The Weekly Nuke: Symphony of Destruction

I love a good orchestra, me. I remember the first time I heard one playing in a game, a real one rather than MIDI. It was a Star Wars game, back when those were still things to get excited about (for the younger among you, yes, there was a time.)

My sister’s reaction was good. Less immersed in the world of games than I was, I recall her laughing at this game playing at having this big epic soundtrack while the 3D graphics were kind of cruel and the things I was doing equally simplistic. Of course, I didn’t care – I was witnessing the growth of a medium, but now I can see her point. It’s taken a while for games to get to a point where those soaring strings and blasting brass feel warranted.

But I have a Weekly Nuke to run here, so let’s get down to it…

Symphony of Destruction

Of course, games aren’t all about destruction, not any more. But we at least spend a lot of time blowing up stuff against the velvety background of an orchestral score. But whether disintegrating enemies or contemplating a tricky puzzle, I want to know about some of your favourite orchestral moments in gaming. Perhaps there’s a score you feel is underrated. Or, moving slightly off-piste, maybe you’d like to reminisce on some of the early attempts to simulate an orchestral sound in a game.

Head to the forums to join in on the discussion and, since normal service has resumed, I’ll see you around this time next week.

[Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mitosettembremusica/]