The best video game music of 2014
Howard Goodall surveys the finest game scores of the year, as chosen by you.
On this week's show Howard Goodall returned to the genre of video game soundtracks, looking back at the best scores from 2014 and giving a sneak preview ahead to 2015 in the world of gaming.
Among the great scores that Howard showcased tonight are:
World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor
A new expansion of World of Warcraft which marks the 10th anniversary of the series as a whole. The music made it to No. 52 in the 2014 Classic FM Hall of Fame.
Assassin’s Creed: Unity
Set in Paris during the French Revolution, this game takes the player to meet such historical figures as the Marquis de Sade and Napoleon Bonaparte, all set against the backdrop of an incredibly detailed cityscape.
Destiny
One of the biggest games of 2014, Destiny raked up more than $325 million in its first five days alone. The game sees you explore other planets in our solar system, attempting to fight back against the threat of aliens that creeps ever closer. Such a big game attracts big name talent – hence Sir Paul McCartney's work on its themes.
Fantasia: Music Evolved
This game places you in the role of apprentice to the sorcerer from Fantasia Yen Sid, and it combines all genres of music – from pop hits to classical – allowing the player to change the musical styles through motion controls.
Child of Light
A beautiful child’s fairytale book come to life with story elements that are more adult than it first seems. The artwork is inspired by Studio Ghibli and Final Fantasy concept artist Yoshitaka Amano.
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter - Valley of the Blinding Mist
A rather dark tale of a detective with paranormal abilities on the trail of a missing boy. The game looks beautiful but the scenery masks the disturbing stories that must be discovered, and the score is fitting in its contemplative and mournful tone.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Composed by Trevor Morris, whose TV credits include The Tudors and Vikings, this score has gained huge popularity amongst gamers in a short amount of time.
The Last of Us
Scored by Oscar-winning Argentinian composer Gustavo Santaolalla, this is one of the highest rated games of last year that was re-released in 2014 in a re-mastered form. The game won at this year's BAFTA Awards for Best Game, Best Action & Adventure Game, Best Story, Audio Achievement and for Ashley Johnson's performance as one of the main characters, Ellie.
Valiant Hearts
Released to coincide with the centenary of the beginning of World War I, this is a puzzle game designed to educate as much as entertain. Inspired by letters written during the Great War, the game features characters from both sides of No Man's Land and follows them as their stories intertwine.
Call of Duty
Bombastic, over-the-top and therefore attracting top-name talent, Call of Duty features Kevin Spacey as Jonathan Irons, the shady owner of a private military corporation - not a million miles away from Frank Underwood in House of Cards! Harry Gregson-Williams provides a suitably militaristic, contemporary theme to accompany the near-future warfare.
