This is my 6th completed solo project for Ludum Dare. As a programmer by trade, my only musical/audio background was high school band. My first entry had very simple music and no sound, but I found better tools and it got a little better every time. Audio is such a force multiplier for a game.

My sound effects are still pretty crunchy, but I'm happy with how far the music has come. Audio is really key to the experience in my LD48 entry Jupiter II.

My current tools are Bosca Ceoil and Bfxr.

For those of you that are more dedicated to audio and music composition, what tools do you use? Is there a big difference between free options and paid ones? At this point I'd be interested in dropping some cash for better tools and the chance to continue to improve.

Obligatory game clip: