Rating: 10/10
Often I like to torture myself by listening to the soundtracks of games I REALLY want to have, but don't/can't. Such is the case with Haunting Ground, which I'm trying to find, and decided to listen to the soundtrack first. While it did just make me that much more desperate to play the game, it was well worth it. Because this is without a doubt my favorite survival horror soundtrack.
First off, it's more melodic, loud, and complex than most music in the genre. Yes, there's dark ambient, but that doesn't make up the whole soundtrack. And the dark ambient songs still make plenty use of melody and unique sounds.
Second, it is PERFECTLY suited to it's game. I was struck by how well the visual style of the gameplay and the songs went together. (As a contrast, the music of many Silent Hill or Fatal Frame seems a little out of place when compared to what you're seeing on screen. And don't even get me STARTED on Resident Evil, ugh.) Emotionally, as well - trust me, when the music panics, you panic. When the music gets sad and sweet, you say "Awww" and get teary.
Third - I know I always harp on this, but it's important - the songs are diverse. With one or two exceptions, no two pieces sound alike.
And fourth, it is ridiculously creative. From the panicky industrial sounds to the flawless incorporation of classical music, I've never heard a soundtrack quite like this before.
Like any other game I'll rate the full 10/10, I have absolutely no complaints about Haunting Ground's soundtrack. It blew me away, pure and simple. I may not have the game, but I'm sure glad I can enjoy as marvelous a soundscape as this.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Soundtrack Review: Legend Of Zelda - Wind Waker
Rating: 9/10
It's an unusual opinion I have in the Zelda fandom: Wind Waker is hands-down my favorite game. For many reasons, including the creativity, amazing fight controls, lovable characters, lack of a water temple, dozens of awesome sidequests, and the sailing (which I totally loved). Another one of those reasons is the music - I would say WW has the best soundtrack of any game in the series.
I always judge soundtracks by three main factors: Creativity, Quality, and Suited to the Scene. Wind Waker has all of those things in spades. There's a wide range of sounds - the songs for each area are all unique. They set a perfect mood for every boss and event. The musical arrangements are like I'd never heard before.
The other wonderful thing about the music is how emotional it is. Not just sad or dramatic. The songs range from perfectly festive, to utterly majestic, to mildly terrifying. The sheer range of emotion in the soundtrack is impressive on its own.
The only real complaint I have with the music is that some of the songs do feel a bit...empty, I suppose is the best way to describe it. For the most part, the arrangements in Wind Waker are very sparsely orchestrated. Most of the time that works, but in some songs it just leaves you feeling disappointed. But that's a minor complaint, and this game still has my favorite soundtrack out of all the Zelda games.
It's an unusual opinion I have in the Zelda fandom: Wind Waker is hands-down my favorite game. For many reasons, including the creativity, amazing fight controls, lovable characters, lack of a water temple, dozens of awesome sidequests, and the sailing (which I totally loved). Another one of those reasons is the music - I would say WW has the best soundtrack of any game in the series.
I always judge soundtracks by three main factors: Creativity, Quality, and Suited to the Scene. Wind Waker has all of those things in spades. There's a wide range of sounds - the songs for each area are all unique. They set a perfect mood for every boss and event. The musical arrangements are like I'd never heard before.
The other wonderful thing about the music is how emotional it is. Not just sad or dramatic. The songs range from perfectly festive, to utterly majestic, to mildly terrifying. The sheer range of emotion in the soundtrack is impressive on its own.
The only real complaint I have with the music is that some of the songs do feel a bit...empty, I suppose is the best way to describe it. For the most part, the arrangements in Wind Waker are very sparsely orchestrated. Most of the time that works, but in some songs it just leaves you feeling disappointed. But that's a minor complaint, and this game still has my favorite soundtrack out of all the Zelda games.
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