DOS - Steve Pardo 1.0

Steve Pardo, known for his work as a game composer and audio designer, presents DOS—an ambitious project that encompasses both an album and an accompanying isometric music-driven platformer game.

The album, titled DOS, showcases a blend of instrumental and cinematic elements, firmly rooted in the jazz tradition while incorporating influences from indie rock, electronic music, ambient, and classical genres. The work unfolds over seven tracks composed during a significant transitional period in Pardo's life as he moved from Boston to Nashville in late 2018. This time of change is infused with a sense of adventure and hope throughout the album, which was completed in 2022 with the expertise of engineer and producer Jon Estes. The instrumentation features Pardo on woodwinds, guitars, keys, and synthesizers, alongside contributions from Mike Baggetta (electric guitar and FX), Jon Estes (guitars and bass), and Brian Fitch (drums). Notable special guests include Liz Estes on violin and Amy Pardo on flute.

The game component of DOS offers players a short, single-player experience that combines rhythm-based gameplay with puzzle-solving elements. Players navigate as a cube with blinking eyes, where each level corresponds to a track from the album. The gameplay duration aligns closely with that of the seven tracks, allowing for an immersive experience that emphasizes the music. The narrative unfolds through simple, approachable mechanics with just enough reactive challenges to maintain engagement while enabling the soundtrack to remain in focus.

The purchase of DOS from the App Store includes both the game itself and a digital download of the album in WAV or MP3 format. Additionally, buyers receive access to liner notes and behind-the-scenes content that enrich the overall experience.

As the debut project from The Pardo Brothers—an indie game development studio co-founded by Steve and Jonathan Pardo in 2019—DOS stands as a noteworthy testament to their creative vision.