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Top Tunes in Video Gaming 2014: Highlighting the Year's Finest Soundtracks

Vote-selected video game soundtracks analyzed by Howard Goodall, featuring top scores of the year.

Top Tunes from the Video Game World in 2014
Top Tunes from the Video Game World in 2014

Top Tunes in Video Gaming 2014: Highlighting the Year's Finest Soundtracks

In the vibrant world of video games, 2014 was a remarkable year, with a host of captivating releases that not only thrilled players with their gameplay but also with their exceptional soundtracks. Let's delve into some of the notable titles that graced our screens last year.

First, we have Destiny, one of the biggest games of 2014, which raked up more than $325 million in its first five days. This action-packed adventure, set in our solar system, allowed players to change musical styles through motion controls. The game's themes were worked on by none other than Sir Paul McCartney, adding an extra layer of allure to its immersive experience.

Another standout game was "The Last of Us," which won several awards at this year's BAFTA Awards. Composed by Oscar-winning Argentinian composer Gustavo Santaolalla, the haunting score perfectly complemented the game's post-apocalyptic narrative.

For those seeking a more musical-centric experience, Fantasia: Music Evolved is worth a mention. This game places the player in the role of apprentice to the sorcerer from Fantasia Yen Sid, combining all genres of music for gameplay.

"Valiant Hearts," a puzzle game released to coincide with the centenary of World War I, also made waves. Featuring characters from both sides of No Man's Land and inspired by letters written during the Great War, the soundtrack for this poignant game was composed by Austrian composer Gregor Narholz.

In the realm of fantasy, "Child of Light" stood out with its fairytale-inspired setting and artwork reminiscent of Studio Ghibli and Final Fantasy concept artist Yoshitaka Amano.

Notable composers such as Trevor Morris (The Tudors, Vikings) and Howard Goodall (who discussed video game soundtracks on this week's show) also contributed to the year's impressive lineup. Morris composed the score for "Dragon Age: Inquisition," while Goodall's work remains to be seen in upcoming releases.

Lastly, we have "The Vanishing of Ethan Carter - Valley of the Blinding Mist," a detective game with a dark narrative, and "Call of Duty," featuring Kevin Spacey as a shady owner of a private military corporation. Both games boast suitably fitting soundtracks that enhance their respective themes.

In addition to these titles, World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor, an expansion of World of Warcraft, marked the 10th anniversary of the series and made it to No. 52 in our website's Hall of Fame. The show featured the best game scores of 2014 and provided a sneak preview of 2015, promising another year filled with musical masterpieces and captivating games.

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