In StarCraft, a real-time strategy game, you play three different campaigns of missions, each one playing as one of three races: Terrans, Protoss, or Zerg. In the original soundtrack, there is a clear separation in the sounds used to underscore the gameplay of each campaign, setting the tone when commanding each race. Originally released in 1998 on Windows, the older computer VSTs of the time are heard throughout and add a sort of nostalgic charm to the game’s visuals and gameplay. (I have always felt a certain nostalgia for the Terran music, in particular.) It’s interesting to piece together the ways that the three composers collaborated on the soundtrack, as there are some noticeable differences in harmony, instrumentation, and style used between certain tracks, depending on who is credited for the music. I’m sure these composers were faced with a challenging task: to compose music that keeps the player engaged during periods of waiting and strategizing, but also has the energy of battle music since the player could find themselves under attack at any moment. The result, as described by our trusty Terran Firebat, “Slammin’!”
– Sy Anderson
- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7EdTD0h0c0e4dHkcMfBwCP?si=Mwqi-PHYR0C13fZPxDSAIA
- Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNt0iVG2VOA
Game Summary:
“Real-time strategy goes to new levels as three intergalactic species fight for survival. Control the vagabond Terrans, enigmatic Protoss, or the bloodthirsty Zerg as they wage war on the edge of the galaxy.”
(Source: https://www.ign.com/games/starcraft)
Enjoy, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Sy Anderson (he/him)
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