Suppose you’ve played any classic Atari titles on an original Atari console or one of the various other Atari console options released over the years. In that case, you may have noticed a distinct lack of any soundtracks or audio effects aside from a handful of fundamental, single-tone effects. It wasn’t until companies like Nintendo began to include eight channel chiptune soundtracks on their home console games in the early 1980’s that players began to experience musical soundtracks accompanying their video game playthroughs.
With Atari’s re-imagined collection of classic titles included in Atari: Recharged, players today experience the classics differently than somebody playing Yar’s Revenge on an Atari 2600 would have back in 1977. Megan McDuffee, who specializes in musical composition, production and recording, provided a collection of soundtrack titles for Atari: Recharged that bring a whole new dimension of experience to some of the first titles to bring video games to the world.
It was interesting to ask Megan a few questions about her experience with Atari: Recharged. Look at the Bandcamp links below to hear Megan’s contributions to the re-imagined collection.
Atari Recharged: Original Video Game Soundtrack Volume One | Volume Two
What were some of your inspirations for the Atari: Recharged soundtrack?
Each game drew upon different inspirational and reference materials. For example, Caverns of Mars was flavored with 90’s breakbeats/drum and bass, Gravitar was fueled by ambient, spacey, cinematic vibes, and Missile Command conjured cold, darkwave feelings.
In what ways did you blend your own personal style of music production into the Atari: Recharged soundtrack?
I remained true to my MO, keeping strong melodic leads and really punchy mixes.
Did you run into any unexpected challenges while working on this project?
Nope! Crafting upbeat and memorable tunes for all the Recharged games has been an absolute joy.
What sort of experience were you trying to impart upon players of Atari: Recharged with your music?
I’ve done my job as a composer if players are immersed, pumped up, and not distracted by the soundtrack. I’m there to enhance the overall gameplay experience, and if my music gets noticed in a good way, that’s a bonus.
How does it feel to have crafted an integral part to the next iteration of such an iconic line of generation spanning video games?
Absolutely incredible. I honestly still pinch myself to make sure I’m really producing the soundtracks for these legendary game titles.
Are there any other classic video games or series you would like a chance to work on if given the opportunity?
I’d be totally floored to work on anything in the Zelda universe, a classic RPG like Chrono Trigger, or create an epic gnarly score to a DOOM game.
Check out the Atari: Recharged collection here if you’d like to give it a try! If you’d like to hear Megan’s music, you can find her Bandcamp page here. Her portfolio is expansive, you may have even heard her music in another of your favorite titles!
