PixlBit

Trine is a physics-based puzzle platformer that originally released for Windows in 2009 and has since come to Mac, Linux, and PlatStation Network. Despite the undead army that’s infesting its medieval fantasy world, Trine is not a game that’s out to test your reflexes, and its methodical pace is reflected in the music.

The standout piece is the game’s main theme, which is rich with a dark beauty. An oboe sets the melancholy tone of the game as it states the theme and is then joined by strings that help lift it above its own dark clouds. The Main Theme nearly has a unique sound in the OST, actually, as most of the other songs have a much stronger medieval/Renaissance vibe (though if you pay attention, you’ll hear bits and pieces of it again in other songs). Take “Academy Hallways,” for instance. Harpsichord is front and center at the beginning and continues throughout the piece as accompaniment. Pizzicato (plucked) strings set a hushed atmosphere that’s reinforced by light choir in the background and a celeste (similar to a xylophone; sounds like little bells) takes up the melody. You can tell from the music that the academy is deserted but still a place to respect.

“Wolvercote Catacombs” makes allusions back to the main theme without actually restating it. “Dragon Graveyard,” on the other hand, is closer in sound to the main theme but with much more harpsichord. This song is definitely one of the faster paced pieces in the OST, which makes sense. I imagine a dragon graveyard is a dangerous place. But not all locales in this beleaguered realm warrant such music. “Crypt of the Damned” is surprisingly peaceful. I would think that would be a much scarier place. Many of the songs fit the more peaceful mold, though, “Fangle Forest” and “Bramblestoke Village” being another couple examples.

“Throne of the Lost King,” to my ears, establishes something of a comical atmosphere with its quick noodling at the beginning before trying to gain our respect again with a little grandeur (see, folks? There’s an organ!). “Heartland Mines” is more percussive than melodic and has an almost muted feeling to it, as if you actually are wandering around underground.

“Tower of Sarek” clues us in that we’re in danger again. The fast pace and sense of urgency will keep you moving and some nefarious chord progressions in the second half of the song should keep you on your toes. “Tower of Sarek” comes at the end of the soundtrack, so there are probably some nasty things out to get you by that point in the game.

Other than the main theme, you probably wouldn’t pull out the Trine soundtrack just to sit and listen to it, but in my opinion it does make excellent background music, whether you’re surfing the internet, cooking dinner, or riding in the car. The composition is very solid and the individual pieces match their settings excellently. Trine is still a game worth experiencing (I have a copy in my backlog) and the music makes it that much easier to go back to it.

 

Soundtrack composed by Ari Pulkkinen

Complete soundtrack Youtube playlist