Soundtracks are important. Don’t believe me? Hit mute the next time you are playing your favorite game and tell me it is a better experience. If you think it is, quit reading now because this editorial will not be your thang. We at SideQuesting (me in particular) put a high importance on the music (and sound design) in our favorite games. I am not saying I want my favorite band’s songs to be used as the background music to a game. However, whatever the stylings or whomever the composers may be, if it fits the game it is a welcomed addition. So, as a part of our “Year in Review” series, we give you our favorite soundtracks of 2010:
Alan Wake (360)
I will start off the list of the years finest soundtracks with one that uses many licensed songs. Alan Wake is a phenomenon to me, because I tend to stray towards original music as my preference to hear inside of games. However, Alan Wake chooses several songs (that will remain nameless for those that haven’t played it) that fit the tone and mood of the game to near “Dark Side of the Rainbow” proportions.
To compliment the licensed tracks used, the original work inside of the game rises perfectly with the action and settles hauntingly with the calm. The main theme sounds as if it was written for a Stephen King movie adaptation (that is a compliment, not meant to be underhanded in any way). Remedy really knew the value and importance of sound and music in a horror game when they put Alan Wake together, and it clearly shows. They did not disappoint.
Red Dead Redemption (360, PS3)
If you have watched western films, you probably know what the ambient music and sound should be. Red Dead Redemption doesn’t much stray from that path, it does however, fine-tune those sounds to a near perfect level. With Red Dead Redemption taking five years to develop, I can’t help but think they spent a fair amount of time working on the OST for the game. Hell, even Tommy Morgan (of many western movies) was even brought in to give the background harmonica that is expected in a western setting. It is a small detail, but Rockstar wanted the depth and they achieved it.
However, the thing that sets this soundtrack apart is the original track “Far Away” by Jose Gonzalez. Spoiler – Riding into Mexico for the first time was one of my favorite moments in gaming to date. As the game sounds cut down and Far Away came over the top, I was in awe. Not just because the song is amazing, but because it fit so well with the tone of the story at that point in it’s progression.
Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii)
This one has an unfair advantage: Nostalgia. Dammit, this may not be the best soundtrack of the year, but the music was so reminiscent of a different time in gaming I absolutely had to put it on the list. The original songs from Donkey Kong Country are used, but they are adapted into new songs that are at an even higher level than the original. The upbeat conga drums combined with the low brass really drive home that mid 90s feel. Just listen to some of it.
I feel, even if you were either too young to play the original, or (somehow) you didn’t enjoy it, this soundtrack is deep enough and different enough to really make you want it. It is one of the more unusual soundtracks you will hear from last years games, but that is not a determent in the least.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)
Grand Poobah Dali had this to say about SMG2’s soundtrack: It’s a version of classic gaming soundtracks that has been brought into the modern era with live orchestrated selections, upbeat sounds, and memorable, hummable music. It’s not atmospheric or moody, just meant to spur the only emotion needed in a Mario game: fun.
I don’t need to say anything beyond that.
Mass Effect 2 (PC, 360)
It is no secret to the ‘core’ gaming crowd that ME2 is an accomplishment in gaming. It does nearly everything right and regardless on how well you like it, you cannot deny it’s quality. The same goes for the soundtrack. I may liked other soundtracks more than Mass Effect 2, but I do know quality when it is presented to me. So many times the soundtrack feels like an afterthought, or simply added in because it is expected in games. BioWare was clearly thinking about the importance of music since the inception of Mass Effect 2.
Fellow editor Mike McGarrigle had this to say, and I agree, “Music can make or break a game and Jack Walls music helps make Mass Effect 2 unforgettable.”
Honorable Mentions – While I won’t write much about them, there were other great soundtracks in games this year:
Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
Call of Duty: Black Ops
God of War 3
Halo: Reach
The Year in Review series is a set of opinion pieces that reflects my own opinions, unless otherwise noted. It is not fact. Feel free to argue, but do not take it too far, respect the opinions of others.
Images courtesy of Anamanaguchi, Microsoft, Rockstar Studios, Nintendo and Electronic Arts.
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