The fun thing about the FE3H soundtrack is that the entire OST is undercut by Edge of Dawn, the main theme of the game, the lyrics of which allow you to understand some of the motivations of the person who instigated the events of the game, which allows you to hear the lyrics in the music even when they aren't sang because they fit the moment.
@@MarcoMeatball Yeah the main melody of Edge of Dawn is a motif throughout the entire soundtrack. It's really awesome hearing it in the different tracks. Also, the Edge of Dawn is Edelgard's theme, and is especially prominent in Apex of the World, which is the final boss theme for her own route and for Dmitri's route, as the story for the two of them is very much intertwined.
The "friends fighting friends" thing is brutal especially when you pull units from other houses and have them fight their friends in those routes. It's got some gut punching dialogue.
I hit me hard in my Golden Deer run where I recruited some some of the students, but not all. I never particularly cared about Ferdinand but after the battle on the bridge to have Dorothea to mourn Ferdie, that was something.
I made sure I killed Lorenz in every route, and may I add that I did it HAPPILY.🫠 Even let him die when doing the Golden Deer Route on purpose. Everyone else was absolutely brutal.
I am a Japanese high school student studying english. I also love the story and characters of FE3H and always listen to music. I want to study hard to understand what you were talking about.
if you are studying english i encourage you to continue to discuss the things you like with others. the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in the culture and there is no better way than through talking to others.
Apex of the World is the final map theme for the Azure Moon (Blue Lions) and Crimson Flower (Black Eagles) routes. The context you spoke of where it's a fight against friends is definitely true for the Azure Moon route considering the relationship of Dimitri and the final boss (trying to be vague for the sake of spoilers), not so much for the Crimson Flower route where it's more a clash of ideals to shape the future of Fodlan.
I feel it's more of the culmination of Edelgard's struggle and all the sacrifices she's made up to this point, whether it be as an ally or enemy. It's deeply personal in a way God-Shattering Star is not, but also not nearly as personal as Funeral of Flowers.
Well the name is the tip The empire and the Kingdom are the strongest forces of the continent maybe the world Whoever wins is the strongest faction of the world in other words reach the apex of the world
@@felipebisi4145 That's actually a really solid interpretation considering the Japanese song title (この世界の頂で / kono sekai no itadaki de) can be directly translated to Apex of the World / At the Top of the World. Meaning the song title can absolutely be deliberate if we assume the intent was always to have both routes share a final theme (because Crimson Flower was clearly rushed) instead of every route getting a unique final theme.
Id (Purpose) from Fire Emblem Awakening is my personal favorite. Awakening was going to be the final game because Intelligent Systems was going broke. They went all out on making this swan song, and ironically awakened a new fanbase and resurrected the series. You should give it a listen.
Ah. Apex of the World. A glorious masterpiece which I have heard over 7 hours of in-game simply because of how many times I have played Azure Moon. Like God Shattering Star, I have just sat in awe how much effort and passion the composers put into their works for the fire emblem franchise. Every game since Awakening has had their musical peak, Don't Speak Her Name, Grey Waves (as overused as it may be), Twilight of the Gods and Heritors of Arcadia, and Apex of the World and God Shattering Star.
@@generalkenobi3609 That was such an emotionally devastating moment for me when I played awakening for the first time. I was heartbroken for a good while after the scene.
@@thecursed_1lordofcats738 first file I ever played (azure moon), I ran out of turnwheels once on hard and had to restart after two and a half hours. Luckily when I did CF, I got it first try. Second time I played azure moon was ng maddening, and I struggled at the end with the ambush spawning mages 😆 Eventually I worked through it tho without anyone dying, though i got a lucky 80% dodge to save Felix
This song is so heartbreaking, having to put down someone you care about who is beyond saving and is too dangerous to be left alive, all while harkening back to edge of dawn (the song about how much she cares about you despite knowing she has to betray you)
And then in Crimson Flower, it somehow feels much more triumphant. Yet still having that same feeling of heartbreak, with Cyril and Catherine. But you're killing Rhea and Gilbert, you should be celebrating! ...but you have to kill Catherine and Cyril.
Since you did a deep dive into both this one and God Shattering Star, I think maybe I can add some insight into it all: - God Shattering Star is amazingly technical developed and orchestrated, not to mention the Opera vocals were amazing and the motifs + various changes in rhythms would make it one of the best final boss battles ever - Apex of the World has the more emotional motif - coupled with the fact that the final boss battle it's played for is also an emotional one. Beautiful melody/motif, great drums, and great violin + piano solo!
It’s so fun seeing you apply your knowledge of music and instrumentation to a game soundtrack so near and dear to my heart. Thanks for the great content! Looking forward to more.
What route specifically did you play? 2:49 First, we have the leitmotif of "The Spirit Dais" with that chanting, which hits really hard considering it's Sothis' theme and you haven't actually talked to her in forever by this point. 3:20 Here we have the "Fodlan Winds" section. By using these two themes that you haven't heard in a long time, the song manages to give a sense of nostalgia, memories of how things used to be and how desperate the characters are to bring things back to stability for Fodlan. 4:26 From here on out, the rest of the piece is a Remix of "The Edge of Dawn", the main theme and overarching leitmotif of the game, to the point where you could easily fit half the lyrics into this section, even during the singing part. If you check out "The Edge of Dawn" the lyrics are written from the perspective of Edelgard, who, one way or another, is always part of the battle that this song accompanies. By Remixing what was essentially her song, the composer but a beautiful bookend to her character, whether it's her last moments of life, or her long awaited victory. The lyrics also have a sense of nostalgia, working together beautifully with the rest of the song up to that point.
You mean the best route. 😉 I'll say that Blue Lions is probably the most traditional route storywise as far as Fire Emblem goes. The Golden Deer and Church routes are nearly identical theme and storywise, you just have different students with you and the final maps/bosses are different. And of course the Black Eagles have the strong "revolution, no matter the costs" vibes. I also played Blue Lions first and just HAD to find out what Edelgard's reasons were, was she really as bad as she seemed? My husband played Black Eagles first and we have vastly differing opinions on both Edelgard and Dimitri hahaha. Hope you end up giving the other routes a go as well! If you don't wanna play it 4 times, recommend Golden Deer over the Church route. Also consider getting the Cindered Shadows DLC if you really wanna learn more backstory to the world and Byleth.
@@Juskaey I'd more than likely agree with your husband then since, with over 600 hours sunk into the game, I have 7 Verdant Wind runs, 5 Azure Moon, 2 Crimson Flower, and 1 Silver Snow, of which I did Verdant Wind as my first playthrough, I have rather heavy bias against the crimson-clad revolutionary. Her philosophy provides an interesting case, most of which gave valid points, but her method of attempting to bring about the change was flawed, turning her into a monster of the same caliber as the very entity which she swore to take down. A different path with that hardened resolve could have brought about the change she desires, without the loss and bloodshed which Edelgard caused with the plan she selected.
@@thecursed_1lordofcats738 Haha you're more in line with me then, I'm not fully against her philosophy but I can't stand the methods that she went with as well and while I can appreciate "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" as far as the Slitherers go, because of her history with them, I can't condone her allying with them even if she intends to undermine and backstab them in the end. Crimson Flower made me like Azure Moon even more.
@@Juskaey yeah that makes sense. And she was super desperate to have her dreams come to fruition that she would do basically anything to see that. It’s super sad and tragic just like Dimitri’s and Rhea’s backstories, but Edie had to ally with the people she hated the most to achieve the world she wanted before she could obliterate them. But then again, she was also disillusioned by them at a young age and taught to hate the church early on in order for her to become the killer of the rest of the Nabateans like the Agarthans wanted. Which I guess they got what they wanted there, but not much otherwise. Her route is also the most unique and most fun to play for me personally, even though she’s so flawed. But all the characters are flawed, it’s just she, Rhea, and Dimitri are the most obviously pinpointed in the main story and Dimitri’s and especially Rhea’s bloodied and war-crime ridden pasts (and presents) are more hidden I guess?
Fire Emblem Three Houses is one of my favourite video games, partly because of the music. The music in this game is just phenomenal to me. The Fire Emblem Warriors game coming up, based on the Three Houses game, is one of my most hyped games as well, because I'm sure we'll get SO many remixes and stuff. Man, I love video games
I love how Apex of the World is a sad and noble, yet uplifting song; while God-Shattering Star is a song that communicates the insurmountable odds against one is fighting, but it is so motivating to smash those odds.
8:31 this part right here. This theme plays in the ending of 2 routes, and one of them, you fight like 5/6 familiar faces, and when you make certain characters face them, the song just fits so well especially the violin part because it’s like they’re talking, but then the music starts building back up almost as if they’re reminiscing, but they remember it’s a battle. In Crimson Flower final map especially, you can tell one character especially just seems over it, and like you already took everything from them (I won’t say because I’m not sure if you would want a spoiler, they are a student, but not one of the main lord characters or retainers)
I will never forget hearing this theme on my first play through which was Crimson Flower, Black Eagles for life, and just being awestruck at how high the stakes have become. God this is such a beautiful game.
You've mentioned in some way how intense each FE piece is which makes sense in the context that these are all the final map themes. In most FE games you fight some dragon or god as the final boss which is reflected in the music. Definitely a stark contrasts to the beginning of the game where you are just fighting local bandits.
If you get the chance, listen to Funeral of Flowers or At What Cost! They are my favorite music pieces from 3H! Oh! I also recommend Thorn in You from Fire Emblem Fates!
If you do ever react to “a funeral of flowers” I suggest you listen to both the calm version, and the thunder version because both are great, but the in battle version is just as great
I always love the second verse of “The Apex of the World” with the sound design and reverb on the piano. The lyrics for that verse are: As the rain falls on the path I chase your shadow. I don’t feel a single drop, Or the ground below. And then you turn to me and I Have to stop before I know And the lie upon my lips, I let it go. The lyrics are canonically from Edelgard’s perspective. You learn in her path and her support conversations of a history of abuse she endured, (including being a victim of human experimentation, having witnessed the murder and passing of all her siblings), and the first half of that verse in tandem with the reverb gives it this sorta airy, chilling feeling, this feeling of dissociation and losing grasp of reality, almost wishing you (Edelgard) never had to go through that experience. “And then you turn to me and I,” THAT part when the beat drops again in the verse, is her recalling the renewed strength she found when meeting and eventually fighting alongside Byleth. Byleth is regarded as “The Fell Star,” by a couple of the game’s antagonists, and it just so happens in “The Edge of Dawn,” one of the verses states; I look to you, Like a red rose Seeking the sun No matter where it goes. I long to stay, Where the light dwells To guard against the cold That I learned so well. The sun is a star, and Byleth just so happens to be that sun and the ray of warm light that all life, their students, and especially the Crimson Flower Edelgard herself, now need by their side if they hope to make their dreams of a New Dawn in Fodlan a reality. God Shattering Star, too, is in reference to Byleth being the one thing that can tear down the walls of the societal prejudices in Fodlan and it’s neighboring country of Almayra, aiding Claude in his pursuit for equality between the two nations. The writing of this game isn’t perfect, but at least when it comes to “The Edge of Dawn” and “The Apex of the World” and many other tracks in the game, the music really makes the messages this game tries to tell come alive.
can you please cover You Will Know Our Names, specifically how it works to evoke the flow of battle, it looking hopeless, then gaining ground only to lose it again. I think that is what the song truly does well.
Fire Emblem Three Houses is to date my favorite game on Switch, I invested over 700 hours on this game playing it through multiple times and the soundtrack is one of the many reasons why I love this game. I find it interesting (and agree completely) when you mentioned the game makes this group of young people fighting and killing each other and many of them don’t really want to do it, I actually think it applies to me too. In all my playthrough I always try to recruit as many characters as possible from the other houses simply because I don’t want to face them (and kill them) in the battlefield, it’s too heart breaking. Great reaction video.
The first time I heard Apex of the World start, I had to just listen to it rather than try to formulate my strategy for the map itself. The benefit of a strategy game is that it's easy to just take a moment to appreciate the music before digging into the game. xD The whole Fire Emblem series has excellent music, so much so that's it's near impossible to narrow down which game has my overall favorite soundtrack. Three Houses would be in the top five though, and it's one of the reasons I keep going back to the game even though I've played it way too much already. If you want to cover another one from the series (not just Three Houses), I'd suggest "Id (Purpose)" from Fire Emblem Awakening. Still one of my all time favorites final map themes.
That "Fodland Winds melody" is actually the motif of Edge of Dawn the games main theme which is laced throughout the entire OST. I personally adore the staff credits version of this song
I love how your practical knowledge can lead you to the emotional connections in the game. I know you played once, but it’s crazy how well it lines up. Such quality content!
You have no idea how much I love these videos you did, three houses is one of the most important games Ive played to me, it tells an incredible story about many characters and the music was my favorite part, but hearing a professional talk about it is amazing, the music in this game helps tell the stories and you're adding to why I love it
I'm a big fan if Fire Emblem, so I am loving your Fire Emblem music takes. If you do happen to play Three Houses again, please go Golden Deer! I'd love it if you could experience God Shattering Star in battle and know it's full context. It tends to be that whatever the first route people play through is the one they're most emotionally attached to, but I hope you'll have as good a time with Verdant Wind! (Oh, and maybe play Ashen Wolves DLC first, so you can unlock those characters, if you're up for it!)
It really does tend to be that way. Unfortunately, I played Crimson Flower first, so I now find myself at total odds with the other two-thirds of the community.
I’m a massive fire emblem fan and seeing you so far react to tracks from three houses and valentia is so interesting to me! Another one of my favourite games, Xenoblade 2, has a ton of tracks with opera in them. Off the top of my head: -Uraya (Day) -Our Eternal Land -We Are The Chosen Ones -Tantal (Day) -Ever Come To An End -Shadows Of The Lowlands -Spirit Crucible Elphys -Land of Morythra -Yggdrasil Xenoblade 1 (Definitive Edition) I think has some as well.
The thing that I’ve always loved about the soundtrack is every major theme revolved around the them of the edge of dawn but it always able to sound so different and enjoyable with each map, the apex of the world really feels like it synthesizes with the lyrics of the edge of dawn too, and i love hearing comments about it from a more professional aspect!
I found you by your recording of God Shattering Star and i instantly started to watch the rest, it’s quite enjoyable to see your insights in real time to the themes and your explanation of them to someone who knows nothing about opera haha, and it is quite interesting how you guessed quite a lot of the themes ingame by just listening to it without context. Indeed Fire Emblem has quite a lot good music in this aspect, so if i may recommend something from other games because all my favorite FE songs have already been mentioned: How about “Morning Light Hymnus” or “Zero” from Granblue Fantasy?
Love watching these FE reactions so much and once again am requesting to consider The Scion’s Dance in Purgatory! Has a lot of opera elements and is from FE Shadows of Valentia
Watching your videos introduce me to alot of great music that I wouldn't usually know about. My taste in music is very different from most people I meet, so thanks.
This is my personal favorite track of Three Houses. I love the motifs this song brings together and it fit so well as the ending theme of the Blue Lions route. The song added a lot of gravity to the situation and it really felt like things were about to get real, REAL fast. I really like how you interpret certain aspects of the song as symbols for aspects of the game and I really liked your reaction to God Shattering Star. If you want another Three Houses track to react to, I think a good fit for you is "Song of the Nabateans." It has beautiful lyrics and singing and really enforces the mystical motif of Rhea and I'd love to hear your take on it. All in all, all the songs in Three Houses are really god-tier. I love how there are multiple motifs and themes throughout several of the songs that really make you relate them to certain events or characters. Thanks for the good take!
SPOILERS FOR FIRE EMBLEM THREE HOUSES, Pertaining to the Crimson Flower and Azure Moon paths and their final bosses. Don’t read if you haven’t yet seen or had a play-through of both paths I always love how dark and ancient the vocals at 2:49 sound. Since they’re the same ones in Byleth’s head space anytime they speak with Sothis throughout the game - and play during the finale of 2 of the 4 paths - I’m inclined think they’re a haunting lullaby that Sothis sang for Rhea and the Children of the Goddess in days of old. It makes sense for Rhea, with a lot of artwork depicting her sleeping at Sothis’ feet, and in Crimson Flower (Edelgard’s Route) the song now becomes requiem or a dirge for a daughter who lost her mother and much of her life and sanity trying to get her back. For Edelgard in Azure Moon (Dimitri’s Route), after she turns into the Hegemon Husk, it’s more of a sorta exorcism to free her from the cursed power of the gods that shouldn’t be coursing through her body ‘less she lose her mind, as well as freeing her from the burden of her path that she sacrificed so much to walk. For Dimitri, it’s him accepting the circumstances that lead both of them to this fate, and him mustering the courage to meet her at the end of her path, and to lay the Crimson Emperor to rest.
When I played this stage I was so disgusted by the enemy at the end I didn't feel that sense of sorrow, but listening to it now with you and your context it's genuinely making me sad.
2:20 Yes - Yeeeees The first time I heard this track on my Azure Moon run, I broke into tears on stream. Hearing Fodlan Winds right at the start was what got me, because it's such a clear callback to that time in the game when you heard it during every battle - when things were simpler, when they were all your students, and everybody was friends. And then the story got heavy and you never hear that high energy, hopeful tune again. Until now, at the end. When you have to end Edelgard, the one that instigated everything that upended those easier happier times. (yes I know it plays in CF, yes I know its undercut by Edge of Dawn, her song - but just like God Shattering Star and Funeral of Flowers, I say this music is meant for the boss, not for you.)
Just found your channel a few hours ago and I've just been binging the playlists of my favorite games 😂 man this song is so good though i still have only beaten my blue lions route but i remember playing the final map and singing along to this song while getting my butt kicked 💀
Also, I'm sure you have a long list of things to react to (infinite even!) and idk if you take suggestions but here are some I'd love to see you check out eventually: The Scale Theme (piano and cello version) Faye's Theme (piano version) The Fiction We Tell Ourselves These 3 songs are from a game called Finding Paradise, actually a second game in a series of story games created with rpgmaker. They are very beautiful and meaningful games, full of heart like undertale. I think their osts also reflect this, and have that sincerity that some of undertale's ost has. Also like undertale, the osts are made primarily by Kan Gao, who also made the games himself. For a bit of context, the games follow two doctors that work for a company that "grants" the wishes of people who are on their death bed (it happens only within that person's mind) and each game follows a different client
I recently discovered your videos and I can't get enough! I'm starting to love classical, orchestra, opera type music because of video games and anime. One of my recent favourite pieces of music is: 'The other side of the sea' from Attack on Titan: the final season. It's imo so beautiful and besides the scenes from the anime, I always imagine a very old Spanish war at the coast with battleships blasting canons against soldiers at land. With amongst the people a Spanish King, who is also battling against his enemies. Would be nice to see you react to that. Keep up with the videos!
Wow you are on a roll Marco! I enjoyed this and I enjoyed your god shattering star reaction and also all your nier music reactions! I love the unique insight you give! On an unrelated note, do you have your opera performances posted on the internet somewhere? The snippets of opera singing you show in some videos are fantastic and I would love to listen to your past performances in full if possible!
This is my favourite track in the game. I’m no music expert so I can’t put into words really what it is I love about it but it just invokes this amazing feeling in me that even God Shattering star couldn’t do. I’ve literally went on long drives with this track on loop I just can’t get enough of it lol.
Interestingly enough, I had a completely different perspective on the beginning of the song. To me it sounded almost celebrational, wide and open, like it's portraying one of the biggest and most important moments ever, which it kind of does, of course, but it just doesn't sound "dire" to me in any way. I can't really put it into words but I think the title of the piece summs it up pretty well. It feels like we're on the apex of the world.
Hello there This is the first time watching your video's When I saw that a opera person is reacting to fire emblem three houses song I was like this is interesting And hearing you interpretation of the song from one perspective is interesting Apex of World one of my favorite tracks in the game If your gonna play it again please go black eagles I would like to your opinion of god shattering star fron goldeen deer I think going black eagles and siding with edelgard would be more fitting
Great thoughts as always Marco. On the topic of fire emblem I would humbly request "Id (purpose)" from FE awakening. I never even finished Awakening but that track remains an absolute gem. For a bit of context, as far as I know Awakening was supposed to be the final FE game to come out, as the series was struggling with sales. Thankfully it sold really well and the series continued to get made. Nevertheless knowing that the song was composed as possibly the very final main theme for the series definitely adds an extra punch of emotion to it. It even includes bits of the original FE theme's melody.
I need to get back to this game. This track came up in my recommended feed a week or so ago, and it's the one I keep going back to. It's inspired two very different battle scenes for me to write, both with that "end boss/dire straits" kind of vibe to them. One is a group of friends and comrades facing off against a Great Old One kind of evil or a being with godlike powers (Cthulhu, Kefka, etc) where the stakes are literally the whole world, while the other is a lone swordsman/mage and her fight to free her husband, a retired airship captain who's nation is at odds with her own. He's been deemed a traitor and is being held prisoner on one of a dozen airships. You talking about how this is a fight between friends raises the question: what if the ship he's being held on is staffed by his old crew, the same crew she once helped save? That makes it a lot more personal, and it will cut that much deeper if/when she has to strike them down. Music is so much fun.
My first ending was the blue lions. I only finished the game for the first time earlier this year. During my last year of high school. At the time I was playing it my focus was let’s just finally finish this and do it efficiently. Now I listen it and realize how I failed to truly listen and enjoy the game near the end. This hurts because this really feels like how I lived my whole life. Just get it gone efficiently, failing to slow down, enjoy life, and to give my all to everything I do. Now I’ve only got a week before I go to college. I’m okay, I’m looking forward to my next adventure in life! But, it stings when I think how It feels like I managed to do everything and nothing at the same time. Songs such as this deepen this stinging pain, but it also inspires me to push forward and find myself. Yeah, I’m crying, but by God, I’m not giving up.
Hahhaha! I’m so happy to see your reaction! Verdant Wind is my fave FE3H Route and I’m team Claude forever. TBH, the song is quite unusual for me at first, I didn’t notice it that much on Normal Mode, coz I one hit everything but it does give its impact on the Hard Mode (and I’m sure on Maddening😂) But yes, as the final song itself, the entire route, the characters, the final map and the battle are epic👍
This reminded me how much I kept humming the OST months after playing the game. The music was phenomenal! I also remember how much of a WTF Shamabhala [Area 17 Redux] was. That song comes out of nowhere! It IMMEDIATELY lets you know, this place is wrong. Something is not right here and it's uncomfortable.
While on my first time encountering this I did also think immediately of Fodlan Winds, the actual theme that both of the pieces are based on is the game's main theme, the Edge of Dawn, which is also the theme song of one of the main characters, and this plays in both of the finales where that character is present. In both cases the finale represents the culmination of their character arc. Interestingly enough, the song Edge of Dawn itself actually is very much about the pain of inevitably having to rise up and cross blades with your friends... But only in one of the two instances is one of the two sides conflicted, and it's not the one that the theme's owner stands on. Instead, even at the nadir of their character arc, they fight to their utmost, because they refuse to give up hope. The war is lost by all rights, yet they refuse to accept that their dream has turned to ash around them. This music is triumphant in one of the routes where it appears, mourning only that which is lost along the way, but in the other? It's defiant. Much like God-Shattering Star presses on you with the enemy's power and legend, the Apex of the World is mournful yet hopeful in its doomed last stand against you.
This music always completely kills me. Even though I've played FE:3H long ago, this piece never ceases to tear me up inside, gameplay wise, it is the true meaning of "regret".
OH man, there really is a theme you should listen too from one of the credit scenes "The color of Sunrise" which uses the leitmotifs you've heard from previous tracks.
I recommended this on the God Shattering Star react video as well, but I still gotta recommend the piece At What Cost from the Fire Emblem Three Houses Cindered Shadows DLC. It’s a ridiculously underrated piece, probably just because it’s from a DLC.
If you like this you’d love The Night of the Ball from Three Houses. It re orchestrates the battle themes to be this lush melody. It’s meant to show the calm amidst the storm and a break from the fighting for one night of joy. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time
Fantastic reaction! I love hearing your insights and knowledge about music when reacting to videogame OSTS, brings a nice perspective to everything. Keep up the great content! Also, if I may add... Fantastic classical music doesn't just exist in video games! Anime has fantastic compositions that are just soooo good. I would recommend "Other Side of the Sea" from Attack on Titan and the "Main Theme" from Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood. They are just full of emotion and sound so goood... I believe there is a little bit of "opera" in those tracks as well :D. Maybe give a listen in your free time? I promise they don't dissapoint!
“Why? Why must we fight amongst each other like this? Surely there was another road that wouldn’t have brought us to this outcome….. but that was then and this now. Just know I’m grateful for the time we shared at the academy and I take no pleasure in fighting but this is war.” *Brandishes scythe* “No regrets, no hesitation.”
(Commenting before I watch since I wanna see how much he guesses) So I haven't seen anyone else go into this, and I'm likely well over a year late, but oh well. Apex of The World isn't a map theme like most things in FE, it's a shared character theme between Edelgard and Dimitri. Even the name speaks to what their confrontation means "The Apex of The World". They are the King and the Emperor, their fight here decides the fate of the world. The throwbacks to the main theme of the game, The Edge of Dawn, Fodlan Winds, and other songs throughout the game give it a nostalgic feel, and a sorrowful one with context. I could go really deep into it, but neither Edelgard or Dimtiri wants to fight each other, but they simply cannot avoid it without entirely giving up their values and goals. In Azure Moon, Dimitri's route, it plays on the final map against Edelgard, it represents the shared but opposing resolve of the two leaders, in AM it's the triumphant but somber defeat of Dimtiri's childhood friend, and someone whom, if he had the chance, he would have allowed to live. In Crimson Flower, Edelgard's route, things are a bit different. In CF it doesn't play against Dimitri if memory serves, it plays on the map after his defeat, the final map of the route. Though in CF it doesn't have the same kind of sorrow in it, it swaps it out. Edelgard's resolve did not falter, nor did her heart, when she had to kill Dimitri, but instead she had to steel herself further, her battle against other humans was over when Dimtiri died, what she fought in the final map was no human, but the very beast that necessitated all of this tragedy. Apex of The World is my 2nd favorite theme in the entire series, only beaten out barely by Twilight of The Gods from Fire Emblem: Echoes. It's a song that tells a tragedy, but also the triumph that comes from it.
ay Apex Of The World let's go :))) Edit: easily my favorite theme from Three Houses, there is genuinely so much emotion conveyed from this theme, it's insane and awesome
Also if we're allowed to make recommendations, I hope it's fine if I reccomend some more from Three Houses. Corridors Of The Tempest (Rain) The Shackled Wolves And this one is a super wild card but it goes to show how different Three Houses music is but: Shambhala Area Redux 17. It's different, that's all I call really say lol. Anyway I hope you have a good day!
In the context of the story, this piece really reinforces the feeling that neither side really _wants_ this fight, but both recognize it has to happen. There has to be a decisive conclusion to this war. One of them _must_ fall for there to be closure.
It's insteresting that your take on this track is that of a woeful derge about the tragedy of civil war because this tune to me seems like the classic JRPG *"UPWARDS TO VICTORY! PRAISE THE SUN! UNLIMITED KILL! TRI-FORCE TO THE HEAVENS! LETS GOOOOOOOO!!!"* sort of tune. Your non-verbal reactions seem to agree with me on that one! XD
If you didn’t play and complete the Blue Lions route then you should because it makes the emotionality of this song so much more intense. Your interpretation is pretty spot on for the BL route which is largely Dimitri’s story and the reason we all become Dimitri trash in the end.
I love all FE3H ost but this one always gives me PTSD of my Mercedes on the maddening mode being targeted across the map by Hegemon husk. Though, listening to this as you trying not to get KO'd from across the map makes the song feel more intense lol. Please give a listen to "Between heaven and earth" the song is too underrated.
I would probably like it if you reacted to some songs from Octopath Traveler. Namely the Title Screen Theme, Battle at a Journey's End, They who Govern Reason, The One they Call the Witch, Daughter of the Dark God, and Ending Theme. (Sorry if that's a long list I had trouble picking only a few I love Octopath Traveler to pieces.)
It'd be interesting to see you react to some of the music from Fire Emblem: Echoes. Especially "The Scion's Dance in Purgatory", "Lord of a Dead Empire" and "Twilight of the Gods" considering your opera background.
This is exactly why I to this day still prefer this song over "God Shattering Star". It is a culmination of so many songs you've heard throughout the game, reawakening memories of past battles and the struggles of getting to the point where you are now. The intensity of the moment knowing this is the final stand; you win or die. The sadness of knowing all the choices you've made have negatively impacted the lives of past allies whom you now fight against; you can't afford to show mercy. The hope of knowing you're fighting for the future you believe in; if you fail now, then what was the point? It pools together everything and is exemplified by the melody you've HEARD. THROUGHOUT. THE. ENTIRE. GAME! It's an emotional familiarity that just doesn't compare to anything else. It's both sad and epic all at once. Memorable. What an incredible song.
This is my favorite fire emblem song of all time. I got the chills when I first heard it my first run with the blue lions. One of the best reasons to stay with Dimitri.
God some of the mini cutscenes during the first war of friends versus friends.. Especially if you're me and managed to recruit a couple of the characters from one other house before the war, but not all of them..? The moment you cut them down, if that other character is in range or is the one to do it, they cry out sorrowfully and hold their dying friend repeatedly apologizing to them and lamenting how things weren't different. And even worse is the dying friend forgives them and says they know there was no other choice but that they hope the friend will live happily once the war is over. It's totally horrifyingly heartbreaking. You said that you only did one playthrough, right? I'd recommend at least three (though getting all five possible endings is the only way to truly understand the full pain of all parts of this story). My first playthroughs were the Black Eagle *true ending* line, and the Church of Seiros ending (which is the exact opposite of that ending and felt like I was betraying the character I'd grown to love in the previous route) just to see the reasons of "why" behind the war. Both had reasons of their own, and I could relate to each side, but it didn't make me feel any better that I had to fight either one of them after spending half the game learning their characters. If you take the Golden Eagle route (though that's recommended for last) You'll get the most lore out of the behind the scenes happenings within the game, and the Blue Lion's route is the antagonistic mad tragic king route where he doesn't know the truth but it drives him mad enough anyways that you have no choice but to follow him to try to help.
I love your reaction and your take on FE3H music!!! I know I'm late to the party, but any chance you will be reacting to another FE3H music titled "Chasing Daybreak"? This music plays on all routes when they reunite after the timeskip but my first experience with this music is on Blue Lion's route and without spoiling anything, *I* feel like that music fit that route the most (though, again, I could be biased since that was my first experience with the music and especially BL being my first route). However, I feel that way because the music really conveys that "us against the world", and BL is the one that truly feels that way because we're on the losing side. I wonder what your take on it would be ^^
Please react to Between Heaven and Earth (Rain) as well. If there is a song in this game that completely encapsulates the friends vs friends theme, it is definitely that song.
Yeah, Three Houses is super depressing, really. I have issues with this game. Why don't these idiots just talk to each other?! Anyway, nice reaction. Seeing as how you're a singer, I'd like to see your reaction to Lord of a dead Empire and The Scion's Dance in Purgatory from Echoes. And also a reaction to Don't speak her name and Id - Purpose from Awakening. And I'd love to see you react to Xenoblade music. Both Xenoblade 1 and 2 have an amazing OST - apparently, people loved the first one so much, Nintendo gave Monolith a big budget for the second game. Some songs were remastered when the Definitive Edition was released.
Hey nice reaction, I freaking love Apex of the World. If you like this kind of Orchestrated music I think you would love Hiroyuki Suwano's work, You might be familiar with his works idk. Into the Forest by Hiroyuki Suwano is something I think youd love.
you should react to Edge of Dawn for real that's gonna made all thing more clearly on how masterpiece this is ( sry for my english i'm not native speaker )
Hey I recently found your channel and I love your reaction and discussions. I recommend listen to Id Purpose (Awakening) or At What Cost? (FE3H). They are both are amazing tracks. At what cost? Is the final boss soundtrack in the DLC of FE3H
Spoiler just in case . . . . . . I played all four routes and my first playthrough was blue lions. By far, this track and the blue lions route are my favorite things i adore of the game. The fact that they used the op of the game here (being edelgard perspective) were both dimitri and edelgard fight one last time to the death beacuse they both know neither of them will back down of their belief. The fact that dimitri gave edelgard the knife as a phisical and simbolic way to tell her to always fight for what you believe in, even if the world is against you, only for her to return that same knife she hold so dearly back to him (stabing him but all well ends well right....?) giving him the same strenght he gave to her. And this track just convey all of the emotions of grief, hope, determination and even hesitation. Even if dimitri knows he has to kill her to make hes belief a reality, he still clings to that miracle that things dont have to end that way. Man i love does two so much. 😭❤️🥰
The fun thing about the FE3H soundtrack is that the entire OST is undercut by Edge of Dawn, the main theme of the game, the lyrics of which allow you to understand some of the motivations of the person who instigated the events of the game, which allows you to hear the lyrics in the music even when they aren't sang because they fit the moment.
Ohhhhhhhhh that’s cool!
@@MarcoMeatball Yeah the main melody of Edge of Dawn is a motif throughout the entire soundtrack. It's really awesome hearing it in the different tracks. Also, the Edge of Dawn is Edelgard's theme, and is especially prominent in Apex of the World, which is the final boss theme for her own route and for Dmitri's route, as the story for the two of them is very much intertwined.
@@MarcoMeatball It’s cool, but I’ll admit, I wish they didn’t lean on it * quite * as hard as they did.
@@BeALight-i3z idk I don’t think they leaned on it that hard lol it’s only in a few battle themes
Yeah I love fire emblem for that. I used to be obsessed with Awakening’s ost
The "friends fighting friends" thing is brutal especially when you pull units from other houses and have them fight their friends in those routes. It's got some gut punching dialogue.
I hit me hard in my Golden Deer run where I recruited some some of the students, but not all. I never particularly cared about Ferdinand but after the battle on the bridge to have Dorothea to mourn Ferdie, that was something.
Me: *recruits mercedes but not Annette in BE run*
"And Ferdie was there. We killed Ferdie, Professor, he used to be our friend. Do you remember those days?"
I made sure I killed Lorenz in every route, and may I add that I did it HAPPILY.🫠 Even let him die when doing the Golden Deer Route on purpose.
Everyone else was absolutely brutal.
Having Felix on the team really makes Edelgard's route hit different.
Shoutout to the Fire Emblem fan base for now eviscerating me for not knowing anything about this series :D
Don't sweat it. It's an enjoyable video regardless
Lol. You have no clue exactly how fricked up this map and the one before it felt. Also, Id (Purpose).
Hey no worries man, I'm only a recent convert to these games. Dont let the fan base get ya down!
I am a Japanese high school student studying english.
I also love the story and characters of FE3H and always listen to music.
I want to study hard to understand what you were talking about.
if you are studying english i encourage you to continue to discuss the things you like with others. the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in the culture and there is no better way than through talking to others.
がんばって 👍
Your English is very good. Keep up the good work!
えええそうですか？英語上手ですよ！英語勉強に頑張ってくれ！
Apex of the World is the final map theme for the Azure Moon (Blue Lions) and Crimson Flower (Black Eagles) routes. The context you spoke of where it's a fight against friends is definitely true for the Azure Moon route considering the relationship of Dimitri and the final boss (trying to be vague for the sake of spoilers), not so much for the Crimson Flower route where it's more a clash of ideals to shape the future of Fodlan.
But its still a fight against old friends.
Well, one can also say that Azure Moon’s Final Map is a MIX of a Final Duel between Friends, ALONG with their clashing Ideals.
I feel it's more of the culmination of Edelgard's struggle and all the sacrifices she's made up to this point, whether it be as an ally or enemy. It's deeply personal in a way God-Shattering Star is not, but also not nearly as personal as Funeral of Flowers.
Well the name is the tip
The empire and the Kingdom are the strongest forces of the continent maybe the world
Whoever wins is the strongest faction of the world in other words reach the apex of the world
@@felipebisi4145 That's actually a really solid interpretation considering the Japanese song title (この世界の頂で / kono sekai no itadaki de) can be directly translated to Apex of the World / At the Top of the World. Meaning the song title can absolutely be deliberate if we assume the intent was always to have both routes share a final theme (because Crimson Flower was clearly rushed) instead of every route getting a unique final theme.
Id (Purpose) from Fire Emblem Awakening is my personal favorite. Awakening was going to be the final game because Intelligent Systems was going broke. They went all out on making this swan song, and ironically awakened a new fanbase and resurrected the series. You should give it a listen.
Yes yes yes yes 100000x yes!
My all time favorite FE track. It‘s immaculate
Ah. Apex of the World. A glorious masterpiece which I have heard over 7 hours of in-game simply because of how many times I have played Azure Moon. Like God Shattering Star, I have just sat in awe how much effort and passion the composers put into their works for the fire emblem franchise. Every game since Awakening has had their musical peak, Don't Speak Her Name, Grey Waves (as overused as it may be), Twilight of the Gods and Heritors of Arcadia, and Apex of the World and God Shattering Star.
Ooh, Don't Speak Her Name provokes emotion in me, despite having never played Awakening
@@generalkenobi3609 That was such an emotionally devastating moment for me when I played awakening for the first time. I was heartbroken for a good while after the scene.
I heard it for over 7 hours of in-game time too, but that was because I’ve gotten my ass handed to me too many times on the final map 😆
@@TheOriginalTuhat what difficulty were you playing on, and what parts of the map in particular were giving you trouble?
@@thecursed_1lordofcats738 first file I ever played (azure moon), I ran out of turnwheels once on hard and had to restart after two and a half hours. Luckily when I did CF, I got it first try. Second time I played azure moon was ng maddening, and I struggled at the end with the ambush spawning mages 😆 Eventually I worked through it tho without anyone dying, though i got a lucky 80% dodge to save Felix
This song is so heartbreaking, having to put down someone you care about who is beyond saving and is too dangerous to be left alive, all while harkening back to edge of dawn (the song about how much she cares about you despite knowing she has to betray you)
And then in Crimson Flower, it somehow feels much more triumphant. Yet still having that same feeling of heartbreak, with Cyril and Catherine. But you're killing Rhea and Gilbert, you should be celebrating! ...but you have to kill Catherine and Cyril.
Since you did a deep dive into both this one and God Shattering Star, I think maybe I can add some insight into it all:
- God Shattering Star is amazingly technical developed and orchestrated, not to mention the Opera vocals were amazing and the motifs + various changes in rhythms would make it one of the best final boss battles ever
- Apex of the World has the more emotional motif - coupled with the fact that the final boss battle it's played for is also an emotional one. Beautiful melody/motif, great drums, and great violin + piano solo!
beautifully said :) Amazing to read. sometimes I struggle in the moment to really speak profoundly or nuanced like this so im grateful to read it.
It’s so fun seeing you apply your knowledge of music and instrumentation to a game soundtrack so near and dear to my heart. Thanks for the great content! Looking forward to more.
My pleasure! Though it’s certainly limited :) I just point out what I hear and try to develop an emotional context around it :)
Technically, the song that plays when battling characters from other houses is called "Paths that will never cross" and you should give it a listen.
And the song that plays when facing other lords is “Indomitable Will” and that one’s probably my favorite
What route specifically did you play?
2:49 First, we have the leitmotif of "The Spirit Dais" with that chanting, which hits really hard considering it's Sothis' theme and you haven't actually talked to her in forever by this point.
3:20 Here we have the "Fodlan Winds" section. By using these two themes that you haven't heard in a long time, the song manages to give a sense of nostalgia, memories of how things used to be and how desperate the characters are to bring things back to stability for Fodlan.
4:26 From here on out, the rest of the piece is a Remix of "The Edge of Dawn", the main theme and overarching leitmotif of the game, to the point where you could easily fit half the lyrics into this section, even during the singing part. If you check out "The Edge of Dawn" the lyrics are written from the perspective of Edelgard, who, one way or another, is always part of the battle that this song accompanies. By Remixing what was essentially her song, the composer but a beautiful bookend to her character, whether it's her last moments of life, or her long awaited victory.
The lyrics also have a sense of nostalgia, working together beautifully with the rest of the song up to that point.
Wowww thanks for sharing this with us! I was the blue lions
You mean the best route. 😉 I'll say that Blue Lions is probably the most traditional route storywise as far as Fire Emblem goes. The Golden Deer and Church routes are nearly identical theme and storywise, you just have different students with you and the final maps/bosses are different. And of course the Black Eagles have the strong "revolution, no matter the costs" vibes. I also played Blue Lions first and just HAD to find out what Edelgard's reasons were, was she really as bad as she seemed? My husband played Black Eagles first and we have vastly differing opinions on both Edelgard and Dimitri hahaha.
Hope you end up giving the other routes a go as well! If you don't wanna play it 4 times, recommend Golden Deer over the Church route. Also consider getting the Cindered Shadows DLC if you really wanna learn more backstory to the world and Byleth.
@@Juskaey I'd more than likely agree with your husband then since, with over 600 hours sunk into the game, I have 7 Verdant Wind runs, 5 Azure Moon, 2 Crimson Flower, and 1 Silver Snow, of which I did Verdant Wind as my first playthrough, I have rather heavy bias against the crimson-clad revolutionary. Her philosophy provides an interesting case, most of which gave valid points, but her method of attempting to bring about the change was flawed, turning her into a monster of the same caliber as the very entity which she swore to take down. A different path with that hardened resolve could have brought about the change she desires, without the loss and bloodshed which Edelgard caused with the plan she selected.
@@thecursed_1lordofcats738 Haha you're more in line with me then, I'm not fully against her philosophy but I can't stand the methods that she went with as well and while I can appreciate "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" as far as the Slitherers go, because of her history with them, I can't condone her allying with them even if she intends to undermine and backstab them in the end. Crimson Flower made me like Azure Moon even more.
@@Juskaey yeah that makes sense. And she was super desperate to have her dreams come to fruition that she would do basically anything to see that. It’s super sad and tragic just like Dimitri’s and Rhea’s backstories, but Edie had to ally with the people she hated the most to achieve the world she wanted before she could obliterate them. But then again, she was also disillusioned by them at a young age and taught to hate the church early on in order for her to become the killer of the rest of the Nabateans like the Agarthans wanted. Which I guess they got what they wanted there, but not much otherwise. Her route is also the most unique and most fun to play for me personally, even though she’s so flawed. But all the characters are flawed, it’s just she, Rhea, and Dimitri are the most obviously pinpointed in the main story and Dimitri’s and especially Rhea’s bloodied and war-crime ridden pasts (and presents) are more hidden I guess?
Fire Emblem Three Houses is one of my favourite video games, partly because of the music. The music in this game is just phenomenal to me. The Fire Emblem Warriors game coming up, based on the Three Houses game, is one of my most hyped games as well, because I'm sure we'll get SO many remixes and stuff. Man, I love video games
I love how Apex of the World is a sad and noble, yet uplifting song; while God-Shattering Star is a song that communicates the insurmountable odds against one is fighting, but it is so motivating to smash those odds.
8:31 this part right here. This theme plays in the ending of 2 routes, and one of them, you fight like 5/6 familiar faces, and when you make certain characters face them, the song just fits so well especially the violin part because it’s like they’re talking, but then the music starts building back up almost as if they’re reminiscing, but they remember it’s a battle. In Crimson Flower final map especially, you can tell one character especially just seems over it, and like you already took everything from them (I won’t say because I’m not sure if you would want a spoiler, they are a student, but not one of the main lord characters or retainers)
I will never forget hearing this theme on my first play through which was Crimson Flower, Black Eagles for life, and just being awestruck at how high the stakes have become.
God this is such a beautiful game.
You've mentioned in some way how intense each FE piece is which makes sense in the context that these are all the final map themes. In most FE games you fight some dragon or god as the final boss which is reflected in the music. Definitely a stark contrasts to the beginning of the game where you are just fighting local bandits.
Meanwhile god shattering star plays while youre fighting essentially the ULTIMATE bandit
@@reilie9115 and The CEO of Racism
This song hurts
And hurts a lot as some one who passed the game 1 week ago an I’m replaying it with the black eagles route
It’s so damn epic
If you get the chance, listen to Funeral of Flowers or At What Cost! They are my favorite music pieces from 3H!
Oh! I also recommend Thorn in You from Fire Emblem Fates!
Funeral of Flowers is underrated as hell
If you do ever react to “a funeral of flowers” I suggest you listen to both the calm version, and the thunder version because both are great, but the in battle version is just as great
FE3H is in one of my top 5 games ever.
The soundtrack holds a special place in my heart.
"Never give in to the call of yesterday.."
I always love the second verse of “The Apex of the World” with the sound design and reverb on the piano. The lyrics for that verse are:
As the rain falls on the path
I chase your shadow.
I don’t feel a single drop,
Or the ground below.
And then you turn to me and I
Have to stop before I know
And the lie upon my lips,
I let it go.
The lyrics are canonically from Edelgard’s perspective. You learn in her path and her support conversations of a history of abuse she endured, (including being a victim of human experimentation, having witnessed the murder and passing of all her siblings), and the first half of that verse in tandem with the reverb gives it this sorta airy, chilling feeling, this feeling of dissociation and losing grasp of reality, almost wishing you (Edelgard) never had to go through that experience. “And then you turn to me and I,” THAT part when the beat drops again in the verse, is her recalling the renewed strength she found when meeting and eventually fighting alongside Byleth. Byleth is regarded as “The Fell Star,” by a couple of the game’s antagonists, and it just so happens in “The Edge of Dawn,” one of the verses states;
I look to you,
Like a red rose
Seeking the sun
No matter where it goes.
I long to stay,
Where the light dwells
To guard against the cold
That I learned so well.
The sun is a star, and Byleth just so happens to be that sun and the ray of warm light that all life, their students, and especially the Crimson Flower Edelgard herself, now need by their side if they hope to make their dreams of a New Dawn in Fodlan a reality. God Shattering Star, too, is in reference to Byleth being the one thing that can tear down the walls of the societal prejudices in Fodlan and it’s neighboring country of Almayra, aiding Claude in his pursuit for equality between the two nations. The writing of this game isn’t perfect, but at least when it comes to “The Edge of Dawn” and “The Apex of the World” and many other tracks in the game, the music really makes the messages this game tries to tell come alive.
can you please cover You Will Know Our Names, specifically how it works to evoke the flow of battle, it looking hopeless, then gaining ground only to lose it again. I think that is what the song truly does well.
Fire Emblem Three Houses is to date my favorite game on Switch, I invested over 700 hours on this game playing it through multiple times and the soundtrack is one of the many reasons why I love this game. I find it interesting (and agree completely) when you mentioned the game makes this group of young people fighting and killing each other and many of them don’t really want to do it, I actually think it applies to me too. In all my playthrough I always try to recruit as many characters as possible from the other houses simply because I don’t want to face them (and kill them) in the battlefield, it’s too heart breaking.
Great reaction video.
The first time I heard Apex of the World start, I had to just listen to it rather than try to formulate my strategy for the map itself. The benefit of a strategy game is that it's easy to just take a moment to appreciate the music before digging into the game. xD
The whole Fire Emblem series has excellent music, so much so that's it's near impossible to narrow down which game has my overall favorite soundtrack. Three Houses would be in the top five though, and it's one of the reasons I keep going back to the game even though I've played it way too much already.
If you want to cover another one from the series (not just Three Houses), I'd suggest "Id (Purpose)" from Fire Emblem Awakening. Still one of my all time favorites final map themes.
That "Fodland Winds melody" is actually the motif of Edge of Dawn the games main theme which is laced throughout the entire OST. I personally adore the staff credits version of this song
Ohhhhhhhhhhh! Lol sorry for my ignorance about fire emblem 😭
I love how your practical knowledge can lead you to the emotional connections in the game. I know you played once, but it’s crazy how well it lines up. Such quality content!
You have no idea how much I love these videos you did, three houses is one of the most important games Ive played to me, it tells an incredible story about many characters and the music was my favorite part, but hearing a professional talk about it is amazing, the music in this game helps tell the stories and you're adding to why I love it
I'm a big fan if Fire Emblem, so I am loving your Fire Emblem music takes. If you do happen to play Three Houses again, please go Golden Deer! I'd love it if you could experience God Shattering Star in battle and know it's full context. It tends to be that whatever the first route people play through is the one they're most emotionally attached to, but I hope you'll have as good a time with Verdant Wind! (Oh, and maybe play Ashen Wolves DLC first, so you can unlock those characters, if you're up for it!)
I played as blue lions I believe! Maybe I should try again!
Yeah the DLC characters are super fun to play with! Especially Constance and her nukes
It really does tend to be that way. Unfortunately, I played Crimson Flower first, so I now find myself at total odds with the other two-thirds of the community.
I’m a massive fire emblem fan and seeing you so far react to tracks from three houses and valentia is so interesting to me! Another one of my favourite games, Xenoblade 2, has a ton of tracks with opera in them.
Off the top of my head:
-Uraya (Day)
-Our Eternal Land
-We Are The Chosen Ones
-Tantal (Day)
-Ever Come To An End
-Shadows Of The Lowlands
-Spirit Crucible Elphys
-Land of Morythra
-Yggdrasil
Xenoblade 1 (Definitive Edition) I think has some as well.
Thank you for this, I love your videos on a series I already love, and you're really doing a great job drawing attention to the music!
YESS i was waiting for this one!!! so glad you reacted to one of the best final themes of this game :) love your reactions as always!!
Aw thank you ❤️
man i love these ! keep reacting to powerful fe tracks like this
The thing that I’ve always loved about the soundtrack is every major theme revolved around the them of the edge of dawn but it always able to sound so different and enjoyable with each map, the apex of the world really feels like it synthesizes with the lyrics of the edge of dawn too, and i love hearing comments about it from a more professional aspect!
I found you by your recording of God Shattering Star and i instantly started to watch the rest, it’s quite enjoyable to see your insights in real time to the themes and your explanation of them to someone who knows nothing about opera haha, and it is quite interesting how you guessed quite a lot of the themes ingame by just listening to it without context.
Indeed Fire Emblem has quite a lot good music in this aspect, so if i may recommend something from other games because all my favorite FE songs have already been mentioned: How about “Morning Light Hymnus” or “Zero” from Granblue Fantasy?
Thank you so much!!! I'll definitely take a listen to these at some point. I know NOOOOOTHING about fire emblem :D
Love watching these FE reactions so much and once again am requesting to consider The Scion’s Dance in Purgatory! Has a lot of opera elements and is from FE Shadows of Valentia
I saw it and see it! Eventually :)
Easily one of my favorites from the series. Really conveys the feel of royalty spiraling into madness. Chaotic yet classical. Good stuff.
Watching your videos introduce me to alot of great music that I wouldn't usually know about.
My taste in music is very different from most people I meet, so thanks.
This is my personal favorite track of Three Houses. I love the motifs this song brings together and it fit so well as the ending theme of the Blue Lions route. The song added a lot of gravity to the situation and it really felt like things were about to get real, REAL fast. I really like how you interpret certain aspects of the song as symbols for aspects of the game and I really liked your reaction to God Shattering Star. If you want another Three Houses track to react to, I think a good fit for you is "Song of the Nabateans." It has beautiful lyrics and singing and really enforces the mystical motif of Rhea and I'd love to hear your take on it.
All in all, all the songs in Three Houses are really god-tier. I love how there are multiple motifs and themes throughout several of the songs that really make you relate them to certain events or characters. Thanks for the good take!
SPOILERS FOR FIRE EMBLEM THREE HOUSES, Pertaining to the Crimson Flower and Azure Moon paths and their final bosses. Don’t read if you haven’t yet seen or had a play-through of both paths
I always love how dark and ancient the vocals at 2:49 sound. Since they’re the same ones in Byleth’s head space anytime they speak with Sothis throughout the game - and play during the finale of 2 of the 4 paths - I’m inclined think they’re a haunting lullaby that Sothis sang for Rhea and the Children of the Goddess in days of old.
It makes sense for Rhea, with a lot of artwork depicting her sleeping at Sothis’ feet, and in Crimson Flower (Edelgard’s Route) the song now becomes requiem or a dirge for a daughter who lost her mother and much of her life and sanity trying to get her back. For Edelgard in Azure Moon (Dimitri’s Route), after she turns into the Hegemon Husk, it’s more of a sorta exorcism to free her from the cursed power of the gods that shouldn’t be coursing through her body ‘less she lose her mind, as well as freeing her from the burden of her path that she sacrificed so much to walk. For Dimitri, it’s him accepting the circumstances that lead both of them to this fate, and him mustering the courage to meet her at the end of her path, and to lay the Crimson Emperor to rest.
When I played this stage I was so disgusted by the enemy at the end I didn't feel that sense of sorrow, but listening to it now with you and your context it's genuinely making me sad.
2:20 Yes - Yeeeees
The first time I heard this track on my Azure Moon run, I broke into tears on stream. Hearing Fodlan Winds right at the start was what got me, because it's such a clear callback to that time in the game when you heard it during every battle - when things were simpler, when they were all your students, and everybody was friends.
And then the story got heavy and you never hear that high energy, hopeful tune again. Until now, at the end. When you have to end Edelgard, the one that instigated everything that upended those easier happier times.
(yes I know it plays in CF, yes I know its undercut by Edge of Dawn, her song - but just like God Shattering Star and Funeral of Flowers, I say this music is meant for the boss, not for you.)
Just found your channel a few hours ago and I've just been binging the playlists of my favorite games 😂 man this song is so good though i still have only beaten my blue lions route but i remember playing the final map and singing along to this song while getting my butt kicked 💀
Also, I'm sure you have a long list of things to react to (infinite even!) and idk if you take suggestions but here are some I'd love to see you check out eventually:
The Scale Theme (piano and cello version)
Faye's Theme (piano version)
The Fiction We Tell Ourselves
These 3 songs are from a game called Finding Paradise, actually a second game in a series of story games created with rpgmaker. They are very beautiful and meaningful games, full of heart like undertale. I think their osts also reflect this, and have that sincerity that some of undertale's ost has. Also like undertale, the osts are made primarily by Kan Gao, who also made the games himself.
For a bit of context, the games follow two doctors that work for a company that "grants" the wishes of people who are on their death bed (it happens only within that person's mind) and each game follows a different client
I recently discovered your videos and I can't get enough! I'm starting to love classical, orchestra, opera type music because of video games and anime.
One of my recent favourite pieces of music is: 'The other side of the sea' from Attack on Titan: the final season.
It's imo so beautiful and besides the scenes from the anime, I always imagine a very old Spanish war at the coast with battleships blasting canons against soldiers at land. With amongst the people a Spanish King, who is also battling against his enemies.
Would be nice to see you react to that. Keep up with the videos!
Wow you are on a roll Marco! I enjoyed this and I enjoyed your god shattering star reaction and also all your nier music reactions! I love the unique insight you give!
On an unrelated note, do you have your opera performances posted on the internet somewhere? The snippets of opera singing you show in some videos are fantastic and I would love to listen to your past performances in full if possible!
I do. Lemme scrounge them up for you :) I may forget - join the discord so I can share them :)
@@MarcoMeatball Ah okay thank you! xD
This is my favourite track in the game. I’m no music expert so I can’t put into words really what it is I love about it but it just invokes this amazing feeling in me that even God Shattering star couldn’t do. I’ve literally went on long drives with this track on loop I just can’t get enough of it lol.
Interestingly enough, I had a completely different perspective on the beginning of the song. To me it sounded almost celebrational, wide and open, like it's portraying one of the biggest and most important moments ever, which it kind of does, of course, but it just doesn't sound "dire" to me in any way.
I can't really put it into words but I think the title of the piece summs it up pretty well.
It feels like we're on the apex of the world.
Hello there
This is the first time watching your video's
When I saw that a opera person is reacting to fire emblem three houses song I was like this is interesting
And hearing you interpretation of the song from one perspective is interesting
Apex of World one of my favorite tracks in the game
If your gonna play it again please go black eagles
I would like to your opinion of god shattering star fron goldeen deer
I think going black eagles and siding with edelgard would be more fitting
Great thoughts as always Marco. On the topic of fire emblem I would humbly request "Id (purpose)" from FE awakening. I never even finished Awakening but that track remains an absolute gem.
For a bit of context, as far as I know Awakening was supposed to be the final FE game to come out, as the series was struggling with sales. Thankfully it sold really well and the series continued to get made. Nevertheless knowing that the song was composed as possibly the very final main theme for the series definitely adds an extra punch of emotion to it. It even includes bits of the original FE theme's melody.
I started to but it was like 9 minutes and I got confused and worried 🤣
@@MarcoMeatball I'm almost certain that it just loops at the midpoint, so it's actually only like 4-5 mins long haha
@@MarcoMeatball Oh yeah, that’s not actually 9 Minutes, it just loops around four minutes in.
I need to get back to this game. This track came up in my recommended feed a week or so ago, and it's the one I keep going back to. It's inspired two very different battle scenes for me to write, both with that "end boss/dire straits" kind of vibe to them. One is a group of friends and comrades facing off against a Great Old One kind of evil or a being with godlike powers (Cthulhu, Kefka, etc) where the stakes are literally the whole world, while the other is a lone swordsman/mage and her fight to free her husband, a retired airship captain who's nation is at odds with her own. He's been deemed a traitor and is being held prisoner on one of a dozen airships. You talking about how this is a fight between friends raises the question: what if the ship he's being held on is staffed by his old crew, the same crew she once helped save? That makes it a lot more personal, and it will cut that much deeper if/when she has to strike them down.
Music is so much fun.
My first ending was the blue lions. I only finished the game for the first time earlier this year. During my last year of high school. At the time I was playing it my focus was let’s just finally finish this and do it efficiently. Now I listen it and realize how I failed to truly listen and enjoy the game near the end.
This hurts because this really feels like how I lived my whole life. Just get it gone efficiently, failing to slow down, enjoy life, and to give my all to everything I do.
Now I’ve only got a week before I go to college. I’m okay, I’m looking forward to my next adventure in life! But, it stings when I think how It feels like I managed to do everything and nothing at the same time.
Songs such as this deepen this stinging pain, but it also inspires me to push forward and find myself. Yeah, I’m crying, but by God, I’m not giving up.
Hahhaha! I’m so happy to see your reaction!
Verdant Wind is my fave FE3H Route and I’m team Claude forever.
TBH, the song is quite unusual for me at first, I didn’t notice it that much on Normal Mode, coz I one hit everything but it does give its impact on the Hard Mode (and I’m sure on Maddening😂)
But yes, as the final song itself, the entire route, the characters, the final map and the battle are epic👍
You are correct.
You have no idea how right you are about the meaning of this song
the song is soooo good and at the same time hurts so much as an Edelgard fan
For some strange reason I always struggle to listen to this song because I just start to cry 😂
This reminded me how much I kept humming the OST months after playing the game. The music was phenomenal! I also remember how much of a WTF Shamabhala [Area 17 Redux] was. That song comes out of nowhere! It IMMEDIATELY lets you know, this place is wrong. Something is not right here and it's uncomfortable.
I had thought you were gonna react to the one with the vocals I clicked on this pretty fast too.
There’s a version with vocals? I don’t understand fire emblem 🤣
@@MarcoMeatball I’m thinking of “the edge of dawn”, another great song I’m sure others would recommend as well!
While on my first time encountering this I did also think immediately of Fodlan Winds, the actual theme that both of the pieces are based on is the game's main theme, the Edge of Dawn, which is also the theme song of one of the main characters, and this plays in both of the finales where that character is present. In both cases the finale represents the culmination of their character arc. Interestingly enough, the song Edge of Dawn itself actually is very much about the pain of inevitably having to rise up and cross blades with your friends...
But only in one of the two instances is one of the two sides conflicted, and it's not the one that the theme's owner stands on. Instead, even at the nadir of their character arc, they fight to their utmost, because they refuse to give up hope. The war is lost by all rights, yet they refuse to accept that their dream has turned to ash around them. This music is triumphant in one of the routes where it appears, mourning only that which is lost along the way, but in the other? It's defiant. Much like God-Shattering Star presses on you with the enemy's power and legend, the Apex of the World is mournful yet hopeful in its doomed last stand against you.
This music always completely kills me. Even though I've played FE:3H long ago, this piece never ceases to tear me up inside, gameplay wise, it is the true meaning of "regret".
OH man, there really is a theme you should listen too from one of the credit scenes "The color of Sunrise" which uses the leitmotifs you've heard from previous tracks.
I love how this guy just sits there, vibing to one of the best gamemusics in history
I recommended this on the God Shattering Star react video as well, but I still gotta recommend the piece At What Cost from the Fire Emblem Three Houses Cindered Shadows DLC. It’s a ridiculously underrated piece, probably just because it’s from a DLC.
If you like this you’d love The Night of the Ball from Three Houses. It re orchestrates the battle themes to be this lush melody. It’s meant to show the calm amidst the storm and a break from the fighting for one night of joy. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time
Only one final boss song left! Funeral of Flowers
Fantastic reaction! I love hearing your insights and knowledge about music when reacting to videogame OSTS, brings a nice perspective to everything. Keep up the great content!
Also, if I may add... Fantastic classical music doesn't just exist in video games! Anime has fantastic compositions that are just soooo good. I would recommend "Other Side of the Sea" from Attack on Titan and the "Main Theme" from Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood. They are just full of emotion and sound so goood... I believe there is a little bit of "opera" in those tracks as well :D. Maybe give a listen in your free time? I promise they don't dissapoint!
I love anime music! I listen to anime lofi nearly every day actually.
@@MarcoMeatball Oh that's cool! May I ask what playlist you listen to?
“Why? Why must we fight amongst each other like this? Surely there was another road that wouldn’t have brought us to this outcome….. but that was then and this now. Just know I’m grateful for the time we shared at the academy and I take no pleasure in fighting but this is war.” *Brandishes scythe* “No regrets, no hesitation.”
Apex of the world is a great soundtrack, but also a sad one. Glad you liked it.
(Commenting before I watch since I wanna see how much he guesses) So I haven't seen anyone else go into this, and I'm likely well over a year late, but oh well. Apex of The World isn't a map theme like most things in FE, it's a shared character theme between Edelgard and Dimitri. Even the name speaks to what their confrontation means "The Apex of The World". They are the King and the Emperor, their fight here decides the fate of the world. The throwbacks to the main theme of the game, The Edge of Dawn, Fodlan Winds, and other songs throughout the game give it a nostalgic feel, and a sorrowful one with context. I could go really deep into it, but neither Edelgard or Dimtiri wants to fight each other, but they simply cannot avoid it without entirely giving up their values and goals. In Azure Moon, Dimitri's route, it plays on the final map against Edelgard, it represents the shared but opposing resolve of the two leaders, in AM it's the triumphant but somber defeat of Dimtiri's childhood friend, and someone whom, if he had the chance, he would have allowed to live. In Crimson Flower, Edelgard's route, things are a bit different. In CF it doesn't play against Dimitri if memory serves, it plays on the map after his defeat, the final map of the route. Though in CF it doesn't have the same kind of sorrow in it, it swaps it out. Edelgard's resolve did not falter, nor did her heart, when she had to kill Dimitri, but instead she had to steel herself further, her battle against other humans was over when Dimtiri died, what she fought in the final map was no human, but the very beast that necessitated all of this tragedy.
Apex of The World is my 2nd favorite theme in the entire series, only beaten out barely by Twilight of The Gods from Fire Emblem: Echoes. It's a song that tells a tragedy, but also the triumph that comes from it.
between heaven and earth is something you would be interested in.
ay Apex Of The World let's go :)))
Edit: easily my favorite theme from Three Houses, there is genuinely so much emotion conveyed from this theme, it's insane and awesome
Also if we're allowed to make recommendations, I hope it's fine if I reccomend some more from Three Houses.
Corridors Of The Tempest (Rain)
The Shackled Wolves
And this one is a super wild card but it goes to show how different Three Houses music is but: Shambhala Area Redux 17. It's different, that's all I call really say lol. Anyway I hope you have a good day!
In the context of the story, this piece really reinforces the feeling that neither side really _wants_ this fight, but both recognize it has to happen. There has to be a decisive conclusion to this war. One of them _must_ fall for there to be closure.
It's insteresting that your take on this track is that of a woeful derge about the tragedy of civil war because this tune to me seems like the classic JRPG *"UPWARDS TO VICTORY! PRAISE THE SUN! UNLIMITED KILL! TRI-FORCE TO THE HEAVENS! LETS GOOOOOOOO!!!"* sort of tune.
Your non-verbal reactions seem to agree with me on that one! XD
Oh! You're on a FE roll, we love to see it 💖💖💖
This game makes me cry :, )
Whats next Opera Singer Reacts to Edge of Dawn to understand the context behind the Fire Emblem: Three Houses OST
If you didn’t play and complete the Blue Lions route then you should because it makes the emotionality of this song so much more intense. Your interpretation is pretty spot on for the BL route which is largely Dimitri’s story and the reason we all become Dimitri trash in the end.
I love all FE3H ost but this one always gives me PTSD of my Mercedes on the maddening mode being targeted across the map by Hegemon husk.
Though, listening to this as you trying not to get KO'd from across the map makes the song feel more intense lol.
Please give a listen to "Between heaven and earth" the song is too underrated.
I would probably like it if you reacted to some songs from Octopath Traveler. Namely the Title Screen Theme, Battle at a Journey's End, They who Govern Reason, The One they Call the Witch, Daughter of the Dark God, and Ending Theme.
(Sorry if that's a long list I had trouble picking only a few I love Octopath Traveler to pieces.)
Would need to listen to the songs in order for Witch and Dark God
It'd be interesting to see you react to some of the music from Fire Emblem: Echoes. Especially "The Scion's Dance in Purgatory", "Lord of a Dead Empire" and "Twilight of the Gods" considering your opera background.
Yup yup!
"What I love about Fire Emblem music is that it's always optimistic."
You haven't heard "Don't Speak Her Name" yet, haha
"It's kinda sad what happens in FE3H". Masterful use of understatement there :P.
I hope you give Lord of a Dead Empire a listen. That song is amazing.
On my list!
This is exactly why I to this day still prefer this song over "God Shattering Star". It is a culmination of so many songs you've heard throughout the game, reawakening memories of past battles and the struggles of getting to the point where you are now. The intensity of the moment knowing this is the final stand; you win or die. The sadness of knowing all the choices you've made have negatively impacted the lives of past allies whom you now fight against; you can't afford to show mercy. The hope of knowing you're fighting for the future you believe in; if you fail now, then what was the point?
It pools together everything and is exemplified by the melody you've HEARD. THROUGHOUT. THE. ENTIRE. GAME! It's an emotional familiarity that just doesn't compare to anything else. It's both sad and epic all at once. Memorable. What an incredible song.
This is my favorite fire emblem song of all time. I got the chills when I first heard it my first run with the blue lions. One of the best reasons to stay with Dimitri.
I really hope you analyze the Part 2 main fight theme, Chasing Daybreak. It's my favorite song in the game for a reason.
God some of the mini cutscenes during the first war of friends versus friends.. Especially if you're me and managed to recruit a couple of the characters from one other house before the war, but not all of them..? The moment you cut them down, if that other character is in range or is the one to do it, they cry out sorrowfully and hold their dying friend repeatedly apologizing to them and lamenting how things weren't different. And even worse is the dying friend forgives them and says they know there was no other choice but that they hope the friend will live happily once the war is over. It's totally horrifyingly heartbreaking. You said that you only did one playthrough, right? I'd recommend at least three (though getting all five possible endings is the only way to truly understand the full pain of all parts of this story). My first playthroughs were the Black Eagle *true ending* line, and the Church of Seiros ending (which is the exact opposite of that ending and felt like I was betraying the character I'd grown to love in the previous route) just to see the reasons of "why" behind the war. Both had reasons of their own, and I could relate to each side, but it didn't make me feel any better that I had to fight either one of them after spending half the game learning their characters. If you take the Golden Eagle route (though that's recommended for last) You'll get the most lore out of the behind the scenes happenings within the game, and the Blue Lion's route is the antagonistic mad tragic king route where he doesn't know the truth but it drives him mad enough anyways that you have no choice but to follow him to try to help.
The trumpet player sounds like they're having the time of their life.
I love your reaction and your take on FE3H music!!! I know I'm late to the party, but any chance you will be reacting to another FE3H music titled "Chasing Daybreak"? This music plays on all routes when they reunite after the timeskip but my first experience with this music is on Blue Lion's route and without spoiling anything, *I* feel like that music fit that route the most (though, again, I could be biased since that was my first experience with the music and especially BL being my first route). However, I feel that way because the music really conveys that "us against the world", and BL is the one that truly feels that way because we're on the losing side. I wonder what your take on it would be ^^
Please react to Between Heaven and Earth (Rain) as well. If there is a song in this game that completely encapsulates the friends vs friends theme, it is definitely that song.
Yeah, Three Houses is super depressing, really. I have issues with this game. Why don't these idiots just talk to each other?!
Anyway, nice reaction. Seeing as how you're a singer, I'd like to see your reaction to Lord of a dead Empire and The Scion's Dance in Purgatory from Echoes.
And also a reaction to Don't speak her name and Id - Purpose from Awakening.
And I'd love to see you react to Xenoblade music. Both Xenoblade 1 and 2 have an amazing OST - apparently, people loved the first one so much, Nintendo gave Monolith a big budget for the second game. Some songs were remastered when the Definitive Edition was released.
Hey nice reaction, I freaking love Apex of the World. If you like this kind of Orchestrated music I think you would love Hiroyuki Suwano's work, You might be familiar with his works idk. Into the Forest by Hiroyuki Suwano is something I think youd love.
My bad, the orchestrated choral version of the song I mentioned is called Codename Z
Only 'Funeral of Flowers' and 'At What Cost' left.
And of course, 'Lord of a Dead Empire' from Echoes
One of those is in queue……….
Him saying the music is all hopeful means he needs to hear Funeral of Flowers. Also Id (Sorrow) from Awakening.
Please do a reaction to "Id Purpose" from Fire Emblem Awakening. It's my favorite out of all the songs from the franchise.
you should react to Edge of Dawn for real that's gonna made all thing more clearly on how masterpiece this is ( sry for my english i'm not native speaker )
Hey I recently found your channel and I love your reaction and discussions. I recommend listen to Id Purpose (Awakening) or At What Cost? (FE3H). They are both are amazing tracks. At what cost? Is the final boss soundtrack in the DLC of FE3H
Lesss gooo!
I still prefer god shattering star but that might just be my bais towards the golden deer route XD
I think you would like Daughter of A Dark God from Octopath Traveler and The One They Call the Witch from Octopath Traveler as well
Spoiler just in case
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I played all four routes and my first playthrough was blue lions. By far, this track and the blue lions route are my favorite things i adore of the game. The fact that they used the op of the game here (being edelgard perspective) were both dimitri and edelgard fight one last time to the death beacuse they both know neither of them will back down of their belief. The fact that dimitri gave edelgard the knife as a phisical and simbolic way to tell her to always fight for what you believe in, even if the world is against you, only for her to return that same knife she hold so dearly back to him (stabing him but all well ends well right....?) giving him the same strenght he gave to her. And this track just convey all of the emotions of grief, hope, determination and even hesitation. Even if dimitri knows he has to kill her to make hes belief a reality, he still clings to that miracle that things dont have to end that way. Man i love does two so much. 😭❤️🥰
I suggest the spirit shrine theme from trails of cold steel 2 or Silver Will from Trails in the Sky. The trails series has some amazing pieces as well