Crafting Emotional Impact through Sad Ballads in Video Game Music

Sad ballads in video game music are a powerful tool for composers looking to create emotional, impactful music. By using minor keys, triads, and slow tempos, sad ballads can effectively convey a sense of sadness, melancholy, and introspection.

These emotions can be used to enhance the gameplay experience, immersing players in the story and characters of the game. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of sad ballads in video game music and how they can be used to enhance the emotional impact of video games.

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In this article, we delve into the world of video game sad ballads, a powerful tool for composers aiming to create emotional and impactful music. Through the use of minor keys, triads, and slow tempos, these ballads effectively convey a sense of sadness, melancholy, and introspection, enhancing the gameplay experience and immersing players in the story and characters.

The Role of Harmony in Video Game Sad Ballads

Sad ballads in video game music are characterized by their use of minor keys and related modes, which help to create a mood of melancholy and sadness. Triads, often played in root position, are a common feature of these songs, and suspensions such as 4-3 and 9-8 add complexity to the harmonies. Modulations, or the restatement of themes in new keys, can also be used to great effect in sad ballads.

Crafting Melodies: Diatonic Themes and Countermelodies

The melodies in sad ballads for video game music are often diatonic, meaning they are based on the pitches of the underlying chord progression. Chord tones predominate, with non-chord tones such as passing tones, neighbor tones, and suspensions used sparingly. Countermelodies, complementary melodies that add depth and interest to the music, may also be employed.

Rhythm: Setting the Tempo for Sad Ballads in Game Music

Sad ballads in video game music are typically slow in tempo, with most being written in simple meters such as 3/4 or 4/4 time.

Orchestration Techniques for Video Game Sad Ballads

The orchestration of sad ballads in video game music can vary to create different moods and intensities. For a more intimate mood, the melody is often played by a solo instrument such as a woodwind or horn, while the harmony is placed in the string section.

For a bigger, more intense sound, the melody may be played by multiple upper string sections and doubled in the high woodwinds and brass, with the harmony in the low strings, low brass, and low woodwinds and choir adding grandeur. By understanding these orchestration techniques, you can effectively set the mood and intensity of your sad ballads.

Memorable Examples

Let’s take a look at some examples of video games that effectively use sad ballads in their music:

Gris: “Gris, Pt. 1”

Gris is a 2018 platform adventure game that focuses on mental health and overcoming feelings of grief and loss. Since it has no dialogue, the entire game is expressed through stunning visuals and music.

Although it is a more modern sound full of synths, in this example, you can hear the harmonic and melodic paths we mentioned in the article.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses: “Broken Routine”

In the game Fire Emblem: Three Houses, a character named Byleth’s father Jeralt is killed by Kronya. The game does a good job of making the player emotionally attached to Jeralt, so when this event occurs, it is particularly devastating.

The game reflects the emotional impact of this event through the use of a melancholy background music track called “Broken Routine,” which is played for an entire month in the game, and through the depiction of Byleth’s visible grief. Take a listen to this example that fits perfectly what we’ve described above:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=nmyidO931q0

Conclusion

By understanding the characteristics of harmony, melody, rhythm, and orchestration, you can effectively craft your own sad ballads in video game music and use them to enhance the emotional impact of your compositions. Whether you are looking to convey a sense of sadness, melancholy, or introspection, sad ballads can be a powerful tool for creating immersive, emotional experiences in your video games.

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