Sound is used in many different ways in games. Background
music that plays throughout levels as well as the music in the cut scenes, tend
to be the musical selling point of the game. It gives a game its signature
sound which is an aspect that become recognisable, drawing people to the game.
Music and sound that is used throughout the level, from the sounds of the
footsteps of your character, to the sounds of distant enemies. Teaming this
with background music to make an incredibly atmospheric level. However, games
can also understand how the absence of music and sound can also create tension
and an uneasy feel. In game sound effects also need to echo the same tone as
the actual score. All sounds need to link together to make a game flow.
These are a couple of links to lists of music composers
that worked some very well-known titles, that really highlighted the importance
of a good music score.
Everyday I’m discovering soundtracks to games I’ve never
played but love to listen to. I’m a big music fan and I listen to music pretty
much every day. Game scores have this ability to completely remove you from
this world and take you into theirs. As well as relaxing, a lot of game
soundtracks send shivers down my spine, and the hair on my arms stand on end.
The power of music shows no bounds especially when used well in games.
In terms of my first memory of getting that goose bump
feeling from hearing music was from the game Final Fantasy 7. I’ve mentioned
this game in this blog before, purely because it was part of a huge chunk of my
life and I almost feel it’s shaped my outlook on life. As well as the intricate
story teamed with this soundtrack, it’s left a lasting memory that will never
fade from my mind.
The above link is the original full FF7 soundtrack, as
soon as the music started playing the
biggest smile on my face emerged. Nobuo Uematsu is responsible for the music of
the whole final fantasy game series. He’s not as involved in the later, most
recent releases and I can see why. I personally have become less of a fan as
the series continues. Seeing as Nobuo’s input is becoming less and less, my
love of the game follows the same pattern. His staple sounds are always a loving memory
to the fans of the earlier series, including myself. I stumbled upon these
videos from the ‘Tour de Japon’ where by a full orchestral band play the most
memorable tracks from the game, below is the video to the main theme. (just to
let you know, listening to this particular piece of music makes me weep like a
baby)
Also classic Sega mega drive games are part of my
earliest memories of games. These obviously come with instantly recognisable
soundtracks, thanks to their simplicity. Below is just a quick list of some
lasting Sega Mega-drive soundtrack memories and just gaming, childhood memories
in general.
Sonic 2, Streets of rage 2, collumns, golden axe 1&2,
General Chaos and many more.
My most recent discovery of excellent use of musical
score in games are The Last of Us (surprise surprise) and a beautiful game
called Journey.The Last of Us has a very unique sound. The music was
composed by Gustavo Santaolalla and Argentinian musician. He specialised
throughout his career with instrumental music. He created a whole album, making
instrumental music with an instrument called Ronroco, which features in the
soundtrack for The Last of Us. The music is quite sombre and muted, but within
its simplicity, its simply beautiful melodies where what created that staple sound
that rung true with the genre for this game. This is the same with the game
Journey. This game was purely about visuals and the look and feel drove the
story, as well as the epic orchestral music, teamed with the grand scenery that
features within the game.
Video games are becoming a credible media. Cinematic cut scenes with full music
scores rivals film and television. However games have the extra ability of
player interaction, this can fully engulf the viewer into the virtual world of
the game for a more intense experience.
