2. Bioshock
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp6QpMWaKpE When it comes to atmosphere, Bioshock dives deeper than many of todays run-of-the-mill alternate history games. A soundtrack that truly blends reality with nightmares, Bioshock uses its perfect mixture of authentic old-timey tunes and classically horrific compositions to drown us in the games world. From start to finish we are surrounded by violin strikes, radio diaries, and retro vinyl tunes, even outside of actual game play. Its this attention to detail that pulls gamers in long before the screen has finished loading. Composed by Garry Schyman, Bioshock's score gets our hearts pumping as the music escalates and awareness of ones surroundings diminishes. Disorienting sounds and the ever-present fear that there is something lurking just beyond your peripherals culminates in a cathartic release when the action finally merges with the sounds and suspense. Careful research went into crafting each level of the gamers experience as he or she wanders through a perfectly terrifying world compounded by brooding movements of sound. Beware those Big Daddies.
Dev Bhat
Graduate student of creative writing, musician and sound designer by hobby, radio dj, gamer, and dog lover.
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