The line between cinema and video games is rapidly vanishing as more and more modern video games have the same look and feel as the big-budget Hollywood productions. Gone are the days of 8-bit graphics (although they are making a comeback) and silly characters. Modern games are embracing the engaging cinematic visuals of Michael Bay, James Cameron and Steven Spielberg, opening up huge, immensely beautiful worlds or hauntingly bleak futures.
But while games have adopted many similar aspects of their Hollywood cousins, a feature oft overlooked or ignored completely is the quality of the musical score. The silver screen has known for decades that compelling music draws viewers into their films on a much deeper emotional level, sometimes leaving long-lasting impressions on the psyche of the audience. It's easy to think of the films with unforgettable music; Fargo, The Godfather, even The Matrix had an impressive aural presence with its mixture of dramatic orchestral pieces and high-energy electronica. Game developers often miss the beat, musically speaking. A great game without great music is an incomplete experience, depriving itself of all the emotional splendor a quality score offers. There are a few games that managed to get it right, however, and in some cases, it was the only saving grace of the entire game. Check out the slideshow above to see 10 modern video games with some of the best use of music in the industry.
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