Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (Video Game Score)

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

If we speak solely about computer games on Playstation or Playstation 2, MGS was one of the best games out there. The sequel which has been awaited like say forever can benefit from the better visual aid and still is after several miniscule flaws a magnificent game of action, storytelling and strategic suspense. It covered parts which make you believe that it was a movie you personally controlled. And perhaps one of the things responsible for this is Harry Gregson - Williams's effort to bring musical cohesion to the game. This isn't the typical Media Ventures product, though of course it feels that way on occasions. There is in fact more diversity in the music than first imagined but this is actually on of the sore points of the score, since there are parts which feel in my part non fitting to the genre or story. We have the action sound, the typical synthesized look and the rhythm to give the game the edge it requires. Yet, mix in a sax, a song or a lounge feel during the scene or listen and it simply doesn't click. For some this might actually work but I feel Gregson - Williams could have delivered something far better suitable. This of course could have been a choice solely made by the designer but I don't know. While the released score doesn't sound truly dreadful, it still is about talking what this music achieves interestingly speaking for instance.

The usual release (which can be purchased on several sites) normally begins with the main theme of the score, but we downloaded MP3 versions of all the tracks and rearranged them in the order you see below, everything on the right place but the first track is just with us the last, sort of end credits. Now, 'Metal Gear Solid 2 Main Theme' is the sole musical highlight of the score, a perfect or better said excellent rearrangement of the original theme of the first game. The theme was written by Rika Muranaka but Gregson - Williams still makes of a good theme a great theme through a perfect new style and at the end a choir a la Media Ventures. I know, but it sounds spectacular. Unfortunately for everyone believing that this is what you'll be getting the whole soundtrack, I've got bad news because it isn't that at all. The first six tracks that follow it are appropriate, sometimes even good. 'Opening Infiltration' has in fact strong resemblances with Broken Arrow since the female choir is just exactly the same and 'Ray Escapes' is recommendable because it uses for one minute actually a thematic action idea, and while it is not even good, it is good compared to the rest. I make it sound like it is the most dreadful music because it isn't, more, Gregson - Williams is giving the game the perfect edge and tone but on disc it doesn't click like it should.

Take several examples, 'Metal Gear' receives a mysterious feel through the choir but the most strange tones through it, 'Can't say Goodbye to Yesterday' is a song which receives a non fitting voice at the end (people who disliked the song of Medal of Honor Underground) will feel the same with this and the piano arrangement is actually so lounge like, it simply bores. 'Fortune' is jazz inspired but again doesn't click in my book and tracks 10 and 14 are utter rambunctious crap, think of the loudest music of Gone in Sixty Seconds but more out of control. The actual main theme stated in the wonderful opening track (or in my case closing track) is briefly stated twice, making its sole powerful performance memorable. But since it received several outings more in the game, I wondered if more versions couldn't have worked on disc, especially the tragic event which truly felt appropriate. Metal Gear Solid 2 isn't bad and this score really suits the game, but this is not Media Ventures action music nor is it the pleasant creative work of a composer giving it all he's got. In a way it works but one track doesn't make the score. And unfortunately for non expecting buyers, it might be too less for a satisfying listening experience.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Opening Infiltration (3.44)

2. Russian Soldiers From Kasatka (2.22)

3. Olga Gurlukovich (2.11)

4. Metal Gear (1.46)

5. Revolver Ocelot (2.09)

6. Ray Escapes (2.53)

7. Can't Say Goodbye To Yesterday (Piano Version) * (4.10)

8. Big Shell (2.09)

9. Fortune (3.10)

10. Kill Me Now! (1.04)

11. Vamp (1.32)

12. The World Needs Only One Big Boss (1.49)

13. It's The Harrier! (1.03)

14. Arsenal Is Going To Take Off (1.39)

15. Who Am I Really? (2.38)

16. Can't Say Goodbye To Yesterday (Full Version): Rika Muranaka * (7.36)

17. Metal Gear Solid 2 Main Theme (3.52) Excellent Track

* Music and words by Rika Muranaka

Total Length: 45.59

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: Harry Gregson - Williams ===