 |
Let’s play a rather simple game. Below, I have listed 3 links to video game audio tracks. Open each in a new tab on your web browser and attempt not to look at the title or picture. Listen to each and try to imagine the environment or situation that the composer(s) were attempting to express. See if your vision is the same as the answers listed at the end of my blog post.
When analyzing video game aesthetics, it is important to not only consider the beauty of the visual representation in the media, but also the audio. I agree with Nielson that game sound is not recognized as highly by the masses. He argues that people traditionally ignore its presence and are generally not taught how to describe its qualities. This is often the case with other digital media such as movies. “In film studies, for instance, sound has received extremely limited attention relative to its importance for the experience of a movie.” I personally believe this is a shame and think that most individuals underestimate the magnificence of game audio. Video game audio was introduced during the 1970’s. For the next several decades, the tracks were stored as MIDI files. As far as sound quality went, many saw it as rather primitive and nothing extraordinary. How could somebody admire the “beeps and boops” coming out of a video game console? Well, have you ever actually listened to the compositions? Have you ever heard the soundtracks for Mega Man or Final Fantasy? Sure, the quality is not up to par with modern rock or jazz, but the potential is definitely there. The composition as a whole is far more intriguing and complex than most songs I’ve ever heard on the radio. Not only do they have beautiful melodies, but they convey a setting or mood. Music is one of the most expressive and powerful methods of storytelling out there. Nielson breaks down game audio into four features that, as a whole, create the sound landscape in video games. They are vocalization, sound effects, ambient effects and music. Nearly all modern games encompass these four elements. Imagine how your game play experience would be affected if games like Grand Theft Auto IV did not have characters that spoke. How about games like Call of Duty where guns and explosions don’t make any noise? Would Guitar Hero even exist if there was no music? As you can see, it is important to admire the effects video game audio has on our experience playing games.
Although they often serve as an enhancement to set the mood, I previously stated that it should not be underestimated. In fact, many orchestral pieces have been written for games. Top orchestras around the world, such as the Tokyo Philharmonic, have made recordings and performed them for the public. So I now challenge you. If you still don’t believe me that video game pieces can be considered among the elite in music, then attend Video Games Live at the Chicago Theater on November 6th. Maybe I’ll see you there.
*********************************
ANSWERS FOR THE MUSIC LINKS:
1. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (2004) – A caravan group traveling across the plains
2. Super Metroid (1994) – A mysterious, underwater cavern
3. Final Fantasy VII (1997) – Epic battle with the antagonist of the game
*********************************
Were any of you correct in your predictions? Do you think that music has the ability to express a setting or story just as well as another form of media such as a movie or book?
omg! Thanks for those musics.
ReplyDelete:)