Arcen Games: Music/Sound

[Mánagarmr]

Okay, so a bit of a reply here then:

"Warp" is the one I really don't like. I didn't like it much in the earlier versions, but the remastered track emphasizes the electrical guitar too much and makes it stand out and "disturb" the feeling of the song. It feels like it doesn't really fit with the rest of the tune.

"Odyssey" is also one I find myself turning the audio down on. Not so much because of the tune itself, but because it seems to be much louder in volume than the rest. The lead strings are also very intense and kinda cuts through your thoughts and is "in the way" of the game. Other than that it's actually a nice tune. I love it when the background "pulsing" strings come in.

"Midnight" requires a special mention, because it's just effing awesome. Seriously, this tune makes me all dreamy and stuff. The melody is very soothing and as an amateur musician, I love the way the chords change. LOVE IT! Period.

"EnergyStorm" was a tune that really became a masterpiece with the remastering. It's on par with Midnight. Absolutely beautiful.

"Neinzul Lullaby" was the one I was thinking of. I get a distinct "Tidalis" feel of this tune. It's very nice to listen to, but not sure it really fits with AI:War. Or I'm just spoiled with the Tidalis soundtrack xD

[PVega8]

You know, we must have very similar tastes, because "Warp" and "Odyssey" are two that I had a problem with as well.

One of the reasons I'm taking another look at some of these tracks are because of these two tracks specifically. Warp might end up just getting scrapped if I don't find a good mix for all the instruments. And you're ABSOLUTELY right about Odyssey being too loud. It's not just loud, it's kind of piercing.

These will definitely be fixed.

If you like "Midnight", then the next track being currently composed and recorded "The Next Chapter" will be right up your alley. I'm really excited about it.

Haha, the Neinzul Lullaby does kind of have a very tribal (almost Tidalis like) feel. You're right! I really like that song haha.

Thanks so much for your input! I'm glad we're seeing eye-to-eye!

[Mánagarmr]

You know, we must have very similar tastes, because "Warp" and "Odyssey" are two that I had a problem with as well.

One of the reasons I'm taking another look at some of these tracks are because of these two tracks specifically. Warp might end up just getting scrapped if I don't find a good mix for all the instruments. And you're ABSOLUTELY right about Odyssey being too loud. It's not just loud, it's kind of piercing.

These will definitely be fixed.

If you like "Midnight", then the next track being currently composed and recorded "The Next Chapter" will be right up your alley. I'm really excited about it.

Haha, the Neinzul Lullaby does kind of have a very tribal (almost Tidalis like) feel. You're right! I really like that song haha.

Thanks so much for your input! I'm glad we're seeing eye-to-eye!

Almost ashamed to say that I wouldn't cry if Warp was scrapped. I personally don't even feel it has much potential, but who knows, you might make some miracles with it! I'd be really happy for a new version of Odyssey, because it's a good and engaging tune, just very much out of balance as it stands.

Also eagerly awaiting your new tune! I really like your style, so I pretty much think I'll like it (You're very different from my own kinda music though. Then again, I haven't really composed anything in a couple of years )

[PVega8]

Well get back on the bandwagon!

Unless you're incredibly busy, in which case I understand. Otherwise, nothing's stopping you! Composition doesn't require a lot of fancy machines. Just an open mind and a pencil.

[Mánagarmr]

Hehe, I think time is what is lacking. I can mostly only compose when in a certain state of emotion, and when I'm busy with life, I generally don't get these strong emotions required to push a song through. But it happens, occasionally. Still have both my piano and my guitar here at home and use them weekly. Just don't really compose much.

Also, speaking of Tidalis: I've said it before, and I say it again. The intro for Tidalis is magic. One of the absolute best intro tunes I've ever heard. I absolutely adore it.

[PVega8]

Well I'm happy to hear it!

One of these days i'm upload some of the songs I've written on MySpace and facebook so you guys can hear the work I've done that isn't Arcen related.

[Inglonias]

Dang it, Pablo! How did you know I'm a sucker for the piano?!

Midnight is spot-on gorgeous. Love it!

I agree. The remastering of Warp is a bit... off... Feels... rough? The last version seemed a bit smoother with the guitar than this. Its like the original was played with a synth, and now its a live recording that's less well-done.

[PVega8]

Yeah, i'm really going to see if it's fixable. Otherwise, it might just get scrapped.

Thanks! Piano is my primary instrument, so you'll hear it in pretty much everything I do haha.

[eoraptor]

What is the track that is featured on the Youtube trailer for A.I. War on the front page of the site? I don't remember hearing that particular arrangement during gameplay and I quite like it. I think it does a very nice job of sampling the mood of the game, and I'd love to hear a version without the ocassional "thuds" that accompany the trailer text

And as long as I'm posting here, I'd like to add my compliments to the music overall... just outstanding. In particular, tracks I always look forward to in a game are "Birth of the Golems" - I love how it builds and builds up to that epic finish - and EnergyStorm - there's something very dreamlike about the watching the galaxy go up in fire, all mayhem breaking loose, set to the backdrop of that beautiful piano...

[PVega8]

Thanks, I really appreciate the compliments!

That track in the trailer was actually composed solely for that trailer. But, it's an interesting though to re-work it and bring it on as an in-game track. Especially considering that I might scrap "Warp" all together.

I'll let ya'll know once I make a decision. Thanks again!

[Mánagarmr]

That would be pretty awesome actually. RIP "Warp", though.

[PVega8]

Final edits of the original soundtrack (with all the umph and bass added back in) coming at you guys in the next couple of weeks. I'm finishing the final mixes and mastering now, they sound awesome! And alas... RIP to "Warp", there was no way around it. Luckily, there is a new track "The Next Chapter" to replace it.

Look out for the album release on iTunes in a week as well!

[Mánagarmr]

Happy to see Warp go xD Also, are the new tunes in the game for release day, or are they not in?

[PVega8]

I'm still finishing them up now, so we'll see. They should be out for the official release.

[PVega8]

Do any of you use Logic or Pro Tools?