I can’t say that I was ever that cognizant of Cartoon Network’s foray into massively multiplayer online gaming. FusionFall is lumped into that category of “kids MMOs” (along with titles like ToonTown and Free Realms) that I haven’t had much interest in playing, and the game’s run from 2009 to 2013 was fairly quiet from a news perspective.
But perhaps there’s something of merit to its soundtrack? This past week I explored the existing musical tracks for FusionFall for the first time, seeing if it had the charm of some of the more memorable cartoon soundtracks… or was completely forgettable. I think that in the end, I have to label this one as “mildly amusing” — perhaps worth a listen through, but no more than that.
Let’s see what I dug up for you to hear today!
“Character Creation”
I liked the character creation theme far more than the main title, as it has this expectant excitement to it. It’s a tad on the short side, but this reminded me a little of the excellent Test Track score from Disney’s EPCOT (and that’s a very good thing).
“Dizzy World”
Off-kilter and even off-kilter in spots, Dizzy World lives up to its name with an unbalanced track that embraces lunacy with gusto. Again, it’s too quick to be much of anything, but while it plays, it brings out a Danny Elfman vibe in a good way.
“Forgotten Forest”
This doesn’t sound like a very welcoming forest, does it? Yet those ominous opening notes gradually give way to a sort of catchy riff (and a whole lot of noisy percussion). It’s probably one of those cartoon forests where the trees talk to you and eat small squirrels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLCVg_YTYBA
“City Point Station”
There’s a spirit of “high tech industry” here, with the sort of cartoon notes that indicate frantically working machines and gizmos. Me? I’m just here for the xylophone, which as you might recall, is one of my favorite instruments to hear in a soundtrack.
“Sunny Bridges Auditorium”
With a Phantom of the Opera-like organ blasting that beginning, you’d think that we were in for a dour gothic party. But soon enough, this track gets a little lighter with playful notes and even a harpsichord.
“Foster’s Home”
And why not some kazoos? FusionFall certainly whips out all of the traditional kiddie instruments, but I don’t mind — sometimes kazoos can be pretty fun. I adore the frantic melody here (which also reminds me of a classic score: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids).
MMOs are meant to be heard as well as seen, and chances are that music ties your memories to these games more than you might realize. Every two weeks Jukebox Heroes listens through a game soundtrack and picks out the highlights to share and discuss. And if you like this column, then don’t miss the author’s MMO music podcast, Battle Bards!
