Completely agree with your point on how good soundtracks can evoke strong emotions and become iconic on their own merit. Some game scores are just as unforgettable as the games they come from. For SOO many of us, the music is a big reason why we keep going back to certain titles.
Excellent points about Medal of Honor and its contribution to military game scores. The shift from patriotic orchestral pieces to more nuanced and resonant music set a new standard I think. The way it conveys heroism, combat tension, and even somber reflections of war in its day was groundbreaking and pretty immersive. It added a layer of historical weight and human drama to the experience that went beyond say just “action music”.
Then in Super Mario Galaxy you really do get that showcase of how music can build a sense of wonder and joy. The arrangements really take you there! Each galaxy feels distinct with themes that are both grand and playful. The OST is essential to the game's identity, making every moment feel like an adventure!
Medal of Honor: Frontline definitely had that feel, and I loved how reflective each of the tracks were! It definitely set a standard I imagine for how music in military games. This is one game where I would love a full remake of at some point in the future — it would be amazing to see and hear everything with modern graphics and updated gameplay in an updated remake!
And I definitely agree how the music in Super Mario Galaxy is the game's identity! It's the type of game where hearing certain tracks or the main theme will instantly take you back in time and makes you think of that game!
A Medal of Honor remake would actually be really cool! CoD’s constant releases are beginning to feel about as stale as the yearly Madden release to me haha All style no substance
Among these games I'm only familiar with Persona 4 Golden but I agree with every word. The way it uses energetic, bubbly music as well as tense and dramatic music is great. Every time "Who's there?" plays, I feel uneasy. "Backside of the TV" was also a great one, it always made me hyped for some TV shenanigans.
Oh I loved that track as well for the TV you mentioned! It really fit the theme of Persona 4 really well! It was such a good game though, and I loved all of the music throughout it! I just picked it up a little while ago on console, and really want to replay it again! The last time I fully played the entire thing was too long ago on my PS Vita!
Just a little heads-up, a P4 remake is in the works, a trailer was released not long ago but we don't know when the game release date will be. Just letting you know in case you would like to wait for the remake! It might take a long time though haha
Haha, thanks for the heads-up! Honestly, I'm still debating it 😆! I saw the teaser a few weeks ago, and definitely will be interested to play it when it comes out. I noticed too that the "Golden" was dropped from the title, so I wonder if it will include some of the additional content from the PS Vita release or if it will be more so a remake of the PS2 version! Regardless, I'll still play it when it comes out haha 😆!
Music in games can absolutely take the experience to new heights. Wonderful article and I really appreciate the range of examples you included!
Thanks very much, I greatly appreciate it!
Completely agree with your point on how good soundtracks can evoke strong emotions and become iconic on their own merit. Some game scores are just as unforgettable as the games they come from. For SOO many of us, the music is a big reason why we keep going back to certain titles.
Excellent points about Medal of Honor and its contribution to military game scores. The shift from patriotic orchestral pieces to more nuanced and resonant music set a new standard I think. The way it conveys heroism, combat tension, and even somber reflections of war in its day was groundbreaking and pretty immersive. It added a layer of historical weight and human drama to the experience that went beyond say just “action music”.
Then in Super Mario Galaxy you really do get that showcase of how music can build a sense of wonder and joy. The arrangements really take you there! Each galaxy feels distinct with themes that are both grand and playful. The OST is essential to the game's identity, making every moment feel like an adventure!
Thanks for a great read!
Thank you so much, I appreciate it!
Medal of Honor: Frontline definitely had that feel, and I loved how reflective each of the tracks were! It definitely set a standard I imagine for how music in military games. This is one game where I would love a full remake of at some point in the future — it would be amazing to see and hear everything with modern graphics and updated gameplay in an updated remake!
And I definitely agree how the music in Super Mario Galaxy is the game's identity! It's the type of game where hearing certain tracks or the main theme will instantly take you back in time and makes you think of that game!
Thanks again, I'm glad you liked it!
A Medal of Honor remake would actually be really cool! CoD’s constant releases are beginning to feel about as stale as the yearly Madden release to me haha All style no substance
Among these games I'm only familiar with Persona 4 Golden but I agree with every word. The way it uses energetic, bubbly music as well as tense and dramatic music is great. Every time "Who's there?" plays, I feel uneasy. "Backside of the TV" was also a great one, it always made me hyped for some TV shenanigans.
Great article, I really enjoyed reading it!
Thanks! I appreciate it!
Oh I loved that track as well for the TV you mentioned! It really fit the theme of Persona 4 really well! It was such a good game though, and I loved all of the music throughout it! I just picked it up a little while ago on console, and really want to replay it again! The last time I fully played the entire thing was too long ago on my PS Vita!
Thanks again! Glad you liked it!
Just a little heads-up, a P4 remake is in the works, a trailer was released not long ago but we don't know when the game release date will be. Just letting you know in case you would like to wait for the remake! It might take a long time though haha
Haha, thanks for the heads-up! Honestly, I'm still debating it 😆! I saw the teaser a few weeks ago, and definitely will be interested to play it when it comes out. I noticed too that the "Golden" was dropped from the title, so I wonder if it will include some of the additional content from the PS Vita release or if it will be more so a remake of the PS2 version! Regardless, I'll still play it when it comes out haha 😆!