The Role of Soundscapes in Storytelling in Monument Valley 3

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Okay, so there’s this game coming out called Monument Valley 3. Ever heard of it? It’s by ustwo games, and it’s hitting Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on July 22, 2025. Oh, and you can pre-order the vinyl soundtrack now if that’s your vibe.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. When ustwo started on Monument Valley 3, the aim was to mess with audio in a way that connects with gameplay. Like, not just music for the sake of music, y’know?

Todd Baker, the Audio Director, teamed up with Lucie Treacher, and they did a whole thing blurring lines between traditional music and sounds. It’s like, you really need headphones to catch everything when it’s out.

### Breaking New Ground

The earlier Monument Valley games were all about those chill, ambient tunes. This time? Nope, not backtracking. Todd wanted fresh vibes, so he and Lucie just jammed out whatever came to heart. Each level’s got its own soundtrack—kind of like hitting pause on one playlist and jumping into another.

And they didn’t just use any sounds. We’re talking a serious mix—from the Bansuri to Gamelan to Kora. It’s not about showing off world music. It was more about adding texture—rich and earthy.

### Interactive Sounds & Water Vibes

For Todd and Lucie, sound isn’t just there—it’s alive. Everything you touch or move in the game tweaks the audio. Like you’re the DJ of your own puzzle-solving journey. I mean, the architecture even becomes an instrument! Talk about cool.

Water’s a big theme—symbolizes destruction AND rebirth. So, they went all out recording water—rivers, lakes, even the kitchen tap. That’s dedication. Not just background noise; water is practically part of the melody.

### A Mosaic of Sound and Emotion

The score had to vibe with every player interaction—turn a gear, hear harmony. Made it feel like players were part of live music. Lucie and Todd didn’t just plop music on top; it grew with the game, shaping each scene, each puzzle.

Oh, and shoutout to that origami level. It’s got these sounds of paper crinkling and lo-fi tape hiss. Gave me the tingles thinking about how the visuals matched the audio.

But what Todd really loves? The emotional arc. Noor, the protagonist, is on a journey of loss and hope, and the music rides that rollercoaster—strings, flutes, you name it. It digs deep.

Overall, Monument Valley 3 seems like one of those games where you just want to plop down, headphones on, and get lost in the sounds. It’s not just another game—it’s an emotional hit waiting for you to tune in.

Really interested to see how folks react when it finally drops. The game has a way of speaking to people visually and sonically, and I think Todd’s onto something big here.

Anyway, check it out if you’re into that kind of immersive experience. It’s supposed to be top-notch, with its roots deep in storytelling through sound. And hey, even if the gameplay doesn’t hook you, the soundtrack just might.

Monument Valley 3 isn’t just a game; it’s somewhere players can just sit and listen, which kind of feels rare these days.