Ace Combat 2 Music Collection
 |
Album Title: Ace Combat 2 Original Soundtrack |
| Record Label: Namco Sounds |
|
| Catalog No.: N/A |
|
| Release Date: October 11, 2011 |
|
| Purchase: Download at iTunes |
Overview
Released in 1997 for the PlayStation, Ace Combat 2 was a crucial game in the flight simulator series’ history — the first game specifically developed for consoles rather than arcades. The four composers of the score created a largely impressive soundtrack featuring atmospheric soundscapes, ambitious fusions, and breathtaking guitar solos. Whereas some tracks referenced the funk-based approach of the Air Combat and Air Combat 22 scores, others took a more mature direction reminiscent of the series’ music today. The game’s soundtrack was finally released in 2010 as a bonus with the Deluxe Pack of Ace Combat: Joint Assault. It has since been re-released as a digital download through Namco Sounds, as reviewed here.
Body
Compared to other soundtracks in the series, the soundtrack for Ace Combat 2 is particularly rock-focused. Kohta Takahashi decided upon this direction in order to capture the spirit of flying and develop a cool aura for the game. “Fire Away” is especially representative of the sound he built. In some ways, it is reminiscent of the Ace Combat scores of old with its cheesy funk riffs on backing guitar, but the lead elements take a more cutting-edge approach for the time. Takahashi was able to stream a series of electric guitar solos throughout the theme inspired by artists such as Van Halen; while they’re ridiculously over-the-top, they’re also very fun and attract players to the game. Between these extravagant moments, the artist also integrates some synthesizer solos that reflects a more progressive influence.
In addition to these more 80s-styled tracks, Takahashi offers some more mature themes that seemed to have inspired subsequent soundtracks in the series. In particular, “El Dorado” takes a subtle slow-building fusion approach and was probably a direct inspiration for the early mission themes from Ace Combat 04. The artist blends orchestral, rock, and electronic elements in a particularly impressive way here to reflect the vastness of the blue skies and the subtle intensification of the mission. Compared with Keiki Kobayashi’s epics, the orchestration is relatively low-key and the synthesis is slightly flat, but the track is still extremely accomplished for its time both technologically and compositionally. Other influential tracks include “Invoke”, “Hanger”, and “Briefing”, which set the stage for the series’ later preparation themes with their slapped bass rhythms and electro-acoustic overlays.
The contribution by Takahashi’s co-composers tend to be a mixed bag. Tracks such as Hiroshi Okubo’s “Bear Tracks” and Nobuhide Isayama’s “Night and Day” once again juxtapose mechanical rhythm guitar riffs with motile lead guitar and synth leads. Both tracks are, at times, superficially enjoyable for their catchy retro rock influence, and at others, deeply moving due to their development sections. However, they are let down somewhat by their repetitious riffs and conflicted influences. Similarly, the dated funk riffs detract from the beautiful electronic ambient moments of “Aerial Hawk”; while the intended effect here was admirable, it wasn’t until Ace Combat 04 that Tetsukazu Nakanishi implemented it fully. “Aim High” and “Lightning Speed” are also rather generic rock anthems when stripped down, but are thankfully rescued by Takahashi’s dominating guitar performance.
Although the soundtrack doesn’t always sound as modern as intended, it is almost always highly emotional throughout thanks to its rich compositions and cutting-edge synthesis. This is particularly pronounced when breathtaking settings are being depicted, as is the case on the aforementioned “El Dorado” or the beautiful synth-based “Dynapolis”. There are also moments that are particularly intense, both in and out of context, particularly the ever-shifting rock-based theme “Warning Line” or brooding drum ‘n bass track “Dead End”. In terms of creating ambience, particular mention is also deserved for “Melt Down” and “Elemental Particle”, both minimalistic rhythmically focused compositions that set precedent for the abstract score to Ace Combat 3 Electrosphere. After such awesomeness, the soundtrack ends in a sickeningly sweet way with two jazz fusion ending themes.
The digital release of the soundtrack also features a range of bonus content. There are three arranged tracks featured in Ace Combat 2 Original Sound Invitation, the promotional disc that was originally available with certain copies of the game in Japan. Two of these tracks represent the cheesy rock portion of the score, namely “Invitation to Ace Combat 2” (based on “Bear Tracks”) and “Night Butterfly” (based on “Night and Day”). The arrangements don’t significantly differ from their originals, but they are significantly longer and feature even more elaborate improvisation from the semi-acoustic guitar lead. While both arrangements have their moments, they sound too unintentionally dated and labour the bass riffs even more than before. More impressive is Tetsukazu Nakanishi’s “A.C. Revolution”, an electronica experiment featuring glorious development sections from the 2:30 mark. A brief unused track, “Hawaii Travel”, completes the experience.
Summary
While the Ace Combat 2 soundtrack is a conflicted one with its mix of retro and modern stylings, it manages to be emotional, memorable, and technologically accomplished throughout. It is great news that Namco finally decided to give it an easily accessible international release through their Namco Sounds service. Let’s hope that the soundtrack for the original Ace Combat and its PSP spinoffs will follow.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
4
Posted on August 1, 2012 by Chris Greening. Last modified on January 18, 2016.
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!
Related Posts
Final Fantasy VII Remake Acoustic Arrangements →
Fleeting Symphony →
Final Symphony II – music from Final Fantasy V, VIII, IX and XIII →
