The Music of TCGO

As I've stated over a year ago in discussing the music that makes up Pokémon Go, computer/electronic games practically require music for a total immersive experience. Games that are electronic versions of actual physical games are no exception either. For Pokémon, its most well-known physical game incarnation is the Trading Card Game or TCG; its electronic version is, of course, the Trading Card Game Online or TCGO. And it too has music that merits some discussion.

The music for the game is as simple as it is deep. While during login there is no music - unlike Pokémon Go in that regard - once a player enters the primary screens, the player is greeted with the primary "chill" music, which is likely for an important reason: to set the tone while the player is viewing cards, composing decks, or checking simple information related to them. When the player is about to enter matches by way of Trainer Challenge or Versus, however, the music changes to a more lively, richer, and stronger version. The Tournament section has its own music based on the previous piece.

Once in a match, the music starts off mellow, much like the previously described "chill" music. However, as the match proceeds, certain elements start to appear in the music, becoming progressively stronger as one player inches closer to victory and the other nears defeat. The neat thing about this music is therefore the fact that it develops over the course of the match, and it does so more or less "seamlessly"; one only realizes that the music has become more than it was previously as the resolution of the match comes closer. It's something that very few games have in terms of music, and it's quite well done for the TCGO implementation.

The simplicity is apparent: the game doesn't need much in terms of music. Only the preparation environment and the battle environment really needs music for the total immersion of the player. And yet, the music that is there has certain complexities, being similar pieces (with further additions) for the preparation, and instrumentation that grows complex for the battle. It's sophisticated but humbly simple at the same time - a contrast of two aspects that seem to fit in well with how the TCG is played.

I'm now active not just in the electronic side of the TCG through the TCGO, but also on the physical side with real cards. The physical side can work itself out with any kind of music in the environment, but the TCGO has something unique going for it with its musical aspect. Thanks to its immersive nature, I can think of it as I deal with the physical cards as well, even if immersion in this side has not became apparent. At least the thought of immersion by music might just help.

One year ago: Cosplay: Tachiagare
Two years ago: My Book of Days