8-Bit Music vs Other music?

[Drogo]

I know i just created a topic so if this gets deleted thats totally fine (i hope this isnt classed as spam) 


Anyway i am starting a new project and i will be putting a lot of time and effort into it so before i begin making it i would like to know off rpg maker players, do you guys prefer for a game to have a fully 8 bit ost? or do you like normal modern music?


I personally think 8 bit gives it that nostalgic rpg feeling but i just want to know what do YOU guys think?

 

[Dark_Metamorphosis]

It depends on the visuals for me, 8-bit music is just nostalgic for me if the visuals are nostalgic in the same aspect (think NES graphics) like pokemon, or the orignal Zelda etc. I do love 8-bit music too but for me personally it depends if it fits the theme and the visuals of the game. Same goes for any other music tbh, full orchestretad music would feel very off in an original RTP project for example.

 

[Bakuda]

I enjoy both, but what I really like is a mix between the two.  Whether it's mostly 8 bit with a few modern or organic instruments thrown in, or full orchestral with some electronic and 8 bit elements, it really gives it a unique sound.  

 

[Rikifive]

It depends on the game's style.


I enjoy both as long as they fit the theme and are nice.


Though I gotta say - I love awesome 8-bit music (especially NES-like sounding). ^^

 

[mardin]

Depending a bit on the overall graphics and style of the game...but generally I have to say 8-Bit music. Just because it always makes me happy hearing a well done 8-Bit theme. A mix of both worlds, like Bakuda said, is really awesome too...if done right.

 

[Ms Littlefish]

It depends on the graphics. There are plenty of tilesets around that have a more retro feel and will pair wonderfully with a more classic 8-bit sound. Another consideration is to use current synthesizers to create a more modernized take that on sound, or even to blend 8-bit patches in with other current instruments and production tools. 

 

[kaukusaki]

I don't let graphics limit what 'sound' my music should be. I still churn out 8 bit music for fun and making midis. my games don't follow the set style you normally hear in games (such as fantasy titles having a cinematic orchestra heavy approach, or action games that use rock or metal tunes, or science fiction using techno music, etc). I personally like disco, funk, soul, new wave and jass, so I craft my music that way. I'm heavily influenced by the sounds of Giorgio Moroder, Eumir Deodato, Maynard Ferguson and Regional Garland for example, so my music reflects that. it's a weird startling change for folks, but it works and gives my games a unique sound.

 

[Gaiaman77]

This is an interesting topic to me as I am composing some songs using both


I started combing 8 bit "delay traps" as part of my bands music last year and found it to be a really effective way of adding atmosphere and at some times density to the sound.


I think the combination of the two can add a retro feel to any modern style track, so you get a fusion which I'm hoping is going to help make the game (and future projects) I am working on unique!

 

[Henryetha]

Tbh, I think 8bit is yet overused in games. It's not bad but not outstanding either. Ofc I understand the nostalgic feeling (myself I'm 33, so kinda grew up with atari, nes and gameboy), but I'd rather focus on high quality bgms.


There's still the possibility to implement 8bit, like as bgm for a minigame, etc

 

[kaukusaki]

if it's overused, then they're doing it wrong, lolz. have you heard of 8 Bit Peoples Henryetha? those cats have created some awesome albums.

 

[Henryetha]

Well, I'm basically looking over my 550+ Games in Steam which have a bunch of "retro" games included - which I got for exactly that reason, nostalgic feeling.


Imho, if you choose to implement 8bit bgms, you'll need to find a way to make them still outstanding. 


It's not like it's a bad idea in general, but talking as a player, one might start the game, listen to those 8bit sounds and conclude "ah another retro game". - And going back, talking as a dev, "another retro game" would not be exactly what I'd like the player to think about my game.


I would maybe choose 8bit, if I'd develop my bgms by myself AND had an outstanding talent for this.


But for most people this isn't the case sadly.

 

[kaukusaki]

I guess it depends on the soundtable. I like emulating 80s keyboards like the Casio vt100. I like how they sound. I have a big collection