Musics with intros made possible (with Rainbow Zone submission)

SilverstepP · 2010-10-12 00:16:56

You know how some musics have an intro before it starts with the loop? I made an object that allows this.

It contains my submission for Rainbow Zone as well. xD

There are instructions on the obj. It requires a little bit of math... and knowing exactly how long the intro is (very accurately). See, the only problem is, you have to subtract 3.5 seconds (that's an estimate, I'm not exactly sure...) because the objects deactivate themselves on the level start up for a bit. Alexandre, if you have an exact time PLEAAAAAAASE tell me, because it still clipped a bit.

You can put this anywhere (silly me, I forgot to put in 'hide unless in editor mode'... put it somewhere inconspicous) and it will still work. Even with levels that have music in them already.

Plus, the intro for Rainbow Zone was just made in about 5 seconds, and I actually don't want it in there (I don't like how it sounds). It's more of a proof of concept, and the song seems better off alone.

No art for it exists yet, although I'm planning on making a CD of some sort with different images on it representing the different levels. So look for the big fat question mark. xD

So thoughts on both the music and the object?

Alexandre · 2010-10-12 22:17:17

it's 3.5 seconds, but I suggest not to attach yourself too much to it because that opening animation (where it displays "level name act 1") will be dropped in favor of a scripted opening animation, hence the objects will work since time 0.

SilverstepP · 2010-10-12 22:37:27

Alexandre wrote:

it's 3.5 seconds, but I suggest not to attach yourself too much to it because that opening animation (where it displays "level name act 1") will be dropped in favor of a scripted opening animation, hence the objects will work since time 0.

So no more subtracting is needed? OK then.

So how's the track?...

jobromedia · 2010-10-16 07:33:48

The track isn't very good to be honnest. All channels have similar pitches, levels and so on it goes. It is pretty repetitive, and the chance is that people will turn the volume down after a while. I don't think it's bad, it definitly got some potential. You just need to optimize the track further.

SilverstepP · 2010-10-16 16:22:54

jobromedia wrote:

It is pretty repetitive.

I am absolutely SICK of hearing this.

The track has similar pitches so it will loop correctly.

What's even wrong with repetitive? Have you heard Ice Cap Zone? That music is repetitive, and yet almost everyone loves it. Playing it in-game feels natural. Listen to a few of the classic soundtracks from Sonic, they're more repetitive tracks than you think.

jobromedia wrote:

it definitely got some potential. You just need to optimize the track further

OK.

How?

I differentiated the lead and second lead halfway in... what else am I supposed to do, mess with the bassline? Change the drums? Add a new channel? Scrap the d*** song completely and start over or give up? Just saying 'fix it because I don't like it' doesn't help at all.

jobromedia wrote:

People will turn the volume down after a while.

Well, let's see what other 'people' say first.

jobromedia · 2010-10-17 02:54:50

No offence intended. That is what I would do after a while, so let's see what others think.

My advice to you: Keep on homing in your skills. I've spended the last 20 years doing this myself, and I'm not even qualified to get a perfect sound yet.

Ways to improve the song:

* Make small variations every now and then. If you listen to my submission for the rainbow zone I use probability to determine if and when a drum should be played, just like a drummer would improvise during a live session. You can hear how the cymbal is changed randomly.

* Lower the bass a few octaves. This brings clearness in the middle register. It will also help getting the overall quality higher.

* Try to use not as plastic sounds. Nothing wrong with square waves, saw tooths and other analog sounds, but it sure will help to propel this track's quality by light years to have a more varied sounds. Not only that. The whole game will get a much greater appreciation from the casual gamers who plays the game if the music is of a better quality. Not only that. Open Surge will put up a clearly visible audio landmark for other open source developers to aim for with a higher consciousness regarding quality. Then of course nothing beats a few well placed acid bass lines with the proper filter usage.

* Last but not least. Never ever dare to give up! never let people discourage you to quit, you're only doing a huge disservice against yourself. I've spent the mere part of my life practicing, homing in my skills until today. And that is the main goal for me to follow for many years to come.

Last edited by jobromedia (2010-10-17 03:18:04)

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#1 2010-10-12 00:16:56

Musics with intros made possible (with Rainbow Zone submission)

#2 2010-10-12 22:17:17

Re: Musics with intros made possible (with Rainbow Zone submission)

#3 2010-10-12 22:37:27

Re: Musics with intros made possible (with Rainbow Zone submission)

#4 2010-10-16 07:33:48

Re: Musics with intros made possible (with Rainbow Zone submission)

#5 2010-10-16 16:22:54

Re: Musics with intros made possible (with Rainbow Zone submission)

#6 2010-10-17 02:54:50

Re: Musics with intros made possible (with Rainbow Zone submission)

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