Remedy's Unforgettable Soundtracks: The Music That Defined the Games

Max Payne Theme - Kärtsy Hatakka/Kimmo Kajasto (Max Payne)

Remedy's Unmatched Use of Music in Gaming

Late Goodbye - Poets of the Fall (Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne)

Max Payne's legacy is closely intertwined with the era of its release. It was the pioneering video game to fully integrate the slo-mo gunplay concept that John Woo and the Wachowski Sisters had been working on. However, as other games adopted and diluted the formula, this feature became less novel. While bullet-time initially attracted players, it is the enduring neo-noir graphic novel vibes that have stood the test of time. A recurring leitmotif is the theme - a somber piano undertone that added depth and gravity to James McCaffrey's gritty, self-deprecating, hard-boiled detective narration. This theme served as a constant reminder of Max's escalating failures, culminating in a fully string-based rendition representing his lowest point in the Rockstar-developed third game.

Despite all the other improvements Max Payne 2 has over its predecessor, it is still not fully appreciated for the ambitious feat of executing a tragic love story in the midst of a third-person shooter crime drama. The introduction of hitwoman Mona Sax into Max's life shakes his world and reminds him that his actions do not lead to a happily-ever-after ending. This was groundbreaking for games at the time, and Mona's death in Max's arms leaves a lasting impact. The haunting song "Late Goodbye" weaves its way through the game, with different characters playing and singing it, but its full version at the end of the game is unexpectedly bittersweet and perfect. It marks the beginning of a cinematic use of music for Remedy and establishes a memorable connection with Poets of the Fall. On its own, the song is a beautiful, melancholic rock tune that would have easily found its way into a movie if not for Max Payne 2.

Space Oddity - David Bowie (Alan Wake)

The original Alan Wake game is packed with thought-provoking and thematically rich music selections, especially during its mid-chapter breaks. The use of Poe's Haunted is a particularly clever choice, but the real standout moment is when Bowie's music accompanies Alan's realization that Cauldron Lake is not merely a lake, but something much larger, an ocean of sorts.

The Happy Song - Poets of the Fall (Alan Wake's American Nightmare)

Exploring the Haunting Themes of Space Oddity in Alan Wake

The haunting and wondrous tone of Space Oddity may overshadow the subtle horror within the song. In Alan Wake, the song's distressing power is restored, as it underlines the eerie moment when the protagonist is disconnected from reality and trapped in unknowable perdition. This parallels the story of Major Tom, who was stranded in outer space, drifting away from Earth, and losing contact with ground control. Alan Wake's struggle to write his way out reflects the existential fear conveyed in Bowie's song, leaving us wondering if he will ever find his way back to reality.

Higgs Boson Blues - Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds (Quantum Break)

The Importance of American Nightmare in the Alan Wake Universe

American Nightmare's role in the Alan Wake canon becomes somewhat uncertain after Alan Wake 2. Apart from providing a more in-depth portrayal of the menacing Mr. Scratch, it primarily represents one of Alan's less successful attempts to free himself from Cauldron Lake. Nevertheless, this is a crucial element of the overall story. Despite The Happy Song not being Poets of the Fall's most artistically expressive moment, its deliberate and unexpected inclusion in the game during Scratch's commercials, where he embodies a combination of the Joker and a used car salesman, creates a sense of madness. While Scratch has not yet evolved into the enigmatic entity he later becomes, there is something equally unsettling about his portrayal in American Nightmare.

Take Control - Old Gods of Asgard (Control)

The cosmic stakes in Remedy's recent games are nothing short of terrifying, but Quantum Break takes it to the next level by threatening the very fabric of time itself, with the potential to crash the entire universe. The final section of the game is filled with tension and mind-bending time travel shenanigans. While the outcome of Jack Joyce's decision to join Monarch remains unclear, the end of the game provides a moment of relief. The soundtrack, featuring Nick Cave's Higgs Boson Blues, pays tribute to the vastness of human history and everything Jack Joyce has saved by defeating Paul Serene. In the context of the game's time-altering narrative, it offers a surprisingly calm conclusion to an experience that begins with a time loop and ends with the protagonist transcending the concept of linear time. It's also noteworthy that the game concludes with a song by Nick Cave, adding an extra layer of coolness to the overall experience.

Herald of Darkness - Old Gods of Asgard (Alan Wake II)

The moment this song starts playing, Remedy takes their studio to the next level. Not only does it break the sterile, alien atmosphere of the Federal Bureau of Control with a surge of energy, but it also provides insight into everyone's favorite janitor, Ahti. This same song serves as the soundtrack to the Ashtray Maze, a daring piece of level design that stands out in recent memory. It's a perfect video game moment, complemented by the powerful Old Gods of Asgard track that would fit right into any metalhead's playlist, even outside the context of the game.

And of course, there's Remedy's masterpiece. It's worth mentioning Poe's This Road, solely because Sam Lake brought her out of semi-retirement to play a crucial role in the game. But nothing compares to this one, a full-fledged 10+ minute interactive rock opera. It's a technical wonder, featuring multiple stages, unexpected entrances, and an entire rock concert being projected on every studio wall. The sets provide narrative and insight into Alan Wake's life, resembling a museum exhibition. The experience concludes with the entire cast participating in a live-action dance number. However, it all comes down to the song. While there have been attempts to incorporate musicals into games, few have been as successful or as memorable as this one, from Celes' opera performance in Final Fantasy VI to the cast of Critical Role engaging in a musical RPG in Stray Gods.

Editor's P/S

As a long-time fan of Remedy Entertainment's games, I am constantly impressed by the unforgettable soundtracks that have defined their iconic titles. From the haunting melodies of Max Payne to the electrifying tunes of Control, Remedy has consistently demonstrated an unmatched use of music in gaming. Each soundtrack perfectly complements the game's atmosphere and narrative, creating an immersive experience that draws players deeper into the thrilling worlds of Remedy's greatest hits.

The haunting and wondrous tone of Space Oddity may overshadow the subtle horror within the song. In Alan Wake, the song's distressing power is restored, as it underlines the eerie moment when the protagonist is disconnected from reality and trapped in unknowable perdition. This parallels the story of Major Tom, who was stranded in outer space, drifting away from Earth, and losing contact with ground control. Alan Wake's struggle to write his way out reflects the existential fear conveyed in Bowie's song, leaving us wondering if he will ever find his way back to reality.