In the dynamic music updates to come, please allow room for silence.

[PoshRocketeer]

It's fair to say that having a great soundtrack really elevates a game independently of the game's other qualities. It's not uncommon to see lackluster games remembered for their soundtracks, and even when it comes to major hits the same is true. Think about games like Hotline Miami, DOOM 2016/Eternal, and Undertale. All of these games are great on their own merit, but their music works with the gameplay to create an unforgettable experience. So naturally, I'm here to talk about silence.

 

A very important aspect to truly dynamic soundtracks is knowing when to lay off the player and let  them be alone with their thoughts. In games like Project Zomboid, coping with the quiet can be more impactful than any music sting or ambient crawl. In Project Zomboid, there is rarely any silence in the music. It almost gets a little tiresome after you've played for long enough. 

 

Let's say your car breaks down on the side of the highway as you're passing by a massive herd of the dead. You turn the key, but the engine stalls. With every flick of the key the dead draw nearer, finally your friend in the front seat breaks the tension;

 

"Bail! Bail! Bail!"

 

Your measly group of three clamber out from each side of the car, running to close the gaps between the infected, shrinking with your chances of survival. You make a break for a hole in the crowd, bumping the freaks as they reach out for a hug. You stumble, but catch yourself and escape by weaving through the stragglers. You hear the screams of your boys, but you never look back. 

 

The groans of the dead permiate the air for hours as you pace your way down the main road. The further away you get, the more the intense music shrinks into nothing. You see an exit road to rolling farmland, and you take it, no longer able to see the dead undoubtedly following far behind. 

 

Wind blows harshly through the trees like a funeral horn as the sun begins to set. For the first time in what feels like forever, you hear nothing. No busy streets,  no TVs or radios, no gunshots, no backing track to mourn for your friends, and you almost forget you're playing a game, walking down the road with not even the soundtrack to keep you company. 

 

 

Edited June 1, 2023 by PoshRocketeer
Clarity. x2