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Review: Chris Nairn - Dungeon Hearts OST [Album]

Self-released // "A great nostalgic quality; Professionally created collection that embodies an adventurous fast-moving Japanese RPG"

by Candi H, October 21st, 2012 and has been Read 842 times.
Last Edited by: Jack Stovin October 22nd, 2012.

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Inspired by a love for old school 8- and 16-bit Japanese RPG’s of the 80’s and 90’s, Dungeon Hearts is the most recent game in development from Christopher Pavia of Cube-Roots. The game artist/designer/programmer, after switching roles within the commercial game industry for some time, decided to fly solo and settled in creating games for tablets and touch devices, as well as Mac and PC’s. With a desire to focus on the player’s enjoyment (something that he learned was of surprisingly minimal importance to most in the industry), Dungeon Hearts is his next project with a release set for early 2013. Taking inspiration from early puzzle/action games and the nostalgia of huge role-playing phenomenons like Final Fantasy and Dragon Warrior, what he has created is a fast paced game in which a party of adventurers dash from battle to battle using a match-three puzzle system to beat their enemies.

And so now that you have a bit of background, I can explain the game’s unique quality which separates it from the rest. With every level that you progress through, you earn new music. Four composers came on board to write the different musical genres that you encounter as a player, including chiptune (8-bit music), rock/electronic and metal. This is where I can (finally!) introduce you to composer, Chris Nairn. The UK based writer currently writes TV cues but being a huge fan of RPG’s, he found himself swiftly taking up the challenge of creating the rock/electronic soundtrack for the fantastical game. Taking reference from J-pop/rock, including bands such as Tokyo girl group Morning Musume and eleven-piece Supercell, (as well as Cube-Roots’ vision and references) Chris created his original soundtrack using various audio plug-ins. I personally used to be quite a big gamer growing up and when I heard about the classic play style of the game and its music, I was looking forward to hearing something that would trigger fond memories.

First track ‘SuperNOVA’ is a great start, seeming to perfectly capture the suspense and fast-paced action that each level will involve. A drum beat with fluttering synth arpeggio’s and staccato string effects build tension and help emulate the story. As the piece draws to a close there’s a darker chugging guitar riff which adds a neat modern twist. ‘On Wings of Aggression’ retains the same battle-ready atmosphere and has lashings of more sparkly synth notes on top of a fast galloping rhythm. There’s a really memorable repeated central melody and the cymbal crashing climax is hugely uplifting. Chris manages to keep each track sounding different from one another whilst still maintaining a cohesive flow when played continuously. ‘Fortune Favours the Brave’ for example appears slightly calmer in mood and somehow a little more feminine than the others.


Its upbeat, positive air sounds like it narrates a journey part to the game as opposed to one of the energetic fight sequences. It’s really likeable and has a driving quality that sounds like the ideal musical accompaniment to help push the game and story forward. The slower and more sombre ‘Young Horizon’ begins with a very Japanese-esque melody and gradually grows with pulsing guitar notes and xylophone chimes. The intermittent march-like drum rhythm is also a cool new element which signals something well...upon the horizon! And it closes the piece and soundtrack with a farewell salute.

I didn’t think I would find a puzzle/RPG soundtrack hugely interesting or inspiring considering being someone who’s more used to reviewing live music, instruments and vocals. However Chris Nairn’s Dungeon Hearts OST has such a great nostalgic quality that I found myself right back in the arcade where I used to spend most of my childhood. Whilst obviously not being able to experience the game itself just yet, this selection of professionally created tracks absolutely embodies an adventurous fast-moving Japanese RPG. Chris’ knowledge and passion for the genre has given him an advantage and made sure that the atmosphere and characters of the Dungeon Hearts story and game-play have been brought to life.

To find out more about Dungeon Hearts and to keep up-to-date on its development, check the game’s official Facebook page and the Cube-Roots official site.

Chris Nairn’s soundtrack is out now and available to purchase here. And you can find out more info about him and his work on various projects through his official site.

Artwork by Ryo Ishido.