Game Soundtracks We Love: LostWinds

Hello to everyone! Thank you for joining us, on our cuppa filled gaming journey.

Last week we went with an indie title inspired by the Japanese Shinto Beliefs: Kamiko. If you missed it and want to check it out: Game Soundtracks We Love: Kamiko

We decided to jump back to 2008 this time; to a game that first arrived on Wiiware then later iOS and Steam.

Game of Choice

The game for this week was short in length, but a really nice game to play: LostWinds.

In LostWinds; the player controls a little boy called Toku, and the wind spirit called Enril that assists him. Together; they must try and stop the evil spirit Balasar from emerging and ruling over Mistralis.

I really enjoyed LostWinds, it wasn’t particularly difficult and was only 3-5 hours long (on the first play through), but I found the game full of charm and enjoyed every minute 😀 .

I love the track used in the beginning of the trailer (above); captures the tone of the game brilliantly I think. Of course the game is a mini adventure, with dangers, puzzles and an end boss; so the trailer shifts from the gentle, mystical sound to a livelier, drum filled track – creating a sense of adventure!

First impressions can make a big difference when it comes to the appeal of a game. The trailer including two contrasting tracks, does wonders in giving the audience a good sense of the tone and type of game LostWinds is (all within a short trailer). It’s nicely done and really shows the importance of first impressions, as well as the effect a soundtrack can have when promoting a game.

The ‘Title Theme’ track has a rather happy but relaxed sound to begin with, but there is a moment where the music alters; creating an uneasy feeling, as though something bad crept out for a moment, caused some unrest and has faded into the background. The track is also used during the back story about Enril, Balasar and Mistralis – works perfectly with the story and the style in which it is told.

During the cavern segments, the music is a lot deeper sounding – helping to emphasise how deep Toku is under ground and adding to the dark and dingy atmosphere of the environment. It works great as the track for the cavern and certainly lets you know you aren’t in the beautiful green lands of Mistralis.

Final Thoughts

The decision to use wind instruments in the soundtrack was probably quickly made – having a game that revolves around the wind and not include wind instruments; would of been baffling! However, the instruments accompanying the flutes,etc really add to the atmosphere, the mystical elements and gives the soundtrack more variety.

Overall, the soundtrack is brilliant in creating energy, feeling and atmosphere while having some wonderful gentler, mystical moments – works beautifully with the style and tone of the game.

A few questions for you: