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The Best of LucasArts Original SoundtracksAs far back as I can remember – at least when it comes to gaming – I’ve always wanted the ability to listen to catchy game music separate from the action on screen. And it didn’t matter if it was the staccato beeps and boops of the internal speaker or, later, the full and raw power of my Sound Blaster Pro – I just wanted the soundtrack. Nowadays it’s not uncommon to have full orchestral scores in games with a separately released soundtrack. This is essentially what LucasArts has done with the Best of LucasArts Original Soundtracks, which culls music from four relatively new releases: Monkey Island, Grim Fandango, The Dig and Outlaws.
I term them “relatively new releases” since this collection was put together in part to mark LucasArts’ 20th Anniversary and all the included titles were release in the last five years (more or less). LucasArts has a veritable gold mine of titles to go back to so it’s a little disappointing to get only a sampling of four games with only two tracks from The Dig. (There are bonus tracks from the upcoming Gladius and RTX Red Rock, which are pretty rockin’ and maybe a sign of good things to come.) At the same time, the term “this volume” is used inside the packaging so it makes you wonder how many volumes may be released. If you haven’t played any of the games, the tunes lose their context a bit, but other tracks are weirdly appealing – like the Ballad of Dr. Death from Outlaws. Most of the music was meant for only soft background music to set the mood, like most of Grim Fandango’s music (except for the Bone Wagon theme, which features some great kazoo work) and Monkey Island's Scumm Bar theme. In total there are 23 tracks, including a couple of rousing pieces – the first and last tracks – to commemorate the 20th Anniversary, and runs almost 55 minutes. The music itself is crisp and clear and some will have you humming through a wave of gaming nostalgia long after you turn off your stereo. Of course, it may net you a few odd glances from pedestrians if you crank it while drinking (with the occasional, “Hey I know that one!” look). I just hope we see more volumes, because life just wouldn’t be complete without a remixed Day of the Tentacle theme. - Omni (February 8, 2003) |
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