Cris Velasco and Sascha Dikiciyan Score Mass Effect: Arrival (DLC)

BIOWARE™ HIRES COMPOSING TEAM TO CREATE THE “ARRIVAL” SOUND

Original Mass Effect 2 DLC Soundtrack Features the Work of Sascha Dikiciyan and Cris Velasco

Los Angeles, CA – March 28th, 2011 – The game industry’s top composing team, Cris Velasco and Sascha Dikiciyan, have created an original hybrid-orchestral score for the biggest Mass Effect™ DLC yet, titled “Arrival.”

Known for their unique ability to merge orchestra with heavy electronics, Velasco and Dikiciyan created an epic score influenced by the likes of Vangelis and Tangerine Dream. “We wanted to pay homage to the great 80s sci-fi -sound of the first score while moving the music forward, delivering a sound that matched the cinematic quality of the game,” says Velasco. “Sascha and Cris perfectly nailed the retro-futurism style that has become a key part of the Mass Effect franchise,” says Rob Blake, Audio Lead for Mass Effect 2.

In “Arrival,” the final DLC, Shepard will travel to the edge of the galaxy, rescue an undercover agent and discover the truth about the Arrival. Admiral Hackett, a favorite of the series, will be playing a prominent role in the new mission. This exciting final mission will act as the bridge for the new upcoming game.

“Arrival” will be available on March 29 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3. For more information,
visit http://masseffect.bioware.com/

Cris Velasco and Sascha Dikiciyan are two of the most in-demand composers in the video game industry today, having scored more than 30 AAA game scores. Their unique fusion of cutting-edge electronica and cinematic orchestra have garnered critical acclaim for versatility and fearlessness of pushing the boundaries of music – whether it’s composing an elegant string arrangement, dramatic orchestral score, hard-hitting rock tracks, or raw electronic beats.

For more information, please visit www.sonicmayhem.com or www.monarchaudio.com.