Trix - Witching world

Project Mission

The mission of this project was to create music and sound that would bring players closer to the main character, Trix, a young witch apprentice exploring her magical abilities in a captivating top-down 2D pixel art RPG. The game emphasizes the transformative power of family bonds, with every decision shaping Trix's destiny.

As a woman and composer, I found myself emotionally immersed in this world—seeing reflections of myself in Trix’s journey. Her vulnerability, strength, and sense of discovery inspired me to craft a soundscape that not only complemented her path but also resonated with the intimacy and empowerment present in her story. This personal connection helped shape a musical identity that supports the player’s emotional experience while deepening their bond with Trix.

Creative Process

The creative process was highly collaborative, involving regular discussions and meetings with me and the Joyjog team. Our focus was on effectively using sound to evoke both a sense of "cuteness" and tension, providing a fun and exploratory atmosphere without the music becoming intrusive or repetitive.​

One key strategy was implementing layered music, especially during boss battles. Unlike film scores, game soundtracks must adapt dynamically to player choices. For the boss music, I constructed four progressive layers that intensified as the player advanced in defeating the boss:​

  1. Layer 1: Light strings, brass, and percussion to create initial tension.​

  2. Layer 2: Added staccato strings to increase musical "speed."​

  3. Layer 3: Introduced additional percussion to reflect the ongoing struggle.​

  4. Layer 4: Incorporated more brass, choir, and explosion sound effects to deliver a climactic finale.​

To facilitate these layered transitions and randomize other music and sound effects—thereby preventing repetitiveness—I utilized FMOD, an adaptive audio tool. FMOD is an end-to-end solution for adding sound and music to any game. It allows for the creation of adaptive audio that dynamically reacts to game events, enhancing the player's immersive experience.

This project underscored the importance of communication between composer and developer to ensure the music complements the game, enhancing its dynamism and player engagement. By handling both the sound effects and music, I was able to seamlessly integrate the two, achieving a cohesive audio experience. Such synergy is essential in any game or film project to create an immersive and compelling experience for the audience.

Listen to the result