OK, let's go. I got two choices here, since I go back and forth. I'm gonna post about the other choice later.
Donkey Kong Country 2 is a very weird game. You'd expect something really Mario-esque out of it, and honestly the cover itself fools you into thinking it's something happy and well, adventure-y, with PIRATES. But make no mistake, DKC2 is one of most ambient and immersive games there is, with each level having its own story to tell due to its environmental design. DKC2 has variety in the bag. What first seems like a silly game about pirates ends up much more than that, you'll often find yourself going through a magma cavern, only to be greeted by an area in the sky, sorrounded by brambles, or perhaps you'd like to go inside a wasp hive? How about an abandoned roller coaster? Or haunted woods? DKC2 is often regarded to be one of the most atmospheric games, and it's mainly because of its soundtrack. DKC2's OST is one of the most well received OSTs, and it's easy to see why. Let me give you some examples, or rather, a top 5.
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1. Forest Interlude
This is quite possibly my favorite piece of music in any medium. David Wise, the composer, rather thanof opting for something haunted in a cliche matter for a level about haunted woods, decided to make it rather moody and relaxing. This actually works well with the context of the level - it's not really a bad place to be, in fact it's not haunted.
I adore how moody it is, the slow pace of it and just how well it works with the context of the level. The atmosphere that this music produced is second to none - never have I enjoyed just sitting there and enjoying the scenery in a platformer aside from here. It's a beautiful composition, I really don't know what else to say.
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2. Mining Melancholy
This one is a bit different from the rest, it's actually pretty unorthodox despite the fact it definitely fits for a mining theme. The little effects that sound like the noise a pick axe makes when it hits something really sits home with me here, but the melody makes it. Considering the whole theme of the level is also about crystal mining above else, having this sort if magical sounding melody makes sense, it's fitting for something about...discovery.
This is something that's more catchy and pleasant to listen to than moody or atmospheric. It was actually the first track I fell in love with in this game. Traversing through a mining field has never been more fun.
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3. Hot Head Bop
This instantly grabs you with how funky it is. The combinations of the beats with the "lava bubbles" sound effect definitely gives it a distinct feel. But I think anyone can agree here, it's the beautiful melody that's almost unsettling especially with how it catches you off guard. Instead of saying, hey you're in a volcano! let's it's intense!, this one instead tells you, why not enjoy the sight of the lava?
This perfect transition from catchy beats to moody melody is brilliant. It stays away from the usual music trope that you'd see in a context involving volcanoes, and instead opts for something to make you ENJOY the heating atmosphere.
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4. Disco Train
It's the most dangerous roller coaster ride of your life! This one actually feels SO out of place from the game, but hell considering the context which also is SO wonderfully out of place. Standing there, on top of a wrecked old roller coaster, looking at the background which is full of neonlights in wonder land so far away and watching the fire works, but it's time get ready for the ride.
What makes this stand out for me is how it starts. The composer here manages to capture this feeing of being high up in the air, and that you're about to go on a wild rid. The progression to something fast paced and groovy yet eeries captures the context of the level SO perfectly. Might I add that the screaming sound effect is absolute genius? Screaming is a big part of roller coasters, after all.
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5. In a Snowbound Land
"Snow is overdone, let's go with an ice cave!"....misleading title notwithstanding.
Actually listening to it now, I dunno why it's not higher. I adore this to shreds, it's absolutely beautiful and dazzling. It really fits the whole context of exploring an ice cave, looking at the icicles and standing near the freezing water.
It's like an arctic haven! This probably the music out of the whole OST that just makes me happy. It's really pleasant and wonderful. It's so easy to just sit back and chill to it. Excuse the pun.
Yeah, I don't suppose I can talk about music in proper detail, haha.
