Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy’s soundtrack will blend together music from three distinct sources: a six-hour orchestral score, a mixtape of licensed ’80s tracks, and an original rock album created just for the game.
“The soundtrack is infused in the DNA of the game, and our use of it goes far beyond usual expectations,” said Steve Szczepkowski, Senior Audio Director at Eidos-Montreal. “Every element was carefully woven into the lore to enhance the story of this rock and roll band of misfits.”
Szczepkowski also revealed that the orchestral score, written by composer Richard Jacques, brings an epic, cinematic quality to the game and was arranged with great care to blend the score with the other genres of music featured in the game.
In selecting licensed music to compliment Eidos-Montréal’s vision of the Guardians, Steve explains that fun was the most important factor. Designed to transport players back to the ‘80s, an impressive selection of pop and rock hits from the decade feature throughout the game at carefully chosen points. Tracks include music from Iron Maiden, KISS, New Kids On The Block, Rick Astley, Hot Chocolate and more, with plenty still to be revealed.
The unique Huddle feature takes the licensed soundtrack further by utilising select songs during combat. Players can hit play on Star-Lord’s Cassette Player to cue up a specially chosen ‘80s hit to inspire the Guardians and spur them on while fighting. Steve explains that some of these songs might seem unexpected in such a setting, but the juxtaposition brings an additional element of fun to the combat sequences.
Finally, Steve reveals how he unexpectedly brought a brand-new rock band into this original Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy world. After he was informed that in the game’s narrative, Peter Quill takes the name Star-Lord from his favourite band of the same name, Steve got to work creating Star-Lord the band. An entire album was recorded for the game, featuring original tracks that celebrate the rock and roll, dysfunctional nature of the Guardians family.
As it should, it looks like music is going to play a big part in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, and it seems like Szczepkowski and his team are taking great care to make sure all the soundtrack’s disparate elements mesh together well.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy will arrive on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, and GeForce NOW on October 26.
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Noah Anzaldua is a game journalist, Twitch streamer, and a passionate fan of Apex Legends and Destiny 2. Writing and streaming are his passions, and he is carving a career path out for himself. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama where he is majored in News Media, History, and Political Science.
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