RB - Castlevania has a strong musical legacy and is famed for its themes and their many variations. Did you take any inspiration from the music of past games, and were you given any instructions regarding their usage in the Lords of Shadow games?
Yes, people are not aware, but some themes are inspired by earlier sagas. If one would notice more and analyze better the songs, one would notice that, instead of criticizing me for having composed the Saga. I understand that many people don’t like this idea. It would be the same for the day when John Williams could no longer compose for Star Wars. His replacement would have a difficult time. But I want people to understand that I also played the old Castlevanias, and that I was, and am, a great fan. In addition, I have a great admiration for Yamane Michiru. But they didn’t want the games to have the same musical style of the old Castlevanias because it was a very epic game and different from what was made before with the Saga. They tried to put Michiru’s music in before they decided on me, but it didn’t fit in the game.
I thought that was known that Mercurysteam initially wanted to collaborate on the music with Yamane but Konami refused because it felt out of place for the game.I always thought that Araujo tried Yamane style compositions, but not that they had Yamane especifically in mind.
Yeah it didn't work
Source: http://tracksounds.com/specialfeatures/Interviews/interview_oscar_araujo_2014.htm#.UznYKT0CIPU.twitter (http://tracksounds.com/specialfeatures/Interviews/interview_oscar_araujo_2014.htm#.UznYKT0CIPU.twitter)
Interesting things in that interview. Also MoF minimalistic soundtrack it's because console memory limitations.
I always thought that Araujo tried Yamane style compositions, but not that they had Yamane especifically in mind.
I'm also kind of sad for the man when he says that fans hate him but he loves the old music too :P
Yeah it's a shame that he'll be infamous for a quote that I can't even find on the internet anymore.Perhaps we made it up.. but someone said it was a video intervew that might be why it's lost in time.
Yes, people are not aware, but some themes are inspired by earlier sagas. If one would notice more and analyze better the songs, one would notice that, instead of criticizing me for having composed the Saga. I understand that many people don’t like this idea... But they didn’t want the games to have the same musical style of the old Castlevanias because it was a very epic game and different from what was made before with the Saga.
this should be the official theme song for the castlevania dungeon forum
Let's Listen: CV Harmony Of Dissonance - Merchant's Theme (Extended) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5-tNAMamsU#ws)
The Lords of Shadow 2 soundtrack just oozes a love for Castlevania, even if it isn't the same type of music as what Yamane put out. I'm not surprised to hear that Oscar is a fan.Besides a few specific ones, I don't agree. Is the same thing LoS did and doesn't sound like anything that this series ever had.
Besides a few specific ones, I don't agree. Is the same thing LoS did and doesn't sound like anything that this series ever had.
It fits LoS, but doesn't fit the series as a whole.
Besides a few specific ones, I don't agree. Is the same thing LoS did and doesn't sound like anything that this series ever had.
It fits LoS, but doesn't fit the series as a whole.
The fact that there's people eagerly seeing ways to mod the PC versions of these games in order to change the music is a testament to how much Alvarez's decision to change the style does not mesh well.
To clarify, when I say that it oozes a love for Castlevania, I don't mean that it hearkens back to pre-LoS style music.And that's exactly what I disagree.
Unlike the LoS soundtrack, which while well composed lacked a strong identity, the LoS2 soundtrack knows what it wants to be and captures the atmosphere and feeling of Lords of Shadow 2 very well, and I personally believe that, in general, Lords of Shadow 2 felt more atmospherically similar to a "traditional" Castlevania despite its flaws. IMO, it's a strong compliment to a new take on Castlevania, rather than the backdrop-y music that LoS had.
And that's exactly what I disagree.
Castlevania wasn't about atmosphere through music. The music in Castlevania was upbeat, catchy, an element to keep the player engaged in what matters in the series: the gameplay. It wasn't made to really fit the narrative or evoke the mood of the player (even though they always tried to make it fit the area or the "theme" of the game).
LoS 2 is pretty moody, atmospheric. It works on the type of narrative LoS have, but it's simply too different from whatever Castlevania have done in the past. Nothing wrong with that, I just don't like these type of soundtracks in any media (movies, series, games). If it isn't melodic, then I'll probably forget it after I finish the game (like I already did for this game, while I can still remember any melody line from a music in the other games, with exceptions of course).
Castlevania wasn't about atmosphere through music.Maybe not as a whole, but SCIV definitely tried going down that road, to much success. And that's the kind of DNA I see in the LoS series' music. The only difference being that IV still had stage by stage music, despite being very moody and ambient in a lot of the soundtrack, while LoS goes full movie and has almost no level specific music, except for Vampire Killer in the Music Box.
this should be the official theme song for the castlevania dungeon forum
Let's Listen: CV Harmony Of Dissonance - Merchant's Theme (Extended) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5-tNAMamsU#ws)
Maybe not as a whole, but SCIV definitely tried going down that road, to much success. And that's the kind of DNA I see in the LoS series' music. The only difference being that IV still had stage by stage music, despite being very moody and ambient in a lot of the soundtrack, while LoS goes full movie and has almost no level specific music, except for Vampire Killer in the Music Box.SCV4 set up the atmosphere, but also added some hints of Progressive Rock into the mix(some give me a Rick Wakeman feel). In a way, it was the best of both worlds, which is what I want to see in more "cinematic" CVs. You can have atmophere building music, as well as something more pumping. Many people credit the whole "epic" sound of cinematic music to Hans Zimmer, but even he has a heavily diverse style. He can do epic, and in the same time, switch to something heavily earwormy and melodic, then switch to something electric, driven by guitars and rock. I don't believe there is just ONE style that can only work. It's a matter of careful choice. You can go purely cinematic, but just because you CAN doens't mean you SHOULD, nor does it mean it's the ONLY way to go.
SCV4 set up the atmosphere, but also added some hints of Progressive Rock into the mix(some give me a Rick Wakeman feel). In a way, it was the best of both worlds, which is what I want to see in more "cinematic" CVs. You can have atmophere building music, as well as something more pumping. Many people credit the whole "epic" sound of cinematic music to Hans Zimmer, but even he has a heavily diverse style. He can do epic, and in the same time, switch to something heavily earwormy and melodic, then switch to something electric, driven by guitars and rock. I don't believe there is just ONE style that can only work. It's a matter of careful choice. You can go purely cinematic, but just because you CAN doens't mean you SHOULD, nor does it mean it's the ONLY way to go.
I don't think there's necessarily automatic merit in switching styles within a single body of work. If you're trying to establish a musical identity, then that only works against it. Going from slow waltz to electric guitars (Symphony of the Night) creates a very eclectic soundtrack that I don't think is always the best route. And I'd argue that LoS and LoS2 did have both atmosphere building music and music to pump you up, the difference is just that the music to pump you up does it very differently than older Castlevania's did. It's a rhythmic, bombastic build up versus an all out BPM fest, but at that point it comes down to a stylistic preference.Musical identity is whatever the composer chooses it to be. If it's a compliation of different styles, then that's it's identity. You don't have to like it, just like I don't have to like the identity MS and Oscar chose for the LoS games.
Musical identity is whatever the composer chooses it to be. If it's a compliation of different styles, then that's it's identity. You don't have to like it, just like I don't have to like the identity MS and Oscar chose for the LoS games.
Personally, I'm to the belief that we aren't aware(innately) of how other routes of travel would fair and even after we've experienced ONE particular route, we might think that route is the best(even though we only think that because it's the only one we've experienced). Many feel Oscar's composition fits the LoS perfectly, while others don't. But, had things been differently, and a different style was applied, what would we be thinking? Now, that many have listed to Oscar's songs, they can sort of guess what it might be, but they'll never REALLY know. My sister, who was big into Backstreet Boys and N*SYNC at the time told me, "How could anybody like Duran Duran? They're so cheesy!". I told her, "If you were a teen back then, you'd probably like them too!". She said she wouldn't, but really, her perception was only molded by her experience to that point. Who knows what she would've been like if she was a teen in the 80s. Maybe she'd like Duran Duran, or maybe she'd be into Depeche Mode, who knows? That being said, though the past is the past, I tend to keep my mind open regarding these types of things. You don't really know until you know, and even then, there are thousands of other ways things could've gone down(and thousands of ways they still COULD in the future).
Sigh...And what exactly does castlevania sound like?
I just want the music to sound like Castlevania again. Not Lords of Shadow.
And what exactly does castlevania sound like?
But it's just disappointing to hear in a series that's well known for its distinctive musical flair.
And what exactly does castlevania sound like?The series has more than 25 years. You should know how it sounds like since the first game if you're a fan.
The series has more than 25 years. You should know how it sounds like since the first game if you're a fan.
And what exactly does castlevania sound like?
Thing is, saying "I want it to sound like Castlevania" is a very broad thing to say. Since Castlevania has had different musical styles over the years. Sure, catchy music is a trademark, but it's hardly exclusive. it's just catchy music.
For example, LoI has a different sound than say, Castlevania 1. And Rondo has a different sound than say, SCIV. i dont think you can really say CV has a definite "sound" that it can "sound like". I feel that's a very difficult thing to describe, and ends up just being subjective.
To put it simply, having music that is actually catchy and memorable as opposed to LOS's music which was built more in ambiance and the players mood and such.
Not saying its bad if you like such music, but lets not act like we don't know what castlevania music is normally like given its long history, that includes classicvanias as well as metroidvanias.
I would just like to add that Castlevania music for me has something in it that can easily be hummed and that makes it catchy for me.Pretty much this.
So Lament of Innocence is not Castlevania music?My same thoughts, POR and OOE music sounded too magical making it fitting to Harry Potter movies :P
For me CV music is inherently dark, powerful or melancholic, that's the only condition, that's what I despise some PoR - OOE music
LoI was plenty catchy. It had some really catchy beats. Anti soul mysteries lab comes to mindIt has as many catchy tunes as LoS, one in a million, it was pretty atmospheric. It was a great soundtrack. I still like CoD more because Yamane was on fire, her best work since SOTN.
My same thoughts, POR and OOE music sounded too magical making it fitting to Harry Potter movies :PBecause when I think Dracula I think jazz. Jesus.
For me CV music is inherently dark, powerful or melancholic, that's the only condition, that's what I despise some PoR - OOE music
Castlevania music pre LoS is good. Castlevania "music" from LoS on sucks.(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi887.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac71%2FFlame-G102%2Fsymphonyofthebait_zpsdc4817bd.png&hash=0a9666cfad5ca9e48ce53aa578b4997e)
There's your differentiation right there.
Because when I think Dracula I think jazz. Jesus.IMO, only SotN can get away with Jazz. Because 90's.
I bet if Nujabes made the music for a new castlevania game, Hip-hop would be a plausible genre for the seriesI'd rather die.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPfsbGR1Foo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPfsbGR1Foo)kill me.
But it's been done already and it's glorious
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi887.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac71%2FFlame-G102%2Fsymphonyofthebait_zpsdc4817bd.png&hash=0a9666cfad5ca9e48ce53aa578b4997e)
What about 70s disco style? Wait, something like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9T0yz9MDro (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9T0yz9MDro)
I bet if Nujabes made the music for a new castlevania game, Hip-hop would be a plausible genre for the series...that's not cool man. ;__;
It has as many catchy tunes as LoS, one in a million, it was pretty atmospheric. It was a great soundtrack. I still like CoD more because Yamane was on fire, her best work since SOTN.Lol...
does any1 have to await to buy collection best music box? which contains all from each release, if you get my drift, ok. each structure has its own resonant frequency. then see who disagrees
...that's not cool man. ;__;
RIP Nujabes
Please tell me you just drew that.Not JUST now, had it for a while.
Castlevania - The Funk of the Night, gives a whole new meaning to platforming
And what exactly does castlevania sound like?Adding a in a bit of organ, and maybe some Baroque and fugue styles wouldn't hurt. It doesn't even have to be as forceful as other CV games(where music is blasting you down). I always pictured a really atmospheric CV where you can hear an organ being played, but it's almost if someone is playing it in a distant room and it's echoing within the halls. "Ghostly music", not sounding "spooky", but music that is like a chilling whisper, adding to the ambience, not overpowering the situation with it's presence, but still there nonetheless.
Adding a in a bit of organ, and maybe some Baroque and fugue styles wouldn't hurt. It doesn't even have to be as forceful as other CV games(where music is blasting you down). I always pictured a really atmospheric CV where you can hear an organ being played, but it's almost if someone is playing it in a distant room and it's echoing within the halls. "Ghostly music", not sounding "spooky", but music that is like a chilling whisper, adding to the ambience, not overpowering the situation with it's presence, but still there nonetheless.
One situation I thought up is, what if you were exploring an area and Bloody Tears was being played on piano, a gentle roll. Apparent it's there, but so soft, it could be the wind. I want to see some CV music to that effect.
Oddly enough, being developed and composed by folks from Spain, you'd think they'd go for some of that spooky Catholic church musical sound with organ pieces and monks chanting hymns.
I thought that was known that Mercurysteam initially wanted to collaborate on the music with Yamane but Konami refused because it felt out of place for the game.
Gospel and Country would make a great mix into cv and yes it seems no one in the freaking world likes country but I do. :P
Unless you have a CV game taking place in the wild west then don't have Country music in it. If it doesn't fit the theme it just won't work. Country's not my favorite music but I do have the rare, occasional tune that I like. Gospel on the other hand would work for large, imposing cathedral-like structures in a CV game, but not the whole game. Like I stated before the music should fit the theme of the game, levels, etc."The Adventures of Quincey Morris", tales of before the events of Stoker's Dracula, when he was fighting the supernatural in the frontier and wilderness of 19th century America. Cannibalistic Wendigos, shapeshifting Skinwalkers, zombie cowboys, literal "ghost towns", ancient and forgotten pagan gods and hellish deities that the unexplored New World has to offer! Music is a mixture of wild west racing guitars, Spanish style with that magical brass and a dash of baroque for that horror effect.
"The Adventures of Quincey Morris", tales of before the events of Stoker's Dracula, when he was fighting the supernatural in the frontier and wilderness of 19th century America. Cannibalistic Wendigos, shapeshifting Skinwalkers, zombie cowboys, literal "ghost towns", ancient and forgotten pagan gods and hellish deities that the unexplored New World has to offer! Music is a mixture of wild west racing guitars, Spanish style with that magical brass and a dash of baroque for that horror effect.