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Best Original Music

Though music in a game can be an easy thing to discount, a well-orchestrated theme can turn an enjoyable moment into a truly memorable one. The visuals tend to take the credit for the most up-front impact, but it's those tense strings as you open a door to face the unknown, or the opening notes of a familiar theme, that send the chills right up your spine. They're the icing on the cake. Despite the preponderance of licensed music in games today, there are some moods that can't quite be set with an off-the-shelf pop song, and instead require a specifically crafted piece of music. And so, here are our finalists for Best Original Music:

The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay

(XBOX, PC)
Publisher: VU Games
Developer: Starbreeze
"Starbreeze provides an excellent, dynamic musical score for Chronicles of Riddick, which explodes to life when the fists or the bullets start flying but tensely settles down between skirmishes. This memorable soundtrack is easily good enough for a Hollywood blockbuster." - Greg Kasavin, from GameSpot's Full Review

Halo 2

Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Bungie Software
"The music is the best part of Halo 2's sound. It's truly the best 'character' in the story, kicking in at the most opportune times and delivering an eclectic sound that includes the stirring strings and choruses of the original Halo, as well as some driving guitar rock that'll really get your blood boiling." - Greg Kasavin, from GameSpot's Full Review

Katamari Damacy

(PS2)
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
"Katamari Damacy has a singular, extremely catchy theme, which comes up in the game in a variety of different forms. Sometimes you'll just hear a single voice humming it, other times it will manifest in a full-bodied dance-pop song, and it is key in establishing the fun, enthusiastic vibe of the game." - Ryan Davis, from GameSpot's Full Review

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

(PS2)
Publisher: Konami
Developer: KCEJ
"Metal Gear Solid 3 features an excellent dynamic soundtrack by Harry Gregson-Williams, whose previous work includes the soundtracks for Metal Gear Solid 2 and a bunch of Hollywood productions. The musical score perfectly captures the tension and intensity that the game's action sequences attempt to convey." - Greg Kasavin, from GameSpot's Full Review

Myst IV Revelation

(PC)
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
"The outstanding, mystifying ambient musical score in Myst IV Revelation is an excellent part of the experience, featuring chorus vocals in many cases. The different ages you'll explore manage to sound every bit as distinctive as they look." - Greg Kasavin, from GameSpot's Full Review
And the Winner is...