Mass Effect is a whole universe where music plays a key role. The Mass Effect soundtrack revolutionized the music and gaming industries, created a new genre, and became a true revolution ahead of its time.
But what makes Mass Effect compositions memorable and unique? How does music set the tone for the plot, guide the player's actions, and shape the unique style of the entire series? Why is the soundtrack of the original trilogy considered one of the best in the history of video games? And finally, what's wrong with the music in Mass Effect Andromeda?
In this video, we will talk about all the secrets of the soundtrack, how it inspired a whole generation of gamers, and analyze its influence on the development of the syntwave genre and game music.
Enjoy watching and listening!
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Many thanks to the author of the channel @MusicDesign for the opportunity to use parts of his interview with Jack Wall in this video!
Full interview: https://youtu.be/PLKqan1VNw4?si=ma2bB1PuvmSIBfBQ
0:00 – How the Mass Effect soundtrack Turned the gaming industry Upside down
1:37 – Jack Wall and Sam Hulick: How the legendary Mass Effect music was created
3:18 - Sources of inspiration for Mass Effect: Tangerine Dream, Blade Runner, Vangelis
3:50 – How the creators of Mass Effect invented syntwave ahead of time
6:08 – Revolution in sound: How the orchestra and synths were mixed in Mass Effect
7:58 – Why is Shepard's theme written from the end, the Normandy theme, , Eden Prime and the influence of John Carpenter
9:57 – The Citadel theme, The Presidium theme, The Wards, the influence of the Tron movie
11:13 – Uncharted Worlds: How the first game set the tone for the entire trilogy
12:51 – Saren's Theme: A Soundtrack that Laughs at You
14:21 – Is "Suicide Mission" the best track in the history of video games?
17:47 – How there was more orchestra in Mass Effect 2, but you were tricked again
19:29 – Illusive Man and the soundtrack of villains that scares goosebumps
21:39 – How the music of Mass Effect 1 and 2 deceives and manipulates players
22:35 – Hero themes, Afterlife and Dark Star clubs, and unexpected borrowing from NFS
23:54 – M4 Part 2: The only track with vocals that has become a cult
24:33 – Mass Effect 3: A soundtrack that deceives even more
25:05 – Leaving Earth: How Clint Mansell Created a Four-Chord Masterpiece
26:46 – Jack Wall's departure and a new songwriting team that changed the trilogy
29:27 – Mass Effect 3: Is this the best soundtrack in the series?
32:32 – Mass Effect Andromeda: New composer John Paesano and what went wrong?
36:24 – The Mass Effect soundtrack is alive!