Commodore Amiga

1985

Sampling

Allowed for the playback of arbitrary sound. Dedicated samplers were extremely expensive, but as cost lowered they made there way into consoles - providing new ways for composers to experiment with sounds and music.

Stereo Sound

Up until now, sound was limited to monophonic reproduction. Stereo sound allowed for more complicated soundscapes and more interesting compositions.

Mod Trackers

A new type of music composition program. It allowed for the easy control of hardware, and democratized video game music development as it was a cost-effective and user-friendly way of composing.

Turrican II: The Final Fight

Factor Five, 1991

One of the first instances of a music menu accessible within the game, where all the in-game music is available to be listened to.

Turrican II: Final Fight cover art.

Formula One Grand Prix cover art.

Formula One Grand Prix

MicroProse, 1991

New stereo sound capabilities turn what would otherwise be a a busy drum beat into a more modern sounding kit.