Burn With Me is a story-driven occult deckbuilder by Nozomu Games. It started as a three-day prototype for Ludum Dare 55. The prototype ranked 15th out of 1,650 rated entries in Fun and 32nd Overall. The game was later nominated for the 2026 German Computer Game Award in the Best Prototype category. I composed the music for both the original game-jam prototype and the full game.
Released on , Burn With Me sold 10,000 copies in its first week. It holds a Very Positive rating on Steam, with 91% positive reviews.
I designed the musical system around the structure of the game itself. Each chapter follows a different student and has its own signature instrument. This gives every character a distinct musical identity.
Some instruments return across chapters and connect the separate stories. One of the main motifs has been part of the score since the original game-jam prototype.
In each chapter, the music follows the story. It starts with sparse, minimalist dark jazz. As the tension grows, more layers come in. By the boss sequences, the music is dense and powerful.
I wanted the music to feel uneasy, but also warm. Angelo Badalamenti’s music for Twin Peaks and the dark jazz of Bohren & der Club of Gore were big inspirations.
Steam User Reviews
From the full game.
“The game's strange and wonderful creatures and its perfectly fitting soundtrack make the whole experience even better.”
Steam player review
“A gorgeous atmospheric soundtrack that changes when it needs to.”
Steam player review · Translated from Russian
“The music serves its role well in that it understands not to be the centerpiece.”
Steam player review
“Very atmospheric artwork and music that make you want to come back.”
Steam player review · Translated from Russian
“Lately, music in indie games really tires me out … Here, I never even felt the need to turn it off.”
Steam player review · Translated from Russian
“The soundtrack is fantastic, especially the saxophone in what I think was Chapter 2.”
Steam player review
“The Music is great, where it is present. I particularly liked the "Dark Jazz" elements, but there is some variation as you progress.”
Steam player review
Press
“The music is equally as creepy as it is relaxing … giving you the background noise needed to figure out the best moves.”
GameGrin
“The soundscape effectively contributes to this strange atmosphere, blending comfort, mystery and unease.”
Geek4Life · Translated from French
“The music suits the vibe perfectly.”
So Many Games
“The atmosphere also blends very well with the jazz inspiration and psychological horror that accompany each character’s story.”
Tribe Games · Translated from Italian
“The supernatural horror also comes with jazz influences … Thank you. Occultism can have rhythm.”
Unruly Folk · Pre-release coverage
