GOTHIC 3

DOCK ROSENKRANZ

Rating:

Game Zone Review by Joseph W. Bat: In gaming today there is a large market for role-playing titles or RPGs as they are widely known as. Even more popular are fantasy themed RPGs, such as the hugely popular online RPG World of Warcraft. These games promise epic open ended adventures. The Gothic series is German developer Piranha Bytes attempt at the fantasy RPG realm and Gothic 3 is their latest release. Returning is composer Dock “Cairo” Rosenkranz, who previously composed the music for Gothic 1 and 2. For Gothic 3, the music production has increased, sparing no expense. The music is performed by The Bochumer Symphony Orchestra, FILMharmonic Choir Prague, S.A.M. Gospel Choir, and features vocalist Lisbeth Scott (Kingdom of Heaven, The Passion of the Christ) and Japanese Taikoband GOCOO (Matrix Reloaded, Matrix Revolutions).

The first thing to notice with this release is the presentation of the soundtrack. Coming in a double disc set, you are offered two listening choices: standard Audio-CD Stereo or Audio-DVD 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, similar to that of the latest Lord of the Rings complete box sets. This is a first for game soundtrack releases, and I hope it continues with other releases. The score begins with ominous Jaws like strings in “Title Theme”, but quickly changes into a beautiful triumphant orchestra/choir theme. The theme is magical, and subdues into a tranquil moment with woodwinds and light choir. It is here where we first hear the vocals performed by Lisbeth Scott, her voice capturing both the grandeur and mystery. The contributions by Taikoband GOCOO are first heard in “Opening Sequence”, with low ominous brass, choir, strings, and quick repeating taiko beats rising in the background. They seem reserved here, but return later in the score (Orc Camp, Showdown, Desert Sun), however they never reach the volume or complexity of GOCOO’s performances in the Matrix films.

The first of many highlights in the non-action department is in “Vista Point”, a light simple theme primarily for woodwind and strings. For the first time, we hear Rosenkranz’s great ability at capturing your attention with simplicity. The theme later returns in heroic form in “From Silden to Trelis”, where a very LOTR inspired triumphant fanfare sounds, as the “Vista Point” theme returns in lush form. A perfect example of Rosenkranz’s simple writing is “Divine Powers”, where we are introduced with a wonderful magical theme performed by the chorus. It is a theme that will get stuck in your head. The underscore that Rosenkranz has composed for Gothic 3 is also some of the best I have heard in a game score. In a cue such as “Ominous Woods”, what could have been a basic piece, Rosenkranz has made interesting, with simple odd percussive wood instruments, and ominous strings and woodwinds. Another standout piece for this is “Exploring Myrtana”, where Rosenkranz breaths life of the world filled with magic, mystery, and horror.

The set action piece is “Showdown”, which features Beltrami inspired vocal performances by Lisbeth Scott implemented with chanting chorus and Taiko drums. The only other straight action piece is “Revolution”, which takes what is presented in “Showdown” and doubles the drama and urgency, albeit with no vocals or choir. Not surprisingly though, it isn’t the action pieces what makes this a great listening experience. It is the heroic, magical and underscore moments found throughout the score. Near the end, we are presented with some fresh ethnic moments, in “Desert Sun” and “Welcome to Varant”, that feature instruments such as the saz, oud, and mandolin tamboura. The final four tracks are inspired by songs included on the soundtrack. The song “In My Dreams” is performed nicely by Alice Taylor and is sung under the theme found in “Vista Point”. The other songs are mostly forgettable.

Gothic 3 is certainly in the league of higher quality game scores. It features wonderful performances by The Bochumer Symphony Orchestra, FILMharmonic Choir Prague, and S.A.M. Gospel Choir. The added talents of vocalist Lisbeth Scott and Taikoband GOCOO add some diversity to the mix. My only complaint would be that GOCOO were presented as reserved throughout the score and the material they were given felt basic. The score features many highlights and has a nice balance of material. This is a score you are going to listen to multiple times, and enjoy.

Track Listing: Running Time: 44 minutes 23 seconds

Revilo Rec (ALIVE) Promo (2006)

Music composed by Dock Rosenkranz. Conducted by Hans Jaskulsky. Performed by The Bochumer Symphony Orchestra, FILMharmonic Choir Prague and S.A.M. Gospel Choir. Orchestrated by Valery Voronov, Hans Jaskulsky, Andreas Kolinski, Dock Rosenkranz and Borislav Slavov. Album produced by Dock Rosenkranz.

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