"The music doesn’t accompany the game—it is the game." – GamesRadar+
Few composers in gaming can evoke emotion like Austin Wintory, the BAFTA-winning artist behind Journey, Abzû, and The Banner Saga. In Sword of the Sea, Wintory collaborates with Giant Squid to craft a score that is as meditative and restorative as the game’s oceanic revival, yet kinetic enough to match the thrill of surfing dunes, gliding over ruins, and chasing Leviathans with the Hoversword.
In this post, we explore how Wintory’s soundtrack transforms gameplay into a musical journey, highlight standout tracks, and compare it to his past works—all while reflecting what fans and critics love about this unforgettable OST.
1. Wintory’s Signature Sound: A Legacy of Emotion
Wintory’s music has defined Giant Squid’s games, each with a distinct tone:
| Game | Style & Tone | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Journey (2012) | Minimalist, cello-driven; introspective | Emphasizes solitude and transcendence |
| Abzû (2016) | Lush orchestral, choral; expansive | Mimics underwater wonder and serenity |
| Sword of the Sea (2025) | Meditative yet kinetic, rhythmically pulsing | Mirrors surfing mechanics and spiritual themes; bridges Journey and Abzû styles |
Key Takeaway: While Journey feels introspective and Abzû expansive, Sword of the Sea balances meditation and momentum, enhancing every movement and environmental interaction.
2. Music as a Gameplay Partner
Wintory’s soundtrack is dynamic, reacting seamlessly to player actions:
A. Momentum and Movement
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Swells as players gain speed; percussion aligns with Hoversword glides and tricks.
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Soft strings in dunes mirror fluid motions; echoing chants in ruins evoke mystery.
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Community praise: “The music is riding the waves with you—it feels alive.” – Reddit
B. Environmental Transformation
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Restoring water triggers orchestral bursts; schools of fish appear in sync with melodies.
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Leviathan battles feature tension-filled dissonance, resolving into triumph when freed.
C. Standout Sequences
| Moment | Track & Effect | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| The First Surf | Reprise of Journey’s sand-sliding theme, now fuller | Connects past games while enhancing the thrill of first descent |
| Shark Ride | Frantic brass-heavy track | Heightens absurdity and spectacle of the chase |
| Finale | Choir layered over Abzû motif | Symbolizes the sea’s return and the Wraith’s journey |
3. Behind the Score: Wintory’s Creative Process
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Live Orchestra: Recorded in Los Angeles, rare for indie projects.
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Instrumentation: Used accordions, recorders, and unconventional tools to reflect the game’s surreal tone.
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Dynamic Layering: Score shifts from solitude to grandeur, mirroring the Wraith’s journey from emptiness to renewal.
Developer Insight: Matt Nava said, “The Hoversword’s movement inspired rhythmic cues in the music, making every action feel expressive.”
4. Community and Critical Reception
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“Wintory’s best work since Journey.” – DualShockers
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“A visual and auditory symphony.” – Community review on Steam
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Fans love Tides of the Necropolis for blending ambient waves with a haunting piano melody.
The soundtrack is widely regarded as the emotional core of the experience, making every glide, surf, and battle feel epic and personal.
Conclusion: A Score That Transcends Gameplay
In Sword of the Sea, the music isn’t just background—it drives the emotional experience. By weaving motifs from Journey and Abzû into a fresh, dynamic score, Wintory elevates gameplay into a collaborative art piece. Every dune carved, Hoversword trick, and Leviathan encounter is enhanced by a soundtrack designed to immerse, inspire, and exhilarate.
What’s your favorite track from the Sword of the Sea soundtrack? Share your thoughts in the comments!
For those eager to relive the journey, the full soundtrack is available on Spotify and Apple Music, and Amazon Music
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