Music is a powerful medium. Capable of stirring up long-forgotten memories and evoking powerful emotion in the listener, music can reduce even the burliest of blokes into blubbering, crumpled heaps. And who says that us guys are afraid to show their sensitive side? Poppycock. Of course, video games are no exception to this rule, and as often is the case, a stellar soundtrack can greatly accentuate the on-screen antics, elevating even the most perfunctory scene to hard-hitting greatness.
In a continued celebration of some of gaming’s ear-pleasing aural accomplishments, PSU presents yet another instalment in our on-going Classic Tracks series. After a lengthy hiatus, we’re back with a look at Assassin’s Creed II’s evocative ‘Home in Florence’ theme.
Name: ‘Home in Florence’
Soundtrack: Assassin’s Creed II
Composer(s): Jesper Kyd
Assassin’s Creed II features in my humble opinion the best soundtrack in the franchise to date, although that’s certainly saying something considering how gorgeous the aural presentation is throughout Ubisoft’s historical action-adventure behemoth. The city of Florence – or should I say, Firenze – is one of the most beautifully crafted cities in Ezio Auditore’s debut effort, boasting stunning architecture and bustling streets, all of which work to create an immersive experience for player.
However, it wouldn’t be quite the same without the accompanying track Home in Florence, once again orchestrated by the supremely talented Jesper Kyd. This soothing track offers some rare moments of tranquility for a plot underlined with bloodshed and betrayal, and really accentuates the sumptuous Renaissance backdrop. The atmosphere it helps create is a palpable thing, and many times we’ve perched Ezio atop one of the buildings in the city and sat back to soak up this gorgeous track. Relive it below.