mlab2@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu (02/05/91)
Howdy. I'm working on a game and have a question for the hard-core Mac gamers. What do you think of 'goofy sounds'? You know what I'm talking about: Sky Shadow says "Yum, yum," Crystal Quest has the classic "Ahhh," Solarian has the "Je-zuz!." There are more, but you know what I mean. Personally I didn't quite care for these types of sounds when I first heard them. I don't mean they were offensive or anything like that, but I just thought they were a little 'cheesy'. You know? Maybe it's my age, but I grew up on the synths of 'Defender' and all the other beeps and blips from games of that era. But I understand that the 'goofy sounds' are pretty entertaining. I read with interest earlier that one poster mentioned that these sounds add personality to a game. I think I can see that as well. So, what's the right balance? Use the special sounds only for special events? (With things like your weapon firing being a more traditional sound). Shoudl the sounds be used in moderation? (Similar to the previous comment - too often and perhaps the sounds become annoying.) What does everyone think? :======:**************************************************************** : ==== :* john calhoun ** And watching the stars go on at night, ** : === :* Soft Dorothy ** I'd like to see just one of them die.. ** :.=....:****************************************************************
bkuo@girtab.usc.edu (Benjamin Kuo) (02/06/91)
It really depends on the game. For things like Crystal Quest, it adds
character to the strategy, which is great--on the other hand, there are
quite a few games which get on your nerves with repetitive sounds,
even if they are good once or twice (ie Star Wars has great sounds, but
after hearing the EXACT same "Use the force, Luke", 40 times for 40 levels,
it drives into your brain) Same with SimCity--the helicopter is fine
once in awhile, but when you run into a big city with a big mess, and
constant "Heavy Traffic Reported" gets repeated over and over and over,
it drives you insane.
You've got the right idea--use traditional sounds for weapons, etc., and
occasionally throw in a treat or two. Continuum does a good job in the
weapons/thrust area, where its not too harsh, makes a good background, and
doesn't bother you. Apache Strike is pretty good, but again faces the
repetitive problem when you fly several times past the target "STC sighted"
Just slight critique of your games, in terms of my perception of the
sounds:
Glypha Standard mix, very good, this is about where it should be.
Pararena Good for the competition, but sometimes you get quiet lulls;
maybe adding some introduction music might help...
Glider+ It could use a few more sounds--Maybe a digitized flame of
some sort when you hit a candle? It's good, but you could
add some dramatics :-)
I think the "best" use of sounds I have heard so far is Dark Castle, classic
use of arcade sounds, a sparse sprinkling of special effects (getting the
shield, for example).
Benjamin Kuo