Music is a powerful tool for creating immersive and emotional experiences in games. It can also be used as a level design element, enhancing the gameplay, the narrative, and the aesthetics of a game world. In this article, we will look at some examples of games that use music as a level design element, and how they achieve different effects and goals.
Some games use dynamic music, which means that the music changes according to the player's actions, the game state, or the environment. This can create a sense of responsiveness, feedback, and immersion, as well as reinforce the mood and tone of the game. For example, in Journey, the music adapts to the player's movement, speed, and interactions with other players and objects, creating a seamless and expressive soundtrack. In Left 4 Dead, the music changes based on the intensity of the combat, the proximity of the zombies, and the health of the survivors, creating a tense and thrilling atmosphere.
Some games use interactive music, which means that the player can directly manipulate or influence the music, either as a core mechanic or as a secondary feature. This can create a sense of agency, creativity, and exploration, as well as add variety and replay value to the game. For example, in Rayman Legends, the player can trigger musical cues by performing actions such as jumping, punching, or sliding, creating a rhythmic and playful experience. In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the player can use the ocarina to play songs that have different effects on the game world, such as opening doors, changing the time of day, or summoning allies.
Some games use diegetic music, which means that the music is part of the game world and has a source within it, such as a radio, a speaker, or a character. This can create a sense of realism, immersion, and context, as well as convey information and emotions to the player. For example, in Bioshock, the music from the radios and phonographs creates a contrast between the cheerful and nostalgic tunes and the dark and dystopian setting, as well as hints at the history and ideology of the city of Rapture. In Red Dead Redemption 2, the music from the campfire songs and the saloon pianos creates a sense of belonging and culture, as well as reflects the mood and personality of the characters.
Some games use non-diegetic music, which means that the music is not part of the game world and has no source within it, but is added for the benefit of the player. This can create a sense of emotion, mood, and style, as well as guide the player's attention and expectations. For example, in Shadow of the Colossus, the music shifts from calm and ambient to epic and orchestral when the player encounters and battles the colossi, creating a sense of awe and drama. In Portal, the music is minimal and electronic, creating a sense of isolation and mystery, but also humor and irony, especially during the end credits song.
Some games use musical themes, which are recurring motifs or melodies that are associated with specific characters, locations, or events. This can create a sense of continuity, coherence, and identity, as well as evoke memories and emotions in the player. For example, in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the main theme is a variation of the series' iconic theme, but with lyrics in the dragon language and a choir of 30 people, creating a sense of epicness and uniqueness. The theme also appears in different forms throughout the game, such as in the title screen, in the combat music, and in the dragon shouts. In Final Fantasy VII, each character has a distinctive theme that reflects their personality and backstory, such as Aerith's gentle and melancholic theme, or Sephiroth's ominous and menacing theme.
Some games use music puzzles, which are challenges that require the player to use musical skills or knowledge, such as rhythm, pitch, or harmony. This can create a sense of challenge, satisfaction, and learning, as well as test the player's musical abilities and preferences. For example, in The Witness, one of the puzzle types involves tracing a path on a grid based on the sounds that are played when the cursor moves over the cells. The sounds can vary from simple tones to complex melodies, requiring the player to listen carefully and match the sounds to the grid. In Guitar Hero, the player has to press buttons on a guitar-shaped controller in sync with the notes that appear on the screen, creating a simulation of playing a real guitar.
Geometry Dash is my favorite example because knowing the song will give you a big advantage when playing the levels. Another interesting example is something like Fortnite Festival, Rock Band, or Guitar Hero, where someone has to actually lay out the notes, which might count as level design.
A game with music as a tool for puzzle design is Cadence of Hyrule! This game features traveling and fighting to the rhythm of the music, and if you fail, you might lose the advantage. Now, you can turn this off, but what's the fun in that?
Mickey Mousing: Where the music and/or the environment are intentionally synced up. It was utilized in the New Super Mario Bros. games. NPC characters would behave in time to the music. If a player is listening to the music, they can strategize their approach, while not necessarily having a rhythm element to follow.