Music is one of the most important aspects of the game, which directly affects the formation of opinions about the game, sensations, and emotions. The soundtrack can play both the role of a purely additional element, for example, to create an atmosphere or convey the mood of a scene, or a gameplay element, an example of this use of music can be Genshin Impact.
The carefully crafted soundtrack in Genshin Impact serves as a fundamental component that enhances the overall gaming experience. As players explore the diverse regions of the world, they are accompanied by region-specific soundtracks that reflect the cultural aesthetics and themes of each area. During intense battles with formidable foes, the soundtrack dynamically shifts to match the intensity and urgency of the situation. This synchronization not only enhances the gameplay but also fosters a stronger connection between the player and the virtual world. In a game like this, this is very important, because it is very difficult in itself, even though it is played by gamers of all ages. Many even experienced players order genshin impact boosting because it can be very difficult for them to upgrade heroes, go through game activities and be at the top.
The soundtrack is an element of the environment and creates an atmosphere
The usage of ambient music is the most basic example. Furthermore, depending on the player’s location, the atmosphere of the scene, or even the point in the tale they have experienced, the style, genre, and instruments utilized to create this particular soundtrack may vary. Some songs are composed with specific feelings in mind for the listener. For instance, Akira Yamaoka, the composer of the Silent Hill series, used the audio to create a mood and sense of presence in the mist. after Akira established the series’ aesthetic, it is not surprising that Silent Hill has changed significantly after he departed.
Also, it is interesting to use certain compositions to convey emotions and the general mood of the story. For example, the composition Can’t Say Goodbye To Yesterday from Metal Gear Solid: Sons of Liberty conveys nostalgia and longing for days gone by. This method of transmission makes the soundtrack not an additional aspect, but a full-fledged part of the story and gameplay and contributes to a higher entry threshold.
Moreover, a change in the soundtrack or a change in the composition can be a marker, which, for example, marks the transition of the boss to the next phase or the end of the battle altogether. Music can be directly integrated into the gameplay. In some games, the soundtrack is the basis of the game, and the entire gameplay is based on hitting the rhythm of the music or creating one.
How does the soundtrack affect the perception of the game?
Music sets the pace and mood, along with the color scheme or style. The soundtrack cannot catch so much with just one composition, you need something for the process. Moreover, the musical accompaniment should not only be suitable for the situation but also stylistically fit into what is happening. You can’t immediately turn on rap or dubstep after an epic orchestra (unless it suits the style of the game) – this will destroy the whole atmosphere, all the heat will disappear, and the former admiration will be replaced, at best, by disappointment. For example, the Hotline Miami series would hardly have gained such fame without such a driving soundtrack, because it affects the pace and style of the game. It is among the 25 best video game soundtracks. A different, slower, calmer, and more relaxing soundtrack would drastically change the approach of the player and the developers themselves to the game, and in the end, it would be a completely different project.
In The Witcher 3, the Slavic motifs in Velen earn additional points from players in Poland, the Czech Republic, and other Slavic countries, as it resonates with their native culture. It is something familiar and it is precisely the music that influences the change in perception of the game, depending on who the person playing it is. Stealth games intentionally use tense, but not driving and loud soundtracks, so that the player feels the tension of the atmosphere and plays carefully, carefully considering his movements, and not rushing ahead. Quite the opposite works music in meat shooters in the spirit of Serious Sam or Doom. There, the soundtrack encourages the player to act, all the while increasing the degree of rigidity and drive.
Metal Soundtracks
- The “Doom” series is renowned for its heavy metal soundtracks composed by Mick Gordon.
- The “Quake” series, developed by id Software, also features iconic metal soundtracks. The original “Quake” game, composed by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, brought a dark and industrial metal sound that became synonymous with the game’s atmospheric and eerie gameplay.
- “Brütal Legend”: This heavy metal-themed action-adventure game was developed by Double Fine Productions and is overseen by Tim Schafer.
- “Guitar Hero” Series: While not exclusively metal, the “Guitar Hero” series introduced players to a wide range of rock and metal tracks.
Conclusion
In the world of gaming, music plays a vital role in shaping players’ opinions, sensations, and emotions. It serves as an integral element that can enhance the atmosphere, convey moods, and even directly impact gameplay.
