Thoughts on the Music of Dark Souls 2

So I heard that most people were rather upset that the OST of Dark Souls 2 felt really lackluster compared to the previous games which featured some incredible music that not only felt appropriate for each given situation but also seemed like it was telling an epic story personified in sound. Still I decided to give the entire Dark Souls soundtrack (including all 8 tracks from the 3 DLCs) a try and after listening non-stop for about a week I have to say that for the most part it ranges from mostly mediocre to the rare instance of being both majestic and rather symbolic of its characters. Most of the music for the most part seemed rather repetitive and uninspired and at times it felt like the composer wasn't even trying. Which is saying something considering the soundtrack to the last game actually seemed like effort and compassion went into it. Still I have to say that there are some good tracks in the vanilla game and I have decided to feature what I feel is the best. More on the music provided for the various DLC here in a little while.

- The Old Dragonslayer: [link]

Definitely a fitting theme for a noble knight. Quick and to the point, this piece really gives off the feeling of challenging an old rival to a second duel.

- Royal Rat Authority: [link]

I'm really trying to convince myself that the creature is just an oversized rat and not merely just a wolf with a rat's tail. Either way the theme is rather fitting. Really has an oh shit feel to it, like knowing that death is just mere moments away.

- Royal Rat Vanguard: [link]

Originally this theme was meant for the Executioner Chariot boss fight but it was changed to instead hoards upon hoards of rats. Seriously just listen to this piece and tell me that it would have been more fitting in a fight that was more fast paced and dreadful.

- Ancient Dragon: [link]

While the Royal Rat Authority theme was menacing in its own right this track really feels like you have officially fucked up and that your life will soon come to an end. I heard that the boss that this music belongs to is widely considered by most fans to be one of the worst encounters in the entire game. No room for error, attacks that mostly consist of flooding nearly the entire arena with fire, one hit and its game over. Still the videos on Youtube make the fight seem rather easy, if a bit tedious. Well its not like I plan on fighting the damn dragon, despite how amazing his theme is.

Now we're moving onto the music featured in all 3 DLCs. I gotta be honest I've never even played through them, must less listened to all 8 tracks. However from what I've heard so far I felt that it was a major step up for composer Motoi Sakuraba. It really felt like he actually pushed himself to put out music that would be appropriate and memorable.

- Sir Alonne: [link]

Epic does not even begin to describe this one. The Old Dragonslayer theme had the feeling of challenging an old foe but this one felt like you were honoring a well respected warrior by offering to duel him as a means of respect. Its interesting to note that if you don't take any damage during this fight and lay down the finishing blow Sir Alonne will then proceed towards stabbing himself in the torso with his katana, causing him to evaporate into dust.

- Burnt Ivory King: [link]

This one almost has a somewhat tragic feel to it. I could see this piece playing for a boss fight against a villain that has succeeded at killing off one of the main protagonists loved ones and they have to avenge their death, even if its could be their final time alive.

- Lud and Zallen, The King's Pets: [link]

Also goes by the title "Snow Queen". I could easily envision this piece belonging to a powerful dark sorceress. Also I can't be the only one that felt like this track wouldn't have been too out of place in Final Fantasy 12.

- Sinh, The Slumbering Dragon: [link]

Man this would not feel out of place in a movie and yeah I know I've been using the term "feel" to the point of repetition from a Doctor Who episode, key examples being "Where's My Mummy" and "Who turned out the lights". Sorry I can't help it, I haven't even slept yet and I probably should. A perfect theme for a dragon that actually offers up a proper difficult encounter instead of just relying on arena flooding one hit tactic bullshit.

Well that's it for now. I'm eventually gonna get back to watching the rest of the David Tenant years of Doctor Who. Seriously how did it take me this long to eventually learn to appreciate this show?