When’s the last time you stepped back and realized just how big and expansive some of your MMORPGs have become over the decades of their existence? It certainly gives me pause when I consider the enormity of, say, EverQuest II and how much it’s added since its 2004 launch.
And as Uncle Ben would say, with great expansion comes great music. This fantasy MMO has an enormous musical library that isn’t often explored, discussed, or lauded. So today, I wanted to dip back into this long-running title and pick out a few more great tunes from some of its many expansions.
“Aeterna”
This short, minute-plus theme is a call to sally forth, growing louder and more insistent as the piece draws closer to its conclusion. Honestly, this right here would be the most epic quest turn-in theme if it was used for every time you killed 10 rats or clicked on The Thing.
“Artisan Theme”
How adorable is this peppy track? It’s a childlike jig with a variety of eastern instruments and playful percussion, all on top of what sounds like a theme that’d be right home in a Sims game.
“Landing Zone”
Packing quite the punch for a short track, Landing Zone wastes no time sprinting into action with rapid, crisp notes and surround-sound percussion. This would be a great start to any adventure, I’d reckon.
“Dreary Coast”
Every so often, almost every MMO throws a track or two like this into the mix. It’s a reflective piece that envokes images of a fragile sanctuary or something likewise sacred. Mostly choral, I think it’s handled not too loud or not too quiet but just right.
“Fordel Distillery”
A mixture of a village dance and a madcap spree, this short track is certainly not lacking for energy or points of interest. I would’ve loved to see it expanded and developed even more, however.
“Khal’ Vahla and Yrzu”
Nonsensical title aside, this track is surprisingly rich and full-bodied. It’s so good that I could easily squeeze my eyes shut and imagine that this belongs in FFXIV’s library (and that’s a praise!).
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!
