Jam of the Day: The Warg by Oscar Araujo (Castlevania ~Lords of Shadow~ Soundtrack)
My reaction when I first heard that Michiru Yamane wouldn’t provide the soundtrack to Castlevania: Lords of Shadow was less than favorable. Afterall, since 3D Castlevania games don’t have a good track record, I looked forward to the soundtracks more than the games themselves.
Oscar Araujo’s score is definitely different. The entire OST is easily mistakable for a movie soundtrack. And it’s not just the overall style of the music that gives me that impression. Mostly, it’s how prominent a central “main theme” seems to be throughout a large number of tracks. I’m instantly reminded of the repeated use of a central “Batman” theme in Danny Elfman’s score of the Tim Burton movie.
Calling it similar to a movie soundtrack isn’t exactly a negative thing to say. I think the music is quite enjoyable, though I have yet to hear it in the context of the game to determine how “fitting” it is. But there’s no getting around the fact that it is very different from anything Micheru Yamane would have done.
Would I have liked a score by her better? Probably. But sometimes it’s nice to shake things up.
