3). Zeno Clash II
For the past few days I've been weighing my choices as to what my third and final nomination was going to be. I went back and forth between so many different games and then I realized something...I played a really fucking cool game over the summer. What's weird is that I almost completely forgot about it. Looking back, I feel like I played that game a lifetime ago. It was almost like an out of body experience. Zeno Clash (I & II) are one of the most surreal gaming experiences I've ever had. It's incredibly difficult to explain what's so great/appealing about Zeno Clash. The first game was a linear, stage by stage, first person brawler. Zeno Clash II, however, presented the player with an interconnected world and an emphasis on action/adventure and exploration. While nearly all aspects of the game are unique and interesting, the soundtrack stands out as something truly memorable.
Patricio Meneses is a name I'm not all too familiar with. Having composed the music for the original Zeno Clash (and Rock of Ages), I didn't really know of this composer until recently. I mean, I know when I hear my Sakimoto (which is probably more often one than not one of those "other" guys at Basiscape), I know when I hear my Sakuraba (which unfortunately is someone I'd prefer not to hear as of late...Tales, ugh), and I definitely know when I hear my Mitsuda (I really wish Soul Sacrifice as a game did more for me, because I'm probably missing out on a cool soundtrack). If Ace Team continues to hire Meneses (and they should) I could see this name finding its way into my musical memory bank.
Zeno Clash II is one of those games where it's best to listen to the music as you play. With that said, I'll try my hardest to describe why I enjoyed the soundtrack as much as I did.
Night in Halstedom was the first track I took note of. The first 53 seconds, specifically, puts me in a trance every time I hear it. I know I'll be using this word a lot, but really, the best way to describe this game and its music is that it's just so
surreal. I believe you hear this track while exploring the first/main town in the game. It perfectly suits the strange buildings & architecture that map the city and the weird inhabitants that walk the streets. If you're lucky (or unlucky) enough, you may spot shadowy figures peaking around corners, watching you from afar. Witnessing these bizarre sights and sounds will leave you in a state of either total disarray or wonderment. I don't know what the fuck I was feeling at the time, I'll tell you that much!
Moments after the introduction, you are treated to one of the coolest moments in Zeno Clash history. Without spoiling too much (as it happens very, very early in the game) you break an important/key character out of jail. This person/thing is respected and feared by the citizens of this unearthly settlement and Ace Team/Meneses chose to accompany this moment with a spectacular piece.
Father Mother's City is all about authority. This music plays as the creature you've just freed marches through the streets of the city it once ruled. It's an extremely powerful moment within the context of the game. What's even greater about this event is that the developers allowed the player to take control/witness this strut of power instead of opting for a traditional cinematic. Good stuff.
When I first arrived at the
Fields of Zenozoik, I was instantly reminded of the feelings I had when I first stepped onto Hyrule Field in Ocarina of Time. This track just perfectly captures the essence/spirit of exploring a field/overworld in an action adventure game. Whether it's the weird bird-like creatures by the river bed, the abstract trees spewing bubbles from their branches, or the giant egg-like structure on the horizon, there's just so many things grabbing for your attention and the music certainly lends itself to that sensation.
The Moth Collector is another track that reminded me of The Legend of Zelda. This track plays in a house with a strange inhabitant that eats/collects moths found scattered throughout the game. This place serves as an optional area/objective to the main story and I feel like it captures that Skulltula House-like vibe or rather, those areas/places in games that somehow tie collectables/items to the story/narrative. It's kind of a hard feeling to describe, but I love it when games do this.
The Desert is another mesmerizing piece. So dreamy, but sad and distant at the same time. Visually/aesthetically, this is one of my favorite areas in the game. There's also a really cool nod/reference to the original game that makes this setting and track even more memorable than it already was. Finally, you've got tracks like
The Moment of Truth which is quite possibly the best 54 seconds of music you'll ever hear in any game, ever.
Zeno Clash is like nothing I've ever played and the music alone makes this surreal adventure worth taking.
