Bioshock and System Shock
One of the more innovative genres that emerged in the previous era of gaming, were alternative FPS games. These games did not feature the roller coaster FPS design, where you shoot everything that moves. Instead, these unique FPS titles featured open-ended worlds, RPG style character customisation, non linear progression and compelling story elements.
The System Shock and Bioshock series stand as some of the best alternative FPS games, though other great examples include the Deus EX series and Fallout 3. Being such epic and grand FPS adventures, it’s certainly no surprise that they feature stellar soundtracks. Today, we will be hearing a fine selection of music from System Shock and Bioshock.
Notable Composers
- Greg LoPiccolo
- Tim Ries
- Eric Brosius
- Garry Schyman
System Shock
A game ahead of it’s time, System Shock took the template established by the likes of Wolfenstein, Doom and Quake, and it took it too a whole new level. System Shock was revolutionary as it featured a complex plot, a well executed computer hacking gimmick and plenty of exploration. Unfortunately, it came out in an era where the industry was still young and gamers could not digest such an epic and diverse gaming experience. Let’s hear a few choice techno numbers.
A fast paced techno number with plenty of retro computer sounds. Really compliments the sci-fi theme of the game.
The coolest gimmick of System Shock was that it allowed gamers to explore Cyber Space. Cyber Space was portrayed as a wire frame 3D environment, where players could float around and explore a digital reality. A well executed gimmick and this track captures the cyber experience.
Some heavier beats in this track, but like the rest of the soundtrack, it is hardcore techno. It is kind of music that prevailed in sci-fi media of the 90s.
System Shock 2
System Shock 2, like its predecessor, was ahead of its time. Even though it came out in an era where gamers had learned to appreciate complex narratives, mechanics and game design, it still did not achieve the commercial success it truly deserved. The game pretty much became the template for Bioshock, especially in terms of character customisation and role playing elements. Even today, System Shock 2 stands as one of the most ambitious FPS titles ever made, as its strong narrative, deep character customisation and superb production values (especially in terms of voice acting) were truly groundbreaking.
The soundtrack of System Shock 2, much like the first game, captured that sci-fi cyber space gimmick very nicely. The soundtrack of System Shock 2 was unique in the sense that was creepy and scary. It did not employ the typical horror flick music to bring in the scare factor. Instead, it used fast paced sci-fi electronic beats to create a very scary and intense ambience.
SHODAN has to be one of the most amazing antagonists in the history of gaming. Even though she was just an A.I, she showed remarkable personality and was indeed very ambitious and intimidating. The way she was portrayed in System Shock 2 was amazing, courtesy of excellent voice acting and dialogue delivery.
Here is another awesome piece that has a sinister feel at the start and then suddenly turns aggressive. It dips in many areas and becomes dark and gloomy.
Bioshock
One of the biggest hits of this generation, Bioshock provided gamers with a very fascinating gaming experience that was visually and aurally, stunning and inspiring. There is a lot to like about Bioshock, but we will focus on the fabulous soundtrack, which is classical American music done with plenty of style, flair and personality.
Welcome to the Rapture! The world where all your dreams will turn into an inescapable nightmare.
The Bioshock soundtrack had some beautiful music but at the same time it had some dark and twisted tracks, such as this one.
This track here is a masterful piano solo piece, capturing the true essence of Western classical music.
Wrapping it up
Once again, the Music Guy apologises for not fulfilling a reader request this month. The PALGN Gods commanded him to make the Sound Test more ‘topical’ i.e. relevant to the current releases of the month. This is good news for some readers, since Command and Conquer 4 is coming out soon and new Mega Man releases are fairly common. Till then, the Music Guy will go back to listening to his favourite Japanese pop songs.
Dream of a better utopia…
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