Pretty game, strong story focus, really not for me. That’s the impression I got from dipping into Blade & Soul a few months back. It’s certainly a game with a whole lot of eye candy, but it’s also got a lot of ear candy too.
Ear candy — is that a thing? Are we all just thinking about eating candy ears now? They’d probably be gummy.
In any case, while I might not have stuck around for any length of time in the game proper, Blade & Soul’s soundtrack was another matter entirely. The OST is charming and sweet, deserving of some recognition in this space. So let’s get to it!
“Silverfrost Mountain (Main Theme)”
Just in case you think that Blade & Soul is a prim and delicate flower of an MMO, this track might convince you otherwise. It’s the music that might accompany an army charging against the forces of overwhelming evil in the final minutes of a movie. Of course, this is the start of your journey here, so that gives you some idea what kind of experience you have ahead.
“Little Shepherd”
I’ve really loved this track for several years now. It wins me over with its lighthearted personality and the instruments echoing each other as if they were playing tag.
“The Sword Dance”
It’s kind of a rule that eastern MMOs have to have at least one track where the electric guitar comes thrashing and wailing onto the stage, no matter how little it might make sense. This is that track.
“Oakshade Village”
It’s a village shrouded in mystery, from the sound of it. I’ve played enough JRPGs to know that when you hear something like this as you enter an innocent-looking town, there’s probably something sinister lurking underneath the surface.
“Pig Ranch”
Happy pigs be happy. Happy pigs dance happy. Happy pigs dream happy.
“The Dreamdrift”
I get chills imagining this in the context of an MMO zone. It’s really excellent on its own, but picture hearing this while stepping through a dark forest or into an ancient ruin. It would enhance any environment.
“The Merchant Guild”
We’ll end with this rousing guild theme. I get a Disney vibe from it with touches of… a ho-down? It’s definitely a lively track that makes me want to get up and start moving!
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!
