5 Most Atmospheric Modern Video Game Soundtracks

3. Mass Effect 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2z28mutY1E The epic hard science fiction of Mass Effect 2 follows a continuing story that demands an equally sizeable soundtrack. Futuristic J.J. Abrams-esque lens flare and a dark cosmos are harmonized with the sounds of swelling synth pads orchestrated by Jack Wall (of Myst fame). Though this was all clear and present in the first Mass Effect, it feels like each element of the sound took as a step up, as did the rest of the game. Synthetic instruments are exclusively used to illustrate the space-age worlds. Because Mass Effect 2 hits on so many levels, the soundtrack was designed to be as ambitious as the adventure. Sheer dialogue-driven parts and all-out gun battles are layered under crescendos of heroic scores. The music characterizes each new world the game takes us to, and intensifies the drama of each scene. Whether you are battling the scions of evil and saving the universe or making awkward sexual advances on alien life-forms, Mass Effect€™s soundtrack punctuates every grand-scale moment. Even if the facial expressions don€™t.