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Best Music
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Homeworld
Publisher: Sierra
Developer: Relic
Review
Demo
"[The music] does a great job of setting the whole 'space is really, really big' mood." - Michael E. Ryan, GameSpot Review
Great game music is most often recognized for two primary functions: It adds to the mood of the game, and it stands as a remarkable compositional work on its own. Such is the case with past winners of this award, including the scores for Cavedog's Total Annihilation and LucasArts' Grim Fandango. However, this is not the case for this year's winner.
The questionable inclusion of a song from prog-rock stalwarts Yes aside, the soundtrack of Homeworld is noteworthy for being so subtle. On its own, the music would be little more than just ambient filler. But in the context of the game, it is stunning. No game soundtrack has ever been a more instrumental factor in the overall tone of a game.
Homeworld is a game about isolation. Stranded far from the ruins of your home planet, you must help your fleet make it safely to its destination. Set in the expanses of deep space, the journey you make is a lonely one, and nearly every force you encounter is hostile. The music makes these expanses seem more vast, and every setting seems increasingly intimidating. What's more interesting is that it accomplishes this with such subtlety; the soundtrack to Homeworld is nothing if not unassuming.
Homeworld's strange, moody tone is one of its most noteworthy traits, and the music plays a pivotal role in establishing this mood.
Nominees:
Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun
Heroes of Might and Magic III
Outcast
Silver
Best Sound
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