The Power of Music in Street Fighter 6
Music plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of any video game, and Street Fighter 6 is no exception. Capcom, the game’s developer, recognized the importance of music in enhancing the overall gaming experience. They delved deep into the rich history of hip-hop aesthetics to give each aspect of the game its own unique feel right from the start of development.
A Soundtrack That Enhances Every Element
Yoshiya Terayama, the lead composer of Street Fighter 6, has a knack for integrating his soundtracks seamlessly into every element of his projects. He did the same with Devil May Cry V and The Great Ace Attorney 2, blending the music with the storyline and gameplay mechanics. In Street Fighter 6, the soundtrack became the foundation for each stage of the game, tying into character storylines and moves.
Unique Themes for Each Game Mode
Capcom wanted to make a lasting impression on players from the moment they started the game. They gave each game mode a unique theme and feel that corresponded to different aesthetics. The World Tour mode, for example, was designed to be colorful and vibrant, with a focus on street art and fluid music to match different vibes. The Fighting Ground mode had a dark and underground feel, accentuated by neon colors for intense head-to-head matches. The Battle Hub mode aimed to create a sense of community, drawing inspiration from jazz for a pleasing real-time experience.
Character Themes: A New Era
In line with the core philosophy of Street Fighter, the team behind Street Fighter 6 wanted to create something new for each character, including their musical themes. They decided early on to move away from reusing old themes and embraced the visual and musical direction of hip-hop. Hours were spent listening to music from past Street Fighter games to identify the essence of each character’s theme that they wanted to keep and respect.
Music That Tells a Story
The approach to character themes involved visualizing each character walking out on the street, exposed to the world, and determining what kind of music should accompany them. The goal was to differentiate from the past and create something for a new era. The team carefully selected elements from past melodies and tied them to the essence of iconic characters. For example, Ken’s theme went through several changes to capture his story’s drama and portray a “dark but cool” feeling. Each character’s music also changes when their health is low, conveying a sense of danger and urgency.
Challenges and Unique Approaches
Blending music and gameplay in unique ways presented its challenges during development. One notable example is Kimberly’s level three Super Art, where she pulls out a cassette player with an audio tape that belonged to a family member. This tape heavily influences her love for 80s and 90s culture. When she hits play, the music for the entire round changes to a track called Bushin NinjaStar Cypher, specifically designed to fit the context of a fighting game. There is even an alternate version of the track with vocals that plays when two Kimberly players face off and both use level three Super Arts.
Meeting Fan Expectations and Beyond
Yoshiya Terayama, as a lover of fighting games, wanted Street Fighter 6 to meet fan expectations while also appealing to a new audience. He embraced the challenge of composing music that would be interesting and engaging for both. Switching gears between projects and exploring new approaches to music composition is what he finds beautiful about his job.
Overall, the music in Street Fighter 6 sets the tone for the game, enhancing every element and giving each character and game mode a unique identity. Capcom’s dedication to creating something new and fresh while respecting the essence of the franchise shines through in the carefully crafted soundtracks.
Source: DOTESPORTS
