The Best Game Music of 2023 - A Breakdown
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- Опубликовано: 28 июн 2024
- What are the best pieces of music in videogames that came out so far in 2023?
Let's talk about & analyze them in depth.
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- ▼TIMESTAMPS▼-
00:00 - Intro
00:19 - Honkai Star Rail - Wildfire (Track Analysis)
04:16 - Final Fantasy XVI - Ascension (Solo Violin Analysis)
08:57 - Tekken 8 - Pave Your Way (Vocal Breakdown)
11:31 - Zelda Tears of the Kingdom - Final Trailer Theme (Layering!)
13:55 - Stray Gods Soundtrack Analysis
20:46 - Octopath Traveler 2, Street Fighter 6, Jedi Survivor & more incredible soundtracks
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Игры
I, indeed the world, doesnt deserve you 😭❤
Austin, you did such amazing work on Stray Gods. I've been following you since the Supergiant Orchestral arrangements and hearing the stuff you make is incredible. Major props to you, dude
Shut up.
Hey Austin, may I share a short fan story with you? My reaction my first time hearing "Threshold" was to tear up, leap out of a depression-scrolling stupor, hunt down the game it was from (I heard it as the background of someone's unrelated video clip), buy Journey, play Journey's full soundtrack, and then that same morning reach out to Thatgamecompany to apply to work there. That was my first job application in months.
This was just after the pandemic lockdown, so you could argue we were all ripe for anything to inspire us out of our funks then, but your music is what did it for me. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you!
honestly, specifically in relation to Wildfire, I think another part of how amazing it is is the same reason a lot of the music in MGRR is so incredible. Wildly emotional, over an incredible moment, and the song itself is incredible upbeat despite it all
It's like both an epic boss theme and a pep talk at once. The game is telling you that *you,* both as the player and character(s), are not just gonna defeat this enemy, you are going to tear them to shreds. It's awesome
They both pull off the trick of having they lyrics kick in during the final phase of the fight, when you are about to win.
despite what?
To me, Wildfire managed to convey the feelings of depair and suffering of people of Belobog as much as the story itself, if not more. Like it's telling you that Belobog people are fully aware they're in the brink of a precipice, but despite that they aren't gonna give up, they are gonna unite as underworld and overworld despite the differences, to show the stubborness of mankind against the threat of their world ending.
Which is also cool because Wildfire is some kind of people militia born in the underworld to protect themeselves, and it's not really anything unheard of, but you expect them to have a bitter resentment towards the overworld people, but in the end that isn't really the case, which I found to be quite unexpected. And the song encapsulates that as well. Truly a masterpiece and my favorite HSR song to this day.
Hoyo-Mix never missed. At every moment of desperation in _Honkai Impact_ , they give you something to further show how Kiana, or one of the others, regathers their spirit to continue the fight, whether fighting an overwhelmingly powerful Herrscher, depression incarnate, or Kevin.
Samudrartha is another really good track from Star Rail I recommend giving it a listen.
That track got me feeling emotional and I don’t even understand the lyrics
that game has too many great things going for it as a gacha. Amazing free to play value in music alone
2023 is already one of the best years in the history of video games. So many banger games, with outstanding music. What a time to be a gamer !
This year is the first year where the games not destroyed by lock down released
Yeah, Overwatch 2 was amazing!! (Jk, there were amazing games this year)
Absolutely amazing year for games and their music! And we still have a few months to go!
@@kingdanett4043 For every high there is a low, it just happens that Overwatch didn't just dig a hole but rather a tunnel through the damn planet
@@-Zerontek-lmao
WIldfire really set the tone for how large-scale the battle was. I found myself searching for other people's reactions to the fight, just to re-experience the feeling vicariously. It's one of those moments that you only get to truly experience once, and it's a bittersweet thing.
Excited to hear Octopath Traveler II coming up. The Crestlands daytime theme floored me.
Wildfire totally give me goosebump during the battle.
playing x1 speed, taking the time to stare down the boss with each character, letting the wind-up animation play out all the way. Yeah. That was a good moment that solidified me playing for the long run.
Its especially satisfying when you use the special aniamtion ability at the same time the vicals drop
The Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed DLC came out and all of its music is sooo good and would totally be your style, most pieces are very jazzy. Specifically, New Battle!!! And Fog Rift and such amazing pieces of music that always get me jamming
Can’t forget Redeem the Future too. It’s easily one of the best boss themes in the series and I’d definitely say it’s one of the best boss themes of this year.
I agree. Future Redeem's ost deserved some consideration
The FFXVI ost is just on another level. Ascension blew me away when I first heard it, but Away is another soundtrack that I've been addicted to lately.
FF16 must win soundtrack of the year at game awards. There's nothing close to it this year.
@@Goujiki We'll have to wait until Like A Dragon Gaiden, since RGG simply never missed since 2005. Listen to Unwavering Belief and you'll understand (don't read comments).
When the Wildfire vocals dropped I just about fell out of my chair. I can't think of a music moment in a video game that hit me any harder. I have a few times that reached that level (Frogs Theme in Chrono Trigger is an example) but nothing further. It so damn well highlights just how special video game music in particular can get, when it manages to marry the gameplay with the music to take both to a higher level.
Going through Honkai Star Rail made me decide to get into Honkai Impact 3rd, man the music and the emotions of the story of that is bizzarely amazing for only a mobile game
Not only by now since it's already cross-platform being a gacha game do help at that point for the production
@@pauloazuela8488 True, I only played on PC
I got into HI3 while waiting for HSR's release last March.
Didn't regret it and it really elevated my experience with HSR in so many subtle ways
@@potatoesblink3299 I'm about to get to the Otto arc and it's such a great story thus far
@@thealandude9146 Dat Otto arc is the reason why I'm a Loucha main in HSR
God... and the songs at the end of every Arc
I've seen a few videos talking about Stray Gods pop up in the past day or so and, I've gotta say, I think the music in the game (experience? movie?) is absolutely revolutionary. It's astonishing just how it works.
It just keeps going deeper and deeper, so many hidden pathways
I like the phoenix vs ifrit theme the most from 16, but it has many strong tracks.
Hoyo reallywent over and beyond with music recently. Both HSR and Genshin's new region Fontaone got some amazing songs
But the thing is we got so many good soundtracks recently its hard
Picked up Stray Gods because of the cast and David Gaider’s involvement, thinking it would be a decent palate cleanser between FFXVI and BG3. On my second run through now and blown away by how much the music changes. Even on the first main number you get a very different chorus depending on the choices you make. Congrats on being part of it!
YAY been missing your reacts glad this finally came across.
Hey Alex, first of all congrats on working with Austin Wintory! He is a great composer.
Second, I love your funky remixes so its always a joy to listen in your videos.
Finally, my videogame song of 2013 is by far "AWAY" from FF16. Ascension has that classy part which I always welcome as a fan of classical music.
But Away is epic and emotional in equal parts. When the chorus reach the part of "Throw open your wings and fly! Away!..." I always get tears to my eyes. It brings to memory that feeling that after some hardships, you just wish you could fly away from everything (if you know, you just know).
I hope you do a part 2 of this, wanna know more about games I have yet to play. A honorable mention is the new Salazar Boss Battle theme from RE4 remake. I really liked it a lot!
Genuinely hoping that hi-fi rush gets featured here on part 2
_The link between the visuals and music was a really cool concept, and the game being shadowdropped was super cool as well!_
Thanks! I just bought Stray Gods. Sounds definitely up my ally and on Steam was just a live stream with the singers. Awesome! :D
Well now I have to play Stray Gods. Thanks for the breakdown of it, looks awesome.
Quite pleased with Fontaine's soundtrack in Genshin Impact so far, but I'd like to see Bomb Rush Cyberfunk get a mention for part 2 or part 3+, because 2023 is a crazy good year for gaming so far!
Fontaine ost has been the weakest ost so far in Genshin imo. Nothing really blew me away yet similar to Sumeru or Inazuma. This might change tho as more updates come out for Fontaine
@@valk5041 Sumeru and Inazuma was the peak of genshin music tbh. Because in these region u were welcomed by such unfamiliar instrument. For me atleast its evoking the sense of adventure especially the desert battle theme, to me its the best Genshin music they ever produce.
Awesome video. Waiting for part 2!
It's so cool that you got to work with Austin! He's done one of my favorite OSTs ever in ABZU, would love to see a video on it because it's truly beautiful
I miss your vids! Another amazing video
My theory about the solo violin part in the Ascension track is that Bahamut is stronger than you all throughout the fight.
The violin is in your face, because Bahamut will melt your face and destroy the world as collateral damage if you don't stop his rampage.
Bahamut doesn't need an ensemble.
BUT our heroes need to fight together to stop him. It's the ensemble VS the soloist ! The violin tempered by the rest of the instruments working together to catch up to its greatness !
I may be reading too much into this haha !!!
But this track melts my brain every time I hear it. It's godly.
Bravely Default 2's final boss did the reverse, a single aria voice crying out against an overwhelming choir.
You should definitely check out baldurs gate 3 soundtrack. I've been listening to it nonstop after I beat the game. It's probably one of my favorite soundtracks.
Hell yeahhhh Part 1 of songs that i ll add in my list thanks Alex!
omg alex! you got me jump on the mix u made for Wildfire xD i hope to hear a full track >< big fan btw~
Fantastic, as always! Thank you for unknowingly answering two questions in one video that had been bugging over the last few months: why the violin solo in Ascension sounded familiar (Bonetrousle!), and why the moment in the TotK trailer didn't quite sound like a saxophone or an erhu (because it was both!). As always, your insight and analysis is greatly appreciated, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on OT2's OST and other soundtracks from 2023. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to playing Stray Gods, what an amazing achievement for the team.
Alex! Glad to have you back! You were dearly missed. :- D
Great video Alex! Watched through the whole video wondering when you were going to bring up Octopath 2. Looking forward to the 2nd part!
Ascension has been playing in my head nonstop along with that entire sequence in the game since first completing it. I still can't believe what I experience getting through that section of the game, instantly favorite among all my experiences across media. They went so hard and ascension absolutely pierced my skull to create a core memory of that moment
Just looked up the cast for Stray Gods and HOLY CRAP I NEED TO PLAY THIS
great breakdown!
Omg an Alex video!!!! Yes!
YES, ALEX! Analyze all the Tekken music! I'm so happy you put "Pave Your Way" on the list!!!
Awesome video Alex! I liked how you went in depth to explain why each song was successful. Also that FFXIII example tho! Such a sick track.
lets gooooooo it is always an amazing day when Alex uploads no matter what the video is!!!
My top pick for this year definitely Octopath Traveler 2
Man you dope asl love your videos!
You should really look into Armored Core VI OST, Steel Haze (Rusted Pride), Contact With You and Cries of Coral are one of the most impressive pieces of videogame music that came out this year imo, I really recommend to check it out
Hey Alex, you stated at the end of this video that it was "Part 1". I'm guessing life outside of RUclips took over, but I wish you'd finish this video series. I learned about Honkai Star Rail from this video and it has since become one of my favorite games to chill on when I get home from work - so thank you so much for including Wildfire in this video.
just finished watching the podcast u did with Lena Raine and this popped up xD amazing timng!!!
so glad to see pave your way getting some love :0 also it seems to be an hommage to a tekken 3 song, the arcade hidden character them, another layer :p need the full version of the piano one xD
I've been saying it's the sax AND Erhu all this time! Yeah!
Stray Dogs has an incredible soundtrack. Player involved interaction with music.
Which reminds me of how DMC V would shift in tone from fade to low grade, loud and intense the better you played
Hades also had that similar design like DMC V
Which takes me back to JSR & JSRF. The music changed when your involvement with the story grew. It would shift into a more intense mix, darker, menacing, and brutal
I always wanted to share that memory
i was expecting more music. definitely need a part 2.
"A Verdant Wind Blows" cover from Octopath Traveler 2 was my #1 play on Spotify wrapped this year =) I can't wait for your part 2!
Talking about Wildfire, your interpretation of all of the vocals gradually coming together and harmonizing was perfect. It’s admittedly a little obvious given the theme was that portion of the story, but it’s reminiscent of numerous sparks all coming together to create a roaring flame against the cold. A “Wildfire” of you will. Perfect analogy for a revolution of sorts. It’s very soulful and cathartic. What is also soulful and cathartic? Passion, which also can be seen as burning hot. Perfect name for a perfect song.
Just in the first part of the video and already so good
I love that the ad I got was for his Art master course. Very cool, I thought I clicked on the wrong video :)))
Yes, finally ❤
I think the Fontaine OST also has some tracks that are contenders.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate Theme x Endwalker Footfalls mashup is needed! and you are the only person I would trust on RUclips to do it justice and make it groovy!
1:59 just that clip alone gave me goosebumps on goosebumps! FF7R is such a phenomical acheivement!
Came for Wildfire but stayed for you, man. I love your videos
Good to see you post dude! Any idea if you might react to the stone ocean OST at any point? Came out recently and it has some absolutely insane songs
I've been kinda interested in stray gods for a while, maybe i should check it out, seeing how much you praises it's music.
I'm sure you're busy, but I hope that part 2 you mentioned is still coming
Stray Gods sounds amazing literally!
I need more TotK breakdowns in my life. Heck more breakdowns in general. XD
_It's been an amazing year Alex, here's to many more! We Gamers play what we play, not for Game Over, but rather for what we take away._
Ascension is amazing especially the visually syncing with phoenix behind ifrit.
Hi there👋 Loved the vid! Wanted to ask if you could break down the One Winged Angel song from the Final Fantasy 7 remake. Especially the part towards the end of it, with the satisfying staccatos.
Okay convinced I’ll play Stray Gods
Damn, I got your Ad for Artmaster, pretty cool.
We really need a breakdown of what makes DBZ's Ultra Instinct theme so iconic. It's amazing how it's instantly recognizable from the first note.
"Octopath Traveler 2 is like PACKED" oh god is this true. I thought the first game's soundtrack was incredible, but goddamn was I blown away by 2. I need more Yasunori Nishiki in my life
HE'S BACK
1:05 I just want to mention that I never experienced music syncing to transition up until I started playing FFXIV and it happened in all those trials (The one that had the most memorable transition for me being Akh Afah Amphitheatre) So the fact that not just other games but other companies do the same now? Evolution at its finest. Keep doing it, make our hairs rise on end to let us know that shit's about to get real
Where have you been! I need a video on the Alan Wake OST. Specifically "that scene" but the music in the game is phenomenal!
On the topic of music adapting to meet a hype moment in the game, the Monster Hunter series is a real big fan of this with uses of the main theme 'proof of a hero' or 'stars at our backs' in the case of Monster Hunter World.
Not only you're incredibly knowlegeable about music, but your singing voice is also amazing. Good shit brother
i been waiting for your new review on the new Honkai Star Rail, Hope is a feather on penacony
would really like an update about 3 o 4 moments in Baldur's Gate 3, the nightsong one is one of the best i've ever seen/heard
TOTK trailer theme is totaly fire, but man wouldnt it be nice to actually hear it in the game somewhere
I feel the need to point out that in a few months, Risk Of Rain Returns will be released alongside a remaster of Chris Christodolou's original soundtrack for the game. I'd highly recommend giving it a listen when it's released, the man is a legend
Pleasure as usual.
Definitely would love to hear you talk about Jamie's theme on SF6. That alone along with his style made me want to learn him as a 2nd character till I realized I'm complete trash with him lol.
Samudrartha is a great piece from star rail, you should definitely check it out. I think you'll love phantylia's boss theme too
Will you post that version you made for wildfire because I'd love to keep listening to it
Awesome! Is the MIDI you made for 'Ascension' available?
Ohhhhhhh Alex is baaaaack
13:12 That saxaphone giving a Suona (a traditional Chinese instrument) vibe is just genius!
got an ad of you before this video, nice youtube
_Adblock. Always adblock._
miss you, dude
hope he does one with Fire Inside by Casey Edwards because i enjoy seeing his reactions to all songs he's listened to
I really hope that your part 2 can cover hoyo-mix's track Samudrartha (also from honkai star rail) because /that/ song--and believe me I love wildfire as much as the next player--that song is the song I'm listening to constantly from the game. So far my favorite track from all of star rail. It's wonderful seeing your takes on video game music though! I love seeing you so passionate :)
You gotta include Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed! Especially with the songs 'New Battle!!!' and 'Alpha, The Divine Beginning & The End' because those went absolutely HAM.
'Mr Top Player' (Jamie's Theme) from Street Fighter 6 is also incredible, but the future funk style of 'Metro City Downtown Stage' is also amazing.
Please do a video analysis of the opening theme for the anime "Shangri-La Frontier" I loved the chainsaw man one. Thank you for all you do with your videos, informative and nostalgic analysis of some of my favorite tracks.
In DMC5SE when playing Vergil, bury the light will be heard in different parts, which changes depending on your style rank.
In wildfire, I feel the same technique is used, but in this case, it follows the stages of the boss fight.
How both tracks were incorporated in the games were vital in bringing hype when it needs to be hyped.
19:01 "It's like when you're choosing your starter Pokemon: Charizard, Bulbasaur or Squirtle"
Wait what....?! You get Charizard as a starter?! 🤣😳
Personally I just can’t get over the variety and power behind Limbus Company’s OST. There’s just so much flavor to it, and it’s absolutely nuts how just two groups (Studio EIM and Mili) can make such a wide array of pieces to enhance any mood the game goes in, not to mention some of the tracks are so, so good in a way that only they can pull off.
Ok I'm glad you made the undertale comparison with the FFXVI track cos that was also one of the first things that stood out to me with that passage. Would also love to get a full breakdown of either Ascension or Typhon's track cos that one is also really wild and different compared to the rest of the ost
PLEASE, release a full cover of "The Holy Empire of Sanbreque" ;-; that RULES so much!!!
Do you mean L’Histoire? Best field music ever :)
I need a longer version of that orchestral Wildfire remix
Was upset there wasn't anOT2 representation, but then you said this is a multi part videos series.
Then I was relieved, can't wait to see what your choice is.
I think "away" is a better track than ascension for FF16, but that's just me
def gotta put baldurs gate 3 somewhere in that list once people really have a chance to hear it all, the ost is amazing.
Raphael's Final Act for sure
@@darkguardian50 I was also thinking about what his reaction would be to Raphael's song lol
Brutal!!!! Hey Alex, Do you recommend any FL Studio course to use it for composing Orchestral Music? I'm planning to enroll on your course for beginners but first I want to have FL Studio knowledge.