This was an old interview I made with Lev Liberman, the voice of Nimbus, the Wind Warriors, Stone Stompers, and the Soccer Players. I'd love to get in interview with Mike Vaughn, the voice of Zephyr someday!
Why was some audio/outtakes either removed or not used in the final game?
Game developers typically record more audio than they need, because that's better than needing audio they don't have. Also, any segments that haven't been completed (with all animation and programming) by "code lock" day... don't make it into the game.
Where did you get the inspiration of the character's voices?
Nimbus is pretty much my regular speaking voice. As Wind Warrior I speak a little faster, in a higher and less resonant range. As Stone Stomper I speak slowly in a growly voice. It's all me.
Nimbus was recorded in two sessions. Most of his audio is from the first session, but they made some changes in the script and had to re-record the altered lines. The second session was done with a different engineer, different room, different mic; I wish they had taken more care in matching the sound quality.
Who was your favorite Tornado Outbreak character?
Nimbus was my favorite. I enjoyed portraying the grizzled old warrior mentoring his young protégé.
But every character poses a unique challenge. And when I play multiple roles, there's the added challenge of making each character distinct from all the others. I might choose a wide age difference, or extreme contrasts in social class or dialect. Sometimes these parameters are outlined in the "spec" (character specification) from the get-go. At other times I'll present several options until the director says, "That's the one."
Stone Stomper required me to answer the question: If rocks could talk, what would they sound like? You've heard the voice I chose. A character made of gravel or sand would sound somewhat different.
What inspired you to become a voice actor?
As an advertising copywriter I discovered that scripts were more likely to be understood by account executives & approved by clients if I performed them vocally. Over time, taking a greater role in casting & directing, I learned VO skills from both sides of the mic.
But I didn't become a voice actor, I always was one. As a young boy, I spoke in strange voices to mystify & amuse my family. Years later, I'd tell my little brother bedtime stories full of vivid characters & sound effects; they'd rile him up instead of making him sleepy! In high school & college I directed radio plays, worked at a few radio stations, sang in bands..