Soundtrack (Video Game)
Mass Effect 2


5.0
classic

Review

by cvlts USER (90 Reviews)
December 13th, 2010 | 122 replies


Release Date: 2010 | Tracklist

Review Summary: I'm Commander Shepard, and this is my favorite soundtrack on the Citadel.

Regardless of what the individual naysayers have to say, the Mass Effect franchise has reinvented the space opera genre of video games and stands apart in the RPG genre alone. The tales of Commander Shepard and his ragtag team have sent the gaming community into a frenzy of hype and anticipation so when the sequel to the critically praised game was finally released in early of 2010, game developer Bioware had an impossible task of creating a game that not only surpasses the original, but distinguish itself from the rest of every other role playing game out there.

Mass Effect 2 is the modern answer to the future of RPG gaming… there’s just no denying it. Garnering over thirty perfect reviews and being one the most critically praised games ever, the sequel acts not only as the natural progression from the original, but as the grim second chapter to the series as a whole. Jack Wall, the mind behind the music of the Mass Effect universe and other successfully praised games, is no stranger to creating scores and soundtracks that stun critics and audiences, this is fully felt on his award winning work with Myst, Jade Empire and the original Mass Effect game. But Mass Effect 2 stands as Wall’s magnum opus, his masterpiece of work that will stand the test of ages and be recognized as a classical work that few will ever be able to top.

Being cited as ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ of the gaming industry, Mass Effect 2 is the darker second chapter to the Mass Effect universe and Jack Wall makes this come alive in his composing abilities. His vibrant use of strings and horns, coupled with the heavily reverbed grand piano makes the soundtrack a bleak and grim affair to go through. Perfectly reciting the trials and turmoil’s of Commander Shepard and his group of companions, Wall has a no-holds-barred approach in making this soundtrack that is a perfect blend of science fiction exploration, grim apocalyptic piano interludes, and edge-of-your-seat string compositions that takes the listener on the journey of Shepard.

Atmospherics play a huge part in Jack Walls creation. Every track naturally ebbs and flows, with some featuring bass heavy opera-esque parts while simultaneously having the part naturally evolve into a dark electronic piece. The soundtrack itself carries a sense of desperation, hopelessness and a grim undertone that fits perfectly with the dark atmosphere of the game itself. One could go so far to say that the soundtrack alone is enough of a catharsis to have to fully experience the game in all its glory. It takes you on a journey that few, if any, other soundtracks can take you one. Composers from every genre and moviemaking will have to up their game from this point on to even be relevant when compared to this classic of a soundscape.

Jack Wall has had talent ever since his beginnings with the Myst franchise but it is only until now, in the early parts of 2010, that his natural ability of creating chilling soundscapes has finally reached its maximum. The Mass Effect 2 Original Soundtrack is a twenty seven track long, nearly two hours of shear genius that even the naysayers of the game itself cannot deny is a classic apart from all others. I’m Commander Shepard, and this is my favorite soundtrack of all time.



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user ratings (38)
4
excellent

Comments:Add a Comment 
cvlts
December 14th 2010


9943 Comments


http://masseffect.bioware.com/media/video/439/



get fucking stoked.

couldwinarabbit
December 14th 2010


6996 Comments


you talked too much about the game and not enough about the music but in large I agree.

I rarely play video games anymore but I loved this game. The music is perfect. The only better example I can think of is fallout 3 but that is not original music.

cvlts
December 14th 2010


9943 Comments


I only spent like one paragraph on the game? Oh well, at least the main point is carried.

Oh, and first and probably only review I'm ever gonna do for a game soundtrack.

pizzamachine
December 14th 2010


27668 Comments


One of the greatest Xbox 360 games. Cool review, and the summary kills.

Scoot
December 14th 2010


22697 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

game and music are both excellent

blindsided21
December 14th 2010


146 Comments


Summary is win.

WatchItExplode
December 14th 2010


10516 Comments


Why does this not surprise me? Way to be Dante, I'm playing ME2 as we speak.

JWT155
December 14th 2010


14969 Comments


As much as I love ME, the soundtrack for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is so epicly good. Just announced The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim yesterday, so happy.

qwer7yfreak
December 14th 2010


486 Comments


I love the Mass Effect series so much. The trailer for ME3 is fucking awesome. Can't believe we have to wait a whole year for it to come out.

And good review, pos

kris.
December 14th 2010


15504 Comments


oh hey cool its coming out simultaneously on the ps3 and 360 suck it xbox owners

SCREAM!
December 14th 2010


15755 Comments


only played the first and it bored me i dunno

ConsiderPhlebas
December 14th 2010


6157 Comments


Game rules, soundtrack rules.

cvlts
December 14th 2010


9943 Comments


cheers everyone!

@SCREAM!, the first ones got nothing on ME2. jus fyi.

qwer7yfreak
December 14th 2010


486 Comments


Well, the first one has a better story imo. The second does have way better gameplay

cvlts
December 14th 2010


9943 Comments


lol Zelda. whutta bitch.
That is all.

astrel
December 14th 2010


2615 Comments


Soundtrack rules, I need to get the game too I guess.

couldwinarabbit
December 14th 2010


6996 Comments


Oblivion, fallout, Mass effect and starcraft are the only video game series I care about at all anymore.

...fuck I put a lot of time into Morrowind

cvlts
December 14th 2010


9943 Comments


play dragon age as well... fuckin awesome game.

astrel
December 14th 2010


2615 Comments


Well I have dragon age. I am not an animal.

qwer7yfreak
December 14th 2010


486 Comments


How is dragon age? I've heard good and bad things about it.



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