Video Game Soundtracks and their Emergence into the Modern World (1972 - 2002)
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Pong - a Game of the Century
This is a major accomplishment for the developers of early video games. Even though there is no soundtrack for this game, it is the very first computerized game to feature real sounds. Thus, it paves a way for and inspires future games and the music that goes along with them.
An example of the original Pong. -
Beware from Above!
Similar to Pong, Space Invaders features simplistic sounds. However, as the game progresses, as the aliens get closer, the music appears, getting faster and faster. It acts like a warning to the player to speed up. This is a prime example of big advancements in the industry of original video game soundtracks.
A true retro game. -
Waka Waka Waka
After much trial and error, the gaming industry finally works out its beginning issues. Developing the technology to create and store sound in a video game, NAMCO's Pacman spurs a new market. With memorable music and sounds before, during, and after a game starts, people become infatuated with soundtracks in video games. So, Pacman can be considered the true precursor of modern gaming original soundtracks.
What Pacman sounded like! -
And So, Cutscenes Are Born
Being the first game to have fully voiced cutscenes, it is also one of the weirdest games of all time. The music has a very medieval taste to it. The sounds are crisp and limber. This is a big step forward from Pacman, since it has cutscenes and fluid sound quality.
The world's longest, kookiest playable cutscene! -
It's Dangerous to Go Alone! Take this.
Unlike Pacman, and its other predecessors, The Legend of Zelda offers a fresh perspective of video game soundtracks. It has a catchy theme song, with a blend of spooky and mystifying music throughout the length of the game. It is a milestone because the sound quality is much better than those before.
Catchy!~ -
It's a Plane, It's a Bird...No, It's the S.N.E.S.!!!
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is the first localized 16-bit console in America. It has an 8-bit sound card with multiple channels, thus being the most advanced console of its time. It provides games built for the console with better quality sounds and music, ultimatey improving the market. -
Gotta' Go Fast!
Debuting a constant soundtrack throughout the game, different music with each course, multiple sound effects (of objects, animals, and characters), and a loveable, easily identifiable blue hedgehog, the orignal Sonic the Hedgehog revolutionizes the gaming industry complely.
The Original Hedgehog! -
Who's Got the Heebie-Jeebies?
This is the most famous game in all of video game history, under the horror genre. Its unsettling chimes, rattles, door openings, walking, monster noises, music, etc. redefine what an original soundtrack ought to be. The creepy effect is all thanks to the ambience (the sound effects). It also sets the tone for how horror games should be made later on.
A creepy excerpt from the game (the beginning)! -
Sony Takes the Cake Again
This was a giant step for mankind, as 128-bit music, 48 channels of sound, and 2MB of sound memory are introduced to the market. The groundbreaking console features a full musical startup. It also has DVD capabilities, an even bigger step for the technology at this time. This invention is a major improvement to the way musical scores can be enjoyed, for it provides better quality and storage for music.
Example of startup screen. -
Kingdom Hearts Breaks Hearts as it Soothes Ears
From the creators of the FInal Fantasy series, Square Enix, Kingdom Hearts features one of the most mystifying and beloved soundtracks of the century. Its captivating orchestras and wonderful vocals showcase a mix between classical music, famous toons from Disney films, and styles of music popular during this time period in gaming. Its emergence into the market is certainly momentous.
A beautiful masterpiece!
