29
June 2011
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Michael scores iOS games “Wizard Ops” and “Strange Rain”

Wizard Ops

Michael is writing music for Phkyen Media’s forthcoming iOS game Wizard Ops, as well as the critically-acclaimed Strange Rain title from Opertoon.

Wizard Ops is a traditional running/shooter series title featuring a team of stylized wizards running a gauntlet of Renaissance-esque opponents. Michael’s music combines orchestral fantasy scoring with modernistic touches and an undercurrent of humor.

Opertoon’s top-selling iOS app (#1 on U.S. iPad entertainment charts) Strange Rain is an immersive experience featuring music against a changing backdrop of stormy weather and a nonlinear narrative story. Michael’s piano score, to be offered as an expansion to the app, features an impressionistic accompaniment that, like the visuals, slowly becomes “stranger” over time.

24
May 2013
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Cue of the Week: “Wizardly Winter”

Another music selection from Wizard Ops Tactics, this cue accompanies a winter-themed battleground. High-register strings and harp help reinforce the icy visuals, while the low brass stabs remind us that we’re not at a peace conference.


(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

Wizardly Winter
22
March 2013
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Cue of the Week: “Wizardly Armaments”

This week’s selection comes from the just-announced game Wizard Ops Tactics. (If this rings a bell, you may recall my score for the game’s spiritual predecessor, Wizard Ops: Chapter One.)

This particular music plays while one buys weapon upgrades from a strangely homey shop. As with the prior game’s music, there’s a balance between brass-and-drums militarism and low string lines which represent the titular wizards’ grumpy countenances.


(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

Wizardly Armaments
31
August 2012
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Cue of the Week: “Wizard Flight”

This blog has been offline for a few weeks, but I have an excuse: I was over in New York attending a fabulous NY Fringe run of Super Sidekick: The Musical, for which I wrote music and lyrics. It did so well that the Fringe extended its run throughout September. If you’re in the NYC area, check it out!

Onto our usual subject matter. This week’s selection is from the iOS game Wizard Ops, wherein the protagonist does what wizards traditionally do, namely don a jetpack. Of course, wizardly flying music was called for. Enjoy!


(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

Wizard Flight
16
December 2011
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Cue of the Week: “Wizards’ Plight”

This week’s selection is the music that accompanies the introductory cinematic for the iOS/Android game Wizard Ops. The developers crafted an elaborate backstory to the game, which manifests as a series of mini-movies. I used a “crazy” trill figure in the clarinet to characterize the Mad Maker, the wizards’ nemesis. I have a feeling we’ll be facing him in forthcoming installments of the game!

If you’d like to hear the music in context, dig up 99 gold pieces… er, cents… and head over to iOS app store.


(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

Wizards’ Plight
 

Morituri Te Salutant // Michael Gordon Shapiro - Highlights
  1. Morituri Te Salutant // Michael Gordon Shapiro - Highlights
  2. Emerald, Texas // Highlights
  3. Mythic Battle // Highlights
  4. The Yard Sale // Michael Gordon Shapiro - Highlights
  5. Investigations // Highlights
  6. Home Room // Highlights
  7. Sands of Arabia // Highlights
  8. Spider Cult // Highlights
  9. Poker Night // Highlights