Winner: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Writeup by Patrick Gann
In the weeks leading up to the 2025 Game Awards, where Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 took home a record nine awards, I observed plenty of… discourse on social media. Many gamers who hadn’t played the game, or hadn’t found themselves impressed by what they had been exposed to, questioned how a turn-based RPG from a new studio in France could have garnered so much love. But even for those naysayers, I couldn’t help but notice the sheer number among them who would say something along the lines of “This game is far from GOTY material, but it does have a damn good OST.”
Even before I played the game, that’s where I had landed. Now that I’ve played the game, I also consider it my personal GOTY. But goodness gracious, that eight-hour OST is a monumental achievement. As I noted in my Expedition 33 OST review, vocalist Alice Duport-Percier is the star of the show. Having said that, I can’t ignore the quality of the many instrumental pieces from composer Lorien Testard. This soundtrack goes toe-to-toe with other mammoth OSTs like Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and holds its own, perhaps exceeding their quality!
Runner-Up: Hades II
Writeup by Patrick Gann
Darren Korb’s soundtrack for Hades II was already shaping up to be a hit during its early access run in 2024. With the title’s full release in 2025, the soundtrack’s size expanded from 2.5 hours to 4 hours, meaning there is plenty more to love. Korb makes excellent use of vocals throughout the soundtrack, especially the battle themes for Scylla & the Sirens (“Coral Crown,” “I Am Gonna Claw (Out Your Eyes then Drown You to Death),” “Rock and a Hard Place,” “Bewitching Eyes”). The additional orchestra & choir work from co-composer Austin Wintory elevated Hades II a step or two above its predecessor. I especially enjoyed these pieces as Melinoë ascends Mount Olympus: “Mountain of the Gods” and “Mother of All Storms” being my favorites.
These favorite picks of mine only scratch the surface of this fine soundtrack. Korb, Wintory, and all of the instrumentalists deserve all the attention and praise they’ve received thus far, and plenty more besides.
