Meet Robert Arzola, the talented composer behind the immersive soundtrack of Tactical Breach Wizards. With a career spanning nine years in the music industry, Arzola has brought a unique blend of creativity and experience to this innovative tactical RPG. Known for his work across games, trailers, and films, he stepped into game scoring with this project, embracing the challenge of weaving music that blends tactical SWAT themes with magical wizardry.
A Career Built on Versatility and Passion
Robert Arzola’s career in music composition is impressive, covering everything from trailer music to feature films and now gaming. In addition to composing, Arzola serves as a music supervisor for Phantom Power, a trailer music library where he manages projects, ensures album delivery, and produces custom work for major film campaigns. This versatile background laid the foundation for his approach to the dynamic needs of Tactical Breach Wizards.
Composing for Games
Arzola’s entry into the world of game music came serendipitously. During the pandemic, he stumbled upon a Facebook post from Tom Francis, the game’s developer, looking for a composer. The criteria were broad, welcoming even those without specific game composition experience. Intrigued, Arzola submitted a few of his latest works, including tracks he created for a Michael Bay project. To his excitement, he was selected for a demo round, which ultimately led to him scoring the game.
Scoring a game presented new challenges and freedoms for Arzola compared to his previous work in film and trailers. Unlike film projects with tight deadlines, Tactical Breach Wizards afforded him three and a half years, giving him ample time for creative exploration. This extended timeline allowed Arzola to fine-tune each piece, immersing himself in the game’s world and experimenting with different musical ideas.
Unlike film, where music aligns with precise narrative beats, game scoring requires music that adapts to the player’s pacing. Arzola found himself crafting soundscapes that could sustain a variety of player experiences, allowing for both strategic thinking and moments of intense action.
Crafting Music for Tactical Breach Wizards
Once on board, Arzola found himself working on Tactical Breach Wizards during its early development stages. Initially, he focused on composing for the game’s first act, but as the project evolved over three and a half years, he continually added new musical layers to suit the game’s expanding world and storyline. This extended timeline gave Arzola a unique opportunity to witness and influence the game’s development, adding an extra dimension to the collaboration.
One standout memory for Arzola was creating a jazzy, noir-inspired track titled “The Pyromancer”. While the track wasn’t initially intended for that setting, it ended up fitting perfectly after some experimentation. This “happy accident” underscored Arzola’s adaptability and willingness to experiment, even in genres outside his usual orchestral background.
The score of Tactical Breach Wizards combines elements from various inspirations. Arzola had a special fondness for the work of Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Channeling these influences into his compositions. He incorporated deep drums and a sense of tension, resonating with the game’s tactical elements.
Reflecting on His First Gaming Soundtrack
Arzola’s experience with Tactical Breach Wizards has left a lasting impression, setting a new path for his career. The project allowed him to stretch his creativity in ways traditional film and trailer projects did not. His music in Tactical Breach Wizards demonstrates a balance of intensity and artistry. Highlighting his adaptability and solidifying his presence in the world of video game music composition.
Robert Arzola’s journey with Tactical Breach Wizards highlights the creative potential that unfolds when an artist is granted both time and freedom. This flexibility allowed him to explore new ideas and bring unique elements to the game’s soundscapes, resulting in a rich auditory experience for players. His background in trailers and film music has seamlessly blended into this magical, tactical RPG, creating a soundscape that elevates the player experience. As he continues to build his career, we can expect more remarkable work from this talented composer in the gaming world and beyond.
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