The Sims Medieval Original Videogame Score
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Album Title: The Sims Medieval Original Videogame Score |
| Record Label: Electronic Arts |
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| Catalog No.: N/A |
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| Release Date: April 5, 2011 |
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| Purchase: Download at iTunes |
Overview
In 2011, Electronic Arts surprised consumers by taking The Sims back to the Middle Ages. To support this historic setting, the game’s developers shifted the music for the title from light jazz tunes to mellow renaissance imitations. Classically-trained composer and film score veteran John Debney handled the score for the title in his second game score to date. The first volume of the soundtrack, featuring 18 minutes of central themes used in the game, was released through digital outlets shortly after the game.
Body
“Arise, Watcher” is the impressive centrepiece of Debney’s score for The Sims: Medieval. Blending traditional instrumentation with orchestral performances, the track impresses with its production values and suitably sets the tone. While somewhat generic, the melody draws listeners into the experience and the diverse contrasts during the development maintain attention. In particular, the shifts from intimate woodwind solos to bombastic orchestral tuttis give a personal feel yet epic scope. Having a filmic quality throughout, the track is actually highly reminiscent of Debney’s work on Cutthroat Island, but with some individualistic touches. But as this is a life simulation, don’t expect many other dramatic action themes or emotional cinematic cues from Debney here.
Perhaps the most remarkable tracks on The Sims: Medieval are those that use vocals. After providing some of the more emotional moments of the main theme, the chorus is featured a capella on “The Eyes of the Watcher”; the soprano resonates with the other voices in this chorale to emphasise the celestial nature of the game’s Jacoban Church. “Humble Beginnings”, on the other hand, features a boy soprano against simple renaissance accompaniment. Both are rather simple, but draw listeners in with their exquisite timbres and heartfelt melodies. A very different style of orchestra and choral writing is featured in “Incantus Magicus”, where Debney blends influences of Bach with Elfman to portray the Wizard’s Tower. It’s another track that is both contextually effective and satisfying on a stand-alone level.
The rest of the first volume of the soundtrack is dominated by light-hearted pastiches written with traditional ensembles. “A Royal Reception” is a competent imitation of a Baroque minuet for string quartet and harpsichord continuo. It’s nothing ground-breaking, but it’s pleasant enough to listen to and the formal stylings fit The Throne Room. Much the same applies to the more rhythmically compelling “The Masquerade Ball”. Used to portray general life in The Sims: Medieval, “The Dashing Young Falconer” and “Festival and Faire” are more frivolous tunes influenced by traditional folk music. Featuring traditional woodwind improvisations above simple drones, these tracks have quite an authentic sound and prove quite whistleable too.
Summary
On this score, John Debney successfully portrays the historic setting of The Sims: Medieval with pastiches of traditional courtroom, sacred, and folk music. The tracks are often worthy of stand-alone listening too with their memorable melodies and lovely stylings. Keep in mind though that, while elegant and competent, the music tends to be simple and derivative. In addition, there is relatively little variation in mood in contrast to Debney’s earlier game score Lair. Nevertheless, those looking for pleasant if unremarkable pastiches should find this soundtrack a worthwhile and affordable investment.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
3.5
Posted on August 1, 2012 by Chris Greening. Last modified on August 1, 2012.
About the Author
Chris Greening I've contributed to websites related to game audio since 2002. In this time, I've reviewed over a thousand albums and interviewed hundreds of musicians across the world. As the founder and webmaster of VGMO -Video Game Music Online-, I hope to create a cutting-edge, journalistic resource for all those soundtrack enthusiasts out there. In the process, I would love to further cultivate my passion for music, writing, and generally building things. Please enjoy the site and don't hesitate to say hello!
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