998 réponses à ce sujet

[CroGamer002]

Fiery Phoenix wrote...

Mesina2 wrote...

Phaedon wrote...

didymos1120 wrote...
So would that be the "established" ME1 sound, or the "established" ME2 sound?

Yup, the only motif that passed from ME1 to 2 is Vigil.

And Flux.
Also Romance theme from ME1 is in LotSB.

The Galaxy Map theme (i.e. Uncharted Worlds) also passed to ME2, except it was "optimized" by the additional tune that plays whilst scanning a planet.

Woops.
Must have slipped my mind.

[DrBobcat]

didymos1120 wrote...

JediNg wrote...

however as I mentioned in a prior response, game already has an established sound about it so thumbs down to new composers.

So would that be the "established" ME1 sound, or the "established" ME2 sound?

In my opinion, ME1 and ME2 had similar, yet pronounced differences in their musical style. ME1's soundtrack falls in line with late 80s/early 90s style sci-fi music (a major focus on synths, be they pads, arpeggios, or keys). ME2, by contrast, took a more cinematic route (more frequent use of non-synthetic instruments and dramatic swells/crashes). The second game was significantly darker in tone as well, and forboding soundscapes are prevalent throughout. I'll provide some examples below...

Mass Effect
Battle of Eden Prime (a filtered arpeggiated synth dominates this piece, with some synth hits for flavor)
Liara's World (constantly fading, non-melodic synths combined with pad sweeps)
Noveria (more arpeggios and pads)
Virmire Ride (synth drum kit break loop accompanied by pads, hits, and warbles)
Ilos (delayed bass hits with fading high-pitched pads)
In Pursuit of Saren (we're starting to see a more cinematic style [choir and orchestral instruments] come into play, but we still are met with some synth work later)
Final Assault (heavy use of orchestral instruments to make the experience feel more epic and profound)

Mass Effect 2
The Attack (Memorable track. Starts off with an electronic flair that eventually swings towards the complete opposite. Intense, theatrical, stressful)
The Normandy Reborn (Non-synthetic strings all over the place! Instills a sense of accomplishment and reassurance)
Freedom's Progress (Very dark. Obviously trying to make the player feel on edge and concerned. Melody is non-existent until the end)
Mordin (Tense and exactly the sort of thing you'd expect to hear in a race against time or chase sequence. Go figure)
Suicide Mission (Wall pulls no punches here. There are acoustic drums, brass instruments [trumpets, etc], even a choir. One of my favorites)
Finding Archangel (No melody to speak of. All we got here are pads, sweeps, and a few rolling bass hits)

Mass Effect 2 (DLC)
Infilitration (Kasumi DLC. Composers are Dikiciyan and Velasco. Similar to ME2 vanilla, but has an appropriately, though subtly Asian feel to it.)
Agent Combat (LotSB. Chris Lennertz composition. Almost non-existant use of synths. Fast-paced and urgent)
Combat Troops (Overlord. Another Lennertz piece. Virtually identical in nature to "Agent Combat")
Tension Rising (Overlord again. Primarily an ambient piece. Interesting use of brass alongside synthetic pads. Anyone who has played the DLC likely recognized how consistent Lennertz was throughout)

Again, these are merely examples and my views on them are entirely subjective.  I am certain anyone who wanted to could find a variety of exceptions. However, Didymos, I agree with your implied point. Neither game's musical style can be adequately summarized in just one or two words. And I would hope so, as the composers would likely take such as an insult. In fact, something quite profound occured as I was listening to the soundtracks. Throughout both games, the musical and narrative structures are linked: they share a common theme and evolve alongside each other. This may not sound too surprising, but let me elaborate.

In the beginning of ME1, we're introduced to the universe for the first time. As players, we are a bit on edge and eager to get our feet wet. We are optimistic, but still a bit uneasy. The music at this stage feeds off these emotions. It's energetic in nature and, more importantly, futuristic. Towards the end of the game, however, the player has been completely immersed and the composer can begin to tap into the familiar. Now, the point is to make the player feel emotionally invested in what is going on and, therefore, we see an increase in the use of orchestral instruments (simply put: less futuristic/exotic, more dramatic and emotionally engaging). This pattern continues in the second game. We're no longer in this foreign place with people we do not know or care about. The music keeps us in this state from start to finish, with the climax being especially poignant. We feel invigorated, yet still wary of the encroaching threat.

I'm ecstatic that Mansell will be composing ME3. Given his previous work (examples #1, #2, #3), I believe he'll be a perfect fit. His style follows the established pattern so well, in fact, that I sometimes wonder if this was all planned out in advance. Few others seem more capable of delivering the tragic, heartwrenching score we have come to expect.

Am I alone here? Does anyone else agree with me or am I overanalyzing? Obviously, my passion for music is significant, so I apologize if I got carried away.

Modifié par DrBobcat, 12 février 2011 - 03:15 .

[Phaedon]

JediNg wrote...
Already not boding well imo.
I didn't even realize Doom (film) had music.  Could be the fact that I thought the movie was a joke whilst watching it.  Moon was amazing, but like in Doom, I didn't even realize there was music.  That wasn't Mass Effect nor Mass Effect 2 for me.  From when the intro scene played in Mass Effect, to when Harbinger releases control, I was keenly aware of the music.  Not simply aware, but the music made its presence known, without being obnoxious, and yet not pushed into the far background.  This Clint has a lot to live up to, lol.

I took my precautions and never watched Doom, but it's a good thing that you didn't 'notice' Moon's music. It's not epic, and it sets the mood of the scene and the general atmosphere. Try muting the sound and you'll notice how worse Moon would have been. Suicide Mission had to be heard. You don't believe me? Listen to Lux, I think that you'll quite notice it.

[JediNg]

Phaedon wrote...

JediNg wrote...
Already not boding well imo.
I didn't even realize Doom (film) had music.  Could be the fact that I thought the movie was a joke whilst watching it.  Moon was amazing, but like in Doom, I didn't even realize there was music.  That wasn't Mass Effect nor Mass Effect 2 for me.  From when the intro scene played in Mass Effect, to when Harbinger releases control, I was keenly aware of the music.  Not simply aware, but the music made its presence known, without being obnoxious, and yet not pushed into the far background.  This Clint has a lot to live up to, lol.

I took my precautions and never watched Doom, but it's a good thing that you didn't 'notice' Moon's music. It's not epic, and it sets the mood of the scene and the general atmosphere. Try muting the sound and you'll notice how worse Moon would have been. Suicide Mission had to be heard. You don't believe me? Listen to Lux, I think that you'll quite notice it.

You got a point there - Moon's story wasn't the sort of story where music needed to be there to urge you on.  But no, I do not like Lux at all.  Never have.

[Phaedon]

JediNg wrote...
You got a point there - Moon's story wasn't the sort of story where music needed to be there to urge you on.  But no, I do not like Lux at all.  Never have.

Well that's a bit spammerish, but click on the Experiment thing on my signature, you'll notice what effect Moon's OST has to the Abandoned Research Station assignement.

[JediNg]

AwesomeName wrote...

JediNg wrote...

AwesomeName wrote...

Phaedon wrote...

aeetos21 wrote...

No two composers have the same exact style, they wouldn't be artists if they did. But I'm always open to trying new things and giving people a chance. I've listened to some of his music linked here and didn't find much similar in the way of past Mass Effect music but then again there haven't been all that many medias on the scale of Mass Effect before so...?

That's probably because the only 'sci-fi' music that he has done is Moon's OST. And that by itself, is a lot different than ME. However, no decent artist maintains the same tone and style throughout different genres. 

I would strongly argue The Fountain was sci-fi - plus there's Doom.  But they all sound different to each other (therefore there's no reason to think ME3 will sound like Moon - it'll sound like ME, but with Clint's "signature" on it).  But in any case, yeah, none of his scores sound like Mass Effect, but of course, why would they, right?  In any case, it's not as if this guy is not going to know how to create something that sounds Mass Effect given that he'll have 2 games worth of reference right in front of him.  If he doesn't know how to expand ME's music with his own, then I don't know how to explain why his music for Black Swan worked so well.

Already not boding well imo.
I didn't even realize Doom (film) had music.  Could be the fact that I thought the movie was a joke whilst watching it.  Moon was amazing, but like in Doom, I didn't even realize there was music.  That wasn't Mass Effect nor Mass Effect 2 for me.  From when the intro scene played in Mass Effect, to when Harbinger releases control, I was keenly aware of the music.  Not simply aware, but the music made its presence known, without being obnoxious, and yet not pushed into the far background.  This Cliff has a lot to live up to, lol.

You are focussing on one title and ignoring everything I've said to justify why you think he's a bad choice.  Listen to his work.  I repeat, listen to it.  Doom was a bad film, but believe it or not, his music for it was actually good for what it was - but it's not what he's well known for.  There is a reason why this guy is often regarded as one of the best contemporary composers currently around.  His music for Doom was good, but I wouldn't say it's his best work.  Go watch The Fountain.  I'm not sure if you will, because you seem determined to see bad music where there is none without actually listening to his stuff.  Also, why would Doom sound like Mass Effect??

I wasn't even trying to argue.

[JediNg]

AwesomeName wrote...

JediNg wrote...

I wasn't even trying to argue.

Okay, that's fine, dude.  But rather than despairing for no good reason, go watch The Fountain - that's probably his best work.  Moon was very atmospheric, but the Fountain was, imho, epic-love-space-opera poetry.  Which means nothing to 50% of the people who watch that film.  But to the other half it doesn't - it's hauntingly beautiful.

All right

[Tamahome560]

Can't wait till we hear some of ME3 soundtrack. Unfortunately we will have to wait until a month before release.

[WDGrainger]

PoliteAssasin wrote...

Bioware really pulling all stops for the blockbuster movie styled game again huh? Guess the pressure from EA's really piling up, or they've gone over to the dark side of gaming... Shame. I was really looking forward Jack Wall returning to the ME1 music themes. A real shame. BTW, Lux Aeterna is overrated. If they wanted a real movie composer, they should have gone with Hans Zimmer, John Powell, or Steve Jablonsky. 

-Polite

Brian Tyler would have been a good choice as well. His work on the Children of Dune mini-series was epic and outstanding.  It's one of the few seies I can watch again without feeling bored.  Neverlheless, Mansel 's  got an interersting range, and his work has evolved over time.  I guess we'l ljust have to see, eh?

[Had-to-say]

One thing about the Synthesizer is it makes you imagine in a different way than classical music. I can imagine a group of deliquent Turian on the Citadel doing space parkour.

"Turian on the Citadel doing Space Parkour" sounds like this:
How did we live before this music.

Modifié par Had-to-say, 12 février 2011 - 06:22 .

[kregano]

Tamahome560 wrote...

Can't wait till we hear some of ME3 soundtrack. Unfortunately we will have to wait until a month before release.

Who knows, maybe the guys whipping up the trailers might get their hands on some of Clint's tracks for ME3 and put them in.

[AlbertoAquilani]

I really really doubt Clint Mansell will compose the whole game. You can probably expect some other composers to put in a bit of work too.

[MassStorm]

ME1 has the best song IMO i prefer his electronical style.....Mansell is very skilled but honestly i do not feel he will do a great job with ME3....don't know i still feel that ME should be more electronic in soundtracks.....honestly speaking some songs of Aphex Twin(the early albums) are so damn appropriate to this game....but will se about Mansell hopefully i'm wrong

[ShepardsPie]

MassStorm wrote...

ME1 has the best song IMO i prefer his electronical style.....Mansell is very skilled but honestly i do not feel he will do a great job with ME3....don't know i still feel that ME should be more electronic in soundtracks.....honestly speaking some songs of Aphex Twin(the early albums) are so damn appropriate to this game....but will se about Mansell hopefully i'm wrong

I totally agree with everything you are saying and feel the exact same way. I think that Mansell should surprise us and satisfy the majority of people here.

[Voods07]

I know many are used to the synth and "electronica" feel of the music from the past ME games and feel instrumental would lessen the series. This is a valid reasoning which I can understand. However, ME3 is different; the series is closing, the Reapers will emerge, old enemies may become new allies, etc etc the list goes on an on.

There too much that will happen in ME3 that total synth would completely destroy the atmosphere ME3 is going to bring. Battle music along with the galaxy map and clubs I would like to remain synth, but the rest I want orchestrated, it just offers a more powerful experience compared to synth.

Modifié par Voods07, 12 février 2011 - 09:41 .

[Capeo]

MassStorm wrote...

ME1 has the best song IMO i prefer his electronical style.....Mansell is very skilled but honestly i do not feel he will do a great job with ME3....don't know i still feel that ME should be more electronic in soundtracks.....honestly speaking some songs of Aphex Twin(the early albums) are so damn appropriate to this game....but will se about Mansell hopefully i'm wrong

Mansell started in industrial and techno.  He has those chops and I'm sure he'll being them to the table.  The soundtrack for Pi is entirely electronic as is some of Requiem for a Dream and much of Moon. 

[maxulic]

AwesomeName wrote...
Sure, Lux Aeterna is overused - but you have to understand that's not Clint Mansell's fault - he's not the one overusing it; it's other people.  That track had a life of its own ever since Requiem for a Dream came out.  Check out his other work

If someone has to be blamed that's the marketing team that worked on LOTR The Two Towers. Don't get me wrong, the trailer was awesome, but they started it all

[Halo Quea]

If I HAD to replace Wall, Mansell would NOT have been my first choice.



He's very gifted and most of his music builds with great intensity the longer the piece lasts, but IMO most of his compositions drag very slowly to their better musical moments. Like only portions of the score are being given his full attention, or like he's just killing time until he reaches those better musical moments.



I don't think Mansell is ME material at all. There's nothing in his repertoire of even the pieces he's done that I like that honestly feels like it belongs anywhere in the ME universe.

[Had-to-say]

NewMessageN00b wrote...

Hey, I got an idea. How about Jean Michel Jarre composes a few tracks.

Heck, I'd compose, too, just to make ME3 come and time pass by faster...

I am really feeling this guy. He's got that thing.

[CmdrKankrelat]

Mansell's got my vote of confidence. For those saying "Don't fix what ain't broke," think about it this way: Jack Wall could've left and BioWare could've replaced him with some no-name, two-pence composer. By bringing in an A-lister like Mansell, you know BioWare taking their trilogy seriously in every department. After reading a quote from Mansell where he described what he's going to bring to the game, I'm very pumped!