Exploring the Storytelling Power of Soundscapes in Monument Valley 3

Sure thing, here it goes:

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Alright, so where do I even start with Monument Valley 3? It’s like, you know when you find a song that just takes you on a journey? That’s what Todd Baker and his team have done here, but with an entire game. And speaking of songs, I mean, the stuff they’ve done with sound is kinda mind-blowing. I can’t remember the last time a game made me want to grab my headphones just to get the full effect. July 22, 2025 – mark it, because this isn’t just any game launch, it’s like an audio-visual symphony on Xbox.

When they kicked off Monument Valley 3, the folks at ustwo games weren’t content to just repeat what they did before. Nah, they wanted sound to be as vital as the game’s beautiful design. And Baker, the Audio Director (with maybe the coolest job title, let’s be honest), along with co-composer Lucie Treacher—both dove right into that challenge. They’re all about making music that’s more than background tracks. These are soundscapes that tell stories and they do it with real finesse! Awards? Yeah, they’re piling up nominations like nobody’s business.

So here’s a funny twist—Baker didn’t even listen to the old soundtracks from the first two games while working on this new one. Why? I guess it’s like eating spaghetti every day because it’s your favorite—you need a break to try something fresh, right? He and Treacher were all about breaking molds, completely experimenting. Each level? It’s like its own mini concert. Forget about one theme for the whole game; they went with unique tracks for every chapter. It’s chaos in the best way—a melting pot of sounds!

Let’s talk instruments. They’re pulling influences from all over: like the Bansuri—that’s a flutey thing from India, and the Kora, a harp from West Africa. Just when you think it couldn’t get more diverse, they pull in a 17-piece string section. Wild, right? And so unexpected. There’s a rich texture here, adding layers and a cultural depth that Noor, the heroine, dances through on her journey.

Okay, listen, this game’s sound reacts to you. Like no joke, it changes as you move. Ever play a game where the sound morphs while you interact? If not, you need to try this. The architecture in the game can literally become an instrument. As you mess around—twisting blocks or guiding Noor—the music evolves. Seriously, you kinda become a composer yourself. Wild stuff.

And water! Ah, water sounds like it’s always transformed. Imagine recording rivers and splashes to weave them into your tunes. Sometimes they’re just atmospheric, but often they’re musical elements too. It’s like they took an ocean and made it sing.

One crazy cool thing—they worked super closely with the game designers and storytellers. Sound wasn’t an afterthought; it was baked in right from the get-go. Like, say, a level gets inspired by origami, and they decide the sound should include paper crinkles. That’s tactile sound design for you.

Anywho… the emotional arc is the real kicker. Noor’s journey through grief and hope is supported beautifully by such a responsive score. You feel the highs and lows. Sparse moments to deep, swelling crescendos—what a ride!

Monument Valley 3 is gonna knock your socks off if you stick on a pair of nice headphones. It’s not just about what you see; it’s very much what you hear. Can’t wait for folks to experience Todd and Lucie’s work. It’s more than sound—it’s storytelling in the rawest form.

Alright, that’s it from me—this is gonna be a game you won’t want to miss. It’s coming to Xbox soon, optimized and all. Go pre-order that collectible vinyl if you’re into that. Just… soak it all in and let it take you on a journey!