BGM Mode is back with volume 2 of the best game music of 2012. Today, we’ve got Paul’s picks.
“Mars” – Mass Effect 3 by Sam Hulick
Bioware made headlines when it was reported that they tapped Clint Mansell to work on the Mass Effect 3 soundtrack. But when I think about the types of music that define “Mass Effect” I always come back to compositions done by Sam Hulick and/or Jack Wall. Their synth-infused tracks just scream 80s sci-fi soundtrack and this selection from the Mass Effect 3 score basically underlines what I love about Mass Effect music. Straight from a Casio keyboard, and into your soul~
“Ninja Mi (Drums)” – Mark of the Ninja by Vince De Vera & Jason Garner
I am surprised as how little information I could find regarding the Mark of the Ninja soundtrack. I’m not even sure if the track name or credits are correct (Klei, why so mysterious??). Regardless, this bass heavy track has a perfect quality about it that made hunting some of the boss characters in Mark of the Ninja, that much more enthralling.
“Combat Music 2” – XCOM: Enemy Unknown by Michael McCann
I loved McCann’s work on the Deus Ex: Human Revolution soundtrack, and he lends his distinct sound to the XCOM soundtrack with a flair for the dramatic. It’s hard to pick a combat track from XCOM to showcase, but this was my all time favourite.
“Armed with Death” – The Walking Dead by Jared Emerson-Johnson
For Clem.
“Fight Club” – Assassin’s Creed III by Lorne Balfe
I’m a sucker for Celtic-inspired tracks that feature lots and lots of strings. Probably my favourite track on the stellar Assassin’s Creed soundtrack.
” MilkyWay (Explore) ” – FTL: Faster Than Light by Ben Prunty
If Civil (Explore) is the most worthy track of being FTL‘s main theme, then I nominate this song for being the most worthy track to be the official theme song of my ship exploding into a million pieces.
“Title Theme” – Double Dragon Neon by Jake Kaufman
Nostalgia abound. I love the Double Dragon theme. This is the best version of the classic title music that I’ve ever heard, and that’s saying a lot because I’ve been a huge fan of the song for over 20 years. I’m a huge fan of how the game is a throwback to the type of game music that struck a cord with me back in the 90s. The mini guitar solo is also a really nice touch.
“Dam Top (Bloodshot Ramparts)” – Borderlands 2 by Jesper Kyd
Whilst playing some multiplayer Borderlands 2 last year Randy said something like “Oh my god, this music is fucking awesome.” I think he was talking about this track. Yep I agree.
In case you missed it, check out volume 1 with D.J.’s list here, and if we left out one of your favorites, tell us which one in the comments!
I thought for sure you’d pick the title theme of Layton miracle mask.
It was on my list, but was edited for length. Also I didn’t feel right having it on my list when I’ve barely cracked 1 hour played for the game. Yah.