Today’s theme is rather unique. We’ll be looking at five famous tracks that sample “Is That the Door?” by Zero-G Ltd, from their album “Cuckooland - Ghost in the Machine”.
(Note: I’ve already talked about “Radio” (one of the two most well-known examples) from Half-Life 2 in MM #57. Be sure to read that, too.)
Sampling is when a musician lifts a segment from another song and works it into their own composition, either untouched or heavily altered. Companies like Zero-G Ltd specialize in sound libraries—pre-recorded sound effects and music loops that anyone can use.
Max Payne | PC | Max’s Nightmare
The original two Max Payne games were something else, weren’t they? Easily the best IP to emerge in The Matrix's immediate aftermath, the first Max Payne is unmatched in its gritty realism, heavy cynicism, and top-tier production.The nightmare section? Just that—an absolute nightmare. It’s one of the most cerebrally depressing and nerve-wracking sequences ever put into a video game. The repetitive, thumping notes in the background do nothing to ease the discomfort of this sequence.
Max Payne - Max's Nightmare
Lands of Lore III | PC | Die Unterwelt
I’ve played quite a few Westwood Studios games—Blade Runner and C&C: Tiberian Sun immediately come to mind. I’m not too familiar with their Lands of Lore series, but one thing’s for sure: their soundtrack is fire.Die Unterwelt (German: "The Underworld") is a fantastic fusion of sci-fi and high-fantasy soundscapes. Think DOOM meets Lord of the Rings, and you’re on the right track.
Lands of Lore 3 Soundtrack - Die Unterwelt
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories | PSP | Ice
What happens when an already foreboding piece of music lands in the majestic hands of Akira Yamaoka? You get an absolute masterpiece, that’s what.You know the phrase, "If you’re going through hell, keep going"? I imagine this is what plays at the end of that ordeal.
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories [Music] - Ice
Vanishing Point | PS1 | Peregone
Oh, I’m no stranger to racing games surprising you with their music. I learned it a long time ago when I heard Joyrider by Jug, which I’ve talked about all the way back in MM #27.Frankly, this one’s a personal favorite. I love how it shifts from a haunting melody to a full-blown club rave beat. Whoever thought this transition was fitting for a racing game must’ve been in… an interesting state of mind, to say the least.
Vanishing Point (2001) Soundtrack #4 - Peregone
Postal | PC | Central Park
I have no plans to ever play any of the Postal games. There are some pieces of media I can live without, thank you very much.That said, Central Park is perhaps the most well-known example of this sample in gaming circles, so it would’ve been remiss of me not to include it here.
POSTAL Redux OST - Central Park
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