The death of MapleStory 2 earlier this year is seen as somewhat tragic in the Massively OP offices. Many of us got time with this colorful MMO and were charmed by its unique style, robust tools, and generally fun atmosphere. We weren’t happy to see it go away so quickly, I can assure you.
And compounding that tragedy is the fact that the soundtrack is incredibly good. It builds upon some of the classic themes from the first game while adding a whole library of awesome new tunes to the mix. Even though it’s bittersweet to do so, I’m excited to share the discoveries I made in this plus-sized edition of Jukebox Heroes.
“Black Star Theme”
We’ll kick off this with solid action track, full of rising tension that should dispel any notions that MapleStory 2 is only about being a cutsey care bear convention.
“Dream”
Oh wait, MapleStory 2 is totally a cutsey care bear convention! OK, so we’re getting tonal whiplash with this list, but I thought this was a lovely little piece.
“Guidance Theme”
I get a “starting out on the first steps of a grand adventure” feel from this track. It’s subdued yet hopeful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmm2edsGPvo
“Historic Desert”
I don’t know what makes a desert historical, but this is some movie-quality music right here. Truly beautiful and uplifting in all the right ways.
“Ice Age Field”
A short, cheery track full of boundless optimism. It’s the kind of track you’d want to play on your phone to wake you up for a brand-new day.
“Ice Land”
A tremendous track that starts as quiet as you might expect an ice field to be, but it soon bursts out with this exuberant theme that holds on to something lovely the whole way through.
“Knight Theme”
A fairly straight-forward heroic track that has an old-school tone — in a good way, mind you.
“Maple Island”
I’ve been in love with this track for a couple of years now. If there’s a soundtrack to my life, I’d want this to be, oh, track six or so.
“Pirate Ship”
When you need your pirates an unambiguous and as swashbuckly as they can be, you turn to this tune.
“Rune Blader Cave”
This almost sounds like a music box that gets enhanced along the way — or a crystalline cavern that’s shrouded in mystery. It has some great transitions and is a richer theme than you might first think.
“Wizard Theme”
Harry Potter ripoff? What Harry Potter ripoff?
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!
