Massively Speaking http://massively.joystiq.com This is the Massively podcast http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Starting your MMO music collection]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/jukebox-heroes-starting-your-mmo-music-collection/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/jukebox-heroes-starting-your-mmo-music-collection/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/jukebox-heroes-starting-your-mmo-music-collection/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Starting your MMO music collection
I love seeing people turned on to MMO music, particularly after it's gotten such a bad rap over the years. But for the new fan, it can be a daunting proposition to start up a collection. After all, it's not as if you can go down to your local vinyl shop, peruse a stack of 45s, and come out with a full set of SOE's greatest hits. Only a fraction of MMO scores are available for purchase these days, with the rest being free, packaged in with collector's editions, out of print, or just tucked away inside of game files somewhere.

So how do you get started on building up a robust library of MMO music? If you don't have deep pockets, which scores would I recommend you pick up first? Well, my friend, I've given it some thought and have put together a guide to six essential purchases that will get you off to a great start. Don't thank me; thank music. And also me because I did this hard work.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Starting your MMO music collection

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Starting your MMO music collection originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaionchance-thomascity-of-steamcollectioncomposercomposersdark-age-of-cameloteverquestfeaturedfinal-fantasy-xigame-musicguild-warsguild-wars-2inon-zurjeremy-soulejukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilord-of-the-rings-onlinemmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicopinionpirates-of-the-burning-seariders-of-rohanriftsoundtracksoundtracksspiral-knightsthe-secret-worldworld-of-warcraftTue, 11 Jun 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Warhammer Online's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/jukebox-heroes-warhammer-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/jukebox-heroes-warhammer-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/jukebox-heroes-warhammer-onlines-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Warhammer Online's soundtrack
Even though it's fashionable to bash Warhammer Online these days (or every day since 2008, I guess), I still have a lot of affection for this particular game. It was the MMO that got me into blogging, connected me with many of my current online friends, and provided exciting experiences for well over a year. So when I hear the music, there's a rush of nostalgia that floods my brain and runs down to my extremities.

That's not to say it's a particularly terrific score. I'd probably classify Warhammer Online's soundtrack as slightly below average; it does the job it needed to do, but it doesn't provide any stellar breakout tracks that will endure long after I've logged out. Still, it's worth examining.

The score was handled by Mythic in-house composer Brad Derrick (who also helped to make an amusing Dwarf ballad while he was there). What did he come up with to represent this savagely twisted world? Let's find out!

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Warhammer Online's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Warhammer Online's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad-derrickcomposercomposerseaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasyfeaturedgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmythicmythic-entertainmentopinionpvprvrsoundtracksoundtrackswarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineTue, 04 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: EVE Online's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/jukebox-heroes-eve-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/jukebox-heroes-eve-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/jukebox-heroes-eve-onlines-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jukebox Heroes EVE Online's soundtrack
EVE Online's soundtrack is a strange puppy to me. I've heard players proclaim their love and undying affection for it, although I believe that a great deal of that is tied into game loyalty and monogamy. From this outsider's perspective, it's a large number of ambient synth tracks that are big on atmosphere and small on catchy melodies or memorable themes.

Even though I wouldn't rate it as one of the most exciting scores I've covered for this column, I don't want to dismiss its atmospheric nature as a negative. Creating a soundscape that communicates the wonder, mystery, and largely empty gulf of the cosmos has proven to be a great asset to gamer immersion for EVE, and at least most of these tracks are soothing and low-key enough to warrant a high rating on the replayability scale.

Icelandic composer Jón Hallur Haraldsson was in charge of this project. Responding to an interview question about the score's musical category, Haraldsson said, "Back in the days I used to concern myself a lot with defining my music, but I don't do that as much anymore. I like to amalgamate, to take whatever I like from whatever style and try to put that into my music."

You can listen to a bulk of the game's music on Sound Cloud, but here are my picks for the six best tracks out of the bunch!

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: EVE Online's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: EVE Online's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescomposercomposerseveeve-onlinefanfestfeaturedgame-musicinternet-spaceshipsJón-Hallur-HaraldssonJon-Hallur-Haraldssonjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicopinionsandboxsci-fisoundtracksoundtracksspreadsheets-onlinesymphonyTue, 28 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Character select music]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/jukebox-heroes-character-select-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/jukebox-heroes-character-select-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/jukebox-heroes-character-select-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Character select music
Character select and creation music has always fascinated me. OK, maybe not fascinated; it's interested me. I've always viewed such themes as the overture of the game, the interlude between the title theme and the game proper to come.

These themes don't tend to be rip-roaring in their presentation because that's not their purpose. They have to be pleasant enough without being annoying when looped endlessly. After all, sometimes players spend a loooong time making their characters or sitting there at the select screen, and the last thing you want is for their ears to become fatigued by the experience.

So here are six MMO character select and character creation themes that I've enjoyed over the years. And if you saw the title graphic up there and immediately started hearing this song in your head, then you and I probably grew up in the same era.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Character select music

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Character select music originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jukebox Heroes Defiance's soundtrack
First of all, I wish my first name were a cool animal. Bear McCreary has that on me, so it seems unfair that he's also a geek icon for his work on several beloved TV series (Battlestar Galactica, Eureka, The Walking Dead). And now the guy is composing the soundtrack of one of this spring's hottest MMOs? Where did I go wrong with my life?

Before I go and change my name to Sugar Glider Olivetti, I guess it's only fair that I put a lid on my hurt ego to give Defiance's score a fair listen. McCreary was tapped to create the music for both the MMO and the TV series, giving the crossover project a unified sound.

"I had to make sure that players could hang out in one area for long stretches of time without getting bored by repetitive music," McCreary wrote on his blog. "As a result, melody plays less of a role throughout many of these cues. The real stars of this music are the texture and colors."

Music has texture and colors? If Bear says it, then it must be. Let's dive in!

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Defiance's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Defiance's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfallbear-mccrearycomposercomposersdefiancefeaturedgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmmo-shootermusicopinionpvpsci-fishootersoundtracksoundtrackssyfythird-person-shootertpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvxboxTue, 14 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Who's your favorite MMO music composer?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/leaderboard-whos-your-favorite-mmo-music-composer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/leaderboard-whos-your-favorite-mmo-music-composer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/leaderboard-whos-your-favorite-mmo-music-composer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Knut Haugen is the best, and if you don't agree with me then YOU ARE WRONG!
I've got MMO music on the brain today, and with apologies to our dedicated music column, I'm going to devote this episode of Leaderboard to some of my favorite massively multiplayer composers. If you're not already aware, video game music has ceased to be cheesy, synth-dominated midi riffs and now sounds as good, if not better, than many of the orchestral marches composed for epic films and television.

With all that said, let's keep it simple. Who's your favorite MMO music composer? Vote after the cut!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Who's your favorite MMO music composer?

MassivelyLeaderboard: Who's your favorite MMO music composer? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalcomposersleaderboardmmo-musicmmo-soundtracksmusicone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollssoundtrackversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have you ever been sidetracked by game music?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-been-sidetracked-by-game-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-been-sidetracked-by-game-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-been-sidetracked-by-game-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Star Wars: The Old Republic - Shooting firstYou know what sucks? Hearing a cool piece of game music and having no idea what it's called or where to hear it again, that's what. I mean, it sucks in a first-world-problems sort of way, but still.

It happened to me over the weekend as I was playing Star Wars: The Old Republic. My Imperial Agent was toodling along, doing the nefarious things that Imperial Agents do, when the most dastardly fanfare I've heard this side of the Imperial March came blaring out of my speakers.

It was glorious.

Naturally, I haven't heard the phantom track since, even after much fumbling about trying to recreate the in-game circumstances during which it originally played. I even turned to the soundtrack CD that came with the collector's edition that's been gathering dust in my closet since 2011. It wasn't on there, of course, since soundtrack producers have some unwritten rule about leaving off half the soundtrack (and jumbling the tracks they deign to include) when they make an album. I've also been unable to find the track on YouTube's extensive SWTOR soundtrack playlists.

So, what say you, Massively readers? Has a piece of game music ever derailed a play session? Which one?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Have you ever been sidetracked by game music? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredaily-grindeaelectronic-artsf2pfirst-world-problemsfree-to-playlucasartsmmo-soundtrackopinionsci-fisoundtrackstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-soundtracktdgthe-daily-grindthe-old-republictorMon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Wrath of the Lich King's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/jukebox-heroes-wrath-of-the-lich-kings-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/jukebox-heroes-wrath-of-the-lich-kings-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/jukebox-heroes-wrath-of-the-lich-kings-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Wrath of the Lich King's soundtrack
After my so-so review of The Burning Crusade's score a few months ago, I'm sure a few of you thought I was barking mad. World of Warcraft is well-known for great orchestra pieces, but I stick by saying that most of the brilliant stuff stayed the heck away from Outland. Fortunately, the sound quality got a lot better when we went up north for Wrath of the Lich King in 2008.

The score was composed and arranged by Russell Brower, Derek Duke, Matt Uelmen, Neal Acree, and Glenn Stafford. As to be expected by that name sandwich, the score features a lot of variety. While there are epic chants and the like that are to be expected from WoW, there's also a lonely, savage feel to the music that represents these far-off lands. There's also a lot of blowing wind that segues between tracks if you listen to the album straight through, and if that doesn't make you envision a snow-blasted landscape, I don't know what would.

The liner notes say that "this is the music of ice and despair, a dirge and a call to arms." I couldn't put it better myself. Let's dive into my picks for the best tracks from this score, shall we?

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Wrath of the Lich King's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Wrath of the Lich King's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcomposercomposersDerek-Dukefantasyfeaturedgame-musicGlenn-Staffordjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettiMatt-Uelmenmmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicNeal-AcreeopinionRussell-Browersoundtracksoundtrackswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingTue, 07 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Battle music!
It's time once again to take a week off from looking at specific MMO soundtracks and open ourselves up to a theme instead. The topic? Battle music. Yeah, it can be some of the most obnoxious music in the game, especially after hearing it for the 3,000th time, but every once in a while I hear a piece that has some merit to it. These are the ones we want to examine today.

What makes for a good battle music track? I think it has to get you excited without being annoying or grating and not so loud or incredibly noticeable that you can't help but get tired of it sooner rather than later. It was actually pretty tricky to pull together six such tracks for this column, but I managed to do with with the help of Colonel Bugle up there. He's got the best MP3 collection around.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Battle music! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoatlanticaatlantica-onlinebiowarecamelotclassic-mmocomposercomposersconsoleconsolesdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playfuncomgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologynexonnexon-americanexon-koreaopinionpvprvrsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsoundtracksoundtrackssquaresquare-enixtactical-mmoturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Spring has sprung edition, April 22 - 28, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-stream-team-spring-has-sprung-edition-april-22-28-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-stream-team-spring-has-sprung-edition-april-22-28-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/the-stream-team-spring-has-sprung-edition-april-22-28-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Stream Team Spring has sprung edition, April 22 28, 2013
If you live in the Northeast, chances are you ignore both the calendar and the furry little four-footed weatherman when it comes to anticipating the arrival of spring. In fact, you just don't believe it until you see it! Plenty of kids in that region are pros at gathering Easter eggs in a snowsuit. Although some might argue that the four seasons are actually Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter, and Road Construction, I contend that they can experience an actual spring. And after a week of sunshine and non-frosty temperatures, I say it's finally made an appearance!

Doh! I spoke to soon: It's back to the 20s. Tricksy weather, you almost fooled me. Oh well, I guess I can dive back under some blankets and watch more Massively TV instead of venturing into that thing called "outdoors." You, too, can take refuge from the never-ending winter by watching The Stream Team visit virtual lands of sun, warmth, even lava. Whom am I kidding? They will probably taunt us in another world of snow!

Continue reading The Stream Team: Spring has sprung edition, April 22 - 28, 2013

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Spring has sprung edition, April 22 - 28, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoactivisionall-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedanetapbapb-reloadedapbrarenanetarkark-hunterarkfallbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbuy-to-playcrimecrypticcryptic-studiosdefiancedndeaelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playg1game-of-thrones-ascentgamersfirstguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2hi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricallivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamslucasartsmassively-metamassively-tvmetamight-and-magicmight-and-magic-duel-of-championsmmo-shootermobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenamv-guidemv-tvmvguidemvtvncsoftneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaneplanespollpvppwesandboxsci-fishooterSmitesoesonysony-online-entertainmentspringspringtimestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstreamstream-schedulestream-teamstreamersstreamingstreamteamswtorsyfytelonthe-aurora-worldThe-Lost-Titansthe-old-republicthe-stream-teamthird-person-shootertorTorchlight-2torchlight-iitpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvtwitchtwitch-tvvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarwarcraftwargaming.netwarplanewarplanesworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warplaneswowwowpxboxMon, 22 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Super Adventure Box's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/jukebox-heroes-super-adventure-boxs-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/jukebox-heroes-super-adventure-boxs-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/jukebox-heroes-super-adventure-boxs-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Super Adventure Box's soundtrack
OK, yeah, how could I not do this? I know that we at Massively have gone a little ga-ga over ArenaNet's stellar April Fools' Day prank-slash-massive update, but when I saw that the team released a half-hour of original score in addition to all of the pixelated monkey mayhem, I knew I had to review it.

Your enjoyment of Guild Wars 2's Super Adventure Box and its score will largely depend on your memories or feelings about old-school video games. For a kid who grew up on 8-bit and 16-bit games, the sound of SAB is pure nostalgia (even if it is original composition). I think it's also as catchy as cooties.

Composers Maclaine Diemer and Leif Chappelle put in a lot of effort to not just make a classic-sounding soundtrack here but specifically reference and pay homage to plenty of old-school hits. Hang with me as I highlight the best of Super Adventure Box, and I promise that next week we'll get back to serious business.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Super Adventure Box's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Super Adventure Box's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WildStar composer releases several new music tracks
If you're bummed because you haven't gotten one of the golden tickets to WildStar's beta yet, at least you can get an earful of what testers are experiencing. Composer Jeff Kurtenacker has posted 12 tunes from the upcoming MMO on SoundCloud for everyone to enjoy.

While some of the tracks have already been heard, quite a few are new. Among these are the Dominion theme, a couple of combat loops, and the Deradune zone theme.

Give the tracks a listen and let us know how you like the sound of WildStar is shaping up! While you're at it, check out Massively's interview with Kurtenacker regarding the creation and recording of this score.

MassivelyWildStar composer releases several new music tracks originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studioscombat-musicdominionJeff-kurtenackermusicncsoftsandparksci-fantasysci-fiscoresoundtrackthemetrackswildstarwsTue, 16 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Guild Wars Factions' soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/jukebox-heroes-guild-wars-factions-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/jukebox-heroes-guild-wars-factions-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/jukebox-heroes-guild-wars-factions-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Guild Wars Factions' soundtrack
East Asian-themed music in MMOs is something that I generally welcome. Even if the title isn't an Asian MMO, chances are that sooner or later developers like to work an Eastern zone, class, or city into the game -- and with that comes a specific sound. I'm by no means educated on what instruments are used in these tunes, but the result is so distinctive that you can't help but think of the region.

Guild Wars: Factions definitely drew upon the Orient for its theme, and composer Jeremy Soule returned to create a score that would paint a picture of Cantha. Unfortunately, I don't think he was up to the task. While technically sufficient, Factions' score is definitely lacking in the grandeur of Prophecies and the basic catchiness necessary to elevate a soundtrack out of the crowd. The best I can say is that none of the tracks is horrible to hear, but the album as a whole is actually a bit bland and forgettable.

I'm by no means besmirching Soule here. His previous and subsequent Guild Wars projects are heads and shoulders above this one, and everyone has an off day. Perhaps Asian music just wasn't his forte. In any case, I sifted vigorously to discover six tracks that best represent Cantha and its people.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Guild Wars Factions' soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Guild Wars Factions' soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcomposercomposersfactionsfantasyfeaturedgame-musicguild-warsguild-wars-factionsgwjeremy-soulejukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicncsoftopinionsoundtracksoundtracksTue, 09 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[McCreary creates 'vast musical history' for Defiance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/mccreary-creates-vast-musical-history-for-defiance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/mccreary-creates-vast-musical-history-for-defiance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/mccreary-creates-vast-musical-history-for-defiance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Defiance album coverBear McCreary has posted a Defiance-related update on his official website. The composer, known for scoring Syfy's reimagined Battlestar Galactica television series as well as video games including Dark Void, says that Defiance was one of the biggest challenges of his career.

"I was tasked with writing a daunting amount of music, including two hours of energetic music for the videogame, and nearly eight hours of score for the thirteen-episode season," McCreary explains. "During all this, I constantly juggled a dozen or so character themes and followed intricately crafted story arcs." McCreary also contributed to Defiance world-building over the course of the project's five-year development history. His duties included designing distinct musical styles for each of the Votan races, producing "detailed treatises on the design, construction, and functionality of Votan instruments," and ultimately creating a "vast musical history" for the world of Defiance.

Finally, McCreary hints at more Defiance-related details to come via his ongoing blog. You can preview the Defiance soundtrack by clicking past the cut and watching the Theme from Defiance video.

Continue reading McCreary creates 'vast musical history' for Defiance

MassivelyMcCreary creates 'vast musical history' for Defiance originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfallbear-mccrearydefiancedefiance-soundtrackgame-musicgame-soundtracksmmo-shootermusicpvpsci-fishootersoundtrackssyfythird-person-shootertpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvxboxTue, 09 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion Worlds promises that it's addressing critical Defiance issues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/trion-worlds-promises-that-its-addressing-critical-defiance-iss/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/trion-worlds-promises-that-its-addressing-critical-defiance-iss/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/trion-worlds-promises-that-its-addressing-critical-defiance-iss/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Trion Worlds promises that Defiance's team is addressing critical issues
Executive Producer Nathan Richardsson has mixed emotions in regards to Defiance's release. "This first day of launch of Defiance has been as awesome as we expected it to be," he wrote in a state of the game post. "And by awesome, I mean we're neck deep addressing all the issues that come up when you scale something up to a million people from a test environment of thousands."

Richardsson promised that the large Trion team is working hard to "update, patch, fix, and improve" Defiance post-launch. The most critical problems that he identifies are connectivity problems, missing pre-order items, the scaling of bosses and arkfalls, and broken chat and VOIP.

"We appreciate the trust that you are showing us by coming with us and we will address all these issues," he concludes.

Speaking of awesome, check out the main theme to Defiance, composed by Bear McCreary, after the jump!

Continue reading Trion Worlds promises that it's addressing critical Defiance issues

MassivelyTrion Worlds promises that it's addressing critical Defiance issues originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfallBear-McCrearybugbugsdefiancehotfixissueissueslaunchmmo-shooterNathan-Richardssonpatchproblemspvpreleasesci-fishooterstate-of-the-gamesyfythird-person-shootertpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvxboxWed, 03 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: The Sims Online's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/jukebox-heroes-the-sims-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/jukebox-heroes-the-sims-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/jukebox-heroes-the-sims-onlines-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes The Sims Online's soundtrack
The recent SimCity is by far not the only botched product that EA's launched with the Sims name on it. The truth is that The Sims Online had a great potential and franchise behind it, but it let the ball drop, big-time. It was already visually obsolete by the time it launched, and that was the least of its worries.

Yet this fizzled MMO-slash-chat room had some pretty solid music backing it up. I've always been partial to the Sims series when it comes to OSTs because sometimes I just want to relax to happy, effervescent tunes. Series composer Jerry Martin produced the score to TSO in the same vein as his other projects, and it's still a delight to hear.

Unfortunately, the only way you can get a copy of the soundtrack today is to find a seller who's got an otherwise-useless copy of The Sims Online: Charter Edition lying around. Otherwise, it might just be easier to forge on in this column and get a taste of the Sims soundscape!

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: The Sims Online's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: The Sims Online's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composercomposerseaea-landelectronic-artsfeaturedgame-musicjerry-martinjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicopinionsimlishsimlish-is-just-nonstop-swearingsimssoundtracksoundtracksthe-sims-onlinetsoTue, 02 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Listen to the entire Guild Wars 2 Super Adventure Box soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/listen-to-the-entire-guild-wars-2-super-adventure-box-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/listen-to-the-entire-guild-wars-2-super-adventure-box-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/listen-to-the-entire-guild-wars-2-super-adventure-box-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Listen to the entire Guild Wars 2 Super Adventure Box soundtrack
Enjoying your Super Adventure Box groove in Guild Wars 2? Then you've probably noticed the kicking 8-bit tunes as well. ArenaNet Composers Maclaine Diemer and Leif Chappelle put together 26 minutes of brand-new (and old-school) music tracks to power the super adventure, and you can listen to the whole shebang on SoundCloud.

"It's not easy reducing a lush, bombastic orchestral piece into just the four channels we have available to us for 8-bit music," Diemer said. "After the initial statement of the theme, a galloping rhythm and bass line with more of a classic Zelda feel kick in, followed by a new melody that bridges the gap between the Guild Wars 2 we know and love and the world of Super Adventure Box."

What's even better is that each of the tracks has composer notes attached to them, so if you're interested in how the duo came up with these catchy tunes and what inspired them, your curiosity shall soon be sated.

MassivelyListen to the entire Guild Wars 2 Super Adventure Box soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetapril-foolsapril-fools-2013april-fools-dayarenanetbuy-to-playfantasyfeaturedguild-wars-2gw2humorjokeLeif-ChappelleMaclaine-Diemermotomusicncsoftsabscorescreenshotscreenshotssoundtracksuper-adventure-boxTue, 02 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: RP in the key of C]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/storyboard-rp-in-the-key-of-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/storyboard-rp-in-the-key-of-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/storyboard-rp-in-the-key-of-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chase the high ground, where you'd rather be, where you might be found. Face all aglow to leave from here, to pack up and go.
Music is kind of a big deal. The right choice of music can change a scene from being happy to ominous, and intentionally mismatching the scene and the music can lead to hilarious results with minimal effort. In-game music makes use of this, naturally, and it's rare to find something stirring and peppy in the midst of a zone filled with volcanoes and demons. We rely on the background music to set a mood and underscore what's taking place at any given moment.

All that goes for roleplaying, too. But the odds are that the game music isn't going to provide the romantic music you need in the Undercity in World of Warcraft or the driving combat music you need on your bridge in Star Trek Online. Game music is meant for people who are playing; the music you need is closer to scoring a film.

So given the importance of music, let's talk about it just a little this week. After all, having the right tune playing can make a lasting impression, even if it's just on the people within earshot.

Continue reading Storyboard: RP in the key of C

MassivelyStoryboard: RP in the key of C originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acousticsadviceaudiofeaturedmusicopinionroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpsoundssoundtrackstorystoryboardFri, 29 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Final Fantasy XI's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/jukebox-heroes-final-fantasy-xis-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/jukebox-heroes-final-fantasy-xis-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/jukebox-heroes-final-fantasy-xis-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Final Fantasy XI's soundtrack
Hey you! Want a good way to die a horrible, painful death? Enter into any geek domain and put down the music of the Final Fantasy series. Do it. I double-dog dare you. Even scrubs who couldn't identify a single other composer or notable video game soundtrack will leap to the defense of One-Winged Angel.

While I generally do like the Final Fantasy tunes, especially the earlier 8-bit era stuff and Final Fantasy IX, I haven't seen it as an infallible series in regard to its music. I think along the way Nobuo Uematsu's become this person who can Do No Wrong in the gaming community, which has stifled an honest look at both the highs and lows of his soundtracks.

I don't want to be all about hero worship or mindless bashing today; I want to examine a fairly good but not perfect soundtrack that represented Final Fantasy's first foray into MMOs. Along with Uematsu, Naoshi Mizuta and Kumi Tanioka shared composing duties on this project. There's some terrific stuff here that you'll listen to after the jump, but there are a lot more completely forgettable (and sometimes annoying!) tracks that have been shoehorned into FFXI's expansive game. So let's come down to earth and see what Final Fantasy XI has in store for us.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Final Fantasy XI's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Final Fantasy XI's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-themechocobocomposercomposersfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-viifinal-fantasy-xigame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettiKumi-Taniokammo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicNaoshi-MizutaNobuo-Uematsuone-winged-angelopinionsoundtracksoundtrackssquaresquare-enixTue, 26 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Embers of Caerus tours the green hell of Nupoanqa]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/embers-of-caerus-tours-the-green-hell-of-nupoanqa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/embers-of-caerus-tours-the-green-hell-of-nupoanqa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/embers-of-caerus-tours-the-green-hell-of-nupoanqa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Embers of Caerus introduces the green hell of Nupoanga
Embers of Caerus just wrapped up a week focusing on the continent of Nupoanqa, and if you missed it, we have a few dev blogs along with a video so that you can cram before the test.

Nupoanqa is a region covered in the "green hell" of a jungle and has a trio of indigenous factions for players to discover: the Onakawa, the Senoka, and the Benghi. One of the dev blogs discusses the inspiration behind each of these factions, while the remaining two deliver short stories if you want to get into the lore.

While the following video eschews actual gameplay footage of Nupoanqa, it does contain four minutes of animated concept art set to the music and sounds of the area. Get a feel for Nupoanqa after the break -- it's quite relaxing.

[Thanks to Dave for the tip!]

Continue reading Embers of Caerus tours the green hell of Nupoanqa

MassivelyEmbers of Caerus tours the green hell of Nupoanqa originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-diaryembers-of-caerusfactionsfantasyforsakenforsaken-studiosmusicNupoangasandboxsoundscapevideoMon, 25 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST