One of the smaller resolutions that I’m striving to accomplish in 2021 is to attempt to pump out a new Jukebox Heroes column every week for the six or seven of you who love MMO music as I do. My backlog is so enormous at this point that it’s shameful, and I’d like to live with less shame in this regard.
So let’s get one week of resolution in the books with a look at Dream of Mirror Online’s score. DOMO is not a game that I heard people talking about or playing, but it does have a certain charm that engenders fond feelings toward it. The music, as I found, is also alluring in its own right. Let’s give it a listen today!
“Title”
This short main theme exhibits a simplicity that I appreciate. It really has that old JRPG feel to it, making me think of titles like Crono Cross, that are unabashed at presenting a colorful fantasy world.
“Swan Lake Basin”
Wow, what an… enthusiastic track, eh? With a Christmas bent to it, Swan Lake Basin sprints out of the gate with chimes, rapid drumming, and echoey flutes. The second half is more intense and synthy (and isn’t as engaging, IMO).
“Character Creation”
Really, you can never fail with the tried-and-true guitar-and-flute combo, especially when you want to lay down some inviting music as players are preparing their journey into your game world. The character creation theme here is certainly busy, but I like it’s spunky attitude. I’d be psyched if I heard this while I made a toon.
“East Sea Plain Night”
Usually night themes (in MMOs that have them) are much more subdued, but this one gets loud enough to wake the neighbors. Eh, nevermind, I’m already awake — and digging this catchy earworm of a melody.
“Battle 2”
A battle theme — or showdown music for the all-regional valley dance-off championship series?
“Collington”
Ooh sparkly futuristic music! This is the sort of soundtrack I’d expect to hear at EPCOT or maybe visiting Elon Musk’s guest house. Either you love this sound or you think it’s way too cheeseball. I’m the former… and the latter.
“Giantwood Forest Night”
DOMO, you’ve really impressed me through this exploration of your OST. This soundtrack has some great night pieces, and this one is as serene as it is beautiful.
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!
