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From: bkuo@girtab.usc.edu (Benjamin Kuo)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.games
Subject: Re: Those goofy sounds in games - a query
Summary: Depends on the game...
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Date: 5 Feb 91 23:47:06 GMT
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It really depends on the game. For things like Crystal Quest, it adds
character to the strategy, which is great--on the other hand, there are
quite a few games which get on your nerves with repetitive sounds,
even if they are good once or twice (ie Star Wars has great sounds, but
after hearing the EXACT same "Use the force, Luke", 40 times for 40 levels,
it drives into your brain) Same with SimCity--the helicopter is fine
once in awhile, but when you run into a big city with a big mess, and
constant "Heavy Traffic Reported" gets repeated over and over and over,
it drives you insane.

You've got the right idea--use traditional sounds for weapons, etc., and
occasionally throw in a treat or two. Continuum does a good job in the
weapons/thrust area, where its not too harsh, makes a good background, and
doesn't bother you. Apache Strike is pretty good, but again faces the
repetitive problem when you fly several times past the target "STC sighted"

Just slight critique of your games, in terms of my perception of the
sounds:
 
Glypha       Standard mix, very good, this is about where it should be.
Pararena     Good for the competition, but sometimes you get quiet lulls;
             maybe adding some introduction music might help...
Glider+      It could use a few more sounds--Maybe a digitized flame of
             some sort when you hit a candle? It's good, but you could
             add some dramatics :-)
 
I think the "best" use of sounds I have heard so far is Dark Castle, classic
use of arcade sounds, a sparse sprinkling of special effects (getting the
shield, for example).

Benjamin Kuo