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We all argue over whether graphics or gameplay matter the most, or whether games are too long or short, but do we ever really argue about the soundtrack?
In my opinion, a good soundtrack can vastly improve the enjoyment of a game. I am going to give you some examples of this, and perhaps say why soundtracks can be so important.
Firstly, lets compare. I’m going to compare Metal Gear Solid and In Cold Blood-both on PlayStation. One of the reasons I love MGS is the great soundtrack. Why? Well, it always fits the mood of the game, and can really add to the tension and the excitement. For instace, the music in stealth mode is always rather quiet and slow, and can be quite menacing. When you are caught, a very loud alarm sounds, and the music all of a sudden becomes fast and loud.
The music in stealth mode increases the tension a lot, and it can be very surprising when you hear that loud alarm. The music of MGS really improved the overall feel of the game, and helped me to enjoy it much more.
In Cold Blood, or from what I’ve played, hardly has any soundtrack at all. At a couple of points music could be heard, but it was very quiet, and you hardly noticed it. When you weren’t attacking guards, it became very dull, and when you were found, and you were shooting, there was still no change! I mean- the guns sounded bad enough, but there was no exciting music at all! Nothing. Zilch. Jack all. In the end I got very tired of In Cold Blood, and I think it’s one of the most boring games I’ve ever played, to be brutally honest.
In driving games, a decent soundtrack is imperative. Every single Gran Turismo game has a superb soundtrack, and it shows that the makers have put a lot of effort into it. There are many different artists on there, and even though some tracks may not be something you would like to buy, they are perfect for a game like GT3, and it adds to the entertainment. You can sing along while driving a Nissan Castrol Tom’s Supra, or just listen instead of screaming when you spin that Tuscan Speed 12. Again, I believe GT3, and it’s predecessors for that matter, would be a bit more dull without their great soundtracks.
So, how important are soundtracks? More so than gameplay? Probably not. More so than graphics? Maybe. The soundtrack adds to the gameplay, making the game more enjoyable and a little more exciting at times. I would say a good soundtrack is a must in driving games, and very important in most shooters and RPGs.
Thanks for reading, Ant.
In my opinion, a good soundtrack can vastly improve the enjoyment of a game. I am going to give you some examples of this, and perhaps say why soundtracks can be so important.
Firstly, lets compare. I’m going to compare Metal Gear Solid and In Cold Blood-both on PlayStation. One of the reasons I love MGS is the great soundtrack. Why? Well, it always fits the mood of the game, and can really add to the tension and the excitement. For instace, the music in stealth mode is always rather quiet and slow, and can be quite menacing. When you are caught, a very loud alarm sounds, and the music all of a sudden becomes fast and loud.
The music in stealth mode increases the tension a lot, and it can be very surprising when you hear that loud alarm. The music of MGS really improved the overall feel of the game, and helped me to enjoy it much more.
In Cold Blood, or from what I’ve played, hardly has any soundtrack at all. At a couple of points music could be heard, but it was very quiet, and you hardly noticed it. When you weren’t attacking guards, it became very dull, and when you were found, and you were shooting, there was still no change! I mean- the guns sounded bad enough, but there was no exciting music at all! Nothing. Zilch. Jack all. In the end I got very tired of In Cold Blood, and I think it’s one of the most boring games I’ve ever played, to be brutally honest.
In driving games, a decent soundtrack is imperative. Every single Gran Turismo game has a superb soundtrack, and it shows that the makers have put a lot of effort into it. There are many different artists on there, and even though some tracks may not be something you would like to buy, they are perfect for a game like GT3, and it adds to the entertainment. You can sing along while driving a Nissan Castrol Tom’s Supra, or just listen instead of screaming when you spin that Tuscan Speed 12. Again, I believe GT3, and it’s predecessors for that matter, would be a bit more dull without their great soundtracks.
So, how important are soundtracks? More so than gameplay? Probably not. More so than graphics? Maybe. The soundtrack adds to the gameplay, making the game more enjoyable and a little more exciting at times. I would say a good soundtrack is a must in driving games, and very important in most shooters and RPGs.
Thanks for reading, Ant.
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Mario... Sunshine. Related to the weather.
sound tracks are not something that you buy a game for alone but you do tend to notice them especialy when you can identify the game and level from a catchy tune - conkers bad fur day had a good sound track
oh come on....the original mario music is da best ingame music ever invented.
I'm afraid that is the problem with FOG-people seem to go off the topics after about 40 replies.
Anyway, most of it was about gaming, so that's okay.
I hope the sound's a lot bettr, as it wasn't very good on GBC. And it doesn't live up to the PS2-you can't really expect it to, can you?
Anyway, most of it was about gaming, so that's okay.
I hope the sound's a lot bettr, as it wasn't very good on GBC. And it doesn't live up to the PS2-you can't really expect it to, can you?
Sadly Ant, only half the replies were about your original message.
The soundtracks on the GBA have got a better sound quality than it's older brother's and the games music sound's so much better than on the GB's but still doesn't quite live up to the sound quality of the PS2.
But I find that the Super Mario Advance soundtrack so annoying I feel that the game could take a journey to gaming heaven via the bin! The game itself is good but the soundtrack is awful! (In my opinion anyway!)
The soundtracks on the GBA have got a better sound quality than it's older brother's and the games music sound's so much better than on the GB's but still doesn't quite live up to the sound quality of the PS2.
But I find that the Super Mario Advance soundtrack so annoying I feel that the game could take a journey to gaming heaven via the bin! The game itself is good but the soundtrack is awful! (In my opinion anyway!)
What are the soundtracks on GBA like, can I ask??
Anyway, thanks for making this a very popular topic guys! Cheers for the replies.
Anyway, thanks for making this a very popular topic guys! Cheers for the replies.
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