Of 2014: Favorite Soundtracks of the Year
NOTE: This post best viewed at GameLuv.com as it’s full of embedded music
I don’t know what this means but out of all the games I played in 2014 not a single new, original soundtrack got me goin’. Even the old games I played weren’t that memorable and that makes me kinda sad. Am I now that traditional “old guy” who doesn’t like new music? Or maybe I just spent too much time listening to podcasts.There were a couple moments of aural bliss for me in 2014 though. Let’s have a listen.
OlliOlli from roll7
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Early on in the year the collected soundtrack from OlliOlli had me playing my Vita with headphones on more than any other game. It’s an eccentric mix of dramatic, upbeat and downtempo tunes that, despite their incongruity, felt perfect alongside the 2D skateboarding. The jewel of the selections is definitely ‘Society’ by The Qemists.
Perfect Stride from Arcane Kids
Perfect Stride is such an indie game that its soundtrack isn’t even in the game. Now that’s Indie! The game (okay, it’s a demo) points you to a Soundcloud playlist page featuring some exceptionally chill and profoundly excellent music. As an Old Guy I am not qualified to name it by genre but I can tell you my favorite track is ‘Love Transition’ by Kosmo Kat. In true modern gaming fashion the playlist has even expanded since I last checked it out. Oh indie designers, are your games ever actually finished?
Nerdcore Instrumentals 2 from Sammus & DJ Cutman
As an honorable mention — because this wasn’t technically a new game soundtrack — is ‘Nerdcore Instrumentals 2’ from Sammus and DJ Cutman. Released on Bandcamp in August, it’s a super dope remix of familiar Metroid themes that were already remixed in Sammus’ album ‘Another M’. Oh modern musicians, do you ever stop remixing?
