GeNRE: VR PUZZLE GAME PREMIERE: 2024 platforms: Steam, meta, playstation store
ABOUT THE SOUNDTRACK
INTERACTIVE MUSIC IN MAIN MENU
The goal was to set the tone for each level while also incorporating a playful and satisfying menu mechanic that allows players to control these mood shifts. This required a seamless musical flow. To achieve it, the game menu music was structured vertically, with each track composed to share the same tempo and harmony. Every interchangeable level track is a 1:30 loop that mirrors the style of its corresponding level in gameplay while maintaining consistent tempo and harmony. This approach allowed us to create fully responsive music within the menu, effectively conveying the mood and style of each level.
EXAMPLES OF MUSIC PROGRESSION
Each musical piece has a clear and smooth progression, enhancing the sense of reward whenever the player reaches a checkpoint.
The effect has been achieved by a simple yet effective idea to introduce new layers of instruments or exchange them with evolving variations without interrupting the natural pace of the music piece. As soon as the player reaches the final checkpoint special musical coda is triggered. The loop continues, subtly enhancing the player’s sense of accomplishment.
"Extra praise is reserved for an understated yet beautiful soundtrack. It’s mostly joyous, but in certain moments, the music’s tone becomes more melancholy. As Toy Trains VR is an exercise in solitude–both through its lonely attic location, and the wider feeling you may get in real life as someone wearing a headset–it’s surprisingly affecting, and often amplified by the game’s low-key story, which keeps you up to date on your absent parents, who send you postcards between levels."
"The soundtrack of Toy Trains is one that, if you are not careful, you will surely spend hours listening to. Depending on the level, the mixture of mellow guitar strings and soothing keyboard sounds provide the perfect setting to concentrate specifically on building your train sets at your leisure. The approachable demeanor of it all continues with the music to excel in creating your best railways."
"(..)Toy Trains makes for a relaxed, playful time. The presentation aids this too, with an attractive art style that's easy to read and pleasant music throughout."