soundtracks,  video games

The Elder Scrolls: Arena

16. June 2022 /

Year: 1994
Type: Original Soundtrack (OST)
Composer(s): Eric Heberling
Number of tracks: 22

★★★★★

Adventurous past

In the distant year 1994, one of the most successful video game brands was born: The Elder Scrolls. A series with now five main games, various add-ons and spin-offs as well as one of the best fantasy soundtracks - at least today. As is the case with most origins, the first musical draft is of course difficult to compare with today's creations. The technical limitations of the MIDI format alone rarely help games, unless nostalgic romanticization can infuse the beeping and humming with a comforting warmth.

I obviously lack this, as my first contact with the TES games was The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, which was released in 2006, a whole 12 years later. Nevertheless, I can't ignore the charm of the score that accompanies the events in The Elder Scrolls: Arena. In fact, I'm pretty sure that a few of the tracks would be on my best list if I had been able to play the game back then.

Composer Eric Heberling creates a harmonious fantasy sound atmosphere, which lacks prominent motifs but oscillates pleasantly between the dark/gloomy fantasy moods (The Late Hours, The Mages Guild) and the early episodes of the Heroes of Might and Magic-series (The Wandering Inn, A Warm Welcome). At times, one is also reminded of The Legend of Zelda (Winter in Hammerfell), which is never a bad thing.

Consequently, despite a comparatively average overall rating, I can definitely recommend a listen. Not only for the fans, but especially for all (still) young people like me who have only experienced the fascination of arcade games and text adventure role-playing games from stories. The Elder Scrolls: Arena makes a good impression without you having to struggle through it and, despite its considerable size, you can listen to it in no time at all.

No.TitleArtist(s)Ratings
01Opening TitlesEric Heberling11/5
02Tharn's BetrayalEric Heberling33/5
03Where Dost Thou HailEric Heberling33/5
04A Vision BeyondEric Heberling22/5
05Dungeon CrawlingEric Heberling11/5
06The Late HoursEric Heberling33/5
07The Wandering InnEric Heberling33/5
08The First SeedEric Heberling33/5
09BlacksmithEric Heberling33/5
10Winter in HammerfellEric Heberling44/5
11The Audience ChamberEric Heberling33/5
12The Mages GuildEric Heberling22/5
13A Warm WelcomeEric Heberling44/5
14Evening StarEric Heberling33/5
15SwimmingEric Heberling33/5
16Foggy AfternoonEric Heberling33/5
17Arcane ArtsEric Heberling33/5
18Breaking and EnteringEric Heberling33/5
19Destination ReachedEric Heberling22/5
20You See a GoblinEric Heberling11/5
21Game OverEric Heberling33/5
22Objective CompletedEric Heberling11/5

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