Myst III: Exile (Game Score)

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

We seem to move on into the world without ever knowing where it will end. Perhaps a bit the story of the mysterious games of Myst. I don't know a thing about it actually but what I understand of it, it is basically a world unlike any other and an atmosphere that creates the mood without you ever looking back. In reaching the third game in the series, the producers and makers decided to take a very logical step. Make of the music that creates the atmosphere a unique composition through orchestra and choir in a soundtrack album that the fans will enjoy. Myst III: Exile becomes through this a score that follows many of the game scores on commercial release since it is sold along with the game for us game fans. And like many years, even unknown composers can add a very unique touch to the proceedings, with scores that not only make the games better but equally the listen on CD that grows because of it. It isn't to say that Myst III: Exile eclipses the music of classics such as Medal of Honor but there is a depth into the music's atmosphere that makes it intriguing in the game itself while thematic breezes of melody spice the score itself in the begin and end. And just like game music today, it can please me in many ways on CD.

The score ends with good music and it begins with really good music. Without warning the first two tracks give us music that must only stun during the game itself. 'Main Theme' is an extension of the second track and offers us multiple times the main theme sung by choir in a most exploding Latin chant. Yet what first picked up my attention was the Duduk, the exotic instrument used so prominently during Hans Zimmer's Gladiator. It offers a unique exotic touch to the proceedings and along with the sometimes forest like mood, it brings the world of Myst to life. Easily to say that the Duduk is used short but multiple times during the game and the fans loving that tone might have to spend some more interest towards this score. Still, the main theme is hardly used again or just in brief notes, played by the Duduk I might add. Further flutes and bells set the mood really well and give it an air of mystery. Tracks 3 and 11 ample proof this. The Duduk's moment of air time is noticed in 'Theme from Edanna' (with good ethnic vocals along the way) while a more tribal and less melodic approach is set to signify Saavedro during 'Saavedro Enters' and 'Saavedro's Theme'. During the middle the music isn't always as stimulating but it will make a point during the game itself and that is the most important thing of all to remember. Still, the end is again a lot more interesting and brings rather short tracks but with good intentions wrapped around it. 'He Sees Hope' has heavenly choral accompaniment while 'The Confrontation' is more suspense music with a good interesting set of melody.

Further, 'Into Oblivion' states briefly the wordless main theme with choir and from here the choir is noticed almost all way through. 'The Tide has Turned' uses again the choir as mystical voice while the play of the orchestra is a bit more bombastic and 'The Dilemma' is rather intriguing in its mix of choir and orchestra. The climax is short but good in 'All is Well, My Friend', stating parts of the main theme again with choir of course. The song is weird but fits so well with the game itself (so it works) and the added bonus tracks deliver us the trailer music (which is really good stuff) and a demo version, both covering for the first time a bagpipe almost directly stating something of Braveheart. I come to the conclusion that easily the begin and end make the score of Myst III: Exile while the middle sets the mood of the game but is in fairness rather boring after a while. Still as for game scores it will work wonders during the game itself and on CD it is the middle that is forgotten and the begin and end that is treasured. It isn't a game score I recommend to a lot of people because it doesn't offer the film music interest to listen to it much, but as a game score it once more proves that boundaries have been set to make Myst III: Exile orchestrally as mystifying as the game visually promises.

\ЕЕЕ/

Tracks

Single Disc

1. Main Theme (4.22) Excellent Track

2. Opening Titles (1.54)

3. Atrus' Study (2.46)

4. Saavedro Enters (0.45)

5. Saavedro's Theme (2.14)

6. A Heartbeat Away (1.46)

7. Saavedro's Lair (1.20)

8. Theme From Amateria (2.15)

9. The Spider Spinner (1.11)

10. Libra's Lever (1.13)

11. The Wheels Of Wonder (1.29)

12. Theme From Edanna (3.24)

13. Deadwood Ridge (2.14)

14. Swing Vines (2.54)

15. The Forest And The Swamp (2.00)

16. Theme From Voltaic (3.09)

17. The Airship Chasm (3.14)

18. Energy Island (1.40)

19. The Confrontation (2.52)

20. He Sees Hope (2.06)

21. Let Me Go! (2.13)

22. You've Been Followed (0.29)

23. Into Oblivion (0.40)

24. All Is Lost (0.48)

25. Trapped (0.45)

26. The Tide Has Turned (1.30)

27. The Dilemma (2.02)

28. All Is Well, My Friend (1.06)

29. Going Home (1.09)

30. Exile: Cindy Wall (3.27)

Bonus Tracks

31: Trailer Music (2.35)

32: Demo Version (4.34)

Total Length: 67.30

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