Customer Reviews

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Original Soundtrack

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Concerning the soundtrack I have nothing to say but wonderful things, it's really a great accomplishment in atmospheric music.

Now, I bought the Augmented Edition and have just 12 files. Do you expect me to pay for something twice? The Augmented Edition was supposed to have the soundtrack, instead we got half of it.
For shame, Squeenix...

As far as ambient/cyberpunk style electronic soundtracks go, Deus Ex Human Revolution is certainly one of the best. I've been a fan of the main theme song "Icarus" since the debut of the amazing cinematic trailer from Square and Eidos from E3 '10, and have been eagerly anticipating the soundtrack. Let me tell you, if you're a fan of this genre of music, as I am - It does not disappoint.

The first track on the album "Icarus-Main Theme" is by far the catchiest tune and the main act of the score. Delivering a religious tone and a moody/futuristic atmosphere--complimented by the synth arpeggios, and eventually percussion's alongside additional instruments and choir to formulate the final result. I think I've played this song for almost everyone I know(yeah, I've been listening to it a lot..), and I always enjoy hearing their reaction. "Wow, this is from a video game?" "It sounds like it's from a movie." A friend of mine actually purchased the game after listening to the soundtrack, interesting how that works.

One thing the score does amazingly well, is help you recall your experience with the game. Whether that be the poverty stricken streets of Detroit, the battle with Namir, or the wealthy neighborhoods of HengSha, China. The first time I heard "The Mole"(Great track btw) I recognized exactly where I've heard it at Sarif's Manufacturing Plant. That shows how well the tracks compliment the environment--which was McCanns intention. He states that he really intended for the music to exists "Inside the game". As opposed to a non-immersive track sitting on top of everything else. Not to mention he wanted the music to be nonjudgmental; what one person sees as good another may see differently, and the melodies shouldn't take sides or imply which decisions one should make. I think he succeeded at that.

The music in each area of Deus Ex:HR is composed of three layers: ambient, tension, and combat. Which are added upon each other depending on how intense the situation advances during the game. McCanns approach wasn't to create catchy melodies or overwhelming scores for every section in the game, but to create smaller cues built around the player and the environment to express the emotions surrounding that specific area. While I can agree that the music is better suited inside the game with the elements working together--as it should it be--the score can definitely be enjoyed on a casual basis outside of the game.

My favorite picks of the soundtrack are: Icarus, Hengsha Daylight (Part 1), Main Menu, The Mole, Singapore Ambient (Part 2), After the Crash, Penthouse, Namir (Trailer Edit), Opening Credits, Everybody Lies, Endings, Home and LIMB. I do enjoy the "Shanghai LIMB"(which wasn't included) more-so than the "Detroit LIMB"(which is still a great ambient track) only because It adds a little more to the song with additional instruments, but it's just personal opinion. The soundtrack doesn't suffer at all without its inclusion. Virtually every track in the game I would have included has been included, so job well done to Michael.

One thing to mention involving a few of the tracks; The Mole, Singapore Ambient, and After the Crash, come to mind. Some catchy electronic cues show up and are definitely worth a listen. I know some people may get bored of the slow pace in the beginning of a few of these tracks and skip over them but give them about a minute, you should really enjoy them. They ended up being some of my favorite tracks.

McCann did an excellent job for his second video game composition(Splinter Cell - Double Agent being his first). He set out to create a hybrid of ambient, electronic and acoustics to compliment the immersive open-ended world of Deus Ex, without becoming too abrasive or repetitive. While still managing to create melodies that are a joy to listen to. There were certainly a ton of great video game ost's last year--I could name about a dozen of them--but I have to say, this one stands apart in terms of originality and was my personal favorite.

This album might possibly be one of the best soundtracks that I have heard since Daft Punk's, Tron Legacy album. Like Tron Legacy, Michael McCann gives the game personality and what I believe to be another dimension. Oddly enough, I have yet to play the game. Why? I am one cheap dude. In short, I am that guy who is behind the "curve" while everyone else is playing the newest and greatest game that just came out. Any way, this ambient infused album creates a vision of what the world of Deus Ex is. Since I haven't played the game, it reminds me a bit of "Blade Runner". A futuristic noir setting where the two "super powered" countries are combined into one. Am I right? If you like the ambient, electric, orchestral, and cinematic combination then this album is for you. After listening to this soundtrack, it makes me want to play the game even more.

It's a must own.

Guy is clearly talented - if you're into mood setting background ambient music you won't find better than this - probably because Michael McCann doesn't Mickey Mouse anything - guy did the soundtrack for King Kong and some Cirque du Soleil shows - his production (whomever does it, maybe it's all him) is flawless. Full disclosure, I loved the game too - but you don't get the full flavor of the soundtrack in the game.

As more and more video games adapt 'cinematic-style' orchestral soundtracks, most of them don't really stand out from the crowd. Michael McCann's soundtrack for "Deus Ex: Human Revolution" is different, however.

Rather than just accompany the gameplay, the mostly ambient soundtrack in DX:HR adds and adapts to the mood and feel of the game, whether traversing the streets of Detroit or Hengsha Island, exploring through secretive Tai Yong Medical or Omega Ranch in Singapore, or even just picking up a Praxus kit in a LIMB Clinic.

The first track of the soundtrack, "Icarus - Main Theme" is my favourite. The moment I first heard the track in the teaser trailer for DX:HR back in early 2010, I was immediately hooked.

If you're a fan of great movie/video game soundtracks, in particular those that sound "futuristic" in the same veins as Vangelis, then you will enjoy the soundtrack for "Deus Ex: Human Revolution".

EDIT: 1/12/2012

Well folks, I have been listening to this soundtrack nearly every day since I purchased it. Not kidding. I listen when I'm lying in bed reading, I listen while I'm driving, I listen while I gaze out the window at the skyline pretending I'm in a sci-fi movie. Completely addicted! If he put out 10 discs of this stuff I'd buy every last one.

If you're reading this, Mr. McCann, I know there were some unused tracks from this epic piece! A "lost tracks" follow-up would be fantastic. You're amazing and I can't wait to hear what's next from you.

ORIGINAL REVIEW

This is an excellent soundtrack, on par with if not exceeding that of a major motion picture score. My friends will hate me for it but I like it better than Daft Punk's Tron. I also hate to say it, but the soundtrack might actually be just a little bit better than the game itself, at least where longevity is concerned.

It's a great balance of orchestral and electronic, at times emotional, but always keeping in the sci-fi / cyberpunk mood; You won't even have to ever play the game to be transported to the urban future on the verge of dystopia.

If you're a fan of the Blade Runner soundtrack, or moody ambient music in general, this is for you. My only minor complaints are that sometimes the "breakbeat" style during the high action tracks sucked me back to 1999, and that some of the greatest tracks are simply too short! I've looped "Main Menu" for 30-40 minutes at a time and not even noticed!

Top notch, hoping to see this guy get more work in big Hollywood pictures.

The best song is the first track. The rest of the album has some good songs, although mostly just ambient type music. I find it very relaxing and well done. Really makes you think of a sci-fi future. My only complaint is that there is no clear cut catchy theme. But it's great to listen to while working or driving.

I bought this as a gift for my brother, who is not only a huge Deus Ex fan but also makes his own ambient and instrumental music. This soundtrack is amazing; it is, hands down, one of the best (if not the best) video game soundtracks around. It sets up the atmosphere of the game perfectly and is something that sounds like it's straight out of a movie.
I'd compare it to the movie soundtrack to Tron: Legacy- which was also amazing and if you liked this soundtrack, you'll like that one too (similar industrial, techno, electronic feel).

The soundtrack for Deus Ex: Human Revolution would be the best of the year if it weren't for Skyrim. However this is truly one of the best soundtracks ever created for a video game, its in the same league as Mirrors Edge, Halo Reach, Advent Rising, Ocarina of Time etc. The three standouts are "Icarus", "Main Menu", and "Endings".

Yes, there is a fair amount of "ambient" music to this soundtrack. What you need to consider is that is exactly what it was made to be, the ambient music, back round music to what was happening in the game. Now that that is out of the way, this album just made it to my top ten of favorites. Check out the previews if you're unsure but really this is some great work that would be enjoyed by just about everyone.