I could sympathize with your point if VGM was still the blips and blops of cheap midi synths like it was in Doom’s hayday. Heck, I still someshat sympathize with the idea that VGM just doesn’t work as well as albums for making a pure listening experience because the game inherently restricts it’s format (though I’d say it depends on the game). But VGM by [current year] has gotten so good I must ask what VGM you have heard. Would you make the same claim for film soundtracks?
Unsolicited VGM suggestions that I think prove my point
I do feel the same way about movie soundtracks. My partner pulled the full interstellar soundtrack into their chill out playlist and I wince a little every time.
I liked the music in bioshock, shadow of the colossus, kingdom hearts 3, horizon, undertale, etc., quite a lot. But devoting time to listening to it, rather than modern music made for home listening just doesn’t appeal to me. It feels like pulling out a jigsaw when you need a dremel. Like, you can do that, certainly, but there are infinitely better options
So, you’re talking about a dedicated ‘sit down and listen to this album in whole’ kind of experience? I don’t think even most albums are great for this, but yeah video games typically aren’t good for this because of the different moods they go through. I listen to a few straight though though:
I can’t even say that. I listen to singles, for the most part. I haven’t done a full album listen through in like 10 years, and that was mostly a rock opera bender. I’m not opposed to listening to full albums, but I am picky and my musical peas and carrots touching bothers me.
But my most major issue with video game music is just that it avoids calling attention to itself. “Ignore me” doesn’t feel like it should be a part of music.
Most of the songs are meant that way, but some (cutscene music for example) take the forefront. A different use case is normal though. It’s kind of like saying you’re not supposed to enjoy anything not prepared by a 5* chef.
I mean, if you had the entirety of the meals prepared by tens of thousands of 5 star chefs across their lifetimes and someone saw you choosing to eat pb&j instead, you’d get at least a coy look
I could sympathize with your point if VGM was still the blips and blops of cheap midi synths like it was in Doom’s hayday. Heck, I still someshat sympathize with the idea that VGM just doesn’t work as well as albums for making a pure listening experience because the game inherently restricts it’s format (though I’d say it depends on the game). But VGM by [current year] has gotten so good I must ask what VGM you have heard. Would you make the same claim for film soundtracks?
Unsolicited VGM suggestions that I think prove my point
Expedition 33, Neon White, Ultrakill, Team Fortress 2, Hyper Light Drifter
I do feel the same way about movie soundtracks. My partner pulled the full interstellar soundtrack into their chill out playlist and I wince a little every time.
I liked the music in bioshock, shadow of the colossus, kingdom hearts 3, horizon, undertale, etc., quite a lot. But devoting time to listening to it, rather than modern music made for home listening just doesn’t appeal to me. It feels like pulling out a jigsaw when you need a dremel. Like, you can do that, certainly, but there are infinitely better options
So, you’re talking about a dedicated ‘sit down and listen to this album in whole’ kind of experience? I don’t think even most albums are great for this, but yeah video games typically aren’t good for this because of the different moods they go through. I listen to a few straight though though:
https://playtonicgames.bandcamp.com/album/yooka-laylee-and-the-impossible-lair-original-game-soundtrack
https://dotemu.bandcamp.com/album/wonder-boy-the-dragons-trap
https://c418.bandcamp.com/album/wanderstop
https://sundaemonth.bandcamp.com/album/diaries-of-a-spaceport-janitor-original-soundtrack
https://supergiantgames.bandcamp.com/album/bastion-original-soundtrack
I can’t even say that. I listen to singles, for the most part. I haven’t done a full album listen through in like 10 years, and that was mostly a rock opera bender. I’m not opposed to listening to full albums, but I am picky and my musical peas and carrots touching bothers me.
But my most major issue with video game music is just that it avoids calling attention to itself. “Ignore me” doesn’t feel like it should be a part of music.
Most of the songs are meant that way, but some (cutscene music for example) take the forefront. A different use case is normal though. It’s kind of like saying you’re not supposed to enjoy anything not prepared by a 5* chef.
I mean, if you had the entirety of the meals prepared by tens of thousands of 5 star chefs across their lifetimes and someone saw you choosing to eat pb&j instead, you’d get at least a coy look
Its almost a cliche to say it at this point, but Clair Obscur’s soundtrack is incredible.