Games with Best Audio

[AKS]

In most video game forums, it seems that audio is often almost completely overlooked compared to visuals and image quality. I thought things might be quite a bit different here in a Polk forum, so I thought I'd ask which games you have found to have the highest quality audio.

In my experience, I noticed that just about every game with elite audio is either on the Playstation 3 or PC. For a device that now costs $299, the PS3 is a little audio monster, and the PC is always known to be the most powerful gaming device on the market. To my ears, the game with the highest quality sound I've experienced so far has been Uncharted: Drake's Fortune for the PS3 (7.1 LPCM audio), although Crysis, Warhawk, SOCOM Confrontation, Dead Space, Metal Gear Solid 4, and a few others also sound incredible.

So what are your experiences, findings, and opinions?

[Knucklehead]

XBOX360 rock band

[nguyendot]

Dead Space has the best implementation of digital surround on a console I have seen thus far. Hook up 5.1, turn out the lights, and be scared.

[Gaara]

Dead Space has the best implementation of digital surround on a console I have seen thus far. Hook up 5.1, turn out the lights, and be scared.

Ditto. Honestly any AAA game is going to be solid audio.

Gears of War 2 was a blast all the way through, with the intro being a standout which gets you pumped up.

Dead Space was phenomenal and totally nailed the atmosphere.

Bioshock was the same way, the sound recordings and ambient affects pulled you into the game.

Killzone 2 was similar to GoW2, weak dialogue but amazing music and effects that really bring you into the world.

Company of Heroes on the PC is a standout for me, everything just sounds so real.

[kuntasensei]

Dead Space was simply stunning. Best use of surround I've heard in a game, and definitely increased the scare factor. Bioshock was also very immersive.

Played quite a bit of Batman: Arkham Asylum last night, and the sound in that game is PHENOMENAL. I'm seriously blown away that they finally made a Batman game that is GOOD and makes you feel like Batman. Definitely worth a buy.

[Face]

Bioshock

[lanion]

Not all AAA games have great audio...

Dead Space is the best audio I have heard in a game.... Bioshock is a close 2nd.

But Gears of War 1 for example had lousy audio. Halo 3s was acceptable but nothing that drew me in at all. Call of Duty 4, again as AAA as you can get has good audio, but not great.

[concealer404]

I was always somewhat impressed with the audio on the more recent Unreal Tournament games, as outdated as they are these days.

[lanion]

If anyone every sees gizmodo or IGNs ultimate setups, most people have sweet TVs and projectors but a HTIB audio system. Its not surprising why audio gets left behind sometimes.

[tommyboy]

If anyone every sees gizmodo or IGNs ultimate setups, most people have sweet TVs and projectors but a HTIB audio system. Its not surprising why audio gets left behind sometimes.

Here was a recent poll on gamefaqs...

http://www.gamefaqs.com/poll/index.html?poll=3557

As you can see, Even vast majority of serious gamers don't have a full surround system... So it obivously won't be top priority...

Yes, bioshock sounds amazing... Another which might be a shock to you is half life 2, even though its five years old now it still sounds amazing. Nothing like shooting down an airship and hear it explode in the backround while your whole house is shaking:p

[AKS]

If anyone every sees gizmodo or IGNs ultimate setups, most people have sweet TVs and projectors but a HTIB audio system. Its not surprising why audio gets left behind sometimes.

I guess that explains why those guys rarely say anything about HD audio. I think stereo, 5.1, and 7.1 are the only increments many of those guys know. I have a 7.1 HT, but quality is far more important to me than the number of speakers.

It also doesn't help that developers/ publishers aren't great about even informing consumers of the sound formats they use in a game.

[Gaara]

Not all AAA games have great audio...

Dead Space is the best audio I have heard in a game.... Bioshock is a close 2nd.

But Gears of War 1 for example had lousy audio. Halo 3s was acceptable but nothing that drew me in at all. Call of Duty 4, again as AAA as you can get has good audio, but not great.

You didn't like the audio in GoW? I thought it was great, but was bested by GoW2. Halo 3 I wasn't a big fan of in general, audio not withstanding, and I haven't played Call of Duty 4 in a while but I recall it being good.

I guess it depends on your definition. I find most AAA games a step above the standard...all though the standard is quite low compared to other media.



It also doesn't help that developers/ publishers aren't great about even informing consumers of the sound formats they use in a game.

Your right, you kinda gotta do the research yourself. I always read reviews for games on IGN and see what they have to say about the audio quality. I do recall some games having their audio marketed, one of the GTAs comes to mind w/ Dolby Digital, and Killzone 2 had some fancy 7.1 audio codec that got lots of press.

Its sad that graphics get so much fanfare but the other 50% of the experience gets little to no coverage.

[Nicknice]

I have to go with Bioshock as well. The soundtrack really created the atmosphere of the game.

[lanion]

You didn't like the audio in GoW? I thought it was great, but was bested by GoW2. Halo 3 I wasn't a big fan of in general, audio not withstanding, and I haven't played Call of Duty 4 in a while but I recall it being good.

I guess it depends on your definition. I find most AAA games a step above the standard...all though the standard is quite low compared to other media.

The dynamics were kind of weak... gun shots had no oompf... and the big boss fights and explosions were really lacking in any good bass. Hammer of dawn attacks should have more impact than a big daddy walking around.

[comfortablycurt]

Here was a recent poll on gamefaqs...

http://www.gamefaqs.com/poll/index.html?poll=3557

As you can see, Even vast majority of serious gamers don't have a full surround system... So it obivously won't be top priority...



Wow...that's a pretty astonishing figure.

The audio track is half of the game experience...I almost never play video games, and I fully realize that. You'd think more of the hard core gamers would be investing in quality audio...to get the full experience out of it.

[Gaara]

The dynamics were kind of weak... gun shots had no oompf... and the big boss fights and explosions were really lacking in any good bass. Hammer of dawn attacks should have more impact than a big daddy walking around.

Interesting, thanks for the response. I was planning on playing that again soon, guess I will have to compare the two. I do recall that the fight w/ the female locust the screams were cool but when she knocked down walls I felt it was lacking. Totally forgot the big daddy walking, I love when you get knocked down and he walks up to you, the room shakes due to the SBS + buttkicker.

[AKS]

You didn't like the audio in GoW? I thought it was great, but was bested by GoW2.


I have to say I also wasn't blown away by the audio in the Gears games, and I love both Gears 1 and 2. It sound very good, but I wasn't finding myself looking around the room or out the window wondering whether the sound was real like I was with Uncharted, Metal Gear Solid 4, or Dead Space. I actually thought a bird might have flown through an open window into my apartment when I was playing Uncharted; I'm not kidding about that. My brother ducked and almost dropped my PS3 controller when playing Dead Space; it was hilarious watching him play a game with surround sound for the first time (he's not that into home theater stuff), especially one that completely freaked him out! :D :p

Gears had some very satisfying sound effects, but it still always sounded like a game to me rather than a movie or even real life. I do consider it an excellent, well-rounded game with very graphics and good sound, however. I just don't find it to be among the game's I'd use to show off my stereo.

[AKS]

Wow...that's a pretty astonishing figure.

The audio track is half of the game experience...I almost never play video games, and I fully realize that. You'd think more of the hard core gamers would be investing in quality audio...to get the full experience out of it.

Maybe it's economics that's partially behind this. My Panasonic PZ85u plasma (46 in; 1080p) cost a heck of a lot less than my seven Polk VM speakers, and I'm going to dump another big chunk into a nicer receiver eventually. I think just one of my front speakers (VM30) debuted for about $1100 (not that I paid anywhere close to that, mind you), whereas my 1080p plasma TV started at $1400 and can now be had for under a grand. Unless you are buying ultra expensive OLEDs, it's cheaper to get a really nice TV than a really nice stereo.

[comfortablycurt]

Maybe it's economics that's partially behind this. My Panasonic PZ85u plasma (46 in; 1080p) cost a heck of a lot less than my seven Polk VM speakers, and I'm going to dump another big chunk into a nicer receiver eventually. I think just one of my front speakers (VM30) debuted for about $1100 (not that I paid anywhere close to that, mind you), whereas my 1080p plasma TV started at $1400 and can now be had for under a grand. Unless you are buying ultra expensive OLEDs, it's cheaper to get a really nice TV than a really nice stereo.

True, the economy probably has something to do with it, but when you figure in that a lot of the people in that poll probably had TV's that cost $1200+, you'd think they could have sprung for some audio at least slightly better. There are decent HTIB setups out there that cost less then $400...they aren't going to even compete with a good component system, but it's still gotta be better than the speakers in the majority of the TV's out there.

According to that poll, over 70% of the people who participated were using their TV speakers. The speakers in my TV haven't even been used in years...lol...

[AKS]

True, the economy probably has something to do with it, but when you figure in that a lot of the people in that poll probably had TV's that cost $1200+, you'd think they could have sprung for some audio at least slightly better. There are decent HTIB setups out there that cost less then $400...they aren't going to even compete with a good component system, but it's still gotta be better than the speakers in the majority of the TV's out there.

According to that poll, over 70% of the people who participated were using their TV speakers. The speakers in my TV haven't even been used in years...lol...

Yeah, it's obvious people tend to undervalue audio. I was just pointing out that buying a nice TV is much cheaper than buying a nice stereo system. I started off with a Yamaha HTIB a few years ago, which I sold cheap to my younger brother (now his first surround sound setup).

[avelanchefan]

1) Bioshock....hands down.

2) Rainbow Six series (Xbox and Xbox 360) Saved my ass multiple times when playing on live. The footsteps being heard, gunfire, etc... are replicated perfectly. I dont know how many times I have heard footsteps from behind me (rear speakers) and to turn around and get a kill.

3) F.E.A.R. (1 and 2) ..... It creeped me out. And I thought the audio had a lot to do with it. Again great use of surrounds when the enemy is near. You can pinpoint based on their walking or gunfire.

[kuntasensei]

Damn right on Rainbow Six, Ave... Surround is a HUGE assist in that game, especially in Terrorist Hunt!

[Polkie2009]

Dittos on Rainbow Six, I picked up the RSV2 on Xbox360 a couple of months ago , and had a chance to play the PS3 version of it last week on a friends PS3 Slim. Maybe it's just me but I thought the audio was a little better on the PS3 version.Both are excellent:)

[avelanchefan]

Damn right on Rainbow Six, Ave... Surround is a HUGE assist in that game, especially in Terrorist Hunt!

LMAO...Yes terrorist hunt is where it assists you the most. Especially when the terrorists are screaming at you for killing their friends. I mean seriously how many times after you shoot someone and you can hear a terrorist talking behind you, such a nice advantage when you are the last player standing.

[bevo]

I'd put socom confrontation on the list. I'm almost certain it's 7.1. I get gunshot sounds out of the back speakers without switching to ex, or plx II. The best thing about it is the lack of noise in the background. Almost all of the gunshots and explosions you hear are happening in the game. The guns are the most realistic i've heard, and the grenade explosions will shake the room.

You can literally not even look at the compass that shows where shots are coming from because the surround sound is so precise. It's hilarious when you hear someone sneaking up behind you, and you turn around and shoot them before they know what happened. I get blamed for cheating on occasions for killing people getting ready to come up behind me and try and knife me.

Another cool thing is that when your close enough to someone on the other team you can hear them talking through the tv. So if you think someone on the other team is close to you, you can't use your mic because it will give away your position.

Out of all the shooters I've played, the new socom sounds the most like I imagine a small military skirmish would sound like. Loud, and intimidating.

Speaking of socom, if anyone in here plays send me a pm and we can get some games in together. I'm always looking for a reason to play a few rounds.

[tommyboy]

Damn right on Rainbow Six, Ave... Surround is a HUGE assist in that game, especially in Terrorist Hunt!

I don't know how many times I've been called a cheating noob or camper on COD4 cause I would hear someone coming from around the corner and aim before I see them. Or when someone thinks they are sneaking up on me and soon as I hear them turn around and pop them in the head:p. I'm half decent at COD but I know surround gives me a big advantage over othe players

[AKS]

Speaking of socom, if anyone in here plays send me a pm and we can get some games in together. I'm always looking for a reason to play a few rounds.

I just ordered SOCOM with the mic bundle yesterday, so it will take me awhile to get up to snuff. I will probably have plenty of time to enjoy the audio after being slaughtered in the first minute.

I wish they'd make a realistic game like SOCOM with a co-op mode. A friend of mine is a former Army Ranger sniper and I'm a former Marine. We'd have love to play something like that. Maybe Zipper will make one after they release MAG.

[Pepi28]

Dead Space is awesome in surround sound. I dont play it with the lights out.

[AKS]

Dead Space is awesome in surround sound. I dont play it with the lights out.

I decided Dead Space would be the perfect choice to introduce my brother to surround sound in games. He had never played anything that didn't output sound out of the TV speakers. My set of Polk VM speakers gave him quite a surprise! :D He was ducking, looking over his shoulder, and almost dropped the controller once. Totally freaked him out. :p

[AKS]

I tried out SOCOM Confrontation in 7.1, and it has some of the best audio I've heard in a game.

[ballen823]

SOCOM does sound amazing.

Here's another one to add to the list: Need for Speed Shift.

I just picked it up last night and first impressions were pretty good. Loud. Real Loud.

On sale for $40 at BB too.

[AKS]

Are their any games from Electronic Arts that use HD audio? They have some stellar sounding games, but I can't think of any that actually use 7.1 LPCM like a lot of the best sounding PS3 1st and 2nd party games. Why make a game with awesome sound like Dead Space and then cap the quality at 5.1 DTS?

[ballen823]

I don't think so. It most likely has to do with the fact that their games are multi-platform, and probably using the 360 as the initial development platform (which doesn't support 7.1).

[TouchyFeely]

I agree Dead Space does sound amazing.

[buymesome]

Yep socom shines outa all the above with all its THX certified glory having the best seperation . I really am able to tell exactly where theshots are coming from and it does make good use of the LFE at just the right times

Mostly though video game audio becomes very annoying and causes a sense overload . This can affect your play performance along with intense visual responce to action so I think this is why its not important enough for people to invest in the audio and use there funds for larger displays

[lanion]

The incredible immersion can become annoying? Your crazy! Its my favorite part of my audio system right now. Your sensories must overload too easily. :D

I'm only annoyed when a game underestimates my system's bass output. In a game like BlazBlue there is one attack (the vampire girl) that is just waaaaaay too loud in the LF compared to everything else. Same goes for Disagaea.

[buymesome]

I should have stated that I was referring to fatigue endured by online gaming like FPS

I agree that good audio is mandatory for getting the best experience in a normal campaign type of game

Maybe you should invest in a larger display like a pj as I can see you getting the most out of the experience with that 32" postcard

[lanion]

Haha.. yeah. In time. I had a 100" FP setup for a while but had to sell it. That was pretty awesome.... itll happen again someday. Fortunately the audio sweet spot is about 3 feet in front of the TV right now so it works out.

[dfledezma]

Thief series, has anyone played them???

[bevo]

Yep socom shines outa all the above with all its THX certified glory having the best seperation . I really am able to tell exactly where theshots are coming from and it does make good use of the LFE at just the right times

Mostly though video game audio becomes very annoying and causes a sense overload . This can affect your play performance along with intense visual responce to action so I think this is why its not important enough for people to invest in the audio and use there funds for larger displays
I totally disagree with that. I couldn't play shooters without at least 5.1 surround, and really like the 7.1 on the ps3 even better. In the new operation flashpoint game the only way you have of even knowing where the enemy is, is by listening to where the shots came from. That game would be so hard on the hardcore setting with just a TV for the sound. With 7.1 surround sound you have a very large advantage over someone with just a tv.

I do agree though that if you are playing on a 20 inch tv that I would upgrade that before buying the surround sound. But if I had at least 32 inch tv I would get an HT system before upgrading to 1080p, or a larger screen.

[ballen823]

Anyone that owns a PS3 would be doing themselves a disservice by not picking up Uncharted 2. Not only is it one of the best sounding games, but might be one of the best games I've ever played.

It plays out like a movie, and one that is better then most of today's Hollywood scripts. Phenomenal.

[buymesome]

Anyone that owns a PS3 would be doing themselves a disservice by not picking up Uncharted 2. Not only is it one of the best sounding games, but might be one of the best games I've ever played.

It plays out like a movie, and one that is better then most of today's Hollywood scripts. Phenomenal.

I could not stop laughing at the tv commercial for this game with the guy and his gf . I wont spoil it but watch it and youl see what I mean

[buymesome]

Sure just go to you tube and you will find step by step video guides

Its not the proper thread for asking such a question also there too many variables to this question

On the tube youl learn how to disable updates via the network so you dont get caught doing illegal transferral of data

You could recive a huge fine or get the fbi on yo ass ?

I can see the wii going in the same direction as the sega dreamcast

[nguyendot]

Can Anyone tell me how to copy wii games to dvd and burn wii games?
I don't know how.
Pls help me. THanks.

Reported

[ballen823]

I could not stop laughing at the tv commercial for this game with the guy and his gf . I wont spoil it but watch it and youl see what I mean

I saw that. Great commercial.

[buymesome]

Oh cath go buy them like everyone else . This is a forum for audio enthusiasts

[AKS]

I haven't visited this thread for awhile. I wondered if anyone knew of a database or resource for easily determining what type of audio is available for games. I'm getting sick of scouring the net every time a new game shows up, especially when a lot of games incorrectly display a game's actual available audio. With games like Metal Gear Solid 4, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and Red Dead Redemption on PS3, my display on my receiver says 7.1, but my rear surrounds do not produce any sound. I'd like to just know what's available in the first place, but other than Naughty Dog's awesome in-game audio detection and adjustment system, most don't tell you much about the audio.

[rmknotts123]

Im going to throw Bad Company 2 out there. I rented it to see if it was worth purchasing, and it is I might add. There is some pretty kick ass surround sound. If you have a 5.1 system this game will make your spine tingle.

[Face]

I agree, BC2 does have impressive sound.

[mutelight]

Uncharted 2
Dead Space
Bad Company 2
Alan Wake

[rmknotts123]

Uncharted 2 sucks (not the audio or the game), but online play. Once you spend 8 hours playing the game you will have it beat and never play the game again. I'm not sure about dead space, I've never played it. Bad Company 2 however is amazing, even online. So once you beat the game you will have fun playing P2P.

[lanion]

Uncharted 2 does not suck. Best single player adventure/cinematic experience ever. Multiplayer is meh but not bad.

There is something to be said for a super high quality game that you CAN finish in less than 20 hours... or even 10 hours.

[tommyboy]

Uncharted 2 does not suck. Best single player adventure/cinematic experience ever. Multiplayer is meh but not bad.

There is something to be said for a super high quality game that you CAN finish in less than 20 hours... or even 10 hours.

Agreed. It doesn't mean if you can beat a game in 10-20 hours that its a bad game. My experience say with metroid prime was much better than game like final fantasy 7. Im MP, I enjoyed the entire game (about 15 hours first time I think) while ff7 took like 40. But it seems developors just added random crap to make it longer so there was long sengments of the game I couldn't stand (The first five hours in that big city was the worst)

So in the end, did I enjoy final fantasy 7... of course but its not better because its longer.

[ramirezevanswa]

If the audio is marvellous in your game then you can enjoy in playing game.There are lots of games which have a good audio like Ps3 games,Xbox 360,NES games etc.If the games are action and have terrible audio then you feel like gaming character.

[begbie]

dead space- absolutlely, Bioshock was pretty good too

[ashlynnjem]

While according to me these are best Audio Game are:->The Lost Vikings,Secret of Mana and Super Putty.

[Demiurge]

Reported

[wouldrichest]

Ditto. Honestly any AAA game is going to be solid audio.

Gears of War 2 was a blast all the way through, with the intro being a standout which gets you pumped up.

Dead Space was phenomenal and totally nailed the atmosphere.

Bioshock was the same way, the sound recordings and ambient affects pulled you into the game.

Killzone 2 was similar to GoW2, weak dialogue but amazing music and effects that really bring you into the world.

Company of Heroes on the PC is a standout for me, everything just sounds so real.
Dead Space was simply stunning. Best use of surround I've heard in a game, and definitely increased the scare factor. Bioshock was also very immersive.

Played quite a bit of Batman: Arkham Asylum last night, and the sound in that game is PHENOMENAL. I'm seriously blown away that they finally made a Batman game that is GOOD and makes you feel like Batman. Definitely worth a buy.

[gyrertr]

Game audio network guide is a best audio with games thus it is a support the game industry thus this audio is a win the awards thus it have a midi and best sound thus it have a best sound effect thus it have get listen clear volume.it is a musical sound of a video game thus it is a best technology.

[tommyboy]

What is it with this thread and spammers?

[Polkie2009]

I've got to add to the list Battlefield Bad Company 2 on PS3. Just picked up this game and this thing hits hard!

[mutelight]

I haven't visited this thread for awhile. I wondered if anyone knew of a database or resource for easily determining what type of audio is available for games. I'm getting sick of scouring the net every time a new game shows up, especially when a lot of games incorrectly display a game's actual available audio. With games like Metal Gear Solid 4, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and Red Dead Redemption on PS3, my display on my receiver says 7.1, but my rear surrounds do not produce any sound. I'd like to just know what's available in the first place, but other than Naughty Dog's awesome in-game audio detection and adjustment system, most don't tell you much about the audio.

This is because the PS3 is constantly feeding your AVR a 7.1 LPCM stream even when the game is only designed for 5.1. This is an unfortunate design on the PS3 while using LPCM because it will block some AVRs from applying matrixed surround to the surround back speakers.

[nadams]

I always liked the realistic weaponry sounds in the COD series. Especially the first two on PC.

I don't have any surround setup at all, so naturally, I only play my games in 2ch.

[tommyboy]

This is because the PS3 is constantly feeding your AVR a 7.1 LPCM stream even when the game is only designed for 5.1. This is an unfortunate design on the PS3 while using LPCM because it will block some AVRs from applying matrixed surround to the surround back speakers.

I believe this is also the case with the 360 with 5.1 dolby digital(I don't have HDMI hookup for 7.1 but I don't think 360 does 7.1 anyway, anyone confirm that?). What I mean though, my AVR will always show DD even though I am playing stereo music. The only way I can use different AVR matrixes is if I shut off dolby digital in the xbox 360 settings.

A minor nuisance and not exactly the same problem you guys have, but this is something even the original xbox didn't do.

[Polkie2009]

Ditto on what tboy said, I'm thinking you can change settings in the AVR menu to matrix to the back surrounds when using the XBOX 360. When playing the PS3, I'm going to have to check to see if I'm actually getting channel separation in the back surrounds.

[mutelight]

I believe this is also the case with the 360 with 5.1 dolby digital(I don't have HDMI hookup for 7.1 but I don't think 360 does 7.1 anyway, anyone confirm that?). What I mean though, my AVR will always show DD even though I am playing stereo music. The only way I can use different AVR matrixes is if I shut off dolby digital in the xbox 360 settings.

A minor nuisance and not exactly the same problem you guys have, but this is something even the original xbox didn't do.

The 360 is restricted to 2 channel and 5.1 Dolby Digital (DTS in movies only) output via HDMI.

If you have your 360 set to output Dolby Digital, it will always use that stream, even when playing back music. So essentially if you have a high quality audio file playing, the 360 will transcode that file to Dolby Digital before sending it to your receiver.

[Sinister184]

anything with gunfire coming through the surrounds