This time round Origami Killer wants to talk to you about what music means to him, particularly when games use it.
I’ve always been a musical person, in my life I’ve learnt how to play Guitar, Violin and now Piano. So when I play a video game the soundtrack is always something I listen out for. For a game to be great it is essential for it to have a really memorable soundtrack in my opinion; it helps me connect with the game.
What has really brought the subject of soundtracks to my mind is the recent “Video Game Heroes” show as part of the Vision Sound Musical Festival. Here the London Philharmonic Orchestra performed many pieces of music from a series of different video games. More can be read here thanks to our very own TSA News Team.
Moving on from the event I would like to talk about some of my favourite or most memorable soundtracks that I have encountered. There are only a handful of games that I have played where I have stopped playing just to listen to the music in the background. Of course one of these games is Uncharted 2.
The soundtrack of the game is without a doubt the best on any game this generation; it’s varied, compelling and powerful. Other than that, the way it seamlessly changes into different moods is a big part of the Uncharted experience. At one point the music is spurring on action and makes you feel like you are right in the middle of the gunfight, similar to the feeling of a huge blockbuster movie. Then, with a snap of the fingers, the music is low and ominous, filling the atmosphere with tension for the gamer. It is utterly fabulous and ultimately a huge part in making Uncharted 2 the great game it is today.
Another main part of a strong soundtrack in a game is its ability to promote emotion. The title that does this best for me is a tie between Heavy Rain and, although not entirely a game, the Dead Island Teaser Trailer. The music scores in both have really made my eyes water and sometimes even shed a tear. It’s these types of soundtracks that I think connect you with the game most efficiently and they are so intense that you don’t even need an image on the screen to get the same feeling. Also for me the Dead Island melody is so difficult for me to describe, other than moving and compelling I can’t think of any other words that do it justice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_pzIWp5kCA
I also think that a soundtrack is a very good way to immerse you into a game or help you adjust to the culture of that game. L.A. Noire is a prime example; the in game radio features some wonderful songs recorded and produced by various artists around the world who have all re-mastered the 30/40’s Jazz vibe to near perfection. This makes it very easy for me to imagine the world of the game, but this time it is not by emotion but through the culture of the era.
I hope these examples have shown how music can be used so diversely in video games, which as a result refines the experience of gaming. The soundtrack is something I always keep an ear out for, and can sometimes even be a deciding factor in the decision of purchasing games. With the time and effort that goes into recording these musical scores they really should be more appreciated in gaming.
So do you share the same love for game soundtracks – If so have there been any stand alone soundtracks in your gaming experience? Don’t be shy either when admitting that a certain tune made your eyes slightly misty.
yiddo
How has nobody mentioned the Assassins Creeds soundtracks. Jasper Kyds work is sublime. The ‘Ezios Family’ track in AC2 is my favourite track in a game ever. Mortal Kombat has good music too, as it suits its purpose in getting you pumped up to fight.
asparagushunter
Silent Hill 2 for me. Utterly mesmeric soundtrack which you really feel when playing through.
There’s Flower and Grim Fandango too, both I own and both really get you into the mood of the game brilliantly.
Origami Killer
There are so many great soundtracks that I have missed out…
fattyuk
fantastic article ,
got the heavy rain soundtrack on my console slthough I don’t really listen to it, when I do it does bring back memories of the game.
fallout 3s sound track was good and bioshock :D
Origami Killer
thanks, I have listened to Fallout 3 OST and that is great too :)
Darth Newdar
I can’t believe nobody has mentioned Braid’s soundtrack! I thought that was absolutely superb – beautiful, lilting cello melodies perfectly fitting the melancholy mood. The interactivity of the music is also brilliant; when the game is in the rewind mode, the music goes backwards too.
Great article, as well.
colmshan1990
Oh yes, Braid’s soundtrack is a winner.
Origami Killer
again another soundtrack that I will have to check out, thanks for the response
Kaminari
You don’t know what game soundtrack means if you don’t mention Shenmue.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ly6qB2IFpCE
TURRICAN-808
I found the soundtrack to the God Of War games did justice to the quality of the games. Also, the quality of the musical score did justice to the game – i highly recommend gamers to check those games out on a good sound system.
TSBonyman
The theme for flow , and the music while you sit on the couch to save in Ico are two pieces of game music that spring to mind.
Kennykazey
The soundtrack means alot to the experience a game brings. I’d like to give a shout out to the Super Mario games, particularly 64 and the older ones. Also the GTA games, but they’re different as they use multiple radio-stations making it possible for the player to set the mood. Jet Set Radio Future needs a mention, as does the Final Fantasy and Zelda games. Oh, and let’s not forget the Halo series, Halo 2 had an amazing soundtrack.
gideon1451
I own the Battlefield: Bad Company soundtrack, as well as those of Bioshock, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Oblivion, Portal 2, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.
All excellent :)