1. Silent Hill 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LB7LZZGpkw The Silent Hill series has been renowned not just for its horrific frights but its deeply atmospheric music as well. Though each game in the series stands its ground as a solid piece of orchestrated work, Silent Hill 2 is undoubtedly a fan favorite and an aural masterpiece. From the theme music played at the intro of the game to the pulsating electronic dissonance that haunts us through hospital halls, abandoned apartments, and fog-ridden streets the sound is an integral aspect of this games fear factor. Adorned with unbeatable sound design, Silent Hill 2 reminds us that the sound in soundtrack should act as the next level of immersion often before visuals. As composer Akira Yamaoka is the primary musician and sound designer in charge, there is cohesiveness to the noises you hear when it is combined with the music. It is gripping, unnerving, and contributes to that deafening sense of being totally alone. Save for the radio static that serves as a warning, the dragging of Pyramid Heads great knife haunting you, and the murky bubbling noises coming from behind the door you are standing in front of. There is the listlessness of wandering aimlessly through the darkest town in video game history. No jumpy parts (well, there was that one), no zombie gun battles.The soundtrack for Silent Hill 2 achieves exactly what it sets out to do scare you silly with the atmosphere alone.
Dev Bhat
Graduate student of creative writing, musician and sound designer by hobby, radio dj, gamer, and dog lover.
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