Thanks to NDA nonsense I can't talk about the hands-on I just had with Mass Effect - the upcoming RPG from the Baldur's Gate/KOTOR creators Bioware - until later in the month. Bah. That means I can't talk about the wonderful character models - Mass Effect's facial expressions are the most realistic I've ever seen - or the synth-tastic music. Or even the fact that I am now looking forward to this game more than any other this year.
But back to the music for a second. Mass Effect's soundtrack - the bleeps and strings were reminiscent of Blade Runner era Vangelis - really added an edge to the sci-fi adventuring. And anyone who has played Bioshock will know how important decent audio can be. But with most games you get the impression that the sound is simply not as important in the development process as the graphics or physics engines. Fine back in the day but not when many players have 5.1 surround systems and correspondingly higher expectations. Heck, it's Wednesday - what are your top 3 gaming sound experiences (soundtrack, fx or both). Mine?
1: GTA: Vice City - Blondie and Human League while riding into the neon sunset..
2: Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64) - hummable tunes plus ocarina on a joypad ..
3: Mass Effect (Xbox 360) - analogue synths and 80's sci-fi electronica - what's not to love?
