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Featured, Game Music, Reviews

The Echoes of Death – Darksiders II OST (Review)

September 18, 2012 | Brenna Wilkes | Comments Off on The Echoes of Death – Darksiders II OST (Review) Share this

The end of the world may have come to pass, but it seems the journey must continue. It’s been over two years since the first Darksiders game told the (ever over-used) tale of the wars of heaven, hell, and the trials of War: Horseman of the Apocalypse. The dark action-adventure game featured an equally dark and ambient soundtrack to illustrate War’s journey in melodic detail.

Now for Darksiders II, we advance further into the story with the arrival of another Horseman – Death – as he continues the hellish tale and the aftermath of Armageddon. As such, the soundtrack gets a equal change-up with the advent of Danish composer Jesper Kyd (Borderlands, Assassin’s Creed) into the series mix.

Does the soundtrack’s sequel succeed the original? Surpass, even? Check under the jump for the details! (more…)
Featured, Game Music

de Blob is de Bomb: de Blob 2 Exclusive Liner Notes from John Guscott

April 19, 2011 | Jayson Napolitano | 2 Comments Share this

You should all know that we were huge fans of the original de Blob soundtrack, and we mentioned that the second game kind of snuck by without much fanfare in the United States with the game’s soundtrack being released online for free (pick it up if you haven’t already). The fact that it’s free doesn’t mean it isn’t any good, however.

We’ve been fortune enough to be able to continue our embedded “liner notes interview” series with John Guscott, composer, arranger, and performer of the de Blob soundtracks. He shares his thoughts on the particular tracks and musical styles featured in the game.

Join us in our hybrid review/interview after the jump! (more…)
Game Music

de Blob 2’s Sneak Attack: Free Soundtrack and Live Set Downloads

March 21, 2011 | Jayson Napolitano | Comments Off on de Blob 2’s Sneak Attack: Free Soundtrack and Live Set Downloads Share this

Huh, this one really snuck right by us. We were huge fans of the first de Blob game and it’s stellar soundtrack composed by John Guscott. With de Blob 2, however, THQ has seemingly released the game as a budget title in the United States without much fanfare. It’s quite a shame, as we would have loved to have done more with the game and it’s soundtrack prior to the game’s release.

The good news is, however, that GameSpot and IGN Australia have been doing their part to keep up with the game, and are each hosting free music from the game for you to download. Over on GameSpot’s videogame music blog, Sound Byte, you can download the game’s soundtrack in it’s entirety for FREE. They’re in .wav format, so be prepared for a lengthy download. Click here to check that out. Over on IGN Australia, there’s a special live set medley recording performed by John Guscott and some session players at a de Blob 2 launch event which you can grab here.

Pretty cool all around. I liked the physical disc that was released with the first game as a purchase bonus from certain retailers, but you can’t beat free, I suppose. Get over there, download the music, and let us know what you think!
Game Music, Reviews

All Those Who Wage War Hear The Darksiders Soundtrack (Review)

April 21, 2010 | Gideon Dabi | 6 Comments Share this

It is a surprise to nobody who reads this site that, often times, the “surprise,” “sleeper,” or “out-of-nowhere” game hits of the year are often accompanied by a great score. It is even less of a surprise to this same class of individuals that such scores are often invaluable to the artistic and critical success of said games. One need not look any further than Flower, Braid, or Demon’s Souls – just to name a few – to see how innovative gameplay paired with an unforgettable soundtrack can propel a small game into the discussion of the greats of the industry, and, very often, with a budget a small fraction the size of the big boys’.

2010 found its first “surprise” hit rather quickly (early January) in Vigil Games’ first outing, Darksiders. Designed by Marvel Comics acclaimed artist, Joe Madureira, Darksiders is a beautiful-looking mish-mosh of several games’ mechanics weaved together gracefully to create an experience that scored near-unanimous acclaim in the gaming community.

Composers Cris Velasco and Mike Reagan of God of War fame are here to accompany War’s charge against the angels and demons, and they brought their friend, Scott Morton, to help.

Click the jump to read how Darksiders might just be another title to add to this list. Or is it on a different list altogether?! More importantly, did Cris Velasco bring his drums? (more…)
Game Music, Reviews

RED FACTION GUERRILLA Soundtrack Hammers My Face In Good (Review)

August 28, 2009 | Gideon Dabi | 5 Comments Share this

Including the Demons of the Badlands downloadable content, my play time on Red Faction Guerrilla is upwards of seventeen hours – not including the multiplayer matches. I played the game into the ground and is easily a Game of the Year candidate for me and many others. It was because of this that I was particularly intrigued to review this soundtrack. Clocking in at over three hours, this soundtrack is as robust and meaty as the game itself. Five composers and thirty-two tracks later, I felt just like one of the buildings I had demolished with my hammer.

No doubt I felt “smashed”, but does it all amass to anything besides rubble? Click the jump to find out! (more…)
Game Music

RED FACTION GUERRILLA Soundtrack Now Available! (Hammer Sold Separately)

August 11, 2009 | Gideon Dabi | 3 Comments Share this

Hammering away at the Earth Defense Force was made so much easier thanks to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of Red Faction Guerrilla. Thankfully, the good folks over at THQ have finally made the score available for download at Amazon and Lala. Clocking in at over three hours in length, this one is sure to be a winner! Get it now!*

*Original Sound Version is not responsible for any sudden urge to hammer and/or drive through people or buildings whilst listening to this soundtrack.

Full story can be found HERE.
Game Music

Interview with Deadly Creatures Composer Dave Lowmiller

April 14, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 1 Comment Share this

Deadly Creatures is one of those Wii casualties that deserved more attention than it received. While it appeared to be your typical 3D action platformer on the surface, there were a number of innovations that made it a worthwhile experience for those looking to get more out of their Wii. What I found particularly interesting was the game’s sound, both in terms of music and sound design.

The world of Deadly Creatures is experienced through the perspective of the a tarantula or scorpion, but the story is told through overheard conversations of humans that appear throughout the game. A pretty unique concept. And the music? It’s not what you’d expect, as it blends indistinctly into the sound effects and dark atmosphere generated by the visuals. Fortunately we’ve been able to catch up with Dave Lowmiller at Rainbow Studios to discuss his “music” for the game, which is an interesting discussion about blurring the lines between soundtrack and sound design. I highly recommend checking this one out on iTunes to get an idea of what it’s all about if you didn’t play the game.

Hit the jump for our interview with Deadly Creatures audio lead, Dave Lowmiller. (more…)