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The music
of videogames often subtly influences the mood of
the player, enhancing the gameplay by drawing
the player deeper into the experience. Several
examples of clip from videogames are included here to illustrate
various techniques composers utilize.
WIZARDRY8
– COMBAT CLIPS
In
the fantasy role-playing game "Wizardy
8," players are no strangers to combat. Depending on the skill
level of the player and the enemies faced, fights can be easy and quick,
or long, drawn out battle for survival. The score composer, Kevin Manthei, augmented the
combat experience by accompanying it with music that reflects the
difficulty level.
Easy Combat – The music for combat with smaller, weak
enemies is more upbeat and noble, emphasizing the bravery and strength of
the player. It is slower and calmer than other combat situations.
Normal Combat – A more challenging fight, more
emphasis is on the danger in the situation. The pace is noticeably
quicker, and the higher strings and blatting brass signals a more
chaotic, tense situation.
Tough Combat – A desperate, no-holds-barred battle
for survival is accompanied with pounding percussion, dischordant
strings, and a very fast tempo.
DEAD
TORIGHTS – AMBIENT AND COMBAT CLIPS
"Dead
to Rights," an action combat game, uses
fast-paced techno and orchestral music as a background
to the dark, seedy world the main character must navigate to accomplish
his objectives. While combat is frequent, it isn’t constant; there
are times of relative calm in between battles. Kevin
Manthei’s music reflects this with similar
scene-specific calm and combat passages.
Ambient – An example of music played during a time
of relative calm. It is slower, simpler, and quieter.
Action – With themes and instruments common to
"ambient" track, the music for action segues to battle with a
quickening of pace and louder instrumentation, creating a tenser
background to the combat.
Music
clips ™ and ©respective owners. Used with permission from composer
Kevin Manthei.
http://www.kmmproductions.com/
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