Wanda and the Colossus ~Roar of the Earth~ Original Soundtrack

Shadow of the Colossus (titled Wanda and the Colossus in Japan and for this soundtrack release) boasts a behemoth of a soundtrack, fitting of the gigantic beasts for which the game is renowned. The orchestral prowess on display is uncommon in a game score and at first is no less than stunning. Yet there's a certain lack of substance that prevents the initial outstanding impression from lasting.

The album begins in fine form with "Prologue ~To the Ancient Land~". A sense of melancholy that persists throughout the soundtrack is established here with somber strings, a lonely solo flute and a subdued but effective choir. The soundtrack's most memorable theme is introduced here as well, an angelic three-note choral motif that though powerful the first time around, is simply immaculate in its reprise in "Epilogue ~Those Who Remain~". These two somber yet at times uplifting bookends to the score are reminiscent of the opening-ending theme combination in the original Panzer Dragoon, coming impressively close to matching those two all-time classics.

The remainder of the album is dominated by the "Battle with the Colossus" action cues. Rife with orchestral power, they're more about danger and impending doom than they are action and adventure. And although their effectiveness in portraying the scenario of confronting some massive, vehement beast is impressive, the sensation begins to get old after numerous similar sounding repetitions. "Revived Power" and "Swift Horse" are the only action cues to really deviate from the formula, both of which possess an exhilarating sense of adventure along the lines of more traditional game scores.

Fortunately there are respites from the sometimes monotonous "Battle with the Colossus" tracks, such as the solemn, ethereal "Sky Burial" and the quiet, peaceful "Prayer". "Sign of the Colossus" superbly foreshadows the oncoming battle by combining a feeling of desperation with hints of lingering menace, and "The End of the Battle" is far from the victory fanfare one might expect, instead possessing a sense of sadness and despair that implies an empty victory. It's rare for such melancholy to be a highlight in a game soundtrack, but composer Ko Otani's knack for creating atmosphere serves the score well.

On a technical level, Wanda and the Colossus is one of the most impressive game soundtracks ever. The orchestra never falters in the action cues and provides necessary detail and subtlety for quieter moments. The choral accompaniment is flawless, complimenting the orchestra without drawing too much attention to itself. Added to the mix is an array of airy ambient effects that help paint the image of a barren world with yet some remaining traces of hope.

As impressive as the arrangements and performance in the Shadow of the Colossus soundtrack are, rarely do the base themes stand out enough to make a lasting impression. Orchestra aficionados who can appreciate a score for atmosphere and technical merit will find Wanda and the Colossus Original Soundtrack delivers in spades, but game music fans who crave memorable melodies should look to other soundtracks first.