Video Game Harmony

Halo

Released: November 15, 2001

Developer: Bungie

Composer: Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori

This is where you find the soundtrack. I’m experimenting with where to put the link.

Today is the anniversary of the Xbox. This was the original Xbox, before the Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox 720, Xbox Series Infinity, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series Z, Xbox Negative One, Xbox However Many Names They Can Keep Coming Up With… anyways, that means it’s also the anniversary of one of, if not the most popular launch title for the console. Most of you know the main title theme. It starts out with what sounds like the ringing gong, and then we get the Gregorian chant sounding part. It starts out epic already, but then the bongos start, and after that the violins. It keeps getting better. I couldn’t be more ready to go out and shoot some Covenant (or drive over them with a warthog, my preference).

This reflects much of the soundtrack, such as ‘Covenant Dance’ or ‘Rock Anthem for Saving the World’. A good portion of the soundtrack happens during the cutscenes, but during gameplay it seems to often be silent, however then that silence is broken up by some pulse-pounding beats. It keeps the adrenaline running as fast as the ghost ships. It’s kind of refreshing to hear because I’ve been fighting Covenant or Flood for awhile, but the music tells me that I’m making progress and moving to the next section. There are some more stealth-driven parts also, such as ‘A Walk in the Woods’ or ‘Under Cover of Night’. I want to go slowly and sneak up on them here, as opposed to just driving around and shooting everyone.

There’s also the piercing violins of ‘On a Pale Horse’. It’s a version of the main theme, but instead of making me feel like I want to fight, it makes we want to just fly like a bird. I feel so free while listening to this. The music even gets relaxing at some parts, for instance the track ‘Ambient Wonder’ sounds really ethereal. It’s another variation of the main theme, this time an ambience version, and it’s amazing!

Once you’ve destroyed the Halo and are on your way out, you get some more chanting soundtrack, followed by violins again. The music here feels very much relieving, while also having a bit of mystery as to what’s next. It’s a perfect way to wrap up the entire story.

Overall this is an epic blend of style to set the mood of fighting aliens on another planet (or giant ring). It really got me into the game while playing through, and I’ve also enjoyed listening to the soundtrack on its own.

I give the soundtrack 5 out of 5 stars

★★★★★

Thanks for reading! If anyone has suggestions on what to review next please let me know in the comments. I’ve enjoyed getting to write about the classics, but I would also like to review the soundtracks to new games starting next year sometime. Until next time game music fans.