Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the concept of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and its use in video games. MIDI files contain instructions for playing music rather than recorded audio, allowing for smaller file sizes. The host discusses the novelty of hearing familiar songs recreated using MIDI and defines how MIDI works.
The primary reason cartridge-based consoles used MIDI was the file size limitations. Digital audio files are significantly larger than MIDI files. The host explains how storing music as MIDI allowed developers to fit extensive soundtracks on small cartridges. An example of animal crossing and its vast soundtrack is used to further highlight this point.
The video discusses the transition from cartridge to disk-based media. With larger storage capacities became available, some games started using CD-quality recordings. Games like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater struggled to implement CD quality audio on the N64. The host argues that MIDI shouldn't be viewed negatively due to advancements in virtual instrument technology.
The video shows examples of how game developers creatively used MIDI to enhance gameplay and immersion. Examples include instrument changes based on the player's location in Banjo-Kazooie and the harmonizing piano puzzle in Mad Monster Mansion. The interactive possibilities offered by MIDI, such as player-created songs in Ocarina of Time and gameplay rhythm in Mother 3, are explored.
The host discusses how modern game engines, particularly Unreal Engine 5 with its MetaSound suite, are re-introducing features similar to that of MIDI. While recorded audio is still the standard, in modern systems there are ways to apply real time generated and reactive effects, similar to the systems used in MIDI, though not exactly the same. The presenter hopes that audio professionals adopt new technology to allow for creative sequenced music rendered in real time.