Play soundtrack
Polar Trip's itch.io pageResults
| Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
| Correlation to Theme | #14 | 3.659 | 3.765 |
| Innovation | #16 | 3.201 | 3.294 |
| Overall | #16 | 3.439 | 3.539 |
| Overall Uniqueness | #17 | 3.544 | 3.647 |
| Listenability | #18 | 3.487 | 3.588 |
| Composing Quality | #21 | 3.487 | 3.588 |
| Execution | #28 | 3.258 | 3.353 |
Ranked from 17 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
Link to Streaming Service
https://soundcloud.com/fiumals-204391381/polar-trip?si=b1adac5c1dfc441592d183f4e47f7abc&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Description
So when I saw the image and text themes I immediately thought, like, that guy is going on an important journey, and it looks like a snowy place. Admittedly my interpretation of the theme is not very creative (I feel like, or at least not as creative as I wish it was) , but I imagined that this guy was going on some sort of trip across the North Pole (let's not discuss the details on how he might have gotten here), as in he needs to get to the other side.
I tried to make a song that would fit the different stages of this "trek", which is a very upbeat and joyful one.
For instance, everything from 0:00 to 1:07 is supposed to represent the start and early moments of this trip, with a mixture of anticipation and doubtfulness (the guy is not sure he'll be safe in this adventure)
After that, the part from 1:07 up until 1:40 represents, well, the polar trip! The guy is rapidly traversing the North Pole using his snow shoes, and the trip is turning out to be very fun and upbeat! He for sure faces some hard obstacles but he keeps an optimistic attitude all throughout.
The small section between 1:40 and 1:55 I thought should represent the man's determination to successfully reach the other side of the North Pole, and finish this trip.
Everything else from 1:56 until the end of the song depict the final moments of this journey, the man is slowly walking towards his objective reflecting about his adventure and the challenges he had to face, everything has led to this moment.
I tried to keep it as a nice and short track, as always hope you guys enjoy my submission and any feedback is appreciated!! I tried a slightly different than my usual approach to mixing this time around, so I'd appreciate any opinions anyone has (about anything! but especially mixing)
Screenshot of DAW
WE LOVE CAKEWALK (you can find it in the main project page)
Leave a comment
Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.
Comments
What a jammer bro. Drums do be a bit too upfront imo, other than that is great.
This was so fun. The synths you chose definitely gave me [ice world in a video game] vibes, and the percussion + jazzy sort of feel echoed the North Pole. I think you did a great job expressing in the music everything that you wrote in the description as well! As for mixing, I'm still developing my ears for picking out mixing-specific details, but nothing stood out negatively to me, which I think is a positive! :)
guys thanks a lot for the kind comments! i'll rate you guys back when i have time (i'm planning to rate every submission if possible)
Wow very jazzy!? But I love it. That upbeat happiness is really good. Love how it came out. I think you did a great job here. The mixing worked out well too. Good work!
This feels like the soundtrack to a whimsical yet determined adventure. I can totally picture the traveler setting off with a mix of nerves and excitement, then gradually hitting his stride across the snowy expanse! The upbeat pacing really sells the sense of forward motion and joy, and that final section brings a gentle weight to the journey’s end, like he's walking the last few steps with quiet pride. The mix feels bright and alive too - playful, but with just enough depth to carry the story. Loved this take!
Really dig the progression of the song. First with the very floaty state and then getting more and more drive. Nice drumming by the way. Feels like it could have come from a Nintendo game. Very nicely done!
The progression throughout here is really great, especially with how it builds on itself up into the polar trip. I got all the emotional beats you were describing from this and overall it was a super fun listen! I can't really comment on the mixing other than that it sounds very solid to me. Everything feels like it's placed well and nothing's fighting for space. Great work!