Exploring Storytelling Through Soundscapes in Monument Valley 3

Sure thing, let’s dive into this—oh wait, where do we even start? Monument Valley 3 is on its way and, goodness, it’s a whole new ballgame in terms of audio experience. I mean, at first glance, it doesn’t seem just about playing a game, right? It’s like stepping into an audible wonderland. Todd Baker, the Audio Director, basically spilled the beans on how the sound wraps around Noor’s journey—it’s kinda like the music takes you by the hand and leads you through the game’s emotions. That’s wild.

Honestly, the game drops on July 22, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, which, let’s be real, feels like forever from now. Plus, there’s this fancy vinyl soundtrack up for grabs on iam8bit if you’re into that sort of thing. Old school vinyl. Classy, right?

Anyway, when ustwo games started Monument Valley 3, the aim was to, um, rewrite the rules of game audio? They didn’t want music just hanging around like background noise—boring. Nope, they made sure it’s knitted into the story and, you know, actually means something with each step you take in the game. Sound’s been a big hit, with nominations all over the place—D.I.C.E Awards, Mobile Game Awards, you name it.

Todd teamed up with Lucie Treacher—she’s the co-composer—to blur lines between composing tunes and, um, interactive sound? They cooked up an immersive audio scene best experienced with headphones. Remember, mark that date on your calendar: Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on July 22.

Let’s chat about the fresh spin they’ve put on sound. Ustwo games gave us like these chill, cruisy vibes with the first two Monument Valley games. For this one? Todd didn’t even look back at those. He was all, “Nah, let’s do brand new stuff,” so freshest takes only. Like a blank canvas of sound—wildly creative and open.

Each level became its own musical wonderland. No big musical theme hanging in the air; each part of the game is like its own sound story. They played around with sounds to mirror the moods, designs, and plot beats of each scene. Kinda brilliant, TBH.

Oh, and oh my gosh, the global musical flavors they tossed in: Bansuri, Gamelan, Kora—sounds rich and cool like a world tour for your ears. And, they didn’t just chuck these in for novelty’s sake; these sounds brought layers and depth to Noor’s world. Plus, a 17-piece string section piles it on—it’s lush.

The sound is alive, people! It breathes and changes as you play. Todd and Lucie wanted it interactive—transformative even. How you move in the game influences the music. That’s kinda next level, right? Sounds reshape as you shuffle around blocks or twist towers. Feels a bit like being a composer while you’re gaming. Sweet.

Also, water pops up as a musical thing. Symbolizes destruction and renewal, you know? They recorded all sorts of watery sounds—rivers, taps, underwater vibes. It’s all part of the sound design, dabbling between being ambient or musical. That’s ocean deep right there.

The score itself? It’s tactile and cinematic. Every move you make kind of sings, like part of a bigger tune. Turning a gear isn’t just clunk—nah, it’s part of the music, rhythmically tuned into the setting.

Todd and Lucie jammed with the design and narrative teams from the jump. Seamless integration or bust—the sound is a living element of the game’s fiber—not an afterthought. They wanted music and game mechanics enhancing each other. A level themed around paper and origami? They made the music feel handmade with paper sounds and analogue vibes to match the art style. Layers of genius, right there.

What they’re most proud of—brace yourself for this—is how the sound really backs up the feelings in Noor’s story. It’s about grief, growing, hoping. And the music guides you softly through all those feels. In heart-to-heart moments, the sounds are sparse—strings, flutes leaving room for you to think. But when the puzzles get intense, the music pumps you up. Talk about an emotional journey.

If you’re gonna experience Monument Valley 3, headphones are your pal for real—the soundscapes are nuanced and detailed. It’s like the game has ears too. Immersion, not just in visuals but sonically too, is the dream they want players to step into.

Lastly, can’t wait for everyone to hear the story—yup, not just see or read it—sound is the voice of Monument Valley 3. The game rolls out on July 22 with all its widescreen, controller-friendly glory, and of course, its play-it-loud high fidelity audio.

Got it on your radar? The original game soundtrack’s streaming everywhere now. And vinyl fans, the special edition vinyl awaits at iam8bit. Happy gaming, whenever you dive in!