Few things in video games are as under appreciated as the music. It might not be as noticeable as the graphics, but it can be just as impactful. When a video game has good music, it can move you.

Runners Up:

Hotline Miami (by Addam Kearney) – Hotline Miami is a fever dream of a game and the soundtrack fits perfectly. There’s something unsettling about almost every track, giving off a dirty, dark feeling.

Rhythm Heaven Fever (by Addam Kearney) – Rhythm Heaven has had a history of creating fantastic musical minigames but the music for Rhythm Heaven Fever is, by far, the best in the series. The musical accompaniment is a bouncy and fun blend of J-Pop.

Dustforce (by Kyle Orr) – Soft, moody tones set the stage perfectly for an abandoned world that simply needs some cleaning. An old school style made Dustforce one of the most memorable soundtracks this year.

Darksiders 2 (by Gustavo Ramirez) – Jesper Kyd’s dynamic score for Darksiders 2 fuses dark tones with melody to bring life to Death’s journey to avenge his brother. Kyd’s melding of traditional quest-like music with nightmarish-type elements are perfect for the journey.

AND THE WINNER IS:

Journey (by Kyle Orr) – Listening to the soundtrack for Journey will take you about as long as it would to sit down and play the game. Similarily the soundtrack will take you on a literal musical journey of emotions. Discovery, joy, fear and even sadness are clearly felt through this soundtrack. When taken in along with the visuals and action of the game, it becomes a wonderous experience.