With the void of consistently entertaining film scores in our midst, I continue to shift my interests toward video game soundtracks. For those who haven't noticed, this particular genre continues to grow in both popularity and in quality. To me, the fan base of video game music will soon replace the current level of fandom with movie score enthusiasts and it's easy to see why. With such epic, vibrant scores continually being generated for the various game platforms, the listening experience seems to be a cut above of the current style of movie soundtracks. It's in this world of game music where the next group of legendary composers are emerging.

Inon Zur is a noted composer for his work in the genre and is recognized for his bold, exciting style of writing. With his score for "Lineage II: Oath of Blood," Zur elevates his music to another level and delivers a soundtrack that is as fully entertaining as any I've heard in 2006.

The soundtrack is paced by interesting songs and emotional cues. There is, of course, a nice dose of fantasy-adventure during several moments too, but the crux of this score is the depth in which the music is delivered. For instance, the songs that are heard during the album are presented in varying languages and this makes for a very interesting listening experience. It's not often that you can hear one distinct melody in different languages! This tactic alone gives the score a great scope.

Adding even greater texture to the soundtrack is the presence of an evil, menacing theme lurking in the background. These forboding cues create a balanced contrast to the melodic and heroic themes that shape the world of Lineage and also draws a distinct line between good and evil. All this made the score even more accessable to me.

Beyond the great care that translates through the writing, "Oath of Blood" is simply a flat-out engaging soundtrack. Music such as this sparks creativity and motivates the imagination.

And to think, I haven't even once played the video game.

Accolades aside, you'll have some work ahead of you if you're looking to purchase this score. Aside from the auction and retail sites, you might want to contact the software house (NCSOFT) that developed the game to see if anything can be worked out. Either way, enjoy the hunt as this is a prize worth having.