Frank Klepacki Comments on the RA3 Soundtrack

[Sonic 296]

A few days ago, in a post on Petroglyph's Forums, Frank Klepacki answered a question regarding his work on the Red Alert 3 soundtrack. He was basically asked what it was like to work with EALA. Many fans feel that Frank was held back because of the way Hell March 3 sounds. This couldn't be further from the truth, as the man himself explains below.

 

It wasn't constricting. They mainly wanted to retain the spirit of RA2 in my work. In particular they really liked the feel of HM2 and wanted the new version to reflect that feel. Which makes sense as it takes place in the same time frame - altered. It was a pleasant experience for me.

There is a difference between updating a track and completely rewriting it. Click here for the original post.

[G0NE2W4R 0]

Dam, so they really limited Frank on what he can do. That's just disappointing. They bring Frank back, but they don't let him do his best.

Edited November 10, 2008 by Sonic

[Sonic 296]

Ah no, try reading the news post again. They asked Frank to come in an simply update HM2, put a new spin on a memorable track that everyone knows.

[Silverthorn 0]

Now I see how come HM3 ain't all that acceptable by many fans including myself. Worse, I thought Grinder 2 was supposed to a brand new sound of it, but apparently, to be honest, both of Frank's songs are screwed, no thanks to EA. I don't blame Frank here, I blame EA.

 

Honestly, I prefer a new music, just like how RA2 came in with the all new HM2. Sorry, the term of "If it ain't broken, don't fix it" doesn't apply to me, this case (For RA3 if EA's remix policies does not apply. Or similar case, RA2) applies more to a "house renovation & reconstruction when a big family can't fit in a small house". Frank could have done a brand new music if it wasn't for EA in the first place.

Edited November 10, 2008 by Silverthorn

[Alphabear 11]

I thought they were both good. Grinder 2 doesn't have the same impact as the first one did but HM3 certainly does.

[Silverthorn 0]

I thought they were both good. Grinder 2 doesn't have the same impact as the first one did but HM3 certainly does.

 

Well, I know, at least HM3 did add some spice such as the choir echo & some electric guitar. Overall, I rate it 4 STAR, but if the music is completely new without EA's remix policies or orders, definitely I'll rate it 5 STAR.

 

As for Grinder 2, it's ok, but a sad 3 STAR for my rate. My criticism is that the bad part I don't like the most is the beginning, after the "Aaa zhe wa soi", the music suddenly repeat itself, it makes me exciting until suddenly, I got shocked and unhappy, Frank should have remove that repetition. A case similar to Romanov promoting Yuri when Vladimir is happy then suddenly unhappy. While the rest of it just ain't all that rock & roll anymore when the volume suddenly turned down compare to Grinder 1's.

[recover 2]

I agree much with what you think Silverthorn...

HM3 was very much like HM2, I think HM2 is missing some good parts in HM1, and a remix is never better than the original IMO.

Grinder 2 was OK, but I don't think it was at all as good as the original.

I wish EA would allow Frank to do more than three tracks as well.

And yea, I don't like repetition so much either.

[Silverthorn 0]

I agree much with what you think Silverthorn...

HM3 was very much like HM2, I think HM2 is missing some good parts in HM1, and a remix is never better than the original IMO.

Grinder 2 was OK, but I don't think it was at all as good as the original.

I wish EA would allow Frank to do more than three tracks as well.

And yea, I don't like repetition so much either.

 

Me too, but too bad Frank can't work a lot with EA as his employment in Petroglyph prevented him from doing so. Worse, I'm sure nobody wants to quit their existing jobs to move on to better ones, similar case to Frank. I was thinking he can shift to EA after quitting from Petroglyph, but who knows what will happen if EA will not hire him & Petroglyph will not hire him back if unsuccessful.

[CCHyper 3]

I quite like HM3 actualy, i dunno what the fuss is about

 

Plus i think Grinder 2 has a Renegade feel to it, i wonder if Frank was thinking about Incursion when he made it

[Luk3us 63]

I think they were both good. I'm not sure what the rest of you were expecting...

[Inferno 22]

I think they were both good. I'm not sure what the rest of you were expecting...

Same.

[hagren 0]

HM3 kicks HM2s ass any day. It's more diversified and sophisitcated. Grinder 2 however, has some overlong silent parts. Still very Soviet.