A Discussion about music in Fighting Games (or any Video Game)

[Force_of_Nature]

Being a bit of a musician myself, I tend to pay attention to how music is implemented in video games (and movies to an extent). If anyone plays a FG with me online, the main deciding factor for what stage I determine is not really the design, but the music selection associated with the stage and how it makes me feel or complement my mood.

Sometimes I want intense music for a fast-paced battle or calmer music for a more slower-paced or methodical battle, and of course "epic" music for those epic encounters (oh how I love Elysium's "Sacred Dawn" theme!) for instance. I feel that music is a sometimes overlooked but surprisingly engaging element to fighting games (or games in general) because of how it draws you into the battle and scenario at hand. I can't describe how much of a turnoff it is to me to play a game with poor music hammering away in the background (I mean no disrespect to VF players, but the music of VF5FS could use a little improvement).

This is one of the first things I've noticed about SoulCalibur, the music is utterly fantastic and arguably the best that you'll find in a fighting game.

Check out these pieces and see for your self:

Ephermeral Dream

Hubris

Halcyon Harbor

Phantasmagoria

Sacred Dawn

Adorned by Evil
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdxujJmrL-Q

And 5 of my personal favourite songs

Future Perfect (TSFP)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1Vo9c0iTC0&feature=relmfu

Scrap and Build Ourselves AKA. Revolutionary Etude. (Eternal Sonata)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_XLNE77Sqw

Ultimate Being (Parasite Eve)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLoKsTqm-4Y

Antarctica (TM2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccGGL2yl6rc&feature=related

Bridge Assault (PDZ)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87Ri-GmSQfM

So what do you think about the role and implementation of music in Fighting Games? How does it affect you (if at all) and what's your take on this rather "behind the action" element? Feel free also to share your music preferences from Fighting Games too, since I'm curious to see other people's tastes!

Happy listening!

 

[Mr.MeatHook]

I just want it to be louder. These songs have alot of subtle elements, and often the only parts you'll hear are the loudest parts, like in Regalia or Brutal Instinct. (You know the parts I'm talking about).

Also I LOVE Mischevious Whispers.

 

[Force_of_Nature]

You can edit the volume of the music in the sound options such as making sound effects, like a 12 and music a 15. I personally haven't had any qualms with the music and like how it's well orchestrated but doesn't "overbear" itself over the battle at hand.

 

[Mr.MeatHook]

You can edit the volume of the music in the sound options such as making sound effects, like a 12 and music a 15. I personally haven't had any qualms with the music and like how it's well orchestrated but doesn't "overbear" itself over the battle at hand.

I turned the music volume up to max, I guess I meant I just wanted the more subtle elements (repeating yourself FTW) to stand out more. Like in MW all you hear id the really high fluttering instrument and in BI all you hear is the tuba.

 

[Reave]

I ignore music in fast paced games for the most part unless i use my own with the feature on the 360. Dynasty Warriors 7 has the best soundtrack I have ever heard in a game though.