As I had done my research, I had a very good idea of what I wanted my compositions to sound like. I have a large library of virtual instruments available to use in Pro Tools. I started with the opening sequence.
Opening Sequence
For the opening sequence I decided to use a cello, harp and violins. I wanted to keep the composition simple but intriguing and mysterious. I made a short composition that I was happy with. I had quantised most of the midi instruments so that they were all in time with each other.
I sent over the track to Amelia, who asked if I could reduce the tempo. After a quick tempo change, the track was ready.
Gameplay
For the game play, I wasn’t sure how long the level would be, so I assured Amelia that I would create a loop recording that can be played throughout the gameplay, and a separate composition to activate when the one minute timer starts. I created the following loop for the gameplay:
Next, I needed to create a composition that gradually increased in tempo, which was exactly one minute long. This was extremely difficult to process, as each time the tempo increases, the track got shorter in length. After using the pencil tool to draw a horizontal line in the tempo grid to change the tempo gradually from 60 bpm to 120 bpm, it worked. I was happy with the finished outcome. The track is dramatic and creates a tension as the timer counts down.
Winning ending
As the winning ending cut scene is quite short, I created a short composition of dimply french horns. I tried adding a snare drum roll but it felt as though too much was going on. Plus, the cut scene had dialogue so I didn’t want the music to overcast the dialogue. Amelia wanted the ending to have a short composition that was mysterious and intriguing that lets the player know that the game isn’t over yet, so I created a short piece based on Amelia’s suggestion.
Winning Fanfare:
Winning Ending:
Losing Ending:
For the losing ending, I needed to create a dark, disturbing atmosphere. The Character is basically sucked into the ground and is killed, so I need something that was intense. I used a synth to create a drone, and used a harp, violin and cello, similar to the opening sequence.