I'd like to hear your opinion on these distinctions I've noticed between Western and Eastern video game soundtracks:
Japanese video game soundtracks:
- Melodic (Kirby, Megaman)
- Techno-y/Electronica influence (Most Japanese fighters, Super Smash Bros, Street Fighter)
- Sometimes plays an integral part in the actual gameplay (A good chunk of Nintendo games, mainly Zelda)
- Whimsical/Emotional (Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts)
- Relies much more on synths than raw instruments
- J-pop/rock influence (Sonic the Hedgehog, most SEGA games)
- "In your face", much more noticable
Western video game soundtracks
- Atmospheric (Dead Space, Skyrim)
- Plays a much more cinematic role in games (Uncharted, Last of Us)
- May be based on popular American music (Watch Dogs 2, Black-Ops Zombie mode soundtrack)
- Profesionally-made/orchestrated
Now I understand that there are exceptions to the rule. That being said, would anyone be able to recommond me some OST's that defy these trends? Also, what do you think causes the distinction in the first place?
