Classic Game Themes: More of my Personal Favourites
Back in August 2018, I posted seven of my favourite tracks from various video games that I’ve played over the years. I thought recently that it was high time that I did the same again. So here are a further five musical cues that I especially enjoy. All of which contribute greatly to the respective games that they feature in. Unlike film composers, musicians that write for video games do not always enjoy comparable exposure or attention. Yet often they have a more complex remit, having to write material for dozens of hours of content, rather than just two or three. Furthermore, the complete soundtrack to many video games often remain conspicuously absent, with fans having to data mine the game client to find the tracks that they love. Which is why it is important for those that enjoy video game music to show their support. Perhaps then more publishers will release full and comprehensive game soundtracks for digital download.
The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt Blood & Wine: The Slopes Of The Blessure. By Piotr Musial
I enjoyed the Blood & Wine expansion the most out of all the content for The Witcher 3. The region of Toussaint is beautifully realised and oozes charm and sophistication. Based heavily upon the South of France, Piotr Musial’s ambient music reflects this and features a superbly non-ironic use of an accordian.
Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns Theme. By Maclaine Diemer
It didn’t take me long to fall out of love with Guild Wars 2 after the arrival of its first expansion. Yet despite the flaws inherent in the new zone, the main theme was not one of them. This pounding motif is both portentous and grandiose. Just listening to it makes me want to return to this MMORPG.
Two Worlds II: The Road is Still Long. By Borislav Slavov
The quality of the soundtrack for Two Worlds II is quite surprising. This is not an RPG produced by a Triple A developer. Yet despite the budget, there is a great deal of depth and musical sophistication to the game’s score. This track which features at the end of the game really nails it with it’s triumphal tone.
Star Trek Online: Age of Discovery Theme. By Kevin Manthei
Kevin Manthei has been the driving force behind the music of Star Trek Online for over a decade. He is dependable, adaptable and totally gets what “Trek” is about. I actually prefer his title music for Age of Discovery more than the official theme for the show itself.
Guild Wars 2: Sanctum Sprint. By Leif Chappelle
The Sanctum Sprint is a high speed race, complete with twitch gaming tactics. It’s frenetic and entertaining (or at least it was when I last played it in late 2015). I’m not quite sure how composer Leif Chapelle concluded that a Mariachi style motif was relevant but it works well and oozes character.
