Before we get too deep into 2012 and start in on what I believe will be another excellent year for music and game soundtracks, I want to take a step back to recognize a few titles that finished 2011 on a very strong note in terms of pleasing sounds. So lets get started shall we? Your ears will thank you, trust me.
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations
If you’ve read my blog for any length, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of this franchise. It also helps that each game has a very strong soundtrack to go along with it. Revelations was no exception though I will admit that it did take some time before it firmly planted itself into my head. With the game’s setting turning east towards Constantinople, we get a more exotic feel with a diverse array of music based in Greek, European, and Middle-Eastern regions to help sell the player on the diverse cultures living there. In addition to the classic instrumentals, you also get action driven beats and electronica sounds mixed together to create some really interesting pieces in the classic Assassin’s Creed style.
Recommended Tracks:
Main Theme
Byzantium
Istanbul
Ambush
The Road To Masyaf
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Okay, so I’m sure we’ve all played this one at this point, so it needs no introduction. The music is so good that it literally meshes with the gameplay so much that you may not notice it. I can’t let this go because Skyrim features an astounding score set in motion by composer Jeremy Soule. Honestly, it could be featured in any medieval fantasy film, it’s that good. It’s would also cover 4 cds to fit everything from the game. Featuring a sweeping chorus, strong percussions, intricate orchestra arrangements, and accoustic guitars to give the game that epic feel.
Recommended Tracks:
Dragonborn
Ancient Stones
Death Or Sovngarde
Silent Footsteps
Rayman Origins
While it’s easily the goofiest game of the bunch on this list, that doesn’t mean that the music isn’t as good. Oh no. Michel Ancel and his team at UbiSoft managed to deliver a soundtrack that significantly enhances the core gameplay experience and adds to the overall enjoyment of the game. While it can be a difficult platformer at times, the music will keep you humming along and you’ll even find yourself smiling. No matter how many times you miss that jump. It’s extremely hard to really describe the overall sound as it just incorporates so much into each song. You’ll get things like trumpets, banjos, ukuleles, percussions, wind instruments, goofy noises and vocals, etc. The thing is though, it just works. It works really well.
Recommended Tracks:
Swinging Caves
The Tricky Treasure
Lums of the Water
The Electoons’ Savior
Moskito and the Inferno
