Best Sound Effects in a Game

Sound continues to become an increasingly important element in games. As game sound effects have become more advanced, designers have started using sound as a key element. It's now more important than ever that games feature a wide variety of diverse, realistic sound effects and that game designers take advantage of the unique properties of audio in their games. Our finalists for Best Sound Effects in a Game are:

Call of Duty (PC)

Publisher: Activision
Developer: Infinity Ward
CHECK LATEST PRICES >>


Infinity Ward's World War II-themed first-person shooter looks convincing, but it sounds even more so. Even when you're not surrounded by the roar of gunfire, you'll hear it reverberating in the distance, convincing you that you're in the middle of a war zone. Call of Duty's audio isn't just for show, either--by listening carefully, you can often get the drop on your foes.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (PC, XBOX, GC, PS2)

Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Electronic Arts
CHECK LATEST PRICES >>


The battle for Middle-earth may be the stuff of fantasy fiction, but it sounds almost fearsomely real in The Return of the King. The audio is a big part of what makes this game such a successful interpretation of Peter Jackson's popular film trilogy.

Silent Hill 3 (PC, PS2)

Publisher: Konami
Developer: KCET
CHECK LATEST PRICES >>


You might not want to play Silent Hill 3 on a full stomach. The horrific sights you'll come across in this survival horror game are matched only by the incredibly disturbing audio.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield (PC)

Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
CHECK LATEST PRICES >>


This is about as close as you'll ever want to get to hearing real automatic weapons being fired in your direction. Audio plays a critical role in Rainbow Six 3, which features the most authentic real-world weapon sounds we've ever heard in a game.

Uru: Ages Beyond Myst (PC)

Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Cyan Productions
CHECK LATEST PRICES >>


The Myst series has always been known for its surreal, seemingly deserted environments, and the games' use of audio has always helped bring these imaginative worlds to life. Uru is no exception, and it features possibly the best sound to date in this highly acclaimed series.

And the Winner is...