Music of NS2

ArmadonRK

Typically I fire up NS2 and jump straight into a game. I've always enjoyed the mellow, chilled music that plays over the title screen and menu in the brief seconds before I find a server to play on. But today I found myself leaving the game open in the background while I did a few things in my browser, and the music stepped up into a faster paced, percussive segment I'd never heard before.

So, firstly, amazing job to the composer of this fine track. But as far as I can tell, this is the only piece of music in the game, is that right? Is there any intention to have more music, maybe some in-game music, in the future? And will there be a soundtrack release of some kind? I'd like to have it available at my fingertips.

While background music is not typical of online multiplayer in shooters, I think this game would greatly benefit from more of what we've heard, while in game. The current track is absolutely pitch perfect for NS2.

Insane

<!--quoteo(post=1823561:date=Jan 12 2011, 01:05 PM:name=ArmadonRK)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ArmadonRK @ Jan 12 2011, 01:05 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1823561"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->So, firstly, amazing job to the composer of this fine track. But as far as I can tell, this is the only piece of music in the game, is that right? Is there any intention to have more music, maybe some in-game music, in the future? And will there be a soundtrack release of some kind? I'd like to have it available at my fingertips.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Yes, yes and yes (hopefully).

Squeal_Like_A_Pig

<!--quoteo(post=1823561:date=Jan 12 2011, 01:05 PM:name=ArmadonRK)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ArmadonRK @ Jan 12 2011, 01:05 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1823561"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->So, firstly, amazing job to the composer of this fine track. But as far as I can tell, this is the only piece of music in the game, is that right? Is there any intention to have more music, maybe some in-game music, in the future? And will there be a soundtrack release of some kind? I'd like to have it available at my fingertips.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
There actually has been quite a bit more music created so far, that has yet to be heard in the game. The plan is to eventually create "stingers", short sections of music taken from the full tracks, that play based on a variety of in game events and actions. We don't want to go to overboard with the music, though, because if it becomes too distracting in game or makes it hard to hear important sound FX, then most people will just turn it off anyway.

There are still plans to put together a soundtrack of the full tracks at some point and offer it for sale, though there is no ETA on that at the moment.

--Cory

Deadzone

<!--quoteo(post=1823622:date=Jan 12 2011, 02:02 PM:name=Squeal_Like_A_Pig)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Squeal_Like_A_Pig @ Jan 12 2011, 02:02 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1823622"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->The plan is to eventually create "stingers", short sections of music taken from the full tracks, that play based on a variety of in game events and actions.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

So a little bit like what the L4D series did with their music? Sounds cool if implemented well.

Plasma

<!--quoteo(post=1823622:date=Jan 12 2011, 02:02 PM:name=Squeal_Like_A_Pig)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Squeal_Like_A_Pig @ Jan 12 2011, 02:02 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1823622"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->There actually has been quite a bit more music created so far, that has yet to be heard in the game. The plan is to eventually create "stingers", short sections of music taken from the full tracks, that play based on a variety of in game events and actions. We don't want to go to overboard with the music, though, because if it becomes too distracting in game or makes it hard to hear important sound FX, then most people will just turn it off anyway.

There are still plans to put together a soundtrack of the full tracks at some point and offer it for sale, though there is no ETA on that at the moment.

--Cory<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yep.

Something the L4D team mentioned in one of their presentations was that the music should go unnoticed (so true) or something like that, and definitely not be distracting.

I love music that plays when appropriate (like you suggest), or is so subtle that you don't notice it when its playing; but if it stops playing you do notice :)

derWalter

<!--quoteo(post=1823622:date=Jan 12 2011, 08:02 PM:name=Squeal_Like_A_Pig)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Squeal_Like_A_Pig @ Jan 12 2011, 08:02 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1823622"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->There actually has been quite a bit more music created so far, that has yet to be heard in the game. The plan is to eventually create "stingers", short sections of music taken from the full tracks, that play based on a variety of in game events and actions. We don't want to go to overboard with the music, though, because if it becomes too distracting in game or makes it hard to hear important sound FX, then most people will just turn it off anyway.

There are still plans to put together a soundtrack of the full tracks at some point and offer it for sale, though there is no ETA on that at the moment.

--Cory<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


so the game dosent ship with the full OST?

or do you mean a special ultra high quality FLAC/DVD AUDIO version?

but i dont think you are using samples and channels worth that technique
- or am i wrong?

Triggerman

In case anyone want the links for the music I have compiled a reply with links for download <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=111413&st=0&p=1807849&#entry1807849" target="_blank">here</a>. There's three tracks out so far I believe.
And as usual, if there's any problem with me hosting them I'll gladly take them down if the devs have any problems with it.