This year has been tirelessly dubbed as the Year of the Role-Playing Game (RPG). And anyone who so much as casually peruses gaming news knows that the upcoming release of Mass Effect 3 contributes heavily to that title.
The music of Mass Effect has always taken an important role during the development of the game. Casey Hudson, Project Director for the first game, said this of the Mass Effect OST:
"It would need the thundering power and emotional range of a live orchestra. At the same time, that classic sound would be woven into themes reminiscent of 80s electronica, with synthetic instruments providing complex layers and an ambient, futuristic atmosphere."
Think "Blade Runner" and you're nearly there.
Contributing heavily to the first game's score, Sam Hulick has remained with the franchise and has now written a great deal of music for all three games.
In fact, Hulick wrote the music that accompanies one of my favorite video game scenes of my entire life.
Composer duo Cris Velasco and Sascha Dikiciyan joined the team for Mass Effect 2. Their music for the Arrival downloadable content (DLC) as well as Kasumi - Stolen Memory DLC gives excellent context of what to expect from the two during Mass Effect 3.
Top Score's initial plan was to sit down with Cris, Sascha & Sam before the game's March 6th release, but due to burdensome (but understandable) non-disclosure agreements, we wouldn't have been able to discuss how the music works with any key plot points.
You can, however, look forward to this conversation happening shortly after Mass Effect 3 hits the shelves! Listen to the Mass Effect Preview Show on Top Score & catch up on past episodes here at ClassicalMPR.org or on iTunes.
Playlist
INTRO: Mass Effect - Theme (Sam Hulick, Jack Wall)
Mass Effect - Uncharted Worlds (Hulick)
Mass Effect - Sovereign's Theme (Hulick)
Mass Effect - From The Wreckage (Hulick)
Mass Effect 2 - Kasumi Infiltration (Cris Velasco & Sascha Dikiciyan)
Mass Effect 2 - Arrival Captured (Velasco/Dikiciyan)
Mass Effect 3 - Creation Menu Theme (Velasco/Dikiciyan)
Mass Effect 3 - Mars Combat (Hulick)
CREDITS: Mass Effect - M4 Part II (Faunts)
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
