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"Soundtracks-Do They Matter?"

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Wed 25/07/01 at 21:31
Regular
Posts: 787
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.
Wed 25/07/01 at 23:32
Posts: 0
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...)
Wed 25/07/01 at 23:31
Regular
"Oi you- sort it out"
Posts: 2,969
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.
Wed 25/07/01 at 23:30
Posts: 0
Ant wrote:
> Veron 4 wrote:
> i game has no atmosphere without a decent
> soundtrack.

Exactly. In Cold Blood had a poor atmosphere. Why??
> Npu soundtrack.

MGS had an awesome atmosphere. Why?? Amazing
> soundtrack.

That's not including that there is no other game that can complete with it's sheer brilliance! The only thing that colud make MGS better is to make it into a virtual reality game to see how skillful we really are!
Wed 25/07/01 at 23:30
Regular
Posts: 15,579
this another reason why Goldeneye on the N64 was one of da best multiplayers ever. Some of the mixes of the bond music were really cool and made for aan excellent atmosphere.
Wed 25/07/01 at 23:28
Posts: 0
I have said this before as my former self...


But i think music is a very important factor in the feel of a game. Say if a Perfect Dark death match had "It's raning men" as its theme it wouldn't be as formal. Like wise if Looney tones had Cradle of fith's "Her goast in the fog" as its theme, it wouldn't go as well. (i got loads of ninity music for napster... when it was good)
Wed 25/07/01 at 23:25
Regular
"I like cheese"
Posts: 16,918
Veron 4 wrote:
> i game has no atmosphere without a decent soundtrack.

Exactly. In Cold Blood had a poor atmosphere. Why?? Npu soundtrack.

MGS had an awesome atmosphere. Why?? Amazing soundtrack.
Wed 25/07/01 at 23:24
Posts: 0
Right on Argentinian football supporter!
Wed 25/07/01 at 23:21
Regular
Posts: 15,579
i game has no atmosphere without a decent soundtrack.
Wed 25/07/01 at 23:16
Posts: 0
More than graphics
Wed 25/07/01 at 23:14
Posts: 15,443
Of equal amounts, I'd say.

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