Top 10 soundtracks!

Music always gets me through the day, any genre anytime. But I do have a huge soft spot for soundtracks. Music created to introduce you to other worlds and people. I seriously appreciate the kind of talent it takes to bring out the best in stories, to give them themes and recognition through audio. To provide that much needed ambience or drama. Hopefully you enjoy this Top 10 and if you do enjoy them, please give the artists their support, they deserve it!

#10 - Infamous 2: Red and Blue Soundtracks
As one of my favorite superhero/villain universes of all time, it carries a great soundtrack. Created by Jim Dooley, JD Mayer, Brain and Galactic, it focuses on chamber orchestra combined with tone and beats of jazz. The setting being New Marais, a New Orleans inspired city, it fits all too well. Being Split up into red (evil) and blue (good), there are great differences between them without sounding from different stories.

#9 - Bastion
Probably a soundtrack that is on more lists like this than any other ost of its kind. Created by Darren Korb, It's known for being having an amazing ost (the game though is amazing as well). A country feel with a touch of electric/digital that matches the game's tone well and is just a great listen on its own. As a game with a purpose and story focused on music itself, it probably needs a great ost.

#8 - Modern Warfare 2
(Oh no a CoD game on the list??) Seriously though a soundtrack created by two musical titans: Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe. This ost isn't on here because of the names, but because yes it is extremely well done. Even I'm not a big fan of the modern Zimmer/military sound but MW2's sound breaks away well from generic modern osts. One of the game's main gimmick is globe trotting. From the gulags in Russia to Rio de Janeiro. The soundtrack does an awesome job of sounding faithful to the theme of the game while bringing in the iconic sounds/feels of each location. Something that even most globe trotting games rarely do even at all.

#7 - Journey
Created by Austin Wintory, a calming and soothing soundtrack but wide and epic sounding. It truly gives the player inspiration to sit back, relax and explore the world. It's really a reward for playing if you ask me. This ost does an amazing job to motivate the player through pure emotion and immersion.

#6 - Mirrors Edge
Created by the artist Solar Fields, Mirrors Edge is one of the most flow like soundtracks I can think of. A great blend and switch between electronic pads, drones and DnB like beats. Keeping a beautiful sense of momentum. It sits in perfectly for a game focused on free running through cityscapes. Even during the game's most tense moments, the music manages to sound aggressive without losing its flow and relaxing feel.

#5 - DOOM
This ost hits hard. Really hard. Easily one of the heaviest if not the heaviest ost to date. But don't let that deter you from at least taking a listen. A djent blend with harsh electronic growls and wobs. Fitting for a demon ripping, hell tearing, doom slaying game. Mick Gordon absolutely nailed it. One huge up is the amazing remake of the original doom's theme and doom 3's theme which were blended in so perfectly it all just feels absolutely complete. While for some it may not be a sit back and listen, but it's worth appreciating for everything that it is. Rip and Tear Doomslayer.

The top 4
So as a heads up, these last 4 titles are extremely close. It really was really tough choosing between all of them.

#4 - Deus Ex Human Revolution
Michael Mcanns work on this cyberpunk title is near perfection. The ambience draws you into its noire like future, inviting you to explore and uncover secrets. While the combat themes pump you up. But what really shines most are the absolutely awe inspiring dramatic themes in Deus Ex like "Icarus". And the remake of the classic Unatco theme is top. It's worth noting that a lot of sounds/music were not released in the official ost. So looking around on YouTube or my recommendation, playing the game, is the only way of listening to them.

**#3 - Halo ODST/Reach **
These 2 osts were really tough to choose between. Since theyre both the same series and composer, I figured I can get away with giving them the same spot. Created by my favorite composer ever Martin O'Donnell, both these soundtracks are easily tops in music for the series. Reach's ost holds that iconic Halo sound but adding a layer of reverence and solidarity. It all sounds like an uplifting and proud goodbye rather than a depressing funeral. Much needed for the inevitable fate for the planet. It was also Martin's last Halo game. As for ODST which is extremely unique for a Halo title. Which is you don't play as a super human Spartan soldier, but a more grunt like human. The soundtrack is beautiful. The sounds of a solitary piano, rain, drums and saxophone switch off with a light noire/jazz tone bring in the feeling of being more alone and vulnerable. When the action kicks in with a similar sound of Halo but slightly smaller (chamber orchestra) but still heroic sounding and powerful. It is extremely unique and not what you would ever expect.

#2 - Ori and the Blind Forest
One of the most beautiful games ever, and one of the most beautiful soundtracks ever. An instrumental masterpiece that invokes wonder and life. From the darkness that has corrupted the forest to bringing life and light back to it, every sound is riddled with pure heart and emotion. From songs like "Ori list in the storm" to "Light of Nibel", it all feels like an amazing adventure. Between this and #1 it was extremely difficult to choose. I'm keeping it short so you can get to listening to it. Seriously get listening.

#1 - Transistor
The #1 soundtrack. Another Darren Korb ost but focusing on Ashley Barrett's voice and character. A character named Red whose famous for her beautiful singing voice, which was eventually stolen from her. Now she fights to get it all back. Just like Bastion, the game is focused on music, switching between the instrumentals and Red humming along to the music during fights. It's extremely creative. But the highlights of the ost are of course Ashley's performances in songs like "Paper boats" or "Spine". It's an incredible listen and if possible, play the game. They're both amazing together.