1. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
Game Title
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Provide detailed descriptions from chosen examples that establish…
Clearly state what production technique(s) you think have
been used to create specific soundtrack elements
Setting
This scene is set on a small island known as Outset island in the game. The island
itself is surrounded by a great ocean and it’s covered mainly with grass and beaches.
All the islands residents stand near the pier as the main character, Link, leaves for a
long time on a large ship. The music in a way makes the island feel as small as it is
and that there is a dangerous world out there for Link which he must explore.
Mood
The mood in this scene is especially sad and depressing. This is because the main
character must leave his only family and friends and venture from the island he has
been on his whole life in order to save his sister.
The piece calms down past the half-way point and
only uses a violin, then begins to use instruments
such as the accordion, one at a time. This works
well as it states that there is a large world out
there but Links family and friends will have to be
left behind. It makes the island feel its size
compared to the vast world the player can
explore.
This scenes music – as with all Nintendo games –
plays very well with the scene. It makes the
audience feel sad about Links departure but also
adds a sense of adventure. The feeling is sadness
is heavily seen when Link waves to his Grandma,
his only family besides his sister, as the music
suddenly changes from adventurous to sorrowful.
Game genre
The games genre is a Role Playing and adventure game. The scenes music gives a
strong sense of these two genres at the start as the instruments used such as the
trumpets make the player feel like he is leaving and getting ready to explore what is
out at sea.
Narrative
The music gives the scene narrative quite well. I believe start of the song sums up
that there will be lots to explore within the game and amplifies the fact that Link
must go out to sea and save his sister. The last part states to us that there will be
sad events in the game and says that Link will be missed.
I believe the creators used traditional instruments
in order to create this piece in the video. This is
because Nintendo usually use this method and
the instruments used sound real, such as the gong
at the start.
The beginning of the song has a slow start with
one instrument to indicate goodbyes, but then
quickly speeds up and booms to insinuate
adventure and a voyage which is a fitting
technique.