Topic: Music with vocals?

[Nagumo]

Do you think it would be interesting if future Castlevania games would experiment with using actual vocals in songs? Not just inaudible latin chanting, but with clear lyrics. Also, I'm not talking purely about ending themes provided by artists (which happened twice already), but for example, a vocal theme that plays during a boss fight, or when you're just walking around. Which music genre do you think should accompany the lyrics? Should it be a male or a female artist, or both? Is there an artist you would like to see provide music for a game, or do you know a composer who you think handles vocal video game music very well?           

[Ratty]

That depends on the kind of mood the game is trying to set. If it's going for more Gothic and atmospheric horror I think Latin chanting/chorus is about all you can get away with. Mmmmaybe some gothic power metal bands like old Nightwish
Nightwish - Nemo [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

But if the game is going for more of a fun goofy monster mash I could see something in the vein of Alice Cooper or Iron Maiden working. Really depends on the general mood of the game and the particular area/boss/scene. The great thing about so many of the iconic (and even the more obscure) songs from the series is that they can have new arrangements in every game to tweak their feel and their meaning, creating a deep sense of connection between individual games and the series as a whole while staying fun and fresh. When you add in vocals of course you risk losing a lot of that.

[Intersection]

I don't believe it would work. VG music will always be there to accompany the actual gameplay, but there shouldn't be any confusion as to where the true focus lies.

Game music can do many things -- it can set the mood, establish atmosphere, funnel motivation, carry a player through the action, or simply give the game a sense of pace; it's there, of course, to be listened to, and so it keeps the game alive. The stronger the musical theme, the better; the more individuality, the more character it can bring into the game, the more effective it becomes.

But it isn't there to distract you; it's there, if anything, to focus you on the task at hand. it can make playing feel powerful and exhilarating, or pensive and melancholic, but it isn't there to take you away from playing. And yet that's exactly what adding vocals will do.

By virtue of their lyrical qualities, these songs need to follow very specific construction patterns, most of which aren't adapted to the "background" listening video games require. And by their very nature, vocal tracks attract your attention; part of your mind will be intent on deciphering the song's lyrics, rather than focusing on the task at hand. Instrumental music, on the other hand, doesn't have that handicap; it will often translate into a purely emotional impact, giving you that "feeling" of gaiety or dread that often distinguishes a good game.

You might also have noticed that vocal airs usually requires a more directed intellectual effort to appreciate than instrumental music. You won't be listening to an opera in the same way that you'll be listening to an orchestral serenade. Similarly, you won't be listening to a good instrumental CV soundtrack in the same way that you'll be listening to, say, Nightwish.

[GuyStarwind]

I think they should just keep in the ominous sounding choir in the background like in Pagoda of the Misty Moon or something like Enchant Banquet.

[Abnormal Freak]

They should get Necrophagia to do a boss theme just because, well, that'd be super damn silly.

Necrophagia - Parasite Eve

[Nagumo]

@Intersection

I disagree that adding vocals would distract you from playing a game. I could be wrong, but I noticed adding vocals is becoming a more common trend. The melodies are often just as strong and memorable as non-vocal music, and adding lyrics only enhances the songs further. If you would take the vocal part could still stand on its own as a memorable video game theme, except with vocals they are even better. I think Shōji Meguro's work on Persona 1 and 3 Portable is excellent. His themes hit the same beats as non-vocal video game music, but the lyrics add another dimension to the songs they wouldn't normally have (if that makes sense). I guess I'm pretty much forced to give examples now. 

Persona [PSP] - Lone Prayer

Persona 3 Portable - Sun (Girl's Main Theme)

PSP Persona OST Bloody Destiny 30 Disc 1

Persona 3 Portable- Time

I really want to give non-Persona examples as well, but pretty much all of my favorites are from those games. Bayonetta and XIII-2 have some decent examples as well, I think. All right, I admit, I want Meguro to become the next composer in Castlevania. I'm weak.       

[shelverton.]

Hmm..on the fence here. I don't want it to sound like Devil May Cry, and not Persona either (except that one track...'Battle for everyone's soul" or something). I think choirs and chanting are the best thing, or POSSIBLY some very subtle Opera influences. I guess Nightwishesque singing could work but I'm afraid it could be cheesy too.

I like that song from one of the pachislot games. Can't remember its name...Treziri... Treze..me.. Trrrr... Dunno. It sounds kickass and has operaesque vocals.