4th Place -Tie-

Break Ball 2: Gold [by BCSoft]

Our Review

With sound that is quite unlike any other arkanoid styled game out there, Break Ball 2 is a game that pushes the envelope on sound.  The game's sound has been described as "urban" and "funky," but the reality is that it really has a sound all its own.  What is more, that individualistic sound is really solid.  From the first jazzy notes when you flip the game on, to the reprise of the same song when you finish a board set, Break Ball 2 presents some very well orchestrated music, that almost has a hip-hop feel to it as well.

This is a game with a very different feel to it musically, and it doesn't work for everyone, but the fans of the music are big fans of the music, and most anyone can hear the quality of the varied tracks immediately.

Score:  3.75

4th Place -Tie-

3D Airstrike: Operation W.A.T. [by Divogames]

Our Review

The sound in 3D Airstrike:  Operation W.A.T. is up-beat with a blazing beat to put extra excitement into an already action packed game. All the sound effects do a great job of conveying a better sense of what is happening on the screen, with explosions and weapon fire effects that are cool, but so loud as to be overbearing.

This is another game that had hit or miss sound.  Some people really like the high-pitched synthesizer sounding marching music, while others found it really annoying.  No-one however questions the quality of the music or sound effects, which are extremely well done.

Score:  3.75

3rd Place

Starscape [by Moonpod]

Our Review

Starscape is really a complete game.  With quality work in both graphics and sound, it is certainly one of the best games this year, and was already the winner of the Game Tunnel Adventure game of the year.

The music in Starscape reminded me a lot of Final Zone II (now there is trivia search for you).  That game was the first time that I'd heard people singing in the background music of a game.  Starscape doesn't go quite to the same level, but the music, touched with voices, has a great rhythm to it that increases the somewhat frantic nature of the battle. 

Score:  3.0

1st Place -Tie-

Samurai [by Klear]

Review

While Samurai seemingly didn't put a huge focus on sound as there is really only one sound track in the game, that one sound track does not get repetitive.

The sound helps create a great atmosphere for playing with music that fits well with the Feudal Japan setting and would have been right at home in Karate Kid II.  The sound effects are also well done.

The sound also does a good job of being in the background.  It is subtle and mood-setting, without being overwhelming. However, the sound is good enough I often turn up the volume on my stereo to become completely immersed in the game.

Samurai had already been named the Best independent game of the year in the "other" category, which was a difficult category comprised of  Strategy, Sports, RPG, and SIM.  It now adds a second title to its belt, even if it is a shared title.  The wonderfully constructed music in this game will help you stay calm as you focus on out-playing the computer.

Score:  2.25

1st Place

Dr. Blob's Organism [by Digital Eel]

Our Review

From the campy, mad scientist's laboratory feel of the level selection screen's track, through all 13 of the different music tracks you'll hear, the music is perfect for the game and pretty good even being played on its own in Windows Media Player, though it is a bit strange.

Of course with this game, the intent is for it to be a bit weird.  In addition to just being strange, Digital Eel has been a masterful company at making their end products be extremely polished and of very high quality. Sound is area of this game where the polished end product is so superb it is hard to compare it to other independent titles as this is one is much better done it leaves others in the petri dish.

Score:  2.25