I’ve been interested to see where Halo 5 will be going with its musical score. Some interesting developments have happened since the production of Halo 4; the main one being Marty O’Donnell’s release from Bungie (funny how the textbox goes screwy when you try to type Bungie). Some people might jump at the idea that Microsoft could theoretically ask him to write for Halo again. Personally I have to say I wouldn’t mind if they gave Davidge the nod to continue his work. I know it lacked the punch of previous games but I thought it had its own unique charm. If anyone else has opinions I’d like see what you think 343 should do. What were your thoughts on Halo 4’s score? What kind of sounds do you think developers should move towards and is there possibly another composer that you think would do well by the game?
I think Marty coming back is not going to happen. I loved Marty’s work, as did everyone, but Halo has changed tone so much since then, so I’m not sure if it would be a good idea to bring him back at all.
H5:G is also supposed to be the darkest Halo yet, and I felt H4’s music was already heading in a darker direction, so I expect the music to follow the same direction.
With that said however, I do find the score in H4 lacking, both in implementation and in emotional impact. It had good tidbits that were fitting, but mostly I thought the music was just electronic noise that faded out into the background. There are several levels where music feels non-existant.
My hopes for the music in H5 are for it to be better implemented and much more noticeable. Some of the best sequences in previous Halo titles for me, were times that the music really popped out and fueled your adrenaline or spiked your sense of wonder. Whether it was an intense banshee battle or exploring a new Halo, the music always complimented, nearly controlled, my emotions. I hope H5 brings the same impact with its music.
I mean just listen to this. Doesn’t that make you feel something?
Tom Salta should take over Halo’s music. He’s the most well-suited Halo composer since O’Donnell.
I love what we’ve heard so far: - YouTube
Halo 4’s soundtrack was great, just needed a few more drums. Regardless, it would have been better received if the mixing in-game was better.
I trust Neil Davidge and Kazuma Jinnouchi. All the stuff we’ve heard so far has sounded like it’s taking more inspiration from the classics while still being fresh. This new trilogy should have its own identity, still.
I had to look his name up; never would have thought of Salta. For some reason it never occurred to me that somebody else did Spartan Ops. Now I want to go play it just to see what you’re talking about.
Is there actually any confirmation on whether they’ve chosen to stick with Davidge?
I would never have any problem with 343 Industries snagging O’Donnell from Bungie now he’s been fired. The soundtrack for Destiny is one of the best soundtracks in years. His work in most of the Halo games has been amazing. He’s just an amazing writer. It’s probably not going to happen, though.
I can’t believe no ones said this yet.
At the present time, Neil Davidge has not been confirmed to be returning. In fact, Frankie did confirm that Kazuma Jinnouchi, 343 Industries own in-house composer, will be composing the vast, teeming bulk of Halo 5’s soundtrack. If you need any proof as to whether Kazuma will live up to your expectations, just listen to the music for every Halo 5 trailer to date, and the several tracks he composed for Halo 4. As far as I’m aware and/or concerned, Davidge was a temp. Halo 4’s development was rushed, and the vast bulk of 343 Industries staff wasn’t hired until 2011, that includes Kazuma. So they hired Davidge to composer the majority of Halo 4’s score, and when they brought Kazuma on, he got to compose a few tracks, and now he is taking his rightful place as Halo 5’s primary composer. Wouldn’t mind some bonus tracks from Tom Salta and Steven Rippy though. And maybe a one-off track from Marty.
Halo 4’s soundtrack was awesome. Only problem was that it didn’t really develop the the other themes outside of Chief and Cortana’s theme. I would have liked a clearer identity for the forerunners however and more diverse instrumentation but other than that… I loved it.