‘This is our opportunity to give the player goosebumps’ — Original Mass Effect composer says ‘cinematic moments that propel the story forward’ are a ‘favorite’ part of the writing process since the music is ‘baked into the visuals’

Original Mass Effect composer Jack Wall has shared his fondness for writing cinematic music, as he believes it serves as a crucial element in advancing the narrative. Speaking to TechRadar Gaming, Wall elaborated on how cinematic moments accompanied by tracks are integral to the story and serve to give players a thrilling experience.

He stated, "One of my favorite parts of being a composer for any game is the cinematic moments that propel the story forward." Wall emphasized that these moments are vital to the story, allowing the player to experience a genuine emotional response, describing it as "our opportunity to give the player goosebumps."

Wall's method of composition involved integrating the music with both the environments and characters, ensuring that the music always drove the story forward. He explained that the music remains consistent in these moments, depending not on the gameplay but rather being "baked into the visuals." These cinematic pauses provide players with a chance to appreciate the game's visuals and story.

Wall further shared that working on the Mass Effect soundtrack was particularly exciting, as BioWare had revealed the entire story to him, including the full arch of time, the Reapers, and other crucial plot points. This comprehensive understanding of the storyline allowed him to create a cohesive and compelling soundtrack. He expressed his excitement about the sci-fi narrative, stating, "It was one of the most exciting sci-fi stories I’d ever heard."

In addition to sharing his professional experiences, Wall also reminisced about his time working at BioWare. Among the many memorable projects, he highlighted Mass Effect 2's Suicide Mission as one of the 10 best endings for a video game ever.