Overview

Dofus, a well-received flash-based MMORPG developed by Ankama Games, was released in September 2004. Since then the music for the series, composed by Guillaume Pladys, has been released in several different forms, though none as complete as the current offering of six well presented box sets. How does the second box set fare?

Body

The album this time is broken up into three acts, comprised of five tracks each, which seamlessly blend into one another, similar to the previous collection. The title track, which introduces the first act, "Lux Aeterna," is a bit plodding, with a simple melody and slow, unexciting orchestration. Certainly pleasant, but not much more. Fortunately, when it comes back at the end of the album as "Lux Aeterna (Final)", it's substantially more interesting and exciting.

The rest of the album is rather enjoyable. There is no great difference between the styles as presented in the three acts. From the mysterious and moody "Les lacs enchantés" to the atmospheric yet melodic "Crevasse Perge," there is a great variety present in these pieces. "L'ˆle des Wabbits" exhibits a fun degree of quirkiness with its fast, quick melody, whereas the slightly more heroic "L'île des Brigandins" froths with excited charm. The grand "Les plaines d'Ankama" is alternately soft and heavy, to great effect, and it's quite different from the pleasant "Le grande plaine de Cania," another field track.

The bonus this time around unfortunately consists of only one piece. "Astrub (version 1 réorchestrée)" might be enjoyable, but it isn't as fulfilling an extra as having a collection of piano arrangements of the pieces found in the album. Still, the track itself sounds quite lovely.

Summary

This collection of tracks is certainly more enjoyable than the previous. A greater variety of emotions and moods is expressed, lending a fuller listening experience that is easier to recommend, though doesn't necessarily come with the highest of regards. This is a quite pleasant listen that will sate most people's curiosity, but don't expect to be particularly blown away.