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Released: October 16, 2002
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Alice Official Soundtrack
The real test of any game soundtrack is how it sounds removed from it’s original medium. Is it still catchy when it doesn’t accompany any other sensory input? Is it memorable? Does it invoke images other than those from the game? In the case of Alice, composed and arranged by Chris Vrenna, fill in “Yes” for each of those questions.
Not many game soundtracks can make a go of it without the visual images to accompany them, but Alice manages to evoke images all by itself while telling a musical story – like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, although Alice is decidedly darker. Using only a few samples of dialogue to preface each track, Alice manages to take us to an even darker side of Wonderland. The disc begins with Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole. The last track ends her trip into madness on a more positive note. The tracks in-between range from freaky to melancholy. Some tracks reminded me of 7th Guest and 11th Hour, while a couple others reminded me of a more recent title, Syberia – incidentally all with excellent soundtracks.
The best aspect of Alice is that it’s entirely listenable. Working on a project for school or work? Just generally stressed? Alice’s mix of electronic samples, occasional xylophone, and brooding tunes (with just a touch of mysticism) does two things: it either heightens your odd mood or gets you into that odd zone – perfect for playing at full volume on the ride home.
For the non-fan, it might be worth your time to get a copy. Fans of Alice should get the OST to realize just how good the game’s music is, even extracted from its original context. (Kudos to Vrenna for this tricky accomplishment.)
- Omni (November 9, 2002) |
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