Sound Design | Snowdrop | Nintendo Switch

Designed SFX for Star Fox's Arwing ship engine combining several dynamic layers:

• a high air layer (like alien ship steam)

• a low wind layer (strong storm-like gusts)

• a modulating synth bass layer (alive and hovering)

• a jet flame layer (whipping like a flag).

Each sound is tonally unique and behaves differently when the ship is skimming (on the ground), vs. flying in the air or in space. That is due to RTPCs on blend tracks in Wwise that control pitch, linked to player speed and volume linked to player height. When in flight the flame element is linked to a gameplay parameter from the player input (turning range) and is accentuated when doing wide and fast turns.

The servo, boost, shield, and weapons SFX complement the ship engine SFX to create a dynamic and reactive sounding ship that is enjoyable to fly, without fatigue.

When designing the sound of the ship I was inspired by the sound of Star Fox 64 as well as the SFX of the original Arwing on SNES. I wanted to revitalize the sound, make it modern, realistic and thrilling like a powerful military jet.