P-Vock's Music Box: BOY!
Hello and welcome back to P-Vock's Music Box. You know, I was once told I should do lunges to stay in shape. That would be a big step forward. Alright, now that we got some Big Dad Energy, let's talk about Dad Simulator 2018. A continuation of one of my favourite franchises, 2018's God of War was a wonderful surprise that blew me away with its writing, characters, and emotional story. From beginning to end, it was a gripping tale that I could not put down and the wonderful soundtrack from Bear McCreary certainly helped. Let's dive in, shall we?
Even if you know nothing of God of War, and don't feel slight hints of previous OSTs in this piece, it tells you everything you need to know. The choir and booming percussion deliver the larger-than-life scope of both the story and some of the gargantuan characters in this wonderful game. It builds up a rhythmic baseline as if echoing a hike up a mountain, before dispersing as if you've reached the peak and are being rewarded with a view. Then, it begins again, as you begin to climb the next mountain.
That's the perfect sensation to deliver for a game about a father and son climbing mountains to spread the ashes of the deceased mother from atop a mountain.
It remains intense, while also staying eerily calm. Like the calm before a massive storm. So, let's get rid of that calm with some hype battle music!
Worry not, I won't spoil the context of the incredible fight this accompanies (because you simply GOTTA play this damn game), but know that it is very late in the journey and very intense. Even without me spoiling, I think you can imagine the kind of scenario this accompanies. An absolutely incredible fight with some jaw-dropping moments and a ton of shouting. Just how I like it! You can hear allusions to the first theme I played, among some other allusions I won't mention because of spoilers, which perfectly deliver the stakes of this fight while reminding the player how far they've come.
As far as climactic battle themes go, this is one of the best.
God of War Ragnarok finally has a release date for this November and I couldn't be happier. This series is something to behold and I sincerely hope this taste of music has convinced you to consider giving it a go if you can. You won't be disappointed. Thank you, as always, for tuning in, and I'll catch you back here next time with another suggestion from my Music Box. Stay Brutal!
PS. From a much earlier entry in the series, have what is definitely another of my favourite themes in the series.