The Neverhood (1996) · Original Soundtrack · Microsoft Windows
3The Neverhood, released in 1996, is a groundbreaking point-and-click adventure game developed by The Neverhood, Inc. and published by DreamWorks Interactive for Microsoft Windows. This unique title, designed by Doug TenNapel and Mark Lorenzen, stands out for its entirely claymation-based animation, creating a surreal world made entirely of clay.
You play as Klaymen, a curious clay figure who awakens in the mysterious Neverhood, a deserted landscape suspended above an endless void. As you guide Klaymen through this quirky universe, you'll solve puzzles, uncover the origins of the Neverhood, and confront the antagonist, Klogg. The game's distinctive visual style is complemented by its emphasis on environmental interaction rather than traditional inventory-based puzzles.
The Neverhood's plot unfolds through collectible discs scattered throughout the world, revealing the tale of Hoborg, the creator of the Neverhood, and the conflict with his creation, Klogg. The game offers multiple endings based on your final choice, adding replay value to the adventure.
Development of The Neverhood was a massive undertaking, using over three tons of clay to create its characters and scenery. It was also notable for being the first stop-motion production to use consumer digital cameras professionally, specifically beta versions of the Minolta RD-175.
While The Neverhood received critical acclaim for its artistic achievement and unique visual style, it struggled commercially upon release. However, it has since garnered a cult following and inspired a sequel, Skullmonkeys, in 1998.
The game's soundtrack, composed by Terry Scott Taylor, is another standout feature. It won GMR magazine's "Best Game Music of the Year" award and has been praised by industry professionals as one of the best video game soundtracks ever created.
00:00:00 Klaymen Shuffle
00:01:46 Olley Oxen Free
00:03:07 Everybody Way Oh!
00:04:45 Rock N' Roll Dixie
00:05:58 Cough Drops
00:07:44 Skat Radio
00:09:48 Lowdee Huh
00:11:16 Klaymen's Theme
00:13:59 Operator Plays A Little Pingpong
00:15:11 Jose Feliciano
00:17:05 Homina Homina
00:18:37 Potatoes, Tomatoes, Gravy, And Peas
00:19:57 Triangle Square
00:21:06 Dum Da Dum Doi Doi
00:23:01 Southern Front Porch Whistler
00:24:25 Confused And Upset
00:25:23 The Neverhood Theme
00:28:48 The Weasel Chase
00:30:22 Pulling Of The Pin
00:33:19 The Battle Of Robot Bil
00:36:06 Klogg's Castle
00:38:43 Time To Goof Off
00:41:21 Rock N' Roll Dixie (demo 1)
00:43:02 Rock N' Roll Dixie (demo 2)
00:44:43 Don't Do, Maybe (acoustic demo)
00:45:25 Klaymen's Theme (acoustic demo)
00:47:44 Unreleased Untitled Demo
00:49:16 Klaymen Takes The 'A' Train (NH radio)
00:50:17 Low Down Doe (NH radio)
00:51:08 Gargling Drummer (NH radio)
00:51:47 Resolution #8 (NH radio)
00:52:51 An Elf Sings His ABC's (NH radio)
00:53:20 Thumb Nail Sketch (NH radio)
00:54:33 I'm Thirsty, I Need Wahwah (NH radio)
00:55:18 Sound Effects Record #32 (NH radio)
00:57:00 The Laughing, Crying, Screaming Masses (NH radio)
00:57:56 Sound Effects Record #33 (NH radio)
00:59:40 B3, B.C. (NH radio)
01:00:09 Coffee And Other Just Desserts (NH radio)
01:01:40 Spring Has Sprung (NH radio)
01:02:38 Chiming In (NH radio)
01:03:25 Scary Robot Man (NH radio)
01:04:09 Playing Pool In Outer Space (NH radio)
01:05:51 Down In The Mines (NH radio)