Making the music dynamic will not be easy. The dynamic music was broken in the Steam exports, which is why it sounds weird toward the end game. Something about sound cards and midis. Hardware before my time.
For those who don't know, System Shock had a ridiculously dynamic soundtrack with various parameters. The sound could vary depending on where you were in the station, the security level, and even how mad SHODAN was with you. Nobody noticed or appreciated it, so it was never updated to meet modern computer specifications and would impact the creation of the sequel's soundtrack.
It wasn't that complicated. The music played in a MIDI sequence that would morph into 'combat mode' when nearby enemies, and incorporate certain sounds into the beat like electronic warbling to signal the presence of organic/robotic enemies near you, as well as the low health beeping SFX. That's about it.
The closest you get to the music itself 'changing' is the instruments switching up when nearing the radioactive trench in Medical, and doesn't happen anywhere else in the game. Making the music 'pick up' depending on security% though, may require more work.
The music in this game is still dynamic to some degree. It uses small music clips sequenced in certain ways depending on some factors, such as being in new unexplored areas. I haven't looked too deep into how that system actually works but I'm sure something can be done with it.
Maybe the author, Mickey Wilson, could be contacted and asked if they are willing to do a take on LV03's music? They have a contact page on their website, along with the music itself.
You can probably just use Chicajo's version of Maintenance with Mickey Wilson's versions of everything else. It's already so different from every other song on the soundtrack that I wouldn't mind tossing it in with another arranger's work.
20 comments
For those who don't know, System Shock had a ridiculously dynamic soundtrack with various parameters. The sound could vary depending on where you were in the station, the security level, and even how mad SHODAN was with you. Nobody noticed or appreciated it, so it was never updated to meet modern computer specifications and would impact the creation of the sequel's soundtrack.
The closest you get to the music itself 'changing' is the instruments switching up when nearing the radioactive trench in Medical, and doesn't happen anywhere else in the game. Making the music 'pick up' depending on security% though, may require more work.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsUzRsxvwpYq_5nIrNt9sVgnvCUKaQwDg
It is more 1:1 than Chicajo's is in places, and more "updated" instrument wise than the OG's
https://mickey-wilson.com/citadel
the remake BGM is bad really bad.
the ORIGINAL JUST EXTREMELY GOOD WITH THE REMAKE.
10/10 recomended download.