Adventure game background music?

Oz · Sat 07/08/2004 03:28:58

Okay, here's the deal. My current solo project is a top-down dark and brooding cyberpunk adventure. I've been toying around with music for this project, and I'm pretty happy with the current style. Here is a short sample of what the music will sound like:

http://hem.bredband.net/minefield/track.wav

My question is:

Is music like this suitable for background music or should it be used as cutscene/title music? I'm thinking relatively rich music like that might be annoying to hear during actual gameplay. Any thoughts on this? I'm guessing a smooth pulsing bass and a light and slow beat might do the trick (something that won't tax the player too much).

In a comedy adventure, you can have a funny och cheerful tune (rich) playing because it works out with the visuals and the feel of the game, but for a dark game (dependent on a placid feel) like this I'm thinking something slow and mellow might do the trick.

rtf · Sat 07/08/2004 05:32:32

Very nice track.
I'd suggest using it for title-cutscene music. Like you said, it would probably be a little annoying for the player to hear a lead instrument during gametime.
But it's perfect for a title screen.
Looking forward to hearing more music from you.

mousemat · Sat 07/08/2004 11:24:19

definetly title music this would not fit a background

Mr Jake · Sat 07/08/2004 11:32:13

Id say cut scene music. Very nice one at that

Oz · Sun 08/08/2004 01:27:37

I updated the track with some... hmmm... well an 80s guitar solo.

http://hem.bredband.net/jericho/track.ogg

sedriss · Sun 08/08/2004 11:28:05

I love it.
Totally a titlescreen/intro song.

Pet Terry · Sun 08/08/2004 14:23:20

Ah, another excellent tune, I'd say it would very well in the intro cutscene. Could work as a background music for a map screen aswell.

Really nice atmosphere you've got here... it reminds me of some movies/tv programs of 80s, I can imagine an apartement, and from the window you see neon light jungle of city at night.

Seeing that you're going to make a serious game, I suggest you use atmospheric background tunes with a light and slow drum beat, as you said. Also, use as much ambient sound as possible with music, like noise of traffic etc.

Keep it up, I look forward to your game.

Haddas · Sun 08/08/2004 15:32:35

Please, please, PLEASE include a saxophone in the background music. I adores the saxophone.

And about the tune. It reminds me SO much about the tunes in SimCity 4. Played it? If not for the game, then for the music, because this track is adorable, just like in SimCity 4.

I apologize if you don't get what I mean. I always go like this when I like something...

Oz · Sun 08/08/2004 21:06:18

Quote from: Haddas on Sun 08/08/2004 15:32:35
Please, please, PLEASE include a saxophone in the background music. I adores the saxophone.

And about the tune. It reminds me SO much about the tunes in SimCity 4. Played it? If not for the game, then for the music, because this track is adorable, just like in SimCity 4.

I apologize if you don't get what I mean. I always go like this when I like something...

Yeah, I actually thought about adding a sax. Might make it just a bit more sleazy.

I'll have to check SimCity 4 out.

Petteri,

Yes, I would like to use lots of ambient sounds. Too bad there is only one channel for ambient playback.

Thanks for the C&C!