Splinter Cell -Conviction- Collector’s Edition Soundtrack
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Album Title: Splinter Cell -Conviction- Collector’s Edition Soundtrack |
| Record Label: Rockstar Games |
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| Catalog No.: N/A |
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| Release Date: November 23, 2010 |
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| Purchase: Download at Amazon MP3 |
Overview
Splinter Cell: Conviction is the fifth instalment of the Splinter Cell franchise, combining stealth gameplay with intense action sequences. Collaborators Michael Nielsen and Kaveh Cohen made their video game debut on this score, having previously scored dozens of major trailers together, while returning composer Amon Tobin also made some guest contributions. The collector’s edition of the game featured a soundtrack CD featuring 24 tracks from the score, preceding a shortened digital release.
Body
The soundtrack starts with “Conviction Main Theme”, which serves as an insight of Fisher’s fractured and rogue life. Introduced with high-pitched strings and electronic beats, Nielsen and Cohen capture the futuristic setting and espionage style in a similar manner to the Metal Gear Solid series. Subsequently the memorable main theme is introduced on strings, providing a rich and emotional draw during its two-tiered development. The climax of the track is certainly impressive, with intense orchestration and ethnic infusions, leading into a reprise of the main theme that is more energetic and epic than the exposition. While parts of this theme are clichéd, it is a multifaceted, fitting, and, above all, memorable entry to the franchise.
The most unique action track is “Flashback Coste”. Used to portray a sequence in the Afghanistan war, it features Arabian bowed strings to give the distinctive feeling of being in the desert. However, its uniqueness lies in the way it synchronises these elements with electronic beats to make it sound distinct and not a typical theme from, say, Modern Warfare. The best part comes halfway through, when the electric bass and percussion appear to enhance the excitement and tension. The most memorable action theme is definitely “Windowless Building”, however, due to its fast opening and epic climax. The peppering with eerie instruments and string stabs makes the in-game sequence all the more immersive too.
Although the soundtrack is filled with adrenaline-pumping action tracks, it has its share of more suspenseful entries too. For example, “Third Echelon” gives a dark and mysterious introduction to a PMC by using high-pitched slow-paced string motifs in the background and heavier strings in the centre; the musical elements themselves aren’t that new, but they are synchronised with the game effectively and bring a considerable amount to the album release too. Also impressive is “Streets and Gardens”, mainly for the way it evolves during its playtime. Although it initially reminisces the main theme, it explodes halfway through with aggressive percussion and strings, giving that frenzied feeling of being discovered by a hostile.
If you are familiar with Chaos Theory‘s soundtrack, you will enjoy listening to “Amon” and “White House”. They feature many of Amon Tobin’s fingerprints, including use of ominous untuned instruments and intense breakbeats. The fast-paced percussion is particularly spectacular in the latter and is on par with some of Tobin’s best from earlier in the series. That said, these two are apparently the only tracks from Amon Tobin that made it in to the official soundtrack release and several others were omitted, perhaps for licensing reasons. Although there are bonus tracks in the physical release, the main journey is concluded with a slower version of the main theme in “Final Scene” and a brief but emotional end cinematic sequence.
Summary
Despite the fact that this is Michael Nielsen and Kaveh Cohen’s first full game score, they have showed their hard work and commitment by creating a range of tracks that are both fitting in the game and enjoyable outside it. The main theme, especially, is so memorable that it will stick in your head. It’s also fascinating how the artists, in collaboration with Amon Tobin, blend modern cinematic conventions with more experimental electronic and world elements. Fans of the series are advised to purchase the limited edition package of the game to experience the most expansive version of the official soundtrack.
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
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Posted on August 1, 2012 by Harris Iqbal. Last modified on August 1, 2012.
About the Author
Harris Iqbal Lover of games and humble listener of music, not to mention A HUGE FAN. I love anything that has memorable melodies in it, or a good story to tell. Also... huge horror fan... HUGE! So, Silent Hill is the best Survival Horror game ever... NO DEBATE! Anyways, the previous version of this site was where I first got my writing start in 2009, with the help of Chris Greening. Now, with around 5 years of experience writing for various websites, I plan to give you some really kickass articles!
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