Don’t get me wrong, Halo 4’s music is fine (I don’t quite think it captures Halo’s style so well, but I can live with it), but it’s been five games since we’ve heard a proper variant of the Halo theme. It wasn’t in ODST or Wars, understandable, it wasn’t in Reach, again, understandable (same for SA). But when I saw the Halo 4 announcement trailer, and we heard those monks again. That gave me chills.
Halo 4 comes out, and the closest we get is that small segment when we see a Halo. That bit gave me chills too. Now, the argument could be made that it’s the theme for the Halos themselves (though personally, I’d argue that it’s the theme for things blowing up around you as you play as the chief, but I digress…) but then the same argument could be made for the title of the entire series. So please, please, just give us the Halo theme back? I want it back more than anything else. I know I’m not the only one who misses it. Just give us a new variant, the same tune, different version.
PS. Please hire Tom Salta for Halo 5? The Spartan assault soundtrack captures Halo’s music style perfectly, and this quote really does show why he’s the man for the job:
“There were many ideas that I completely threw out before letting Microsoft hear them. They might have sounded good but they didn’t sound like Halo… and to allow myself to compose a score to a Halo game that didn’t sound like Halo would be the ultimate failure for me, regardless of how good the music was.”
I mean do not get me wrong, I loved the halo 4 score, but that theme, there is something about it that is just “right”, something that gets it stuck in your head and makes your heart skip a beat when you hear it… and you know what? I know what it is…
there, watch the video, hell the Halo theme is even mentioned
> I never really understood its removal
>
> I mean do not get me wrong, I loved the halo 4 score, but that theme, there is something about it that is just “right”, something that gets it stuck in your head and makes your heart skip a beat when you hear it… and you know what? I know what it is…
>
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&persist_app=1&v=CKgHrz_Wv6o
>
> there, watch the video, hell the Halo theme is even mentioned
Couldn’t agree more. I just watched that video, heck, I’m gonna quote it right now:
“I bet you know that one. Everybody does.”
He’s right, the Halo theme is iconic, and I can’t undertand removing something iconic from an iconic series.
I’m gonna throw in another quote from Tom Salta that supports this:
"First and foremost, this was the first time that I scored for a franchise where the original sound was established by another composor–and not just any game, but some of the most popular and recognizable music in video game history."
I don’t think we need a change in composers. What i do think is that 343 needs to use their brains a little, and tell Davidge; “Stay traditional”, and he’ll do it. Hell, they could even recycle a few old themes likethesethree. I picked out a random three that i liked mostly hearing in the games, but nonetheless, they would definitely show respect to the old trilogy by doing this. Even if Davidge feels the need to play around with them in the game, at least the familiar tune would be there. Tom Salta would be a nice addition, but thats it! Not a replacement.
Finish the Fight is the track that really got me. But the Halo main theme HAS to be back in Halo 5. It is one of the most iconic songs in gaming, everyone knows it.
> Finish the Fight is the track that really got me. But the Halo main theme HAS to be back in Halo 5. It is one of the most iconic songs in gaming, everyone knows it.
like the theme from Indiana Jones, from Harry Potter, from home alone, from back to the future. All those songs (and the halo theme) have one thing in common.
> I don’t think we need a change in composers. What i do think is that 343 needs to use their brains a little, and tell Davidge; “Stay traditional”, and he’ll do it. Hell, they could even recycle a few old themes likethesethree. I picked out a random three that i liked mostly hearing in the games, but nonetheless, they would definitely show respect to the old trilogy by doing this. Even if Davidge feels the need to play around with them in the game, at least the familiar tune would be there. Tom Salta would be a nice addition, but thats it! Not a replacement.
Really? I think Tom’s a much better suit to the franchise. Davidge would make a great composer for any franchise, his music is great, but he doesn’t seem to get Halo like Tom does.
Take a look at this, it really shows exactly what we need in halo again.
After listening to some of those tracks, I take back what I said, we HAVE heard variants of the Halo theme in Spartan Assault, and it only makes me think Tom should be lead composer even more.
> Really? I think Tom’s a much better suit to the franchise. Davidge would make a great composer for any franchise, his music is great, but he doesn’t seem to get Halo like Tom does.
>
> Take a look at this, it really shows exactly what we need in halo again.
>
> After listening to some of those tracks, I take back what I said, we HAVE heard variants of the Halo theme in Spartan Assault, and it only makes me think Tom should be lead composer even more.
Yes, he would have a very large understanding on Halo’s music because he did contribute to remastering the CE soundtrack for Anniversary. However, being promoted to lead composer is one thing, and replacing Davidge (who claims it was his “dream” to compose Halo music) entirely is another, of which i believe the latter to be a bit far-fetched. They should all help each other. Salta’s contributions to Davidge’s work, with Kazuma’s own little twist here and there would make a great soundtrack to listen to. I believe all 3 of them should have equal contribution (maybe Salta having a bit more freedom), but that is all.
P.S. I admire Salta’s work on that soundtrack as well, very well done
> They should all help each other. Salta’s contributions to Davidge’s work, with Kazuma’s own little twist here and there would make a great soundtrack to listen to. I believe all 3 of them should have equal contribution (maybe Salta having a bit more freedom), but that is all.
> P.S. I admire Salta’s work on that soundtrack as well, very well done
I actually agree with this, I like both of their works, and I think it’d help out a lot if both worked on the soundtrack.
I understand that many of you think Halo’s “theme” was not there in the soundtrack, but this is mostly a matter of opinion, to me, it felt like it was there.
> > Really? I think Tom’s a much better suit to the franchise. Davidge would make a great composer for any franchise, his music is great, but he doesn’t seem to get Halo like Tom does.
> >
> > Take a look at this, it really shows exactly what we need in halo again.
> >
> > After listening to some of those tracks, I take back what I said, we HAVE heard variants of the Halo theme in Spartan Assault, and it only makes me think Tom should be lead composer even more.
>
> Yes, he would have a very large understanding on Halo’s music because he did contribute to remastering the CE soundtrack for Anniversary. However, being promoted to lead composer is one thing, and replacing Davidge (who claims it was his “dream” to compose Halo music) entirely is another, of which i believe the latter to be a bit far-fetched. They should all help each other. Salta’s contributions to Davidge’s work, with Kazuma’s own little twist here and there would make a great soundtrack to listen to. I believe all 3 of them should have equal contribution (maybe Salta having a bit more freedom), but that is all.
> P.S. I admire Salta’s work on that soundtrack as well, very well done
I could see this, I guess. I do like Davidge’s music, it’s good. But the only problem I see is that it contrasts pretty heavily with Salta’s. It might feel a little jarring going from Davidge’s Halo 4 music to Tom Salta’s Classic Halo music (it is classic, the thread I linked proved as much). I’d like to see Davidge return, but only for a couple of tracks. I think he works brilliantly when it comes to major moments, like Arrival, the part where Arrival is playing is just amazing. But for the atmospheric background tracks, and classic Halo scenes, I feel Salta would be better suited.
> > They should all help each other. Salta’s contributions to Davidge’s work, with Kazuma’s own little twist here and there would make a great soundtrack to listen to. I believe all 3 of them should have equal contribution (maybe Salta having a bit more freedom), but that is all.
> > P.S. I admire Salta’s work on that soundtrack as well, very well done
>
> I actually agree with this, I like both of their works, and I think it’d help out a lot if both worked on the soundtrack.
>
> I understand that many of you think Halo’s “theme” was not there in the soundtrack, but this is mostly a matter of opinion, to me, it felt like it was there.
I don’t see how that’s a matter of opinion. The track was either there, or it wasn’t.
> I don’t see how that’s a matter of opinion. The track was either there, or it wasn’t.
That one particular musical score was either there or not there, but how much does that matter in defining Halo’s theme? It’s a subjective matter of opinion, what we had in Halo 4 may not, in your view, represent Halo’s style but only in so far as it didn’t hit a few key notes. What we did have, however, may still reflect the narrative themes and tones of this franchise and, in my view, they do the job better than anything Marty came up with for the simple point that while the old stuff established a “style” it did not very well support the themes and tones of the game. You had the appropriately awe-inspiring monks on the one hand, yes, but screaming guitar chords on the other which painted an entirely different Halo.
It was less coherent, and thus less able to establish a singularly identifiable Halo theme that the game could use. Thus the new stuff can easily be more “Halo” than the disjointed classics.
> > I don’t see how that’s a matter of opinion. The track was either there, or it wasn’t.
>
> That one particular musical score was either there or not there, but how much does that matter in defining Halo’s theme? It’s a subjective matter of opinion, what we had in Halo 4 may not, in your view, represent Halo’s style but only in so far as it didn’t hit a few key notes. What we did have, however, may still reflect the narrative themes and tones of this franchise and, in my view, they do the job better than anything Marty came up with for the simple point that while the old stuff established a “style” it did not very well support the themes and tones of the game. You had the appropriately awe-inspiring monks on the one hand, yes, but screaming guitar chords on the other which painted an entirely different Halo.
>
> It was less coherent, and thus less able to establish a singularly identifiable Halo theme that the game could use. Thus the new stuff can easily be more “Halo” than the disjointed classics.
No, it’s not subjective. I’m talking about the Halo theme. Remember that track in Halo 2? “Halo theme Mjolnir mix”? Key words being “Halo theme”. That’s a remix of the track in Halo combat evolved, entitled “Halo”. That is the Halo theme. That’s why the Halo 2 track is entitled “Halo theme Mjolnir mix”. Because it’s the Halo theme. There isn’t anything debatable there.
> I could see this, I guess. I do like Davidge’s music, it’s good. But the only problem I see is that it contrasts pretty heavily with Salta’s. It might feel a little jarring going from Davidge’s Halo 4 music to Tom Salta’s Classic Halo music (it is classic, the thread I linked proved as much). I’d like to see Davidge return, but only for a couple of tracks. <mark>I think he works brilliantly when it comes to major moments, like Arrival, the part where Arrival is playing is just amazing. But for the atmospheric background tracks, and classic Halo scenes, I feel Salta would be better suited.</mark>
Pretty much this^. The only reason why i dont want to see him go is because certain tracks like Revival, Nemesis, Belly of the Beast, Arrival, and so on, are really good. Now if Salta played around with these, he could give it a classic sounding atmosphere that, in a way, would bridge the feel of the two trilogies together. Thats why i think they’d work well as partners. And i agree that Davidge probably should stay clear of certain sounds. Up until now Faithless still gets me, because i just don’t like electronics in there. Same with Gravity and Majestic…Very un-halo like IMO. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Who knows? Maybe 343 wanted to test Salta’s ability through SA to see if he is worthy to compose for future games? Makes sense.
-Original Halo Theme Music
-SMG
-Projectile weapon system instead of hitscan
-Mauler
-Camo and Overshield as on map pickups
-Arbiter
-Dual Wielding
-Flag Juggling
-Brutes
-Power weapons and power ups spawn on map in set timed places only
-AA as pick up equipment
-H3 Beam Rifle
-Bubble Shield, Power Drain, Grav Lift
-The Pit Remake
-Warthog and other vehicles not made of paper
-AI in campaign that actually has a semblance of intelligence
-Covenant that speak English in campaign
-Customizable infected weapon starts for zombies/infection
-Brute Shot
-Brute Chopper
-No weapons in MP other than UNSC and Covenant
-Flamethrower and Missile Pod
-A Top 10 Halo favorites map pack DLC as voted on by the fans. 6 Small Arena Style maps, and 4 BTB maps. Mine would be (The Pit, Beaver Creek, Sanctuary, Lockout (Not blackout), Cold Storage, Guardian, Coagulation, Zanzibar/Last Resort, Rats Nest, Sand Trap.
> > I could see this, I guess. I do like Davidge’s music, it’s good. But the only problem I see is that it contrasts pretty heavily with Salta’s. It might feel a little jarring going from Davidge’s Halo 4 music to Tom Salta’s Classic Halo music (it is classic, the thread I linked proved as much). I’d like to see Davidge return, but only for a couple of tracks. <mark>I think he works brilliantly when it comes to major moments, like Arrival, the part where Arrival is playing is just amazing. But for the atmospheric background tracks, and classic Halo scenes, I feel Salta would be better suited.</mark>
>
> Pretty much this^. The only reason why i dont want to see him go is because certain tracks like Revival, Nemesis, Belly of the Beast, Arrival, and so on, are really good. Now if Salta played around with these, he could give it a classic sounding atmosphere that, in a way, would bridge the feel of the two trilogies together. Thats why i think they’d work well as partners. And i agree that Davidge probably should stay clear of certain sounds. Up until now Faithless still gets me, because i just don’t like electronics in there. Same with Gravity and Majestic…Very un-halo like IMO. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Who knows? Maybe 343 wanted to test Salta’s ability through SA to see if he is worthy to compose for future games? Makes sense.
Absolutely agree with the electronic bit, it suits something like Mass Effect much more so than Halo. I suppose if they worked together, and Davidge made some really epic scores, then Salta played around with it a little to give it a classic feel, I could see that working. I do feel like SA was probably a test for Salta, I’d say he passed with flying colours. Although, as you pointed out, maybe it would be beneficial to keep Davidge around too.
> -Original Halo Theme Music
> -SMG
> -Projectile weapon system instead of hitscan
> -Mauler
> -Camo and Overshield as on map pickups
> -Arbiter
> -Dual Wielding
> -Flag Juggling
> -Brutes
> -Power weapons and power ups spawn on map in set timed places only
> -AA as pick up equipment
> -H3 Beam Rifle
> -Bubble Shield, Power Drain, Grav Lift
> -The Pit Remake
> <mark>-Warthog and other vehicles not made of paper</mark>
> -AI in campaign that actually has a semblance of intelligence
> -Covenant that speak English in campaign
> -Customizable infected weapon starts for zombies/infection
> -Brute Shot
> -Brute Chopper
> -No weapons in MP other than UNSC and Covenant
> -Flamethrower and Missile Pod
> -A Top 10 Halo favorites map pack DLC as voted on by the fans. 6 Small Arena Style maps, and 4 BTB maps. Mine would be (The Pit, Beaver Creek, Sanctuary, Lockout (Not blackout), Cold Storage, Guardian, Coagulation, Zanzibar/Last Resort, Rats Nest, Sand Trap.
