Marcus Orchard – Final Fantasy VII Remake
I’ll admit that nostalgia might be fueling my pick. Final Fantasy VII Remake features many fantastic rearrangements of classic Final Fantasy tunes. Some are jazzy, some are electronic, some are even hip-hop. Regardless of the genre explored, nearly every new tune makes the game better. It’s impossible not to hum the Wall Market theme while trying to stop Don Corneo from being a sleazeball.
Brandon Carlisle – The Last of Us Part II
The music on The Last of Us games are fantastic, and music plays a bigger role in this installment. Crying.
Kila Panaretou – Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is one of the most stunningly beautiful games to be released in 2020 – and its soundtrack matches up to this in every way. With echoes of other RPGs such as Breath of the Wild, it’s a gorgeous backing to a gorgeous game.
Hunter Sandlin – Doom Eternal
From the guitar riffs composed of literal chainsaws to the heavy metal choir, this soundtrack could not have been any more intense. While that might not fit other games, when it is laid on top of the constant war crimes the Doom Slayer commits on hordes of Demons, it elevates the gameplay. The soundtrack is stitched together as the player rips and, subsequently, tears to form a customized experience for each player. As if killing a demon by piercing its head with its arm you just broke couldn’t feel any more metal, composer Mic Gordon swoops in with an extra intense moment to highlight it.
Pashtrik Maloki – Doom Eternal
Was there any doubt about this one? Eternal’s groovy soundscape elevates the experience to brand new heights. When you enter an arena, the game basically transforms into a rhythmic bloodbath, with every riff, every drum kick, every snare reacting to your every action. They basically transform you into a musical conductor. Blowing up demons to Mick Gordon’s soundtrack really makes you feel like the only thing they fear… is you.
Honorable mentions: Hades
