Classic Game Themes: Hidden & Dangerous 2
Hidden & Dangerous 2 is one of the most enjoyable, yet frustrating games I have encountered. There are some moments of brilliance to be had whilst playing it but sadly bugs and some questionable AI always seems to trip the proceedings up. Released late 2003 when World War II games were still very much in vogue, this third person squad based shooter still has many outstanding features to this day. One of which is the terrific score by Michal Szlavik and Martin Benes, performed by the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra from the Czech Republic.
What makes the soundtrack so memorable is its musical idiom, which seems to reflect the styles and nuances we associate with classic war movies. The more than a hint of Ron Goodwin, Roy Budd and Elmer Bernstein permeating the score and it feels very appropriate. I have chosen two cues which I feel encapsulate composers best work from the game. The first plays out at the end of the North African campaign, as your team escapes from a remote airport with German fighters in hot pursuit. It really does have an authentic aerial feel to it, putting one in mind of cues from The Battle of Britain movie.
Please note that the short running time is due to the track being intended to be looped during the game to reflect the fluid nature of the action.
The second is the rousing cue that plays after the successful completion of a mission. It has a very uplifting and positive tone and again reflects the overall quality of the score, which is played with a full orchestra. Many games at the time and even now elect for a score using contemporary synthesizer and sequencers.