Common Sense Corner

[DerVVulfman]

You should note that you did that with nothing more than a PC keyboard in real time.

Having a thematic score is always a good idea in my viewpoint. You can hear the same melodies 'Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec' and 'Eyes on Me' throughout the Final Fantasy VIII score. And for the film inclined, Johnathan WIlliams Star Wars scores are just filled with character themes.

Meanwhile, I should add that each piece of music in a game score should have a constant 'energy' throughout. I'm saying energy for lack of a better word. What I mean is that if you hear a battle theme, you don't have a rising cresendo towards the end as you would in a movie when the hero finally beats the villain. It's good in a movie, but sucks when you have to loop back. It kinda kills the illusion when the music restarts.

I know one forum member (who had formerly retired but is now back to being staff again) that made a slightly moody and atmospheric piece that I compare favorably to the work of Angelo Baldamenti (Nightmare on Elm Street 3). Her piece is perfect for a modern day mystery crawl.

That's not to say each piece throughout the game must all have the same energy. Battlemusic should be very energetic, though it may optionally be plodding and angst filled if you're going with the whole doom and gloom thing. Villages that aren't in peril can be light melodies... but pleasem not too saccarin sweet! Ugh, I can't use the ones that came with RPGMaker! I use the field music!!!