Jusant by Guillaume Ferran – Don’t Nod
Jusant is a climbing game centered around delivering a Ballast (flying baby whale) to the top of a desolate tower, while uncovering the echoes of a civilization long gone. This simple yet awe-inspiring game, is accompanied by a stunning soundtrack. Ferran perfectly sets the tone for the climb ahead, crescendoing into a spectacular finale.
We recommend: 9C+ (Caillasses)
Moss by Jason Graves – Polyarc Games
Moss is a story of a reader (the player) being transported to a fantasy land. Once arriving, the reader meets a young mouse named Quill, and adventures ensue. Composer Jason Graves delivers a relaxing melodic soundtrack, with string and woodwind instruments that evoke notes of cozy medieval fantasy.
We recommend: Home to Me (feat. Malukah)
Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye by Andrew Prahlow – Mobius Digital
Outer Wilds’ Echoes of the Eye DLC is a continued exploration of the solar system introduced in the base game, with new locations and fresh tragic wonders to discover. While the base game soundtrack is great, Prahlow really shines with the DLC, creating an emotionally devastating, and somehow uplifting album. The new “Travelers’ Encore” and “The Spirit of Water” are very emotional. Andrew Prahlow will be receiving my therapy bill.
We recommend: The Spirit of Water
Spiritfarer by Max LL – Thunder Lotus Games
Spiritfarer is a cozy management game about dying. Players take on the role of Stella and her cat as they navigate the River Styx. Max LL’s soundtrack comforts players with a bittersweet coziness, as they ferry spirits of friends and family onto the afterlife.
We recommend: Thunder Harvest
Ori and the Blind Forest by Gareth Coker – Moon Studios
The emotional trauma Ori and its sequel provided is something many fans have never recovered from; the devastation compounded by Gareth Coker’s gorgeous music. Coker’s Ori theme, with the accompaniment of Aeralie Brighton’s stunning vocals, creates a beautiful lullaby, perfectly conveying the familial love and connection between the characters and the forest.
We recommend: Light of Nibel (feat. Aeralie Brighton)
