kevin stulen Posted May 1, 2001 Posted May 1, 2001 I don't know if anyone here plays video games but... What do you think of video game music and its progression from blips and beeps to symphonic works? I grew up with the atari and have been enthralled by video games ever since even though my first love is and always will be music. I really love the culmination of well orchestrated music and video games. I can see that video games may become the "movies" of the future. Any thoughts on video game music or the future of this meduim? "Lets test his powers!" -Espresso Guy
Jeff Klopmeyer Posted May 1, 2001 Posted May 1, 2001 If you're not already aware, you'd be blown away to see what type of production goes into audio in general (soundtracks included) for video games these days. I have friends who make their entire living as session players on game tracks. I have other friends whose studios are thriving due to recording video game songs and effects. My personal faves: anything dark and dreary, such as "Silent Hill" or "Resident Evil 2". "Diablo II" also has a cool soundtrack. As much production goes into sound on these projects as feature movies. It's no wonder you dig it. - Jeff Marketing Communications for MI/Pro Audio My solo music and stuff They Stole My Crayon
SolipsismX Posted May 1, 2001 Posted May 1, 2001 I like how soundtracks are getting more work put into them in video games, but to be honest, they're still pretty cheesy. I mean the final fantasy series has a crap load of orchestration and work put into it, but it's still not very good. And now game makers think that if they throw on a bunch fo rock bands on the soundtrack it'll be cool. But if anything, it's just annoying. My favorite two soundtracks for video games would have to be Grim Fandango and Quake. Grim Fandango is a great game and the soundtrack works with it magnificently. It doesn't ever overscore (which is a huge problem with new video game soundtracks). It's part mariachi, part lounge jazz, part movie soundtrack. And quake... well quake is the only video game soundtrack worth listening to outide the game. Trent didn't do some cheesy guitar rock crap that a lot of other pop musicians have tried in the past. It was totally spooky and I there's a rumor going around that he's gonna score DOOM 3 which will be something to look forward to.
kevin stulen Posted May 1, 2001 Author Posted May 1, 2001 Yeah! The music is getting more and more advanced as the gaming public becomes more diverse. Video games aren't only for kids anymore! I love the music of Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy, and most other RPGs. The music may be a little cheesy but its getting better and I can't wait to see how far it will go! "Lets test his powers!" -Espresso Guy
DOS Posted May 2, 2001 Posted May 2, 2001 I actually applied for a position as music composer for Interplay, but unfortunately, I never got the job... (my Protools knowledge was weak at the time). First off, I love the game music of classic NES games and such. Those days when I was 8, I knew a good video game soundtrack when I heard one and now I'm 18 and I emulate those classic games and play them on my computer. It's funny how I don't remember much about my favorite games except for their soundtracks. The greatest soundtrack for an NES game had to be Ikari Warriors II, Victory Road. It seemed like back then, although so simple, they were so "catchy" in a way. I remember when I was 12, I used to subscribe to Nintendo Power magazine and all they talked about was their upcoming system, the Nintendo Ultra 64 (now known as the n64), scheduled for release in two years and the first game that was supposed to come out for it was not Mario, but Killer Instinct. That summer, I remember playing Killer Instinct at a Las Vegas arcade and I loved the soundtrack and still do! I bought it from Nintendo immidiately. I know I'm talking about something that most of you are to old to care about or just don't, but for those of you who have heard "Sabrewolf's" theme from KI which almost sounds like a Bach Fugue for an entire orchestra, you know what I mean. That is the greatest track ever written for a video game! Mike
SolipsismX Posted May 2, 2001 Posted May 2, 2001 HAHA, I got the Killer Instinct cd when i bought the game for my N64 and I loved the sabrewulf song. I could be wrong, but I remember the spinal thems also being VERY cool.
d-kay Posted May 2, 2001 Posted May 2, 2001 well, being a "computer-kid" myself I enjoy good computer-music, although they are always cheesy. There is just no way around it. You just can't just listen to it without the game itself. They have the same "style" somehow. I think it's mainly because there are almost never any lyrics. And the music always has to remain in the background, compared to themes being composed as movie-soundtracks (I mean the REAL soundtracks, where the songs are INSIDE the movie, and not just some promotion-stuff). And for people that enjoy computer-soundtracks: listen to P3 (it's a radio-station) tuesdays at 20:30 CET go here http://www.sr.se/lyssna/ and click on P3 I particularly enjoy the theme to Commando (C64) and Mario bros (NES).
kevin stulen Posted May 2, 2001 Author Posted May 2, 2001 I have to agree with DOS... I remember the music much more than the game itself. I still catch myself humming the Metroid theme or the music for Level 3 in Blaster Master. Its amazing how long you can keep those memories fresh.... tips and tricks, passwords, blistered thumbs.... ahhhh. I get a real kick out of hearing and producing remixes of video games themes and songs. There is nothings that brings a smile to my face faster than hearing one of those old 8-bit themes... ------------------ "Lets test his powers!" -Espresso Guy "Lets test his powers!" -Espresso Guy
kevin stulen Posted May 2, 2001 Author Posted May 2, 2001 just curious...does anyone remember this one? up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, Start. or... JUSTIN BAILEY ------ ------ Ahhhhh... how do people remember this stuff? Better question why do I remember this stuff? ------------------ "Lets test his powers!" -Espresso Guy "Lets test his powers!" -Espresso Guy
Dave Bryce Posted May 2, 2001 Posted May 2, 2001 Originally posted by kevin stulen: I have to agree with DOS... I remember the music much more than the game itself. I still catch myself humming the Metroid theme Metroid - one of my all time faves. I played all three of them, including the Game-boy version. I hear they have a new one cooking... I thought the original Zelda adventure theme was infectious. It's back in the Mask of Majora. dB ==> David Bryce Music • Funky Young Monks <== Professional Affiliations: Royer Labs • Music Player Network
lrossmusic Posted May 2, 2001 Posted May 2, 2001 Any thoughts on video game music or the future of this meduim? You might try contacting Tim Larkin who was fearured on the cover of a recent Roland User Group Magazine. The feature talks about his success in this area and mentions that he can be reached through his web page http://www.mp3.com/timlarkin This message has been edited by lrossmusic@hotmail.com on 05-02-2001 at 07:21 PM
kevin stulen Posted May 2, 2001 Author Posted May 2, 2001 Right on Dave!! All the Metroid games have rocked! I can't wait to see the new Metroid on the GameCube. The Zelda themes are very "infectious" as you say. You have to hand to the developers of these games. Creating a melody that you don't mind hearing tons of times, repeating while you play, is no easy task. Has anyone ever written music for a game? Published or not? I think its very fun to try and write different music for game you play often or remix the theme. Has anyone else done that or am I just a video game nerd? Well, I know I am but what are ya gonna do? http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif "Lets test his powers!" -Espresso Guy
jorge_dup1 Posted May 3, 2001 Posted May 3, 2001 The best video game music I've heard: Nintendo: Megaman 2,3, castlevania, zelda (I used to buy nes games only for their music!!!) SNES: Top Gear, Axelay, Castlevania, Final Fantasy III, Secret of Mana. N64: I don't like any of the n64 game music (not even Killer Instinct). This music is what has given me skills in sequencing, they're not difficult to perform and they are very arrangable. I just bough the K2600 and the Zelda songs I created sounded great.
DOS Posted May 4, 2001 Posted May 4, 2001 Actually jorge, to my disappointment, Killer Instinct never made it to the final n64 even though that was all Nintendo ever talked about. But you're right--I really can't think of a cool n64 track. Mike
SolipsismX Posted May 6, 2001 Posted May 6, 2001 The only songs i liked for the n64 were the new songs they made for Mario64 and Zelda64. Although sadly, both games were missing their orignal main titles. I know this isn't a video game discussion board or anything, but the new metroid is gonna be in 1st person... that SUCKS. Also, anybody know how I can score tickets to E3? I've got money...
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