Music is an all-encompassing art capable of connecting and inspiring us in various different ways. While everyone has their own unique and definitive opinion as to what constitutes “good” music, there’s no denying that video game music is a unique genre capable of standing on its own.
Composing music is no easy endeavor, especially when it comes to the video game industry. A musician working on a video game soundtrack is required to construct a delicate piece of art without the ability to see the final outcome. Only when they hold the controller in their hands and play through the game do they understand where their music fits in.
Because of this, we wanted to take a look back at ten of the best indie game soundtrack
10. RunGunJumpGun
RunGunJumpGun by developer ThirtyThree is a delightfully challenging romp through treacherous alien landscapes. The game is complimented by its superb soundtrack, which serves to always keep you on your toes. While RunGunJumpGun may be one of the most challenging indie titles we played this year, it was nevertheless enjoyable thanks to its art aesthetic and warm, synth-filled soundtrack.
9. Oxenfree
Oxenfree by developer Night School Studio is an intriguing supernatural mystery game that follows the adventures of protagonist Alex and a group of teenagers as they investigate Edwards Island. The music and sound design, courtesy of Andrew Rohrmann, is hauntingly beautiful and serves to increase the level of tension you feel while playing the game. Throughout Oxenfree, we couldn't help but marvel at some of the dark, trippy soundscapes that Rohrmann created.
8. Thumper
Thumper by developer Drool is described as a "rhythm violence" game. Occupying the role of a metallic beetle, players are hurdled through space to the tunes of some seriously heavy industrial beats. Thumper is an excellent example of a video game soundtrack that helps set the tone of the game as a whole. In fact, many players say they felt distinctly unsettled during their initial playthrough of Thumper, no doubt due in part to the game's dramatic musical score.
7. Shadow Warrior 2
Shadow Warrior 2 by developer Flying Wild Hog is a fantastic successor to the original title. In addition to its memorable protagonist Lo Wang, Shadow Warrior 2 is complemented by a fantastic hard rock score. Composed by Michal Cielecki, Krzysztof Wierzynkiewicz, and Adam Skorupa, the game's music will instantly make you feel as badass as Lo Wang.
6. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley by developer Eric Barone is one of 2016's most beloved indie titles. Not only will you fall in love with the act of farming, NPC interaction, and welcoming art design, you'll also come to adore the game's music as well. Barone spent over four years on the project doing everything from
5. Firewatch
Firewatch by developer Campo Santo is an impressive achievement from top to bottom. Our first experiences within the game were spent contemplating the story, as well as marveling at the colorful landscapes of the Wyoming wilderness. However, as we trekked forward through the game we came to notice more and more the soundtrack in the background. With poignant keyboard movements bracketed by slow guitar tracks, Firewatch's OST is an indie masterpiece.
4. Hyper Light Drifter
Hyper Light Drifter by Heart Machine features a moving and diverse soundtrack. Accompanied by a variety of thumping synth tracks, you'll find yourself move inexorably forward on an adventure of a lifetime. We were impressed by the range of Hyper Light Drifter's soundtrack, and highly recommend listening to it in its entirety, even if you've never played the game before. Additionally, if you loved the music for Fez you'll instantly recognize Disasterpiece's influence in Hyper Light Drifter.
3. Divinity: Original Sin 2
There's no denying that the soundtrack to the original Divinity: Original Sin is a masterpiece all its own. The original title featured the works of composer Kirill Pokrovsky, who sadly passed away in 2015. However, Divinity: Original Sin 2 boasts an OST that, while different, serves to keep the essence of that made the original music magically intact. Composed by Borislav Slavov, who's previously worked on games like Crysis 3, the soundtrack to Divinity: Original Sin 2 brings us right back home
2. Inside
Inside by developer Playdead is unquestionably one of the most artistic indie games of 2016. In addition to its impressive sales numbers and riveting story, the game's music lends something chilling to the game's monochrome atmosphere. Composed by Martin Stig Andersen, he notes that he was heavily inspired by 80s horror films and their usage of synthesizers. However, he didn't want to use them for the actual soundtrack. Instead, he created Inside's ominous tone by using a human skull. No, we're not kidding.
1. Abzu
Abzu by Giant Squid Studios is a short, delightful journey through a beautiful underwater realm. With no verbal cues, the game relies heavily on its soundtrack to set the tone and theme of the game. Composed by the award-winning Austin Wintory, Abzu's soundtrack helps the game transcend from a quiet exploration game to a transformative experience. The feat is even more impressive consider what a busy year Wintory had. In addition to composing Abzu's soundtrack, he also composed the incredible OST for The Banner Saga 2. We tip our hats to Austin, as he never fails to impress us!