If you’re familiar with any narrative-based picture media, that is to say, movies, shows or games, then you know how critical adding a fitting soundtrack can be to furthering that narrative. When it comes to the world of video games, I would argue that no soundtrack is more influential than that of the “Halo” franchise.
“Halo” is a first-person shooter franchise that takes place in space and on several different planets, usually alternating between Earth and the ring planets known as the Halo installations. Players battle through countless hordes of enemies in their missions to protect the galaxy.
At its surface, “Halo” is a simple franchise, but the soundtrack to its games, particularly “Halo 2” makes the experience that much better. In the first example linked below, the game’s theme song “Halo Theme – Mjolnir Mix” makes for a much more dramatic environment, making players feel as though they are actually the action heroes through the use of an amazing guitar solo and varying drums.
Much of the music in the first three “Halo” games utilized live instrumentation from the Chicago Symphony and Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra. This much is evident in clips like the one below. This piece is a stark contrast to the theme, as it offers a more adventurous tone; fitting, as this piece plays while players explore one of the structures on the installation.
Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori composed the soundtrack, using keyboards, samplers and synthesizers on top of the live performances. Both described the process as a daunting journey, but in “Halo 2,” both had completely mastered the craft. One of the key plot points in “Halo 2” is that of revenge and betrayal. I won’t spoil it, but listen to the clip below. This clip is my personal favorite, and it fits the themes of revenge perfectly. A slow pace with occurring drums builds up over time before developing into an epic, full-scale ballad.
As a last bonus, “Halo 2” actually features a well-known piece from Breaking Benjamin, which comes on surprisingly in one of the biggest battles of the game.
In summation, “Halo” wouldn’t be the blockbuster, console-defining series it is today without some of the finest musical compositions in gaming.