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. For our latest entry, we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the U.S. release of Resident Evil 2 by taking a look at one of its most iconic tracks.
Name: Raccoon City
Soundtrack: Biohazard 2 Original Soundtrack
Composer(s): Masami Ueda, Shusaku Uchiyama, Shun Nishigaki
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Resident Evil 2’s score packs a mighty decomposing punch, weaving a multitude of styles such as horror ambience, rock, classical and more throughout its blood-encrusted campaign. The result is a rich tapestry of atmospheric brilliance, and the perfect accompaniment to the on-screen action. ‘Raccoon City’ is a bombastic track that takes place at the very start of the game, playing as your character is stranded in the zombie-infested streets after the car crash during the intro. Make no mistake; this isn’t a tune to ease you into the experience. ‘Raccoon City’ makes it quite clear that the brown stuff has hit the fan, and from here on out it’s fight or die a grisly death. Featuring a trombone and pounding beat, ‘Raccoon City’ is the perfect companion for a society long since collapsed, ravaged by fires and an army of the Walking Dead.
Check it out below. Resident Evil 2 is available now to download on PlayStation Network.