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"Soundtracks-Do They Matter?"

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.

its all rumours remember though. FF and tekken havnt been confirmed yet. FF is likely to come out on the x-box but not sure of a GC version. Namco are working on a beat em up for the GC but we dont know what it is. could be tekken, could be soul calibur2. could be somthing new

Metal gear liqiud, now that is a good idea. I think a Metal gear will come to gc, same as FF and tekken

Could it's big brother be the previous MGS games on the Gameboy or it could be Metal Gear LIQUID being that it said 'bigger brother'. Imagine it, a game where you take hold of a nuclear storage facility to destroy the world!

Reading that has just made me remind me self of something.

This is what Konmai said

"The GBA version of Metal gear soild 2 will link up with its older brother"

But they haven't OFFICAL annocued the game on the Gamecube. So, what could the big brother be... (sarcasim doesn't work in text)

Why doesn't games like MGS go on all consoles, not only will companies make more money but people without a certain console can get games which they normally couldn't e.g ......Hmmm... how about, ahh no that's been done... oh, how about MGS!

MGS2 is PS2-only at the moment.

Yes!! {:)
> Sorry...

GGGRRRRRRR!!!!

I think Iron Maiden make a better sound track.... oh no thats my cd player! :)

pritty strong rumours that versions of the game will go to x-box and possibly Gamecube. its where the money is at. making games for all consoles an all.

FrEaK Of ThE (mr) DaRk wrote:
> MGS, should come back to its home, its starting place. Nintendo, not
> that i like it....................... no................... (i
> didn't want it on the n64...)

MGS2 is PS2-only at the moment.

Yes!! {:) Sorry...

Mantis wrote:
> I've just been playing crazy taxi 2 and I can say that the
> soundtrack( by offspring) adds alot to the style and mood of the
> game.

If any of you have played it, Jetsetradio has some of the
> best BGM of any game I have ever played. Its so funky and really
> makes tha game come alive.

Played it round my mates on Monday and the music for it makes such a good atmosphere, a wrecking atmosphere!

GTA also had a pumping soundtrack. Made the game ten times better. i loved having my sub on full when i was playing that game.