Diegetic Singing in Games?

Does making tones in SoundSelf count?

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No worries, it sounds like a fascinating game - I’ll be sure to take a look at it, might come in handy regardless. Thanks! :slight_smile:

Maybe silly question, but would every level of PaRappa the Rapper count? That entire game is vocal performances.

Also, my favorite song, just because.

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I’ve always been a fan of FFX’s use of the “Hymn of the Fayth” as diegetic in all of the temples you visit in that game - typically there is a choral version reflecting the culture managing the temple, and each of the summons you meet in the temples sings their own version of the hymn.

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It certainly does! :slight_smile:

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Oh, and also: the Demon of Song and the Milfanito in the Shrine of Amana in Dark Souls 2!

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OK Sorry, this is going to be an active topic for me because I adore this concept and really enjoy diegetic music in game design. Not all of these are narrative, per se, but use diegetic song directly as a game mechanic (e.g. in the Zelda games here, the songs are instrumental in opening new paths):

-Marin in Link’s Awakening
-Shyren in Undertale (diegetic song as a battle mechanic - probably many examples of this given that bards -are a fantasy RPG convention, but this one takes it a step further, arguably)
-Songstress Marissa in Hollow Knight
-Another from Dark Souls 2: the sanctum priestesses in the Dragon Sanctum (similar to and not as interesting as the Milfanito, admittedly)
-Lulu and The Indigo Band in Majora’s Mask
-Yahar’gul, Unseen Village in Bloodborne (the area music when you first visit, presumably sung by the residents performing the ritual; supported by the lyrics)
-“This Cannot Continue”/“Become as Gods” in NieR: Automata

I’ll leave it there for now, but I’m sure I’ll think of more throughout the day

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Far Cry 5 has a lot of choir songs to choose from that describes the cult’s intentions. They even used the song “Only You (The Platters)” to trigger / taunt the player in the game.

Batman Arkham Knight has the Joker singing his own song " I cant stop Laughing" to Batman

Killer instinct’s character TJ Combo has his theme song “Im Back (Mick Gordon)” about his redemption fighting in the game.

Recently Warframe showed some footage for their upcoming expansion Fortuna which opened up a Chain-gang song “We all Lift Together” about living in a harsh labor camp

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All great tunes, just not what I’m looking for :slight_smile: Marin, Shyren, Marissa and the Indigo-gos are doing non-lyrical melodies (e.g. they’re diegetic, but don’t directly convey information about the singer or the setting); the Yahar’gul track has lyrics, but no one visibly singing them; and “This Cannot Continue”/“Become as Gods” is a chant overlaid with non-diegetic music.

I’ll organize them into a separate list later, but I want to be sure I’ve covered all the bases first…

Heh, I’m reminded that the Joker also sang “Only You” at the end of Arkham City :slight_smile:

The others don’t quite fit the parameters, but I’ll add them to the second list ASAP. Thanks!

Then in that case, add the levels of PaRappa the Rapper 2 and Um Jammer Lammy to the list too!

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Here’s an odd one: during Splatfest special events in Splatoon 2, the game’s mascots perform on a stage above the square that serves as the game’s hub. They don’t perform in a real language, however, and it doesn’t convey any story information. It does, however, help with immersion and character development.

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Glottis singing the “Rusty Anchor” song in Grim Fandango should fit if the Bioshock: Infinite songs fit. It doesn’t directly convey storyline, but it does aid character development and the characters discuss it.

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Cool topic!

So I just played Her Story and there is a part where a character sings and plays guitar during a police interview: https://youtu.be/P6ztgXTgSd4

Also in Breath of the Wild the bird guy sings (via text dialog) songs that give you clues about shrines.

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Great topic… I’ll have a think about actual singing, I mostly play Nintendo, who’s only just coming to terms with voice acting :wink: … and I know this isn’t what you’re after, but I really love how the fish in Nuclear Throne is playing the theme songs guitar… and maybe the crystal is on harmonica?

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Oh… The incredible coffee themed songs of Tomodachi Life shot to No.1 in that reality.

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Most Adventure Era Sonic the Hedgehog music is this, the best examples I can think of being the Knuckles Stage Rap Tracks from Sonic Adventure 2. But also all the ending themes except All Hail Shadow in Shadow the Hedgehog are sung from his perspective, Waking Up even includes backing vocals from Omega.

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I just want to say that this thread is wholesome and good. It makes me happy.

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I almost feel guilty for screening things for the project list - someone should make a thread for video game music in general, this is way more fun than I was anticipating :slight_smile:

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