‘Okami,’ 2006 from Clover Studios
(bu-bu-ba-bo) is an outstanding game in nearly every way that I loved, and is
among my all time favorites.
The soundtrack, composed by a very talented
team of composers, mostly from previous Capcom projects, is an integral part of
the immersion and experience of the game, and it’s hard to imagine the game
without every single track and music cue that it has.
The soundtrack features and broad and
cultured range of styles, and covers a huge amount of emotional ground. Sad and
happy and everything in between, this soundtrack features everything from honor
and loyalty, to sacrifice and duty, having fun, witnessing despair, quiet
times, busy times, royalty and nobility, and every flavor of adventure there
is.
Shinshuu Plains is an absolute standout,
particularly when it explodes into its second half. Northern Country Kamui is
very similar, and Ryoshima and slightly further behind third place on the world
map themes.
Tranquil calms like Hansaki Valley, and
Harami Lake, and Agata Forest sound beautiful, and serene with their strings
and harps.
Kamiki village sounds grand and humble,
Kusanngi Village bustling and windy (you know what I mean,) Seiankyou city
sound noble for the nobles, and charming for the commoners. My favorite of the
village music is Uepeker, a beautiful, charming, sprawling theme that captures
the tragic nature but fighting spirit that that village possesses.
And not forgetting about the battle music,
some of the best of all adventure games can be found here. The regular battle
music is only meant to be heard in 30 second or so incriments, so it is made up
of little buildups and action bangs. But the boss music… that’s where it heats
up. Ushiwaka, the smarmy French fortune telling, light saber has some fantastic
music, tense and complete with Ushiwaka’s theme. My favorite one, though they
are great all round the board, is the Demon Lord Nine Tails Extermination. Emotional,
impactful, and with fantastic build up. It is one of my favorite boss tunes of
all time.
An all round fantastic and memorable
soundtrack to an all round fantastic and memorable game.
Brothers, till next week.
Daniel Lyons.
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