FM Synth

Game Music, Music Production

Watch the Rapid Evolution of Early Game Music

October 12, 2015 | Shawn Sackenheim | 2 Comments Share this

Passionate as we may be about video game music, it’s easy to gloss over how much work it takes to make computers sing songs, especially in the old days. I’m definitely guilty of that so I always appreciate when someone takes the time to break things down and explain to a simpleton like me.

Our own Sebastian Urrea has done a fabulous job combining history, hardware and composition and similar to his post, NES Sounds as Instruments, is this informative video from The 8-Bit Guy, How Oldschool Sound/Music worked. In less than 10 minutes the video covers the evolution from simplistic beeper speakers, through FM synthesis and finally the PCM sampling of later PCs like the Amiga. There’s great visual examples, simple explanations of what’s going on and some great music to be heard. Thanks go to Engadget for originally posting about The 8-Bit Guy’s video.
Game Music, Indie Music, Software

Check Out Band Saga, a Music-Generated Roguelike

September 18, 2014 | Michael Hoffmann | Comments Off on Check Out Band Saga, a Music-Generated Roguelike Share this

A roguelike that uses sound generation and music sequencers to create a game environment? Okay, that will certainly get our attention. Band Saga is a game that is currently looking for funds through Kickstarter to aid its development. The project is headed by a team of two, Roger Hicks and Hillmon Ancrum. The duo is hoping to turn their current game prototype into a full game for Mac, PC, Linux, and iOS.

Band Saga is, as mentioned, a music generated roguelike. Each item, enemy, and level is tied to a specific element of the music. As you explore and unlock new sounds, characters, and items, you can manipulate parts of the soundtrack through a sequencer to change the game world. The game’s art style sticks to a 16-bit graphic aesthetic, while the music that is generated takes its cues from the FM synth sounds of the Sega Genesis. You can see and hear this all in action in the demo video below.

As a nice little bonus, the soundtrack for Band Saga is already available on Bandcamp. The soundtrack is primarily written by Rekcahdam (aka Roger Hicks), but also features a number of guest artists. These include some familiar game music names like Laura Shigihara, Disasterpeace, Stemage, and Danimal Cannon. The project has less than two weeks left. If a music based roguelike sounds like your idea of a great time, check out the Band Saga Kickstarter and be sure to take a listen to the released soundtrack.
Chip Music, Japanese

OSV Exclusive: SOUNDSHOCK 2: FM FUNK Hidden Names

April 2, 2012 | Audun Sorlie | 2 Comments Share this

On April 5th, the dead will rise, bringing the funk to town the way only classic game music can provide. The graves tremble in unrest, the electronic screams reaches further and the haunted sound that shall never be forgotten will fill the streets once again.

OSV visited the tomb of the FM Synth, actually because it seemed like a good place to do the dirty lambada without getting caught, but then as the casket cracked open and the fumes of the faded rose into the sky, clues were discovered, a list of names, hidden in code, shrouded in mystery. Can you figure it out?

Too Big Dee Jay
Cool Lord
.— — … …. ..- .-
The King of the Valar
cadence
Mad Stalker
Electrician
Loath Manginess
Each Lir
Boom Guy
Bun ala Bush
oturan feat. Ikustatuf Aya
Mute Boxing
banger & zicter
Mickey H

All will be clear on OSV on April 4th…