Overview

Danny Baranowsky's high-profile soundtracks for Super Meat Boy and The Binding of Isaac were very refreshing to listen to. The composer also has an impressive backlog of soundtrack to indie games that he has scored over the years on his official website. The majority of them are short, containing just a few tracks. One of them is Gravity Hook, a five track soundtrack he composed for a well-received flash title.

Body

The flash version of Gravity Hook is not the definitive version of the game, musically or otherwise. The developers reunited to release an enhanced version called Gravity Hook HD, featuring a remixed, expanded soundtrack among other things. The original version of the soundtrack will appeal to some due to its heavier chiptune focus. However, it is otherwise entirely inferior to its successor.

Following an ascending opening fanfare, the Gravity Hook intro theme shifts into an retro anthem. Here, Baranowsky demonstrates his flair with old-school sampling — the chiptunes sound just like the classic days, while the melody is just as potent as some of those coming from the NES. Yet the updated version of this track, blending retro and futuristic elements, is somewhat more original and groovy. Likewise, the spacey ambience of the high score track sounds nice, but it's much better realised with the enhanced synth of the HD version.

There are also three tracks used during the main gameplay. "Gameplay Track A" invigorates during the challenging gameplay with its potent synth melody and robust bass line. However, once again it's more of a NES emulation than a truly original work in its own right. "Gameplay Track B" will appeal to Mega Man fans with its punchy guitar leads and heavy beats, though sounds more full in its HD version, while "Gameplay Track C" sounds a little muddled and generic in its initial version here. All of these tracks loop a little after a minute, meaning they can outstay their welcome during the extended challenging gameplay.

Summary

The point should be already clear. The Gravity Hook soundtrack is a decent, but slightly unoriginal and repetitive to a flash game. Its remake Gravity Hook HD is far superior and builds upon the various foundations here. Both soundtracks can be freely sampled through Bandcamp, but the HD version is likely the one that will last with you.