Music is a powerful emotional tool. It can deliver a message, stir up an emotion, or evoke entire images. Iconic pieces of pop culture media are accompanied by music. If I say Jurassic Park, I’ll bet that most of you just started humming John Williams’ score to yourself (and if you didn’t before I mentioned the theme, you are now). Metal Gear Solid’s game over screen is synonymous with the musical stinger that accompanied it. Anytime I accomplish something I feel the desire to jump up and do the Final Fantasy VII victory theme.
Scientifically, our memory for sounds is far worse than that of imagery, so why do these particular themes stay with us" Science has shown that emotion can be one of the most powerful memory recalls humans have. A great piece of music instills an emotion tied with imagery and we distinctly remember things like Otacon shouting “Snaaaaaakkkkeee!” while “Game Over” streaks onto the screen and that iconic piece of music plays. Moss beckons to a part of the soul that video games traditionally don’t, and it does so through powerful and dynamic music. That’s not to say they aren’t incredibly emotional games out there, but through the magic of VR, Polyarc managed to capture a sense of immersion and a kinesthetic bond with a tiny mouse hero. Where most games provide a sense of role playing, of becoming the character, Moss invites you to literally step into its world and become Quill’...