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 offering, we’re shining the spotlight on medieval stab-‘em-up Assassin’s Creed’s iconic ‘Chase Theme.’
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Name: Chase Theme (part of the ‘Access the Animus’ suite)
Composer(s): Jesper Kyd
Soundtrack: Assassin’s Creed (2007)
The original Assassin’s Creed may have been surpassed by its successors in terms of gameplay, but aurally it’s still one of the most stunning examples of modern videogame soundtracks out there. Whether it’s the majesty of Jerusalem’s theme to the evocative Spirit of Damascus, composer Jesper Kyd’s efforts encapsulates Altair’s medieval kill quest in memorable doses.
The Chase theme is a particular highlight, and as its name implies accompanies some of the more intense segments when our hero finds himself pursued by enemy troops. One of the more contemporary offerings on the soundtrack, the tune begins with a tense build-up before crashing into an adrenaline-pumping number that evokes panic, fear and a pinch of excitement to boot. As the track begins to wind down however, a few subtle acoustics are sprinkled over the proceedings that give it a quintessentially middle-eastern flavour. All in all, a pretty epic piece of music.
Have yourself an earful of this classic track below.