For many years, music has played a crucial part in video games, enhancing dramatic scenes as well-crafted backgrounds and, in the case of rhythm games, forming the fundamental structure of gameplay mechanics. Yet, these aren’t the only ways music can contribute to a game; there are other scenarios where it plays an integral role too.
As a dedicated gamer, I can surely relate to the diverse nature of video games to music. Just like how different types of games we play have their unique styles and functions, so does music. In certain gaming experiences, background tunes aren’t just ambient noise; they become integral parts of the game, either enhancing an ongoing gameplay loop or acting as a tool to shape the game world itself.
In other cases, the action might sync with a rhythm provided by an underlying soundtrack, yet it also incorporates gameplay aspects from various genres as well.
Essentially, we’re discussing games where music serves as an element, rather than the primary component. It’s not just about matching beats or notes on a controller, but rather creatively merging music and gameplay in innovative ways. These are the games that come to mind when we think of creative applications of music.
10. Left 4 Dead 2
The AI Director Has A Song For You
To increase your chances of survival in Left 4 Dead 2, it’s crucial to sharpen your primary senses. This includes maintaining constant visual vigilance for special infected and potential dangers such as blaring car alarms nearby. However, it is equally important to pay close attention with your ears too.
Not only do various infected species exhibit unique sounds that signal their proximity, but it’s also crucial to pay attention to an additional audio cue – melodies.
In this game, significant moments, created by the AI Director, are frequently accompanied by musical cues. For example, if a Smoker appears, a haunting piano melody might play, whereas a nearby Hunter could trigger a jarring violin note.
Regardless of how far away you are from an action, when a distinctive melody begins, it’s a signal to move quickly. If you notice rapid drumbeats, it could mean a teammate is under siege by many enemies. Similarly, if a fast-paced or intense instrumental piece starts playing, it might indicate that a Tank is preparing to drop nearby.
9. Rayman Legends
Platforming To The Classics
Most of Rayman Legends follows the conventional format of a side-scrolling platformer, with little emphasis on music elements. But, in each world, there’s one level where you’re chased by a wall that instantly kills you, requiring quick movement and dodging. Along the way, you collide with enemies (punks) and use pads for bouncing off.
In this rephrased version, I tried to maintain the original meaning while making it easier to read and understand.
At these stages, the game develops a melodic flavor, as each adversary, pick-up, and hurdle is thoughtfully positioned to harmonize with the background melody.
In theory, it’s possible to navigate some of them while not focusing on the rhythm, but it would result in a rather unattractive performance. It’s much more enjoyable to attempt syncing with the tempo instead.
One interesting aspect of these levels is that some of them feature reworked renditions of well-known tunes like “Black Betty” by Ram Jam, “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, and “Woo Hoo” by The 5.6.7.8’s.
The pieces were specifically created for the game, yet they hold a great deal of appeal even when listened to independently.
8. Rez
Electronic Music, Electronic World
As a gamer, I’d tell you that if you just casually skimmed through a snapshot of Rez’s gameplay, you might find it hard to even figure out what type of game it is, let alone grasp its musical aspects.
This game can be quite challenging to understand without experiencing it firsthand, as it has an abstract nature. However, in essence, it’s similar to a classic arcade game where you navigate through a digital environment while firing at adversaries that come your way.
In this game, enemies emerge synchronously with the pulsating techno rhythm in the background. This implies that when you target them and shoot, your bullets will sync with the beat of the music. However, it’s not essential to have a sense of rhythm to play this game as you can still enjoy it even if you can’t hear the music.
Rez aims to evoke a unique sensation similar to synesthesia. It achieves this by not only focusing on visual elements but also enhancing the tactile experience through strong rumble feedback, intensifying the sensation when you discharge a shot. Playing Rez can be likened to experiencing Space Invaders while driving with powerful bass music blasting.
7. Mother 3
Bash To The Beat
Mother 3 shares many resemblances with Earthbound in its battle mechanics, such as the decreasing HP and structured menus. However, a notable distinction lies in its Sound Battle system.
Whenever one of your teammates takes a swing, you can synchronize your A button presses with the rhythm of the music to keep adding strikes, but no more than 16 times at once.
In this game, every boss and common foe has a distinct musical theme that signals specific attack patterns. To master the game, it’s essential to learn these patterns. If you find it hard to detect the rhythm, the game offers a unique feature: by putting an enemy to sleep, you can hear their underlying soundtrack, essentially their “heartbeat” or the beat of the music.
In the universe of this series, there’s no specific justification or connection to music for this system. Instead, it can be considered as an oddity, a type of quirkiness that this series often explores. So, it fits right in.
6. Everhood
Fiery Notes Underfoot
Initially, Everhood was often compared to a blend of Undertale and Guitar Hero due to its similar focus on evading and maneuvering during combat. However, this unique game takes it a step further by syncing the attacks you dodge with the rhythm of the background music.
either leap over them or simply move aside.
Instead of strictly adhering to the path laid out for you, you’re more about carving out your unique beat, a tempo that keeps you safe and separate from potential danger.
During the second phase of the game, you acquire the skill to deflect attacks, and by successfully deflecting enough attacks of the same color, you can then launch an attack of your own.
Occasionally, you must expose yourself to potential danger, only to dodge it again once more safe opportunities present themselves, until the desired color reappears.
5. The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
Music Moves The World
In the Legend of Zelda series, Link consistently demonstrates a talent for music, particularly showing an affinity towards wind instruments such as flutes.
In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the significance of Link’s musical talent becomes more evident, a fact that is hinted at by the game’s very title.
Using Saria’s borrowed Fairy Ocarina initially, and subsequently the iconic Ocarina of Time, Link has the ability to play several brief melodies that alter his surroundings.
Certain tunes within this collection are quite straightforward in their uses, like using Epona’s Song to summon Link’s steed. Yet, others possess distinctly magical qualities; for instance, the Sun’s Song alters the time, and the Song of Storms summons a storm.
After acquiring the Master Sword, Link journeys ahead into the future. During this time, Sheik instructs him on the Warp Songs for each of the elemental temples. This knowledge greatly facilitates navigation through Hyrule, although it may require an occasional walk from a temple to a town every now and then.
4. Hi-Fi Rush
The Rhythm Makes You Stronger
In the game Hi-Fi Rush, as our hero Chai gains new skills, the world around him and its inhabitants begin moving in rhythm with the music pulsating from a device within his chest. The specifics of how this happens – be it electromagnetism or some other phenomenon – aren’t important to understand; just enjoy the synchronized symphony!
According to the game’s tutorial, both Chai’s attacks and those of his enemies will always sync with the rhythm, landing on each beat. If you don’t press the attack buttons exactly on the beat, the attacks will simply occur on the following beat instead.
If you align your strikes with the rhythm, they’ll inflict greater damage and boost your points too.
Beyond simply keeping time with the rhythm, it’s crucial to pay attention to your environment too. You’ll need to dodge and counter enemy attacks skillfully, not just relying on the beat. Sometimes, changing your strategy is necessary, as not all bosses are easy targets for a continuous assault, even if timed perfectly.
3. No Straight Roads
Dodge In Time
A significant aspect of the narrative in No Straight Roads revolves around challenging a structured society based on Electronic Dance Music (EDM) through the chaotic rebellion of rock ‘n’ roll music.
Suitingly, most of the opponents and bosses stick to moving along with the background music, whereas you have the freedom to roam independently. The essence of rock doesn’t dance to any rhythm except its own.
In most major battles within the game, the enemy’s attacks are signaled beforehand and timed according to the rhythm of the music. You should only adjust your timing when attempting to counterattack by parrying their strikes.
Conversely, feel free to roam the arena at will, building turrets using your rock abilities and launching combo attacks. While some moves, such as Zuke’s drumlines, require a minimal sense of rhythm, they need not align with the rhythm of the background music.
2. Crypt Of The NecroDancer
A Deadly Dungeon Dance
Have you ever found yourself deeply engrossed in a series of sessions playing a roguelike game such as Binding of Isaac, and noticed that things seem to fall into a predictable rhythm or routine?
In Crypt of the NecroDancer, if you’re able to predict enemy movements, track attack paths, time your item usage perfectly, and so on, you might excel in this fast-paced rhythm-based roguelike game.
In the game Crypt of the NecroDancer, you’ll find many similarities with traditional roguelikes as you explore vast, procedurally generated underground labyrinths teeming with creatures.
To be effective, it’s essential that both our actions and the monsters’ movements align with the rhythm or beat. Moving out of sync can lead to a halt, which in turn offers your enemies an opportunity to take advantage and surprise you.
As a gamer, diving into this game means I’m not only expected to get the hang of the typical roguelike gameplay loop, but also keep up with a music score that’s always changing. Let’s hope my multitasking skills are up to par!
1. Metal: Hellsinger
Hell Takes Metal Seriously
Playing an intense arena shooter game such as Doom Eternal is more like an immersive “performance” or “dance.” You’ll find yourself gracefully leaping, firing, and decapitating foes in a choreographed display of destruction that feels remarkably like a ballet of violence.
What’s required is just a backing melody, and it transforms into a complete performance of “Violence: The Musical.” That’s precisely what Metal: Hellsinger offers as its contribution.
In simpler terms, the primary gameplay mechanism in Hellsinger closely resembles that of contemporary Doom games. The action takes place within spacious arenas, where hordes of grotesque demons appear, and your objective is to eliminate them using firearms and melee weapons.
Instead of following the rhythm of the soundtrack making your skills stronger, consider this: Synching with the beat of the music enhances your capabilities.
If you maintain a rhythm with the beat, your guns will reload faster, you’ll move quicker, and you’ll have more frequent access to potent ultimate abilities. However, it’s not wise to simply stand still and shoot; similar to Doom, you must continually move and dodge to avoid getting riddled like Swiss cheese.
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2025-04-17 16:11