Developer Log #7

On this developer log I’m going to talk about the music used in Dreams of Reality. I will not cover every single song or musical track, but intend to focus on the overall collection I have used and the reasons behind this.

Historically AVN’s don’t tend to have music, or if they do its generic and often doesn’t always fit the scene that you are seeing. Not everyone plays with sounds enabled, however a well-produced auditory accompaniment to a scene can really help add to the depth and feeling that scene is intending to portray.

A musical score should not be a jarring experience, changes between scenes should flow and where possible the music should merge seamlessly into the background. With that said, not every AVN with music works well. All too often the addition of music is an afterthought, more so if the style is not consistent.

The over all themes for Dreams of Reality lead to a harder style of music, Hard-dance and its various forms. Right from the opening title we are presented with a video and music that shows the direction this is heading. It would be wrong of me not to admit to a personal bias towards this type of music, however as the VN is written around my own personal experiences in this field – It makes writing about the subject easier. 

Fun fact, there are currently 2 different music tracks that can play on the opening scene, determined randomly these are:

Anything – Alaguan
Lionheart - Gareth Emery & Ashley Wallbridge feat. PollyAnna (Hixxy Remix)

A third will be added in the future.

Please note, massive plot spoilers for chapter one and two ahead!

Chapter one has a more upbeat theme, it incorporates those ‘happier’ styles of Dance music, especially culminating in the track titled “Big Sky” that is played as the backing to the Purple Orchid club scene.

I chose this particular song because the lyrics ‘release yourself’ work well with the idea of you (as the MC) releasing yourself from the obligations of the relationship you have with Louise.

This is further confirmed by the decision to have Louise visit the purple Orchid and catch you or, she can stay and finish the meal with Sebastian. Which itself leads to Louise being assaulted. The assault  is something some players didn’t pick up on. They took the view that Louise invited this and are falling into the trap of victim blaming.

This is a subject that I may go into detail on at a later point, but for now, we’re talking about music.

Up until the Purple Orchid scenes the option to cheat has never presented itself. You have options as to how far you want to go with Cindy. Depending on earlier choices this could have serious implications on your relationship with Louise.

Additionally, it’s a good song and needs more love!

Often writers will break up a story with pictures to make it more visually interesting. Much like this one.

After the incident at the end of chapter one, the music takes on a more sombre, melancholy tone. A lot of piano numbers are included, with the exception to the strip club which is intended as a ‘break’ from the sorrow, it is not until the end of the part where the music starts to pick back up.

I’m going to talk about the song that plays over the scenes of you meeting Emily again. ‘Need you’ by Ember Island. The lyrics:

Lights gone out but have no fear
You’re closer now than stars appear
We climbed so high, a hundred trees
So don’t look down, just follow me.

Leaning on a photograph, and our memories, they come alive
Lay me down, you slip right out of mind

Say you still need me,
Cos I still need you. 

Short, to the point and perfectly sums up everything about Emily at that point. Seriously If you haven’t heard this, go to you tube and give it a listen.

From the climbing frame at the start of the chapter, to the descent into insanity and the memories coming alive. Emily may be gone, but she still has a part to play.

That will do for now. Thanks for reading and Thank you for your support – each of you make working on this game worth it.

Cenc