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Geometry Wars is an interesting beast. On the one hand, almost any music can work with the gaming experience. Classical, rock, punk, rap, pop, or metal seem to fit the mold. On the other hand, there is a very specific genre which fits the bill perfectly.
Trouble is, unlike the previously mentioned genres, this type of music is not as prevalent in the states. Trance, or more specifically uplifting melodic trance, works incredibly well with the Geometry Wars gameplay. It doesn't distract the gamer from the experience, but at the same time enhances it.
Luckily for gamers, because of the state of trance in the USA, it is relatively easy to come across free premium content, specifically in the form of podcasts. Some of the best are DJ Maluu's Trancecast, DJ Jonno, and Jordan Wales Trance Mutation Broadcast. Both come in around an hour, and have no commercials.
Notable Tracks:
-"Airwave" - DJ Jonno
-"The Future" - DJ Jonno
-"Episode 4" - DJ Maluu's Trancecast
-"Episode 5" - DJ Maluu's Trancecast
-"Trance Mutation Broadcast Episode #33" - Jordan Waeles
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I hope to GOD that you don't use custom soundtracks on your initial playthroughs.
When you substitute your own soundtrack you more often than not lose a crucial element of the game that is the musical cues. These musical cues can enhance certain moods such as seclusion and/or a sudden sense of urgency. Without them, a substantial part of the narrative is no longer there and you, the user, feel like you are less a part of the actual experience than ever before.
Now custom soundtracks during multiplayer games and/or multiple playthroughs are ok in my book.
Just try and imagine listening to any other than the in-game music during critical plot elements in an MGS game such as when Sniperwolf dies. Think about that for awhile.
Using a custom soundtrack in Guitar Hero 2 would make that game a lot more challenging. Too bad it's not possible :(
Also, links to the trance podcasts you mentioned in Geometry Wars would be nice, I'm interested in that :P