Video Games Live Volume 1 Review - Page 1 of 4

Video Games Live Volume 1 Review

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Classical music at its finest... in videogames.

For the uninitiated, Video Games Live is a collection of music made specifically for use in video games. Video Games Live started in 2005 and has had concerts worldwide. This review is for the first volume of tracks put to disc for mass consumption.

Each song in Volume 1 comes from a different game, and each song will be written about individually. They are pretty in-depth, so if you aren’t interested in how the song is and a detailed explanation of it, feel free to skip to my final thoughts.

Kingdom Hearts

From the very first second, even without any knowledge of the game, the introduction of every Disney movie ever produced will come to mind. The classic jingle starts off the track, but it only takes a few seconds to transition to the rest of the song.

A story-driven and semi-powerful melody follows, easily characterizing a hero character beginning his or her journey, most characteristically aboard a giant sea-bound vessel towards adventures unknown. The set is fairly brief, and embodies a very acceptable introduction to the soundtrack.

While it will undoubtedly strike many fans of the games at their core, any listener can appreciate the tones and tunes used for this piece.

Warcraft Suite

Beginning with powerful trumpets and choir, the Warcraft Suite has the strongest opening of all the tracks. It depicts a singular character, opening up to the world, as though coming out of a lush forest to see the giant city just on the horizon. The changing choir from high to low and back to high is a strong emotional reel.

The sudden change from onlookers to hordes is drastic, but expectable. Heavy drums and bass express the darkness that persists in the Warcraft games, and the player’s need to rise above it, which returns as the male-only choir stepping forth above the drums.

It brings to mind visions of the epic battle at the end of Lord of the Rings, in terms of location and importance, though there are several sections of the suite that change from that strength to a weakened state fairly quickly. It takes away from the epic feeling. The later choir piece is not as strong as it could be, and is lacking behind the music.

Myst Medley

While an uncommon game, Myst’s music mostly went unnoticed due to the gameplay. However, the Myst Medley is the strongest and most moving piece of the CD.

A light introduction, with a brief instrumental followed by a singular female singer draws the listener in. It is an excellent opening, expected for games of the given nature. Then shortly after, it breaks into a choir tune that is riveting. The heightening tone of the music and choir will send Goosebumps up anyone’s spine.

A lyrical section follows (not English), then an odd but proper almost breath-like set where the all-female choir pants out tones. This second phase of the Medley ends with another female voice, one much more delicate than the first, which bursts into the most powerful music on the entire disc, with the exception of the God of War Suite.

The second heightening tone behind the small voice, turning right into the strong choir is exciting and heart pounding. However, it continues a second time after a short instrumental interlude, and loses much of its grace, but the song ends not long after. A marvelous piece.

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