This was originally a thread where I was requesting help for music for my Xargon mod. But that is pretty well sorted out now so now it is just a thread for updates on my mod! See preview below.
Text of original post
I'm working on a mod for Xargon using the recently released tools. It will be 5 levels and a world map. The mod is also planned to contain new main menu graphics and story sequences. The levels will be brand new (albeit using existing graphics tiles due to limitations on adding new graphics into Xargon). I think this is about as close as can be done for a full new game style mod without reworking the source code. Assuming no one else beats me to the punch, it may also be the first Xargon full game style mod ever.
I'm well underway with this project and am looking for a musician who might be able to create some cmf music in a similar style to the music in the original game (or other stuff by the same artist such as Jill of the jungle, kiloblaster, etc). I think it would go a long way to making the mod feel fresh and new if there were some new music. I wouldn't necessarily need a completely new song for every level/map/main menu, if it is difficult and tedious to make new music, even two new songs interspersed with a few of the old ones would be great. I do have cmf files of all of the original Xargon music that could be used for reference if desired, and I've read up on some tools that can convert midi files to cmf format, so you wouldn't necessarily need to compose in some archaic program.
In any case, if this strikes you as interesting, please reach out via pm
Last edited by dark on Thu Jul 04, 2024 19:09, edited 3 times in total.
While I have no musical talents whatsoever, I did want to post a reply to at least mention my eagerness to experience the Xargon mod you're working on. Xargon's been an all-time favourite of mine (even created a Xargon fan site back in the early 2000s) so I'm very keen to see what you come up with.
Dan Froelich's tracks really added to the feel of Jill and Xargon. I can't put my finger on how or why exactly, I always remember feeling like there was something deliberately 'off' about his tracks (some more than others), presumably to help convey how bizarre the world of Xargon was.
Thanks. I know exactly what you mean about Dan's tracks. They were quite atmospheric and imo elevated both Jill and Xargon, adding a cool sense of mystery and foreboding in each game.
No one has volunteered for music yet so I'll broaden the search to some other sites and see if I can rope someone in Its getting a bit hard to find people interested in early 1990s shareware games in 2024 though.
When the mod is ready for publishing, hopefully later this year, I'll make a post about it here.
I could give it a try. I must admit, I've never played Xargon. I've listened to a few tracks on YouTube, and it would be fun to replicate the style. You could check my OST of my mods on YouTube and in the recently released Revival of Bliss mod, which is in adlib format on YouTube, if you think I am up for the task.
Granted, I don't think the style is similar to what you're looking for, but I could give it a shot.The thing is, I am only experienced with a few trackers, mostly simple midi sequencers. How well would that translate into making songs for Xargon?
"I don’t care what model it was! No vacuum cleaner should give a human being a double polaroid!"
Dave216 has been an incredible help with the music for this project. Things are at a point now where I'd like to start a bit of promotion, so the first post has been edited to include a promo!
Yes it is nearing completion. I'd put it at 85-90 percent complete. Please share anywhere. I think this will be the first Xargon full mod using the original dos game as it's base!
dark wrote: ↑Wed Jul 03, 2024 19:04
Dave216 has been an incredible help with the music for this project. Things are at a point now where I'd like to start a bit of promotion, so the first post has been edited to include a promo!
It was a pleasure working with you! Is it alright with you if I release my songs on YouTube after you release your mod? You might get more players this way, too.
"I don’t care what model it was! No vacuum cleaner should give a human being a double polaroid!"
I am pleased to share the soundtrack for the game with you by our own Dave216 as well as some new screenshots of the game contained in the video. I've mentioned it in the image preview above, but Dave used the original dos software and file formats to make the music as was used to create Xargon's music in the 1990s. Imo this is very cool and I think the results speak for themselves!
Its getting a bit hard to find people interested in early 1990s shareware games in 2024 though.
