This document analyzes the sound design techniques used in the opening cut scene of the video game Fallout 3. The cut scene takes place in an abandoned bus and wasteland setting meant to portray a post-nuclear war America. To set the eerie mood, the cut scene uses diegetic sounds like dripping water and creaking metal from inside the bus. It also plays the song "Set the World on Fire" before transitioning to a computer-generated orchestral soundtrack outside the bus to create tension. Both soundtracks support the game's genre of a survival adventure through a dangerous, explorable world in the aftermath of war.
1. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
Game Title
Fallout 3 – Cut scene 0.00 to 1.40
Provide detailed descriptions from chosen examples that establish…
Clearly state what production technique(s) you think have
been used to create specific soundtrack elements
Setting
This cut scene slowly moves from the inside of an abandoned bus towards the
games main character in USA Washington DC. However the setting is now a
wasteland as the game portrays the nuclear War with USA and China
The cut scene starts off with eerie sounds coming
from within the bus such as the dripping of water
and the sound of weakness from within the
busses renewed structure. Also, there is a song
playing called “Set The World On Fire” by the
Inkspots.
Mood
The mood releases a vibe as the cut scene is based in a creepy bus in which has
been abandoned for thousands of years and also the cut scene then takes us outside
the bus, showing us the external backgrounds in which looks destroyed and horrific.
Also, as we leave the bus, the soundtrack of a
computer generated orchestra then adds cutting
out the previous song. This creates instant
tension.
Game genre
This is an adventure game in which the main character searches around for supply’s
and does tasks in which people are willing to pay you for. The game includes many
locations to explore.
Both soundtracks used in this cut scene imply a
eerie vibe based around war and survival in which
supports the exploration and adventure of the
dangerous world.
Narrative
The cut scene stars off in the remains of an old rusty bus and then takes us outside
in which we see damaged buildings and thick radiated air.
The soundtracks both create tension towards the
scenery of this cut scene
2. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games