Also there is a quantum moon orbiting the Scruffy text at the very start of the video which disappears after a blink! Love the effort put into these small details!
@@KoboldAppreciator Potential DLC spoiler I noticed the empty stand in the promotion image scruffy released Is it perhaps for that cloaked vessel that can only be seen from a certain angle? I also haven’t finished the DLC because I have a harsh reaction to the notion of being chased in this game. Usually I don’t, I play a lot of Need For Speed games and being chased by cops elicits a well different reaction. The Outer Wilds DLC is just a completely different experience.
@@motordragon1975 I shuffled through the video but don't think we were ever at an angle to see the spot, I think the base alone is meant to be the teaser
I remember reading a review about Outer Wilds that made me decide to get it: "The saddest part about Outer Wilds is that you never get to experience it for the first time again."
You don't but you get the second best thing which is getting your friends to play it while you watch and relive seeing the game for the first time with them, trust me it's so worth it
@@Yamartim I did this, 100% recommend. Plus, if you really want to go at it, you can install the quantum space buddies mod after they figure it all out and just have fun in space together!
I'm lucky to have an ADHD brain in this regard, so I don't remember much of the game. All I remember is that it was amazing. And as time passes I remember less and less. It'll be amazing to play it again someday.
Fun fact about the Sun Station music; if I remember right, it's The Search in reverse (which seems obvious given the reverse piano keys but I still think it's neat) which signifies how the Sun Station goes against everything the Nomai believe in as a species. I'm not sure I worded that very well, but oh well. I hope it still gets the point across.
Nope, you got it, word for word from Idaea - Streetlights Behind The Trees posted this video four years ago where they made that discovery, and Andrew Prahlow confirmed it in the comments: ruclips.net/video/C0FSIlNOwuQ/видео.htmlsi=LtCy0M51nAJv1PWD
@@clawsonbournegaming5491 Streetlights Behind The Trees has probably my favourite devlog series on RUclips. If you're reading this and like devlogs you should check out their other videos!
11:30 The Sun Station is one of my favorite tracks from the whole game. It doesn't feel tragic at first, but when you learn about the history of the station, you listen to the music and it's suddenly moving and melancholic. You hear the failure as much as you hear the innovation and discovery.
It's also "The Search" played in reverse, to signify how it's purpose truly goes against what the Nomai represent as a species, not destruction, but creativity, curiosity and creation And also going off this video about how "The Search" only plays in WORKING Nomai places, the Sun Station is one of the few truly 'broken' Nomai creations
Failure for the Nomai, and the player. The Nomai realized that their only chance of reaching the Eye was never going to work for them, and the player realizes the Sun Station was a complete dead end, and there is no way of stopping the Sun from exploding. Everyone is going to die no matter what, all you can do is continue the mission of the Nomai.
Small nitpick, the nomai could talk. The recording you did happen to mention in the interloper does specifically have two characters talking about "hearing" and their "voices being faint". PYE: Clary, can you hear us? CLARY: Yes, but your voices are faint. I fear we will lose communication entirely if you continue any deeper. When these objects are hovered over, the translator tool does also say "untranslated nomai recording" rather than "untranslated nomai writing" like it does for the spiral shaped wall writings, meaning there was an intentional distinction to be made between the two types of translations. I /believe/ the idea is that the recordings were transcribed onto a disk, similarly to a vinyl record or something, but with with their writing instead. I think if Solanum spoke, you wouldn't be able to understand her, and she probably knows that and that's why she chooses to write to you instead. Wonderful video as always, though! If you can't tell, Outer Wilds is one of my favorites and I love your musical insight on everything you talk about.
Yes I was about to say the same thing. Also the projection pools? Was so they could talk face to face over long distances. It was a video call setup. Their technology just transcribed their audio logs to text
OH, I ONLY NOTICED JUST NOW, THAT HIS INTRO IS HIM SINGING "What i love"! for years i have been humming that little intro whenever i saw his videos on my feed
Two seconds in and I already have to mention a certain moon leaving the frame when we blink. Incredible detail. *(Edit)* Seventeen minutes and twelve seconds in and I have to mention how the video perfectly loops. Incredible detail.
If anyone's looking for timestamps, one of the times you can observe it moving in the orrery is between 12:03 and 12:37 (The moment @localsnek refers to is between 0:00 and 0:01, I totally missed that the first time around)
@@BouncyBonBon Actually, it seems like it may be That Thing! When he looks over the blank stand at 15:41 while alluding to more to be discussed, there's a shadow on the base of the orrery that's also in the frame, attached to nothing (compared to the planets, which all have shadows for their arms, and the shadows go backwards)
I'm not kidding: this video feels almost *too* well produced. I can't fully concentrate on what's being said because I can't stop being impressed beyond my mind with the visuals. Absolutely stellar visual design, wow.
It’s funny that you mention the reversed piano sounds in the Sun Station’s theme at 11:38, as the actual entire song when reversed sounds extremely similar to The Search’s theme! If my memory serves me correctly, Andrew Prahlow actually made a comment on this fact and said how the Sun Station goes against Nomai ideals and ultimately fails, so the music being reversed represents that. A pretty neat detail that goes to show the amount of thought has gone into this amazing game’s amazing OST.
What an incredible connection that the nomai music reflects that sort of auto-piano sound that still runs even when nobody is left to hear it. Such a perfect metaphor for the nomai and for the technology they left for us
I love the subtle tease at the end and really do hope you make another video on this game. Not to detract from the quality of this video at all - you did an awesome job with the editing and 3D elements!
Just noticed what you did with the quantum moon throughout the video, thats way too cool. Also, the thing you're hinting at in 15:42 is such an awesome detail!
7:35 This was my favorite part of the video. I've played this game MANY TIMES and never once had I made this connection to how the music represents the Nomai's technology and impact on the universe. That's an amazing take away you shared. Years after playing this and I am still finding new ways to think back on it. This game is the best
I gota say that I adore the fact that the lil 3d diorama you made for the solar system looks like it was handmade! The planets look like clay, the sun station are 2 pins, dark bramble are fluffy cords There’s so much detail put into that part that I love
I was so happy to see you've made this video! Outer Wilds is my favorite game of all time, too- the music and sound design is so much of that. I love the detail of showing "End Times" last, and letting it play out and then playing the "your memories are getting sent back via the mask" animation! I can only imagine how tempted you were to try and stretch this video out to 22 minutes! This is such a lovely homage.
If you've never heard of Outer Wilds, that's perfect. Playing the game without knowing anything about it is the absolute dream for anyone that has played this game. Please go play it, you're only regret will be not being able to experience it for the first time again.
This is literally the perfect combo of creator and game, I’m so thankful you got around to going in-depth on its music!! The visuals in combination with your musical storytelling is incredible as always!!!
@@ajquestion9559 It will feel amazing every time it happens. You’ll be watching something else, and then out of the blue you will see some random person your subscribed too discover and talk about the game. It’s just so wonderful.
13:10 There is a melody! Feldspar’s comforting harmonica playing that you have to rely upon to navigate! Your only lifeline in such a hostile environment…
Coming back to rewatch this one, Outer Wilds really is a particularly special game. moderate spoilers: My fondest memory being my first visit to the sun station, first that didn't miss and plop into the star that is. Because of what I'd read to that point I believed so strongly that the sun was exploding because of what was happening there, and somehow if only I could reach it I'd be able to solve everything. And then the crushing, melancholic, sad-but-not-sadness that came with the realisation that it *wasn't* being destroyed. It *wasn't* some alien technology that was ending the lives of everyone I knew. It was simply time to go. I sat there until the end of the loop just watching the sun.
6:26 counter argument... [spoiler for ember twin] in the anglerfish cave, you can find nomai children discussing their game and one of the line says something like "on the word GO, start moving". the kid playing anglerfish is blind in that moment so it could not be done through visual writing
The part about the Nomai's Lament gave me CHILLS. You're absolutely correct, they are all instruments that will play ad infinitum until they die. I would have never put it together. The idea to ascribe those specific instruments and sounds to a race that looped the end of time itself, but to also give it the same kind of wailing, pleading tone as their distress beacon is pure art.
one of my favorite things about the vinyl LP in its physicality is, Side A is 22 minutes long, and starts playing 'END TIMES' at that mark. it's a little touch i love
I think my favorite thing about Outer Wilds music, that you vaguely touch on, is the incredible decision to not score Outer Wilds like a video game, but like a movie. It makes every time there is music playing so much more impactful. Especially with songs like Castaways.
I really hope a part 2 is coming! “Final Voyage” was the most resonant musical moment I’ve ever had in the game, and I listen to “14.3 Billion Years” CONSTANTLY
The detail that the video starts with you blinking is great. Putting the video on loop makes the transition seamless and identical to how it is in game!
5:32 "okay I'm already getting sentimental" me, who has been crying since the start of the video because outer wilds is my favorite game ever and i love being reminded of why its the best game ever made
really cool video! i absolutely love both outer wilds and the stuff you make so this was a real treat! also, that solanum painting at the end is gorgeous! would've thought it was official art/concept art if i didn't already know it was yours.
The music in this game is very important to me, and I can confidently say that you did it incredible justice with this video, Scruffy. Bravo. Hope you do EotE and the 'extras' as well.
The sun station's song also has this uncomfortably tragic feeling to it, which matches the nomai's sentiment towards the station and its purpose to a tee.
Unrelated to music, spoilers below: My best showcase of skill with the ship was landing upside down on the warp pad by the black hole forge. You're *supposed* to use the warp pad on the ash twin, but there's nothing stopping you from piloting to the correct spot, rotating your ship 180 degrees, then carefully landing where the anti-gravity crystals will keep your ship in place while upside down!
I interpreted the devices that you find near the escape pods, and in the Interloper's core, as audio recording devices. Their design resembles a record player to a degree. If I recall, there are even examples of one Nomai interrupting another mid-thought, suggesting this was verbal communication.
I love how the model of the solar system is made out of craft material, like dark bramble being made out of pipe cleaners. thats an incredible detail :D
I probably got this notification because I've watched a lot of outer wilds content after finishing it. However, your style of video is nothing short of incredible to me. The effort put in is clear from the opening second. Your understanding of the topics at hand is abundant. Your presentation is compelling and entertaining. Thanks for your effort.
I’m deep into my first playthrough of outer wilds right now so I cannot watch this at the moment but I think it’s really funny that coincidences like this keep happening to me.
Didn’t mention the Hearthian’s happy little noise when eating a marshmallow -50/10. But seriously, this game was life changing for me and I’m happy you feel the same way! Enjoy the oncoming addiction to watching other people play this game to chase your first-time high.
Finally someone talked about Andrew and his work on this game. I listen to this soundtrack on almost every flight I take, it’s genuinely so unique. I’d love to see a breakdown of the DLCs music, which is extremely interesting and unnerving
I have been hoping and waiting for this exact episode, I love Outer Wilds, I love Andrew Prahlows music, and I love Scruffys analyses! I saw that teaser for The Stranger, I really hope you'll explore the DLCs music in another video, it's a whole other musical beast on its own!
I like to think that the banjo in the search is symbolic of the hearthians joining their long-lost fellow explorers in their final journey. The search shows us the genius of the nomai intact from time and its most important use. The banjo only comes in at the very end of the track just as the hearthians only come in at the final chapter of their solar system. As our protagonist pieces together why their universe is the way it is, they realize that it isn't to stop the loop and save their sun. Or to find their people safe refuge. It's too late. The universe is already dying. Their people, their home, their world, is already doomed. Their heartbreaking purpose is to complete the work the nomai started millennia ago. Maybe the music is really how the hearthians live on. Their destiny was sealed since their beginning in a dying universe. But the nomai leave an empty verse in the song of their curiosity, struggles, and ambition for the hearthians to fill. And they fill it with their music and spirit and heart that takes them to the very end of the universe.
it's funny you mention william basinski's disintegration loops, because i actually purchased the outer wilds vinyl set (and am still waiting receive my echoes of the eye vinyl) because of information decay! i didn't know about basinski at the time, but i got my vinyls because i understood that, being physical copies read by physical contact, they would deteriorate much more quickly than any digital copies of the same music. to some that'd be a depressing turn-off, to know your favourite music will unavoidably fade and distort a bit with each use just by nature of how it works, but i think it's an extension of the game's spirit; time marches ever-forward, the world slowly crumbles, everything eventually dies, and that's okay. what matters is that i'm experiencing it, and that this experience might shape something else someday, even if the people that get to enjoy it might never get to experience what inspired it
I know there was only so much to cover in this, but man it would've been perfect if the video was timed to the loop's end music (22:00). Genuinely loved listening to this analysis, and hearing Outer Wilds always brings so many emotions to my chest.
It's surprising how many new videos I'm seeing about The Outer Wilds.. So.. I'm taking your (and everyone else's) hints.. and I'm going to go play The Outer Wilds. Leaving a comment to offset my early departure from the video
6:02 Maybe I'm misremembering, but I think the devices you find on the ground sometimes, such as within the interloper, are nomai recordings and what you're actually translating is the subtitles.
Indeed, they even make references to hearing. There is at least one instance of a character expressing something similar to “can you hear me?”, found in one of those devices. They most likely have some form of auditory communication, but they may prefer written communication anyway due to the all the casual conversations we find etched on the ground or walls.
Thank you for casting light on this absolutely masterpiece of a soundtrack. It's so wonderful to hear other people's thoughts on the music and I believe this is one that should never be looked past!
I absolutely love the sound mastering in this game. Muting music beneath loud sound effects makes the game feel infinitly more immersive than any other game. An impact or anglerfish drowning out the quite drone of music always makes me startled. Its both so unnerving but also it makes it feel like the world is lived in. The only song to not be drowned in the sfx is End Times. The inescapable.
14:21 One small thing I like about The Search is that at the end of the track there is a sneaky little banjo playing with the tune. It's like the Nomai's search continues even now, and Hatchling gets to be a small part of it at the very end.
I've gotta say, I love the attention to the little details you put in your videos. The planets in the model clearly being made of modelling clay, the sun stations just being 2 pins, and the bramble made entirely out of pipe cleaners and cut off bits of Styrofoam, the different use of the fonts, etc. Love the video, keep it up!
The music of outerwilds always reminds me of the first time i noticed it in game The Ancient Glade is my favorite song, as i was spoiled on how to do the ending, but not the ending
To me, this is the perfect outer wilds video, I already love how much effort you put into everything, but this video is just perfection. The QM moving when you look away, the loop with the video starting by having you blink just like when you wake up at the campfire, just everything.
i remember hearing scruffy mention outer wilds during the pikmin 4 playthrough "giant's hearth... im getting some outer wilds vibes from that; like timber hearth and giant's deep" multiple types of nerd, multiple types of artist, pikmin lover *and* outer wilds lover? i didnt know it was possible to be that cool! also, i loved the hand-crafted, school project aesthetic for the solar system: the pushpin sun station, the clotheline clip probe cannon, the pipe cleaner dark bramble... makes me wanna make one irl ::D when i played outer wilds myself, i decided (for some reason) to chase the dark bramble mystery first. i think i have since developed a genuine phobia of dark bramble lol (trembles) something about the incomprehensibly huge, mottled textures of the branches freaks me out on a primal level. the way it seems so intricately detailed from afar, but when you go up close you realize just how small you are compared to it i feel like it might be megalophobia? but this game is one of the only things that incurs this bone-chilling uneasiness in me, so maybe it's just darkbramblephobia lmao just hearing the droning puts me seriously on edge... which means it's really good sound design!! every element of the experience contributes to the soul-gripping dread!!!
loved this so much! I was sad that the video wasn’t 22 minutes long, but I guess that’s because of baller editing and concise scripts, so how can I really complain :). I’m excited about you considering another video. Hope you do! Thank you so much for making such awesome videos that have helped me and others to further appreciate and/or understand the nuances of video game music, genuinely one of my favorite gems of a channel on this platform.
Oh I know what that empty stand is for and I could NOT be more excited for that video to come out. Phenomenal work as *always* Scruffy, you're my favorite audio creator on the platform, full stop.
Wonderful video. Almost any video I watch, I am constantly adjusting the volume. I did very little of that during your video, so you mixed it quite well. I love all the little details from the wandering moon to the loop at the end. I think the only missed opportunity was to make it 22 min long, but if this means we get a second followup video, all the better. Keep up the great work!
Seeing scruffy made an Outer Wilds video in my recommended made me feel like a child on Christmas morning. This video is absolutely spectacular, fitting for a game unlike any other
Started crying when you reminded me of how, when the orbits of the different planets line up, you can hear the different astronauts tunes overlap. What a beautiful experience this was.
The quality of this video is beyond anything I expected. Your readings of the themes through Prahlow's music is SO satisfying, and I even learned a thing or two (the Timber Hearth track lasts exactly one Hearthian day? are you kidding me??). The narration is excellent, the graphics are charming, and the insights you draw are thoughtful and interesting. Just a quality piece of art all around. Thank you
How much effort went into this video! The attention to details, your drawings, everything.. Well done, mister. Thank you for telling about William Basinski - will definitely listen to some of his music (the concept of it decaying as it is playing blows my mind).
I cannot express how joyful it was to see this video pop up in my feed. Outer Wilds is one of my favorite experiences in video gaming. And your intro is like a warm hug...
All those brilliant brilliant references. Plus the production quality of this one is absolutely off the charts! The moment you said "but Im getting sentimental" I also paused the video to take a ten second break to get my emotions sorted out as well. Beautiful seeing this game has inspired you as well.
Every time I think I've seen all there is to be said about this game, someone brings a new perspective to it to make me love Outer Wilds even more. What you mention about the nomai music in particular fits with certain _things_ heard and witnessed in the ending that, uh. Make me a little bit teary eyed. Please brings us more thoughts on it whenever you can, that was great!
Scruffy, this video is genuinely a work of art in its own way. The visuals were outstanding, and I loved your interpretations on the music within this game. Explaining through music not only the differences between the Nomai and the Hearthians, but also how they are connected, was a really interesting discussion, and painted the game in a light i havent seen before. I love how you were able to maintain a balance, between exploring in a way that informs viewers just enough without spoiling too much, and discussing the game in a way that works to explore the depths and implications that the music hints at within the game for those that have played / watched the game. if anything, i wish you had talked less (ironically enough), or rather given more time, to allow for the music to shine through more than it already is. good job, i look forward to your (hopefully) continued discussion about this game. also like seriously, great job on the scale solar system model, such a great focal point for the video
half of the music in this game went completely over my head because i was to enamored by the game itself. i truly truly love the way it captures you in every aspect. timber hearth feels like home in every way, the exploration feels like you truly are uncovering the secrets of the universe, the quiet moments with the travelers or even the huge moments when you really discover something- it all captivates me to this day. the music is perfect for every single area, i couldn't tell you anything bad about it.
THE QUANTUM MOON CHANGING EVERY TIME YOU CUT BACK TO THE SOLAR SYSTEM MODEL HELL FUCKING YES I WAS LIKE "I HOPE HE DOES THAT" AND THEN YOU DID
And also the empty base! That’s such a good detail
Also there is a quantum moon orbiting the Scruffy text at the very start of the video which disappears after a blink! Love the effort put into these small details!
@@KoboldAppreciator
Potential DLC spoiler
I noticed the empty stand in the promotion image scruffy released
Is it perhaps for that cloaked vessel that can only be seen from a certain angle?
I also haven’t finished the DLC because I have a harsh reaction to the notion of being chased in this game. Usually I don’t, I play a lot of Need For Speed games and being chased by cops elicits a well different reaction. The Outer Wilds DLC is just a completely different experience.
@@motordragon1975 I shuffled through the video but don't think we were ever at an angle to see the spot, I think the base alone is meant to be the teaser
I remember reading a review about Outer Wilds that made me decide to get it: "The saddest part about Outer Wilds is that you never get to experience it for the first time again."
You don't but you get the second best thing which is getting your friends to play it while you watch and relive seeing the game for the first time with them, trust me it's so worth it
@@Yamartim I did this, 100% recommend. Plus, if you really want to go at it, you can install the quantum space buddies mod after they figure it all out and just have fun in space together!
every outer wilds fan longs to relive that first playthrough, thats why we love watching other people play it so much
I'm lucky to have an ADHD brain in this regard, so I don't remember much of the game. All I remember is that it was amazing. And as time passes I remember less and less. It'll be amazing to play it again someday.
I have memory loss and adhd so i only have to wait a few months and i get the game all over again 😂
Fun fact about the Sun Station music; if I remember right, it's The Search in reverse (which seems obvious given the reverse piano keys but I still think it's neat) which signifies how the Sun Station goes against everything the Nomai believe in as a species. I'm not sure I worded that very well, but oh well. I hope it still gets the point across.
Nope, you got it, word for word from Idaea - Streetlights Behind The Trees posted this video four years ago where they made that discovery, and Andrew Prahlow confirmed it in the comments:
ruclips.net/video/C0FSIlNOwuQ/видео.htmlsi=LtCy0M51nAJv1PWD
@@clawsonbournegaming5491 Streetlights Behind The Trees has probably my favourite devlog series on RUclips. If you're reading this and like devlogs you should check out their other videos!
But pushing a possible new technology further than ever before is the defining characteristic of the Nomai species.
@@lohjutsulegend Yes, but not at the expense of destroying a whole solar system.
@@tailez606 now I'm not sure if you're writing in character or if you didn't recognise that I repeated the words from the game 😅
11:30 The Sun Station is one of my favorite tracks from the whole game. It doesn't feel tragic at first, but when you learn about the history of the station, you listen to the music and it's suddenly moving and melancholic. You hear the failure as much as you hear the innovation and discovery.
It's also "The Search" played in reverse, to signify how it's purpose truly goes against what the Nomai represent as a species, not destruction, but creativity, curiosity and creation
And also going off this video about how "The Search" only plays in WORKING Nomai places, the Sun Station is one of the few truly 'broken' Nomai creations
Failure for the Nomai, and the player.
The Nomai realized that their only chance of reaching the Eye was never going to work for them, and the player realizes the Sun Station was a complete dead end, and there is no way of stopping the Sun from exploding.
Everyone is going to die no matter what, all you can do is continue the mission of the Nomai.
Scruffy and Outer Wilds combined? I couldn't be more excited
NO LITERALLY SAME
EXACTLY
Small nitpick, the nomai could talk. The recording you did happen to mention in the interloper does specifically have two characters talking about "hearing" and their "voices being faint".
PYE: Clary, can you hear us?
CLARY: Yes, but your voices are faint. I fear we will lose communication entirely if you continue any deeper.
When these objects are hovered over, the translator tool does also say "untranslated nomai recording" rather than "untranslated nomai writing" like it does for the spiral shaped wall writings, meaning there was an intentional distinction to be made between the two types of translations. I /believe/ the idea is that the recordings were transcribed onto a disk, similarly to a vinyl record or something, but with with their writing instead. I think if Solanum spoke, you wouldn't be able to understand her, and she probably knows that and that's why she chooses to write to you instead.
Wonderful video as always, though! If you can't tell, Outer Wilds is one of my favorites and I love your musical insight on everything you talk about.
Yes I was about to say the same thing. Also the projection pools? Was so they could talk face to face over long distances. It was a video call setup. Their technology just transcribed their audio logs to text
You cannot understand how fast I clicked on a scruffy video about the music of my favorite game.
Yeah this guy plus this game is top priority video
I can understand because it was the same way for me lol
OH, I ONLY NOTICED JUST NOW, THAT HIS INTRO IS HIM SINGING "What i love"!
for years i have been humming that little intro whenever i saw his videos on my feed
If you’re interested, he made a full version a few years ago. I think it’s pretty good:)
i only figured this out a few months ago so i'm with you lol
I always heard "po-tay-toe" lmao
Two seconds in and I already have to mention a certain moon leaving the frame when we blink. Incredible detail.
*(Edit)* Seventeen minutes and twelve seconds in and I have to mention how the video perfectly loops. Incredible detail.
If anyone's looking for timestamps, one of the times you can observe it moving in the orrery is between 12:03 and 12:37
(The moment @localsnek refers to is between 0:00 and 0:01, I totally missed that the first time around)
The moment I noticed what was about to happen, I set the video to loop.
Scruffy really does go the extra mile.
2:50 that note hits like a truck every time
This mf-ing note made me fall in love with the game. I get that "like a truck" feeling too.
A single note can bring me to tears almost every time, it's insane
@@Stoneman66666 I think it’s supposed to feel like a warm and protective embrace. It welcomes us home
@Minnieal28 This is exactly it, and it serves the purpose beautifully.
Echoes of The Eye spoilers!!!
I love how the Orrery at 1:40 has an extra stand seemingly holding nothing ::)
Oh my
That's incredible
At 15:52 he uses it to hint at maybe looking at Echoes of the Eye mysic... that's so cool
I SAW THAT TOOO THATS SO COOLL
@@gavin5410 I'm pretty sure that's from the Interloper having hit the Sun by that point.
@@BouncyBonBon Actually, it seems like it may be That Thing! When he looks over the blank stand at 15:41 while alluding to more to be discussed, there's a shadow on the base of the orrery that's also in the frame, attached to nothing (compared to the planets, which all have shadows for their arms, and the shadows go backwards)
0:00 the little quantum moon around the "C" is everything to me
I'm not kidding: this video feels almost *too* well produced. I can't fully concentrate on what's being said because I can't stop being impressed beyond my mind with the visuals. Absolutely stellar visual design, wow.
Congrats, you've found the treasure of a channel that is the Scruffy channel 🙌🏼
@ I’m a regular viewer. But even for Scruffy standards, this is EXCEPTIONAL
It’s funny that you mention the reversed piano sounds in the Sun Station’s theme at 11:38, as the actual entire song when reversed sounds extremely similar to The Search’s theme!
If my memory serves me correctly, Andrew Prahlow actually made a comment on this fact and said how the Sun Station goes against Nomai ideals and ultimately fails, so the music being reversed represents that.
A pretty neat detail that goes to show the amount of thought has gone into this amazing game’s amazing OST.
What an incredible connection that the nomai music reflects that sort of auto-piano sound that still runs even when nobody is left to hear it. Such a perfect metaphor for the nomai and for the technology they left for us
I love the subtle tease at the end and really do hope you make another video on this game. Not to detract from the quality of this video at all - you did an awesome job with the editing and 3D elements!
I love how the QM changes position every time the solar system model is shown
Just noticed what you did with the quantum moon throughout the video, thats way too cool. Also, the thing you're hinting at in 15:42 is such an awesome detail!
7:35 This was my favorite part of the video. I've played this game MANY TIMES and never once had I made this connection to how the music represents the Nomai's technology and impact on the universe. That's an amazing take away you shared. Years after playing this and I am still finding new ways to think back on it. This game is the best
I gota say that I adore the fact that the lil 3d diorama you made for the solar system looks like it was handmade!
The planets look like clay, the sun station are 2 pins, dark bramble are fluffy cords
There’s so much detail put into that part that I love
Quantum moon moves each time too
15:40 I felt literal chills when I realized what this was.
What THOSE were! There's a little shadow there on the right... 👀
Boop
That is such a clever detail. Bravo Scruffy
I would watch this, but I haven't played Outer Wilds yet and don't wanna get spoiled, so I'll save it to a playlist for now
Amazing idea
Put Outer Wilds at the top of your list and take your time with the game. Enjoy it while it lasts.
I was so happy to see you've made this video! Outer Wilds is my favorite game of all time, too- the music and sound design is so much of that.
I love the detail of showing "End Times" last, and letting it play out and then playing the "your memories are getting sent back via the mask" animation! I can only imagine how tempted you were to try and stretch this video out to 22 minutes! This is such a lovely homage.
If you've never heard of Outer Wilds, that's perfect. Playing the game without knowing anything about it is the absolute dream for anyone that has played this game. Please go play it, you're only regret will be not being able to experience it for the first time again.
This is literally the perfect combo of creator and game, I’m so thankful you got around to going in-depth on its music!! The visuals in combination with your musical storytelling is incredible as always!!!
elsira jumpscare
i finished outer wilds yesterday and was watching a video about it, so getting this notification was wild.
Welcome, child. You are now one of us. We are destined to relive this game through video essays and to tell others to play the game.
@@ajquestion9559 It will feel amazing every time it happens. You’ll be watching something else, and then out of the blue you will see some random person your subscribed too discover and talk about the game. It’s just so wonderful.
13:10 There is a melody! Feldspar’s comforting harmonica playing that you have to rely upon to navigate! Your only lifeline in such a hostile environment…
Coming back to rewatch this one, Outer Wilds really is a particularly special game.
moderate spoilers:
My fondest memory being my first visit to the sun station, first that didn't miss and plop into the star that is. Because of what I'd read to that point I believed so strongly that the sun was exploding because of what was happening there, and somehow if only I could reach it I'd be able to solve everything. And then the crushing, melancholic, sad-but-not-sadness that came with the realisation that it *wasn't* being destroyed. It *wasn't* some alien technology that was ending the lives of everyone I knew. It was simply time to go. I sat there until the end of the loop just watching the sun.
DUDE HE PUTS QUANTUM MOON ON DIFFERENT PLANETS EACH TIME HE SHOWS THE LITTLE MODEL SOLAR SYTEM!!!! THIS GUYS A DORK AND I LOVE HIM FOR IT
6:26 counter argument... [spoiler for ember twin]
in the anglerfish cave, you can find nomai children discussing their game and one of the line says something like "on the word GO, start moving".
the kid playing anglerfish is blind in that moment so it could not be done through visual writing
and in the interloper one of the characters is crying out, calling through the tunnels of the comet.
The blink at the start of the video like when you wake up at the start of the loop is so damn genius
The part about the Nomai's Lament gave me CHILLS. You're absolutely correct, they are all instruments that will play ad infinitum until they die. I would have never put it together. The idea to ascribe those specific instruments and sounds to a race that looped the end of time itself, but to also give it the same kind of wailing, pleading tone as their distress beacon is pure art.
one of my favorite things about the vinyl LP in its physicality is, Side A is 22 minutes long, and starts playing 'END TIMES' at that mark. it's a little touch i love
It has been years since I last played Outer Wilds and I still get emotional listening to the music. Andrew Prahlow really knocked it out of the park.
This has to be my favorite video you’ve ever done. You forever have my compliments. That ending was just perfect.
I think my favorite thing about Outer Wilds music, that you vaguely touch on, is the incredible decision to not score Outer Wilds like a video game, but like a movie. It makes every time there is music playing so much more impactful. Especially with songs like Castaways.
I really hope a part 2 is coming! “Final Voyage” was the most resonant musical moment I’ve ever had in the game, and I listen to “14.3 Billion Years” CONSTANTLY
Scruffy video on Outer Wilds??? And William Basinski mentioned?? Why are my world’s converging help
Fun Fact: The Outer Wilds Logo Takes 22 Minutes to Break Apart if you leave the main Menu Open.
Scruffy, please please please please PLEASE make a follow-up video about the DLC, I would kill to hear your thoughts about it
The detail that the video starts with you blinking is great. Putting the video on loop makes the transition seamless and identical to how it is in game!
5:32 "okay I'm already getting sentimental"
me, who has been crying since the start of the video because outer wilds is my favorite game ever and i love being reminded of why its the best game ever made
I swear Outer Wilds just geta better and better the more I learn about it.
really cool video! i absolutely love both outer wilds and the stuff you make so this was a real treat!
also, that solanum painting at the end is gorgeous! would've thought it was official art/concept art if i didn't already know it was yours.
The music in this game is very important to me, and I can confidently say that you did it incredible justice with this video, Scruffy. Bravo. Hope you do EotE and the 'extras' as well.
Every part of this is so beautiful. In every second you've captured the energy and emotion of outer wilds beautifully.
Thank you for this Scruffy.
The sun station's song also has this uncomfortably tragic feeling to it, which matches the nomai's sentiment towards the station and its purpose to a tee.
Unrelated to music, spoilers below:
My best showcase of skill with the ship was landing upside down on the warp pad by the black hole forge. You're *supposed* to use the warp pad on the ash twin, but there's nothing stopping you from piloting to the correct spot, rotating your ship 180 degrees, then carefully landing where the anti-gravity crystals will keep your ship in place while upside down!
right click video -> click "loop"
I interpreted the devices that you find near the escape pods, and in the Interloper's core, as audio recording devices. Their design resembles a record player to a degree. If I recall, there are even examples of one Nomai interrupting another mid-thought, suggesting this was verbal communication.
Outer Wilds is my favorite game of all time, I'm so glad you covered it :)
Holy shit this is already one of my favorite Outer Wilds videos, it's so cozy and has insane production style, very good job!
I love how the model of the solar system is made out of craft material, like dark bramble being made out of pipe cleaners. thats an incredible detail :D
I probably got this notification because I've watched a lot of outer wilds content after finishing it. However, your style of video is nothing short of incredible to me. The effort put in is clear from the opening second. Your understanding of the topics at hand is abundant. Your presentation is compelling and entertaining.
Thanks for your effort.
I’m deep into my first playthrough of outer wilds right now so I cannot watch this at the moment but I think it’s really funny that coincidences like this keep happening to me.
hope you're having a wonderful experience with it :D
Didn’t mention the Hearthian’s happy little noise when eating a marshmallow -50/10.
But seriously, this game was life changing for me and I’m happy you feel the same way! Enjoy the oncoming addiction to watching other people play this game to chase your first-time high.
6:30 the nomai have plenty of audio recorders scattered around the game, those are transcribed into text too though
It brings me joy to know that Scruffy also loves Outer Wilds
Finally someone talked about Andrew and his work on this game. I listen to this soundtrack on almost every flight I take, it’s genuinely so unique. I’d love to see a breakdown of the DLCs music, which is extremely interesting and unnerving
holy heck, it's the crossover i never knew i needed.......
This popping up in my recommended just now feels like I’ve been waiting for this my entire life
I have been hoping and waiting for this exact episode, I love Outer Wilds, I love Andrew Prahlows music, and I love Scruffys analyses! I saw that teaser for The Stranger, I really hope you'll explore the DLCs music in another video, it's a whole other musical beast on its own!
I like to think that the banjo in the search is symbolic of the hearthians joining their long-lost fellow explorers in their final journey. The search shows us the genius of the nomai intact from time and its most important use. The banjo only comes in at the very end of the track just as the hearthians only come in at the final chapter of their solar system. As our protagonist pieces together why their universe is the way it is, they realize that it isn't to stop the loop and save their sun. Or to find their people safe refuge. It's too late. The universe is already dying. Their people, their home, their world, is already doomed. Their heartbreaking purpose is to complete the work the nomai started millennia ago. Maybe the music is really how the hearthians live on. Their destiny was sealed since their beginning in a dying universe. But the nomai leave an empty verse in the song of their curiosity, struggles, and ambition for the hearthians to fill. And they fill it with their music and spirit and heart that takes them to the very end of the universe.
it has to be tradition to end any Outer Wilds video with End Times and reversing the whole video
8:15 beautiful tie-back to the overall story in-game, and how their concepts relate to music
You know, putting on Scruffy's 24 hour Animal Crossing soundtrack and looping it could simulate a timeloop pretty well
it's funny you mention william basinski's disintegration loops, because i actually purchased the outer wilds vinyl set (and am still waiting receive my echoes of the eye vinyl) because of information decay! i didn't know about basinski at the time, but i got my vinyls because i understood that, being physical copies read by physical contact, they would deteriorate much more quickly than any digital copies of the same music. to some that'd be a depressing turn-off, to know your favourite music will unavoidably fade and distort a bit with each use just by nature of how it works, but i think it's an extension of the game's spirit; time marches ever-forward, the world slowly crumbles, everything eventually dies, and that's okay. what matters is that i'm experiencing it, and that this experience might shape something else someday, even if the people that get to enjoy it might never get to experience what inspired it
as soon as I saw what the end of the video was I made sure to put the video on loop for the authentic experience
I know there was only so much to cover in this, but man it would've been perfect if the video was timed to the loop's end music (22:00). Genuinely loved listening to this analysis, and hearing Outer Wilds always brings so many emotions to my chest.
It's surprising how many new videos I'm seeing about The Outer Wilds.. So.. I'm taking your (and everyone else's) hints.. and I'm going to go play The Outer Wilds. Leaving a comment to offset my early departure from the video
Have fun!
You should come back after finishing the game (and the dlc) and add an edit to share your thoughts
6:02 Maybe I'm misremembering, but I think the devices you find on the ground sometimes, such as within the interloper, are nomai recordings and what you're actually translating is the subtitles.
Indeed, they even make references to hearing. There is at least one instance of a character expressing something similar to “can you hear me?”, found in one of those devices. They most likely have some form of auditory communication, but they may prefer written communication anyway due to the all the casual conversations we find etched on the ground or walls.
Thank you for casting light on this absolutely masterpiece of a soundtrack. It's so wonderful to hear other people's thoughts on the music and I believe this is one that should never be looked past!
I LOVE OUTER WILDS. ITS MY FAVORITE GAME OF ALL TIME SO IM SO EXCITED TO WATCH THIS BY YOU AAAAA
The piano that is used for the Nomai is Una Corda by Native Instruments! Super unique sound.
I absolutely love the sound mastering in this game. Muting music beneath loud sound effects makes the game feel infinitly more immersive than any other game. An impact or anglerfish drowning out the quite drone of music always makes me startled. Its both so unnerving but also it makes it feel like the world is lived in.
The only song to not be drowned in the sfx is End Times. The inescapable.
i gotta say when i saw this notif i immediately knew this would be a gem
please make a video on the DLC you are COOKING
14:21 One small thing I like about The Search is that at the end of the track there is a sneaky little banjo playing with the tune. It's like the Nomai's search continues even now, and Hatchling gets to be a small part of it at the very end.
I've gotta say, I love the attention to the little details you put in your videos. The planets in the model clearly being made of modelling clay, the sun stations just being 2 pins, and the bramble made entirely out of pipe cleaners and cut off bits of Styrofoam, the different use of the fonts, etc. Love the video, keep it up!
The music of outerwilds always reminds me of the first time i noticed it in game
The Ancient Glade is my favorite song, as i was spoiled on how to do the ending, but not the ending
To me, this is the perfect outer wilds video, I already love how much effort you put into everything, but this video is just perfection. The QM moving when you look away, the loop with the video starting by having you blink just like when you wake up at the campfire, just everything.
i remember hearing scruffy mention outer wilds during the pikmin 4 playthrough
"giant's hearth... im getting some outer wilds vibes from that; like timber hearth and giant's deep"
multiple types of nerd, multiple types of artist, pikmin lover *and* outer wilds lover? i didnt know it was possible to be that cool!
also, i loved the hand-crafted, school project aesthetic for the solar system: the pushpin sun station, the clotheline clip probe cannon, the pipe cleaner dark bramble... makes me wanna make one irl ::D
when i played outer wilds myself, i decided (for some reason) to chase the dark bramble mystery first. i think i have since developed a genuine phobia of dark bramble lol (trembles)
something about the incomprehensibly huge, mottled textures of the branches freaks me out on a primal level. the way it seems so intricately detailed from afar, but when you go up close you realize just how small you are compared to it
i feel like it might be megalophobia? but this game is one of the only things that incurs this bone-chilling uneasiness in me, so maybe it's just darkbramblephobia lmao
just hearing the droning puts me seriously on edge... which means it's really good sound design!! every element of the experience contributes to the soul-gripping dread!!!
loved this so much! I was sad that the video wasn’t 22 minutes long, but I guess that’s because of baller editing and concise scripts, so how can I really complain :). I’m excited about you considering another video. Hope you do! Thank you so much for making such awesome videos that have helped me and others to further appreciate and/or understand the nuances of video game music, genuinely one of my favorite gems of a channel on this platform.
Oh I know what that empty stand is for and I could NOT be more excited for that video to come out. Phenomenal work as *always* Scruffy, you're my favorite audio creator on the platform, full stop.
Wonderful video. Almost any video I watch, I am constantly adjusting the volume. I did very little of that during your video, so you mixed it quite well. I love all the little details from the wandering moon to the loop at the end. I think the only missed opportunity was to make it 22 min long, but if this means we get a second followup video, all the better. Keep up the great work!
As soon as I saw what you were doing with the finale I had to put video loop on, worked out great!
Seeing scruffy made an Outer Wilds video in my recommended made me feel like a child on Christmas morning. This video is absolutely spectacular, fitting for a game unlike any other
Started crying when you reminded me of how, when the orbits of the different planets line up, you can hear the different astronauts tunes overlap. What a beautiful experience this was.
The quality of this video is beyond anything I expected. Your readings of the themes through Prahlow's music is SO satisfying, and I even learned a thing or two (the Timber Hearth track lasts exactly one Hearthian day? are you kidding me??). The narration is excellent, the graphics are charming, and the insights you draw are thoughtful and interesting. Just a quality piece of art all around. Thank you
>The music picks up wherever it should be when you return to the village.
How is it I'm *still* learning new things about this game?
Just beat Outer Wilds so I can finally watch this video.
Cant wait to hear about the stranger’s music
How much effort went into this video! The attention to details, your drawings, everything.. Well done, mister. Thank you for telling about William Basinski - will definitely listen to some of his music (the concept of it decaying as it is playing blows my mind).
I cannot express how joyful it was to see this video pop up in my feed. Outer Wilds is one of my favorite experiences in video gaming. And your intro is like a warm hug...
All those brilliant brilliant references. Plus the production quality of this one is absolutely off the charts! The moment you said "but Im getting sentimental" I also paused the video to take a ten second break to get my emotions sorted out as well. Beautiful seeing this game has inspired you as well.
Every time I think I've seen all there is to be said about this game, someone brings a new perspective to it to make me love Outer Wilds even more. What you mention about the nomai music in particular fits with certain _things_ heard and witnessed in the ending that, uh. Make me a little bit teary eyed.
Please brings us more thoughts on it whenever you can, that was great!
great video but the zoom out effect you did at 10:33 was super cool!
12:41 i love how the quantum moon is around bramble now when it was at hollow earlier, and then moving to brittle hollow later, then the twins
Scruffy, this video is genuinely a work of art in its own way. The visuals were outstanding, and I loved your interpretations on the music within this game. Explaining through music not only the differences between the Nomai and the Hearthians, but also how they are connected, was a really interesting discussion, and painted the game in a light i havent seen before. I love how you were able to maintain a balance, between exploring in a way that informs viewers just enough without spoiling too much, and discussing the game in a way that works to explore the depths and implications that the music hints at within the game for those that have played / watched the game. if anything, i wish you had talked less (ironically enough), or rather given more time, to allow for the music to shine through more than it already is. good job, i look forward to your (hopefully) continued discussion about this game. also like seriously, great job on the scale solar system model, such a great focal point for the video
For the best experience on PC, right click the video and select Loop.
ohhh I get it
half of the music in this game went completely over my head because i was to enamored by the game itself. i truly truly love the way it captures you in every aspect. timber hearth feels like home in every way, the exploration feels like you truly are uncovering the secrets of the universe, the quiet moments with the travelers or even the huge moments when you really discover something- it all captivates me to this day. the music is perfect for every single area, i couldn't tell you anything bad about it.