BEST MUSIC
Previous Winners
2016: Final Fantasy XV
2017: Persona 5
2018: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
2019: Fire Emblem: Three Houses
2021: NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…
We always love a good tune, and the games mentioned here in oprainfall Awards 2022 Best Music category are the best of the best when it comes to their amazing soundtracks. I have to say, the competition was fierce this year, and picking a winner was a near impossible task. But, without further ado, let’s get into this award presentation.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
NA Release Date: July 29th, 2022
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Review
The Xenoblade franchise is well known for its amazing soundtracks, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was no exception. The overworld themes are a bit more somber this time around, but still amazing, and having a flute be prominently featured in the soundtrack gave this entry a lot of flavor. The vocal tracks were next level here, if you aren’t completely broken during the scene “A Step Away” plays, you should probably feel your chest to make sure there is still a heart in there.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero
NA Release Date: September 27th, 2022
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
Review
The Falcom Sound Team always knocks it out of the park when it come the Trails franchise, and The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero is no exception. The soundtrack has those hard rocking battle themes we’ve come to expect, as well as some somber themes for the more emotional moments. Throw in some great vocal tracks and it’s no wonder this was at the top of our list this year.
Live A Live
NA Release Date: July 22, 2022
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Square Enix games have some of the most iconic soundtracks in gaming history, so it’s no wonder the Live A Live Remake had an amazing OST. This edition came with a brand new arranged version of the soundtrack, or you could use the outstanding SNES version as well. A wide variety of tracks are featured here that fit the style of each of the different play styles the game has to offer, and every one of them is pure gold, making this a very strong contender for this award.
And the winner of oprainfall Awards 2022 Best Music Award is……
Xenoblade Chronicles 3!
While some of us here may be torn on the ending or some of the other gameplay aspects of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, one thing we all agree on is this soundtrack is amazing. I personally think “Weight of Life” is not only one of the best insert tracks in the series, it might be one of the greatest pieces of game music of all time. Not to mention all of the other amazing tracks the game has to offer, making it our well deserving winner of this year’s award.
Once again, a special thanks to Brandon Rose for the featured image.
