Video Game News - Jade Empires Soundtrack Review

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Xbox’s best RPG gets a grand soundtrack release

Tell me how often this happens: you go into a game store, purchase an over-hyped action/RPG, load it into your game console and find out that it doesn't suck. Aside from The Legend of Zelda series, I used to have a tough time coming up with an answer.

Then Jade Empire arrived. Great combat, great graphics, and a wonderful soundtrack from MYST veteran Jack Wall. This is a completely different sound for him, and a different sound for gamers. We've heard games that sound like it, but the world has yet to hear one that sound just as good.

Jade Empire launches into orbit with a track that's just as astounding as the game for which it was composed. Called "The Way of the Open Palm," the only song that could have provided a more appropriate opening is the game's main theme, which follows as track #2.

The main theme is one of the greatest songs ever composed for a videogame, encompassing the environments, the world, the universe of Jade Empire's wondrous quest. I was immediately taken by how the theme began but could not overlook its triumphant ending. The richness of this composition is something truly praiseworthy. It's the perfect Asian-infused war theme, crushing top-tier movie soundtracks like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Its imaginative highs and lows engrossed gamers with as much intensity as a full-fledged turn-based RPG. Jade Empire was much more than that, and so was its music, featuring dozens of tracks that are just as free spirited as the gameplay.

Track #3 is an interesting combination of "Hills and Fields," "Dance of the Babbling Brook," and "Fallow Ground," blending seamlessly from one to the next. Nicely varied and very entertaining.

"Dawn Star Theme" is reminiscent of the anime dreams I have where I'm walking through a hand-drawn garden. Maybe that's just me? Nonetheless it's a peaceful and beautifully composed song that ends way before its time (it's only a minute and 10 seconds long!). I guess what they say is true: the best things in life are usually the shortest. Actually that was a dream, too. I was playing Jade Empire and it ended after 30 minutes. The horror!

"Empire At War" is a unique and unexpected change of pace. It's faster and more vigorous, but still has that trademark whistle. The drumming here is especially noteworthy, though the whole song is excellent. It's an on-the-edge-of-your-seat theme that'll have gamers equipping themselves for battle.

"A Night Out" and "Ballad of the Drunken Revelers" are more traditional, while "Fires of Chaos" is yet another let's battle! theme. "The Waterdragon" can't be described as anything but beautiful and emotional, which is just what an RPG track should be. Same with "Sky Theme." I love that one. And "Tribute." And...

The soundtrack closes with "Sanctuary," a spectacular end to a spectacular collection of music.

Although my comments have been reserved for specific songs, it must be noted that the whole soundtrack is a complete, must-buy package for every Jade Empire player. It's so good that gamers who live in regions where the soundtrack has not been released will import it from the States, just as we imported game soundtracks from Japan in the 90s and will continue to do so. But if you've played Jade Empire you already know all this, and if you were previously aware of the soundtrack, chances are it's already a part of your collection. If not, it's time to make things right. Add a piece of musical mastery to your collection that's not only outstanding; 10 years from now when you've experienced other RPGs, this soundtrack will still stand out.

Full Track Listing:

1 The Way of the Open Palm

2 Jade Empire Main Theme

3 Hills and Fields/Dance of the Babbling Brook/Fallow Ground

4 Fist/Test Your Mettle

5 Dawn Star Theme

6 The Tea House

7 Fury, Hammer and Tongs

8 Anthem of the Tyrant

9 Buried Secrets/Whispers

10 Mischief in the Marsh

11 Empire at War