Sounds, music, and voices in games/novels

[Jimbles]

How important are these types of things to you guys? Personally, I don't really like sounds and stuff in game, they generally feel forced and out of place.. Music doesn't bug me, it's sometimes a nice touch, but usually interferes with the music I'm already listening to. I hate voice acting. The voices in my head always sounds a lot better and I still have to read what my character is saying/thinking anyway and I hate making the switch.

However, I want to know what you guys like.

 

[Katgza]

It will depend on the quality of the "Sex" SFX and the timing during the animations, there are times when artists do it in such a simple way that instead of making the scene better/Hot, they make it worse, and well that a boner killer.

 

[DarthSeduction]

My humble opinion is that even in popular Japanese VN I've rarely found competent sound design. Now, let's be clear here. I'm a huge fan of the ability of sound to help tell a story, however because that ability is so great, mediocre sound design can easily ruin a game. For that reason I normally turn sounds off.


Here's a good video essay on the use of sound to help tell the story.

 

[Zakutsa]

Using sounds and music can set the mood and gives you that extra "oomph" in a game. When I play "Fate of Irnia", I often play this music video.

Spoiler: Background music

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It gives me that old medieval theme while I unbuckle my pants. Lol

But I turned down the sounds on "Fate of Irnia". Why? The voice acting is incredibly flat and robotic. The woman clearly doesn't want to voiced the mother and the sex feels so fake. It ruins the mood and often I just close the game then proceed go watch a porn video. I had this erotic voice in my head that is way better than the voice acting.

It's like reading a book. Kinda.... I use my imagination to hear and see the things I look at a visual novel or an adult game. In my head, I can hear the door opening, the woman moaning with pleasure, the candle flickering, etc.

Here's a short meme of what I am saying. Lol

Spoiler: Imagination

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In conclusion, you have to do a proper job in making the sounds and music fit right with the overall story and scenes. Otherwise, it's better off as silent.

 

[Jimbles]

My humble opinion is that even in popular Japanese VN I've rarely found competent sound design. Now, let's be clear here. I'm a huge fan of the ability of sound to help tell a story, however because that ability is so great, mediocre sound design can easily ruin a game. For that reason I normally turn sounds off.

Here's a good video essay on the use of sound to help tell the story.

Pretty much on the same page with you. Good sound in game works great, an example I can think of is the sex scenes in the Witcher series. Sound engineering was on point, but they're also studio level games. Whereas VNs and that style games I think are too limited of a platform to provide quality audio.

Also, thanks for sharing the video, checking it out now.

Using sounds and music can set the mood and gives you that extra "oomph" in a game. When I play "Fate of Irnia", I often play this music video.

Spoiler: Background music

You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.

It gives me that old medieval theme while I unbuckle my pants. Lol

But I turned down the sounds on "Fate of Irnia". Why? The voice acting is incredibly flat and robotic. The woman clearly doesn't want to voiced the mother and the sex feels so fake. It ruins the mood and often I just close the game then proceed go watch a porn video. I had this erotic voice in my head that is way better than the voice acting.

It's like reading a book. Kinda.... I use my imagination to hear and see the things I look at a visual novel or an adult game. In my head, I can hear the door opening, the woman moaning with pleasure, the candle flickering, etc.

Here's a short meme of what I am saying. Lol

Spoiler: Imagination

You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.

In conclusion, you have to do a proper job in making the sounds and music fit right with the overall story and scenes. Otherwise, it's better off as silent.

I wasn't sure what you were getting at, but the meme really cleared things up for me. Thanks.

I haven't tried Fate of Irnia yet. Aside from the voice acting, is it worth checking out? Also, I love the mood setting medieval background music. :closedtongue:

 

[Zakutsa]

I wasn't sure what you were getting at, but the meme really cleared things up for me. Thanks.

I haven't tried Fate of Irnia yet. Aside from the voice acting, is it worth checking out? Also, I love the mood setting medieval background music. :closedtongue:

I would suggest it if you like that old medieval fantasy style. Story is a bit cliche, but I enjoy the story elements. There are multiple paths to take. I think that appeals me the most, choosing your own path instead of following a linear path.

 

[Egglock]

Sounds are just as important as the visual representation. When done right, well make the game feel more alive and creates an immerses world. Though music can be omitted from games. Never understood why they even have them. Though on the other hand, if the sound design is poorly made, it's best to just leave them out.

 

[DarkCube]

I'd say that Music and Ambient sounds are important while playing the game. Music is a very interactive asset: it can set the mood for the whole scene, it can express the mood of characters in a scene, etc. Ambient sounds (street traffic, schoolyard shouts, birds singing, wind blowing, etc) are cool and decorate scenes even more. Sex sounds, if applied right, can be a good addition, too, but I personally can play without them, enjoying music and the art.