One of legendary composer Shinji Hosoe’s most famous works is the Zero Escape series. It began with Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (2009), was followed by Virtue’s Last Reward (2012), and continued with Zero Time Dilemma (2016) as the third game in the series. SuperSweep Records was able to release the three-disc soundtrack in 2022 and I was recently able to dive in.
The soundtrack is accessible with track titles and credits in English, with some very interesting track titles provided by Uchikoshi-san, the game’s writer. Expect dark and foreboding vibes with chopped up and distorted electronics across sleek ambient soundscapes, unsettling electronic ambiance, and a smaller compilation of emotional instrumentals and grungy rock tracks.
Some of my favorite moments include the ticking clock of the opening track, “Tick Down,” the glassy and otherworldly “Iterate Anxiousness,” and the unsettling “Profound Duvulgation.” There’s a descent into madness with “Tortuous Idolum,” groovy bass in “Erstwhile Placidity,” and a beautiful and twangy electric guitar work in “Ustulate Pathos” that was reminiscent of famous survivor horror soundtracks. “Cuddly Ferrum” comes as a sweet pop tune, “Ambidex Game” features cool guitar riffs and aggressively panned percussion, and “Stygian Subterranean” gets into deep dark ambiance. The icy “Sacrificial Demise” sports a a chilly vibe with icy bells and electronic lead while the aptly titled “Cardiac Gloom” features the sound of a heartbeat and “Scattered Scare” gets equally unsettling with lone guitar notes, searing string swells, and sparse percussion. The overdriven radio-like quality of “Ustulate Pathos -Record-” provides a brief reprieve as the soundtrack closes out with screeching synths in “Unliberated Library” and the resolute and serene closer “Interminable Dilemma.”
Given the variety and quality of production, it’s no surprise why the Zero Escape series and its music are so highly regarded. The Zero Time Dilemma soundtrack can be imported via CD Japan for under $25 USD.
