When did the sound in video games become so advanced?

Its become so advanced that my 5-year-old Dell needed a new sound card; It kept crashing every 5 minutes if all the sound drivers were left on, but now with a new card, it works for hours.

Yep.

Remember 8-bit chiptune music, a la Tetris? That paved the way for 16, 32 and 64 bit. I remember when we were all amazed when games started coming with music that was played by a live orchestra.

Now, take a look at what Bear McCreary is doing for Capcom’s upcoming title Dark Void. He is composing the soundtrack in pieces. When you, say, fly off on your jetpack, the game will randomly arrange those snippets together and create a unique piece of music, and will change depending on the level of action happening on screen. It’s been said that you will never hear two identical tracks in the game, save for some scripted story moments.

It’s amazing – we’re finally approaching the time where everything in a game is fully dynamic. Story branches off. World are fully explorable. Action can be planned out and played however you want. Music flows free from normal composing restraints. Visuals can accomplish (nearly) everything.

Cool stuff.

I absolutely love the reload affect on the rifleman class in 1943. I spent a little while just shooting once, reloading, shooting once, reloading… it sounds and looks so cool. I love that game. I love the bobbing when you run too, even if it’s a little unrealistic. The whole game feels quite nice and tactile, especially when you turn sensitivity up to the highest setting.

@Grisaille Really looking forward to Bear’s soundtrack on that (Battlestar would not have been the same without his composing).

I haven’t had a sound card for a long time (except on-board of course) and I did notice this change as well. I guess something changed to make it more processor friendly or because videocards are doing more of the work. Apparently I have to wait to 2010 to test Battlefield 1943 though :(

I <3 Battlefield 1943.
I’m glad someone brought this up, because I’ve always thought it had some of the best audio around. The dogfights are ridiculous so if you haven’t had a chance to try that out, I highly recommend it. It’s one of the best parts of the game, IMO.

he also composed Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles as well – one of my all time favorite shows. Pick it up, if you haven’t done so already.

@Grisaille Yes I started watching because I heard he did the music. Weird huh? Can’t say I liked it too much though (the show).

@CodexNecro Oh yes, I’ve long since wanted a Pacific-Theater dogfighting game since my first loves of Wings of Fury and Hellcats Over The Pacific.

Anyone that would like to do real co-op squad work in BF:1943 (you know, talking and planning), PM me and I’ll give you my Live tag.