Unoriginal Soundtracks #100: Life Is Strange episode one

Every other Wednesday, I share a playlist of songs tangentially related to a single game or series. Songs about alien sex for Mass Effect, world leaders for Civilization, and so on. Make requests to @USPodcast on Twitter.

Life is Strange mixes Telltale adventure games, Alan Wake weirdness, and down-to-earth Gone Home teenagers for 2015's most promising game so far. Episode one is just out, but you won't find any major spoilers in this mix of punk and hip hop in Unoriginal Soundtracks episode 100.

Unoriginal Soundtracks #67: Dirt 3

Every other Wednesday, I share a playlist of songs tangentially related to a single game or series. Songs about alien sex for Mass Effect, world leaders for Civilization, and so on. Searching for relevant terms on Spotify is a great way to discover new music and uncover hidden gems. Make requests to @USPodcast on Twitter.

British developer Codemasters' successor to the Colin McRae series of rally games continues the tradition of solo drives along country roads. Those classic events and the newer buggy races and petrol-fueled gymnastics inspire this playlist of blues, hip hop, and rock.

Unoriginal Soundtracks Podcast: Splinter Cell Edition

Every other Wednesday I share a playlist of songs tangentially related to a single game or series. Songs about alien sex for Mass Effect, songs about world leaders for Civilization, and so on. Searching for random terms on Spotify is a great way to discover new music and rediscover old classics.
Splinter Cell is all about feeling powerful without the typical video-game sources of power. Sure you've got a gun, but it's tiny; you're physically fit, but you're 5'10" and approaching retirement; you could kill an armed guard with your bare hands, but only with care and forethought. Sam Fisher got where he is because of his skill and physicality, but mostly because of his smarts -- smarts that you, the player, give him. Wait! A playlist snuck out of nowhere!