(more of) cinematic music

trinit

i was just thinking about some of my favourite moments in video-games, mass effect being one of them. it struck me that in almost every major event there is special soundtrack/music involved setting the mood. as a consequence, every time i remember these moments i hear that music in my head which then really evokes the emotional impact of the experience (i still shudder pleasantly when i remember the haunting melody from the ending of the throne of bhaal).
but, bg in general strikes me as somewhat... passive in that regard.

let me clarify, i realize mass effect and baldurs gate are very different experiences, and i'm not trying to suggest cinematic camera for bg.

also, this is not a critique directed at quality of the soundtrack or it's ability to set the mood. mostly it's just a notice on it's usage.
one of the tracks i really liked in bg2 were romance tracks.
when a romantic interest directed his/her attention to you, with the help of the music, you were immediately set into the mood of his/her character, charging the talks with emotional impact and meaning; viconia was dark and sad, jaheira was strong and suffering, aerie naive and innocent and anomen proud and idealistic (sounds a bit dramatic, i know). personally, i also really liked the helm's temple one, i find it inspiring and it really reflects the idea behind the temples in general.

in any case, what i'm trying to suggest is the dynamic linking of music to the plot events or dialogues, a bit like romantic interests. i imagine that would require some new tracks for the existing content.
i think it would really enhance some of the more important moments in the game, that try to tug on players emotions.

caruga

Possibly. Not sure if it's a go, but I agree that some of the tracks weren't super-memorable, I'd use words like 'efficient' and 'competent' to describe them. Then again some of my favourite game-music of all time is in the series, particularly in BG2. You can't always hit the high notes every time.

I think a more 'cute' music needs to be played when fighting those rats, though. The dramatic music sounds absurd.

Also, if they run with the idea of improving the Gorion vs. Sarevok battle, they might justify bringing back the score intended for that moment... if i'm not mistaken the track that plays outside the cloakwood mines during battle, was originally intended for that scene?

trinit

@caruga- oh i didn't know that, but yes, that was exactly what i was talking about. i'm not expecting to get the same kick from music every time, just some more "situation enhanced" scores that differentiate encounters on more levels.

great example is planescape:torment when you first meet annah (and she gets into your party upon completing pharods mission), a small cutscene with thematic music really gets your attention and enhances the atmosphere.