Exploring Soundscapes: How Monument Valley 3 Narrates Its Story

Sure, here you go:

Okay, so, let’s talk about Monument Valley 3 or, as I like to call it, "The Game with the Soundtrack that’s Another World." Seriously, I still remember sitting there, all ready to get lost in whatever craziness they cooked up this time. And I wasn’t disappointed.

First off, did you ever think sound could just, I don’t know, be in a game? Not like the usual background stuff, but really part of the whole vibe? That was the goal for these guys over at ustwo games. They wanted the soundtrack to be more than just a sidekick to the visuals—it needed to be wrapped around everything you do. Let me tell you, they didn’t just nail it; they made it sing.

Todd Baker—he’s the audio wizard here—and Lucie Treacher, they’re like this dynamic duo. They wanted to make it feel so alive that headphones aren’t just suggested; they’re basically required. Trust me, when it drops on July 22 for Xbox, you’ll get why.

Now, here’s where it gets wild. Monument Valley was all about serene tunes, right? But for this one, Todd went all “Nope, not doing the same old thing.” Total fresh canvas. And yeah, that meant bringing in all these crazy instruments you don’t hear every day. Bansuri, Gamelan, Kora—I mean, who even knows what those are on a typical Tuesday afternoon? Each one adds a little magic to Noor’s world, the game’s heroine.

Sound doesn’t just sit there; it moves. It becomes part of the walls, the blocks you shift, the towers you twist. It’s like you’re DJing this symphony as you play. Weird, right? I didn’t get it at first, but now it’s like, “Yeah, obviously, why didn’t we always do it this way?” Water’s a big deal in the game too, symbolizing everything from wreckage to rebirth. So naturally, the water sounds aren’t just for atmosphere—they’re straight-up instruments.

Listen, making this wasn’t just throwing sounds together. Todd and Lucie worked side by side with everyone else involved, making sure sound wasn’t just an afterthought. It’s all baked in from day one. There’s this level (my fave, by the way) that unfolds like paper—like an origami dream—and the music? Handmade vibes all the way with paper crinkles and synths. Honestly, it gave me chills.

Monument Valley 3 isn’t just something you “play.” It’s something you experience. It lures you in, sonically and visually, and just doesn’t let go. Noor’s journey is packed with feels, and the music guides you through her ups and downs. It’s like, when the puzzles get intense, the soundtrack goes full drama mode. When things chill out, you get room for, I dunno, contemplation or whatever.

Mark the calendar, July 22 on Xbox, and get that soundtrack wherever you stream your jams. Or go fancy with the limited edition vinyl—if that’s your thing.

And, oh, did I mention the bundle? ‘Cause Monument Valley 1 & 2 are like movie prequels you actually wanna watch. Check ’em out. Thank me later.