add notes to the level’s music track, transforming a basic tune into a complex melody as you progress. Each level starts with minimal music, and collecting notes enhances the soundtrack. This feature not only adds a unique layer to the platforming but also makes the process of collecting orbs a rewarding effort to complete the level’s melody.
Sound Shapes has a variety of sounds and effects that enhance the minimalist graphics and funky levels. Notably, the levels featuring songs by Beck stand out due to the inclusion of lyrics. The editor mode allows players to create their own tunes and levels, and share them with the community. The editor, combined with extensive DLC that adds new instruments, sounds, and challenges, offers great replayability. For creative gamers and music lovers, Sound Shapes is a delightful platformer with a rich, interactive soundtrack.
5. Persona 4: Dancing All Night
Persona 4 has enjoyed a long journey from its initial release as Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 on the PlayStation 2 to its various spin-offs and adaptations. The remastered version, Persona 4 Golden, on the Vita, addressed minor issues from the original and added new features. The popularity of Persona 4 led to multiple spin-offs and animated series, showcasing the beloved characters in different genres, including fighting games and dungeon crawlers. Among these, Persona 4: Dancing All Night stands out as a rhythm game that serves as the grand finale for the Investigation Team’s saga.
Persona 4: Dancing All Night uniquely combines the rhythm game genre with the Persona 4 storyline, featuring the Investigation Team in a new musical adventure. The game’s premise revolves around Rise Kujikawa, a teen idol returning to the music scene, who invites her friends to join her at the Love Meets Bonds Festival. The game’s plot, although seemingly corny, fits well within the established Persona universe. The characters use music and dance to combat a malicious entity in a new world discovered inside a monitor, emphasizing the power of feelings and music over violence. The story is presented in a visual novel format with heavy dialogue.
The soundtrack is the main attraction of Persona 4: Dancing All Night, featuring 27 remixed tracks from previous games alongside new compositions. The remixes are energetic and upbeat, transforming familiar tunes into dance-worthy tracks that enhance the rhythm gameplay. The voice acting maintains the high standards set by previous installments, with most characters retaining their original voice actors, although the change in Rise Kujikawa’s voice actor is noticeable. The game’s music and sound design are exceptional. The combination of a well-crafted soundtrack, engaging story, and unique gameplay mechanics separates Persona 4: Dancing All Night from a quick cash grab to a video game classic.
4. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, the sequel to the critically acclaimed top-down shooter, maintains the intense, adrenaline-pumping gameplay of the original while slightly improving on various aspects. The game demands quick reflexes and strategic planning, with a high difficulty level that challenges both casual and veteran players. Each death encourages players to refine their strategies and try again, enhancing the sense of accomplishment upon completing a level. The Vita controls are particularly responsive, allowing for effective enemy targeting and maneuvering.
The sequel’s atmosphere is significantly bolstered by its exceptional soundtrack. With an extended tracklist due to the longer game length, the music perfectly complements the game’s trippy and ultra-violent experience. Standout tracks such as “Run,” “Ms Minnie,” “Technoir,” “The Way Home,” “The Rumble,” and “Fahkeet” bring out to the forefront the superb quality of the soundtrack.
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number delivers a thrilling and challenging gameplay experience underscored by a fantastic soundtrack. The music not only fits the game’s intense atmosphere but also a great listen on their own. The combination of excellent controls, engaging story, and top-tier music makes this sequel a must-play for fans of the original and newcomers alike.
3. Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;birth 1
This game is pretty weird, and if you are weird, then this might be a good pick. If you are somehow conservative, maybe look somewhere else. Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;birth 1 has its vibrant and catchy soundtrack on spades. The music complements the game’s quirky humor and bizarre atmosphere.
The soundtrack includes a diverse range of tracks that cater to different moods and settings within the game. Upbeat and playful tunes play during exploration and humorous dialogues, while more intense and dramatic compositions accompany the game’s turn-based battles. The music’s alignment with the game’s visual novel style and geeky humor is quite cute.
Ultimately, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;birth 1’s soundtrack is one of its strongest features. And if you look past the anime aesthetics and shameless fan service, it is a serviceable game. The core gameplay by itself is more than competent for a JRPG.
2. Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Need for Speed: Most Wanted is a must-play not only for its portability and gameplay but also for its invigorating soundtrack that complements the high-octane racing experience. The music selection is literally the best songs of its release year. The soundtrack features a mix of energetic and eclectic tunes that cater to the fast-paced, underground street racing theme of the game.
The inclusion of a dynamic soundtrack in Most Wanted plays a crucial role in setting the tone and mood for various in-game scenarios. Whether you’re evading the cops, exploring the vast city of Fairhaven, or competing in high-stakes races, the music adapts to the situation. The tracks are not just background noise; they are carefully curated to resonate with the game’s action-packed and rebellious spirit.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted is not just a great racing game, it is also a great racing game with fantastic soundtrack. True, at the time of its release, many fans were not a fan of the changes introduced to Need for Speed. Looking back, they were definitely wrong and on the wrong side of history.
1. Lumines: Electronic Symphony
Featuring 34 licensed tracks from renowned electronic music artists such as Wolfgang Gartner, The Chemical Brothers, Kaskade, and Benny Benassi, Lumines: Electronic Symphony simply has no competition when it comes to the best soundtrack competition on the Vita. This love letter to electronic music not only complements the intense gameplay but also helps players stay focused. The integration of music with the gameplay, where block movements produce sounds that blend with the background tracks, adds a unique layer to the experience.
The game introduces new features as compared to its previous entries, such as avatars with special abilities and the introduction of the Shuffle Block. The main Voyage mode offers a continuous musical journey, while other modes like Duel, Stopwatch, and Master provide variety and challenges. An RPG-style EXP system adds replay value, unlocking avatars and collectibles that can be shared with friends. Despite the tacked-on touchscreen features that don’t match the efficiency of traditional controls, Lumines: Electronic Symphony is a must-pay, must-play, must-stay on the Vita with its stunning visuals and engaging gameplay.