Ingame 'music'

[jez9999]

So, I just got hold of SMAC. I don't know whether I'm missing something (I hope I am), but I am playing as the University and I am not experiencing anything that could really be described as 'ambient music'... it's more like the occasional spooky and downright depressing 'sound' coming on in the background, always the same 'sounds' when I open a city screen. Is this some kind of bug, or is this really what passes for 'ambient music' in SMAC? If the latter, I have to say that it's abysmal compared to the nice upbeat offerings of Sid Meier's previous games. If someone wants me to record what I'm hearing and upload it to check whether it sounds right, just ask.

[bdanv]

an upload will help

[jez9999]

OK I've uploaded a sample here.

[bdanv]

(I hope I am)

no, you're not. still, i enjoy playing it very much and i'm not the only one.
anyway, you can do as described here if you want a change.

[jez9999]

Oh I do still enjoy it, I just think it's tragic that they couldn't come up with something better than depressing background noise to play to. Playing Winamp or something in the background is a bad solution because, as mentioned before, the ambient noise in SMAC isn't just overlaid... it's weaved into the game's actions.

[TimeTraveler]

That particular set of music is really just tied to the University. Other sounds are heard when playing other factions. Although I think the Hive and Morganites share the same music, as do the Gaians and the Peacekeepers.

Edit: Except for the Opening Menu. Considering that's heard only when credits are rolling or when a game isn't in progress, it's universal.

[dnzrx]

Although I was wondering if the game has any set music for the background.

Or do they just play random songs here and there?

[CEO Aaron]

I vastly prefer the mild and innocuous background music of SMAX to the brash and irritating noise of the later CIV games. IMO, the music needs to be downplayed because of how long the game is. Anything big and imposing is going to drive you insane over the course of just one game.

However, if you really hate the music that much, launch your favorite MP3 player and disable in-game music.

[Dubhghlas]

I vastly prefer the mild and innocuous background music of SMAX to the brash and irritating noise of the later CIV games. IMO, the music needs to be downplayed because of how long the game is. Anything big and imposing is going to drive you insane over the course of just one game.

However, if you really hate the music that much, launch your favorite MP3 player and disable in-game music.

NOTHING compares to the wonderful strains of "Fa-la-lan" playing during the 1500s in EU2.