Sometimes I like to go to the place in Twilight town that has the sand and it's in a circle and I look up at the sky in first person mode and I just sit there for like 20 or 30 minutes if I hear this song too long I actually start to cry I absolutely love this track
It would be an understatement to call this "The greatest video game video essay." I've never had any from of emotional attachment to any other video essay, and the comments about having teared up, outright cried or similar feelings reflects just how incredibly well put together and how well written this project is. Despite it not doing as well as other works, I personally believe that this might just be the greatest video on this platform. At least, it is for me.
You have no idea how great it feels to read a comment like this. Truly, from the bottom of my heart thank you. It means the world to me that I'm able to share what I love and find a connection with so many people. It's everything! Thank you so much!
Great video! One of my favorite examples of this is watching people react to the Sora in Smash Brothers reveal. People start bawling and screaming as soon as the Kingdom Hearts music kicks in and the keyblade is on screen.
sometimes i put on music from persona 5, specifically beneath the mask rain, and just lay down and let it wash over me. It takes me to a moment where I was sitting on my bed in the summer, window open, a nice breeze coming it. A simple, calm moment, before life really started getting harder. its something that can give me a moment of peace.
Yo, randomly come across this while seraching for something else only 4 minutes after it was posted?? This should be good, gonna subscribe and watch this in parts.
I will always love Brentalfloss. Those videos helped a lot when I was a teenager who didn't have a ton of friends. They helped me smile in a time in my life when I wasn't always smiling that much. All the examples you wrote are ones that I'm not super familiar with, but now I'm going to have to listen! And thank you for commenting!
3:11 December of 1999 would've put me at 11 years old, shortly after being transplanted halfway across the world to live in a completely different culture than I was accustomed to. My biggest solace during this confusing period of time was videogames, and the soothing soundtracks they played for me were like lullabies for my tumultuous soul. What DK64's Isle theme song was for you, Final Fantasy VII's was for me. Thank you for the trip down memory lane, Brian.
One of these days I'll finally sit down and finally finish the original final fantasy 7! It's been long overdue. I'm happy I could help bring back some fond memories! Thank you!
Not sure why this popped up on my algorithm, since I've never seen any of your stuff, but I loved it. I'm an aspiring video game music maker, with no real experience other than playing guitar and piano. But this video reawakened that passion I've put on the backburner for half a decade. Thank you for making this.
I had zero experience before I just decided to dive in that one night. There are a ton of great resources out there to help you get started! You can do it! Thank you for the kind words!
@@omarzx7394 Halo and Minecraft are iconic! Super good stuff! Project zombiod I've always thought was super underappreciated. Not nearly enough love going its way!
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What a absolutly awesome tribute, as someone who listen to vgm everyday, also, as someone who cry to Dearly Beloved, I relato to you in everything. It's not just music, but it is our life ost, our emotions, our memorys, our loved one.
The opening of this video is very attention grabbing! Can't wait to watch this! Edit: The bit about Skyrim is so damn true man. The music of The Elder Scrolls series definitely changed my life.
I was really hoping people would like the intro haha it was a bit of a risk but I'm happy with how it turned out! And omg same! Skyrim was huge in reigniting my love for video games music!
How is it that I can find another soul who has shared so many of the same experiences as I have. Great job, I am a huge fan of and supporter of video game music and you have covered so many of my favorites, I knew I was in for a good video when it began with David wise. Thank you and keep up the great work!
I knew I had to open with the GOAT for sure! Donkey Kong music has always been among some of the best that video games have to offer thanks to David Wise! I'm happy you enjoyed the video! Thank you!
This really made me think about my favorite game: “Eternal Sonata”. The entire game is about Frederic Chopin, and talks about both his life and his art. This game is the greatest love letter to a classical composer I’ve ever seen, and not just in regards to his work, but also in great regards to his life and struggles he faced. The fact that this work of passion and love for a single classical composer exists and nobody knows about it because it’s a video game from 2006 kinda sucks. Even though Kingdom Hearts has had the biggest impact on my life, Eternal Sonata was the soundtrack that gave me that epiphany about how magnificent video game music is, and also single handed made me fall in love with classical music at a very young age, a love that still goes strong to this day. This game really is a must play for anyone who loves classical music and Chopin.
Wonderful video! It's just amazing how powerful video game music can be. I love the point you made about how our favorite childhood game music can bring us right back that place, that season, and those emotions. Thank you for sharing your story.
I'm one of those people who has a hard time parsing lyrics in music, so growing up I didnt actively want to listen to much until I started falling in love with The Legend of Zelda and dicovered a group online called Zelda Reorchestrated. From there, VGM was pretty much the only "genre" I ever listened to, and back then that sort of thing made me not normal. It makes me incrediby happy that love for VGM has spread and become more normalized, because it has always been amazing, its just the stigma that's been removed. How has this been up for more than a day and only has this much attention?
I'm really glad that VGM has become so much more appreciated in recent years. People who are just now discovering it have a lot of great material to get through! It's really exciting to think about! Thank you for commenting!
16:24 I just wanna say, thank you so much for sharing this story with us. I absolutely love this video. The power that video game music holds is absolutely incredible. Wish this video gets a million views.
Bloody hell i didn't expect to cry watching this. I grew up with the Kingdom Hearts and Sonic The Hedgehog franchises, although I could never play the games due to lack of owning the correct consoles. There's videos of me from when I was a kid on my DSi and 3DS watching videos of KH, and playing with Sonic toys. Music is an integral part to my artistic drive as I grew up also playing piano and guitar. Despite all I've learned on piano, video games are really the only music that clicks easier for me than classical- the song I have most played being Asgore from Undertale. Music was *my* way of being able to experience the games. Dearly Beloved has such a place in my heart, that anytime I hear it I just get this wave of nostalgia and want to go back to when I was a kid. The segments dedicated to it made me tear up :') I went to go see the Sonic Symphony this summer and there was multiple moments I cried hearing the songs I grew up with being played live. Being surrounded by other Sonic fans screaming and singing along during the rock segments was a surreal experience, as I was always, and still am, the only person in my social groups who enjoyed Sonic. I had my mother with me who knew my love for the franchise but never really *saw* what was of it. She came out of the show with being enlightened and said it was one of her favorite concerts. Music has such a strong hold on video game communities and memories. Thank you for making this video, this love letter.
Those memories are really special aren't they? I had a similar experience at a time in my life where I didn't have a PS2 anymore so I couldn't play the games for a while. Hearing the music in youtube videos always brought me right back and was super valuable to me. Seeing the music performed by an orchestra later in adulthood was easily able to bring tears to my eyes. I'm sure the Sonic symphony must have been a magical experience! Always hold onto those memories! Thank you so much for the kind words!
I cant compliment you enough for this video masterclass in video game music. The tears you gave me at multiple points of this video speak volumes but here are also just 2 examples of many moments along my life journey that have given me a deep love of music. One of my core memories is at 7 years sitting on the shaggy carpet of my childhood room slurping on my grape Koolaid Jammer with my little brother and stumbling my way through dk64s training area and exiting out onto DK Island. That music gave me a feeling unlike anything I had had before and I will always remember that. A few years later after we moved to the middle of nowhere. Feeling alone I decided to join this online multi-player called Runescape to see if I could make any friends. It was always some of the first bonding experiences with my brother in which I can't put that into words how much it means especially when even today we can play those together while just hanging out and still enjoy each others company so very much. That entire soundtrack will forever be held so dear to me as a cure to loneliness and connection to my brother.
It always helps to enhance the experience greatly when you're able to share it with someone. That's at least part of the reason I make these videos. I'm really happy I could help bring forth some nice memories! Hopefully those tears were ones of joy!
This is beautiful. As for me-and I’m sure for a lot of other people who have played video games all their life-I think this video is simply beautiful. It says everything I’ve ever wanted to say but never knew how to articulate, and even deepened my love for video game music by giving me the opportunity to get properly emotional and appreciative alongside the people in this video and with those who are also watching. Although I am just one commenter, sincerely, thank you for this video.
Part of allowing the things you love to truly make an impact and become a part of you is just that; allowing them. Never be afraid to risk getting properly emotional about the things that bring you joy. It will give it all so much more meaning and enrich your life even more! Thank you for the kind words! It really means the world!
I have always seen video games as art and people look at me like I'm crazy. But the work and time and dedication they put in the devs all the other people working on the small stuff that when the credits rolls we don't pay attention. It's endearing.
Randomly got this video in my feed and damn am I glad for it. Loved this video and excited to dig into the rest of your stuff. Glad to be adding to your sub count.
That bit with the Mother composer listening to himself play reminded me of sitting down on the couch while my parents were watching Big (1988) together. They got to the scene where two characters are playing heart and soul on the giant piano together, and I look over at my parents, and tears are silently streaming down both their faces. And I look back to the screen cause I don't wanna stare, and start thinking to myself "Should... should I.... excuse myself...?"
Dearly beloved is one of the best tracks in kingdom hearts and one of the best video game tracks in general It has a feeling of being away from your home without you knowing whats gonna be next And in every game it feels like that home is both even more far away than it was yet closer This is why kh3s dearly beloved broke me and so many people It no longer feels like youre far away It now feels like you know youre going back to your friends and family and this is the end And that's also why the ending of that game hits so hard
There's a line in the original Kingdom Hearts that I think encapsulates that feeling really well. Where Sora is describing how his journey has affected him; stating that his heart "has grown with each new experience, and it's found a home with all the friends I've made." That feeling of being farther away from home yet closer is a pretty apt way of describing it, and dearly beloved is the perfect piece to amplify those emotions. Music is the language we use when words aren't enough. When the experiences you're having in these games feel as real as they do, music can be a really effective tool to sell it all. It's absolutely wonderful!
Wow. First of all, great Essay, agree on every level. Also: When you asked the audience to think of a video game, I paused, rifled through the many favourite soundtracks in my head and stopped on Travelers Encore from Outer Wilds. Pressing play and hearing Timber Hearth from the same game was... a bit emotional to say the least. Thank you for articulating what I felt my whole life. Keep being great!
It's funny, but while I was working on that part of the video I was kind of hoping someone would do that! Crazy coincidence that we ended up on the same game! That's so cool! Thank you so much!
This is gonna be a long-winded comment, but it's only natural to leave one for such a hefty video (fantastic work by the way, you've earned a sub from me). Video game music is my favorite collection of music-Brent is right to call it a library instead of a genre. One of my most treasured memories will always be going to a symphony concert in San Antonio, with a combined full orchestra and rock band, for Sonic the Hedgehog music. These songs absolutely elicit emotional responses that I wish more people understood-staying on the topic of Sonic music, that's exactly why people want to hear Live & Learn in the upcoming Sonic film, because I guarantee every diehard fan there will be taken back to playing Sonic Adventure 2 on their Dreamcast or GameCube and fighting Finalhazard for the first time. It's an experience like no other. Hearing the Skyarrow Bridge theme again will always make me think back to playing Pokémon Black for the first time; hearing the music for the casino minigames in New Super Mario Bros. makes me laugh thinking about how much more time I spent playing those than the actual game itself as a kid; hearing the credits theme for Professor Layton and the Unwound Future never fails to elicit an emotional reaction from me just because of how much I love the story in that game; Hollow Bastion, Planet Wisp, Space Junk Galaxy, the list goes on and on. But what I think is the best thing is that this is still going on today. Sonic Frontiers, which came out only two years ago, is still bringing back fond memories of my first playthrough of the game with its soundtrack. I still get a rush every time I hear Undefeatable because it was just so cool to turn into Super Sonic against the first boss of the game, and I still feel serene every time I hear the Starfall Islands theme because of how calming it is. Video game music is incredible, and I'm never going to stop loving it.
While I haven't played a ton of Sonic myself I can definitely empathize for sure. I can remember listening to a friend of mine in high school bust out this crazy rendition of the chemical plant zone from Sonic 2 on the band teacher's piano in my high school and it blew my mind. But it also took me right back to the first time that I played the game. Though the game didn't have such a massive impact on me the first time I played it, it still brought me back to that time as a child where I had little worry. It was extremely powerful. Video game music is really special in that regard. Really all music is like that to some extent, but I think it's much different in a game where you're the center of the experience. It's wonderful!
I haven't even played most of these games but this made me tear up. Video game music has been so influential to my life and even to how I perceive the world. When I played undertale for the first time when I was eleven I was blown away by the music and the emotions it achieved while being so memorable that I could hum every single song in the game. It inspired me to write my own music in the hopes that I could one day achieve the same emotional impact that i feel when listening to that soundtrack and others. Its been a few years since ive started and um already getting comments on how inspiring my music to some of the people who have listened and it makes me so happy. Amazing video and I wish you the best.
After reading your comment I had to go and check out some of your music and you are extremely talented. Dusk Window was easily my favorite. My teenage years for me was when I really started to hit my stride playing the piano, and it's when I started to improve a lot. Always chase that. I've always view music as the language we use when words fail. Based off of how you've described your life living with an autoimmune disorder and using music to express yourself, it definitely seems that you feel the same. Or at least that's how it comes off. I have a few close family members with similar diseases so I know how difficult it can be. The music you're making in spite of that is something to really be proud of it! It's absolutely fantastic!
@@Brian.Henken Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed my music as well! It's hard to speak when in pain, so music has been a way to express what I'm feeling without words. As it is with many people.
Early video game music creators didn’t have to go that hard…but they did. Idk. It makes me respect the pioneers that did take the assignment seriously even if the medium wasn’t taken very seriously at the time. This might be going into sound design but Dearly Beloved along with the sound of ocean waves makes that title screen one of my favorites. The Birth by Sleep version is also extremely depressing after you find out that the 3 main characters’ stories all end in a tragedy. I think in that one the violins help sell that message.
This video hit me at my core in all the best ways possible From the first minute alone, I knew I was in for something special, and I sure was - a beautifully articulated video expressing the love and compassion of music relating to video games, and the emotions that are intrinsically tied to them Even though I didn't share a handful of the examples given to prove your point across the video, I didn't need to - I already understood what you meant from the beginning. And the examples you did provide that I knew only hit harder I almost cried four times while watching this video, including the Brentalfloss part where you began a cover of his "What If Super Mario Land Had Lyrics?" I never thought I'd be emotional hearing the funny comedy video game music man - making me nearly choke in tears - but you've done it, and that alone is worthy of high praise Thank you for this wonderful experience of a video, I will cherish it dearly and share it to all those I know will adore it as much as I do P.S. I desperately need you to release cover of the DK island theme and that unreleased song you made in 2017 (as is preferably), they are SO beautiful and need the full for both in my life
I was extremely nervous to sing again in this video, as I haven't sung in quite a long time. I'm really glad it was able to affect you in such an emotional way! As for everything Brent said, yeah he hit the nail on the head perfectly! I'm extremely grateful to him for doing this at all, and the insight he gave is extremely valuable. As for the covers I did and the music I've written; I've considered uploading them as unlisted and placing them in a playlist or something like that. I probably will in the coming week or two, so keep an eye out for a community post from me! I also do have a playlist on my channel of video game music I've made in the past if you'd like to check that out! And thank you again! It means a lot that this video affected you the way it did! I'm happy I could bring you some joy!
@Brian.Henken I'll certainly take a listen to your previous work and keep an eye out for any future project you are a part of! I really look forward to what you have in store going forward! No pressure at all, of course! Your best is more than enough, so please don't be anxious when diving into future projects ^^
@@foxxarie I feel like I'm better finding my voice with every new project and that's been really exciting! There will definitely be more to come! Glad to have you here!
Beautiful video But no ZUN or Shogo Sakai mentions, Shogo Sakai masterfully working on Mother 3 and ZUN shaping a huge chunk of late 2000s internet culture, inspiring tons of fan circles that have released endless arranges of his music, and both he and the fans are still producing bangers to this day
I closed my eyes when you started playing dearly beloved. I was there - a 10 year old kid discovering my favorite series for the first time. I felt warmth and excitement. I felt weightless. I felt home. Thank you for inviting us to remember. 🥹
Thank you for listening! I'm always a bit self conscious of my piano playing abilities, so I'm happy it was able to bring you back to some really fond memories!
@@Brian.Henken you played beautifully! You got mad talent, my friend. Not just in music but in storytelling as well. Thank you for being so vulnerable with your expression. Some creators really let their heart be their guiding key, and it shows... 🗝️🖤🗝️
![Kingdom Hearts - Menu Theme [ Extended Original ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nuv0wYHXYy4/mqdefault.jpg)
Sometimes I like to go to the place in Twilight town that has the sand and it's in a circle and I look up at the sky in first person mode and I just sit there for like 20 or 30 minutes if I hear this song too long I actually start to cry I absolutely love this track
It would be an understatement to call this "The greatest video game video essay." I've never had any from of emotional attachment to any other video essay, and the comments about having teared up, outright cried or similar feelings reflects just how incredibly well put together and how well written this project is. Despite it not doing as well as other works, I personally believe that this might just be the greatest video on this platform. At least, it is for me.
You have no idea how great it feels to read a comment like this. Truly, from the bottom of my heart thank you. It means the world to me that I'm able to share what I love and find a connection with so many people. It's everything! Thank you so much!
Great video! One of my favorite examples of this is watching people react to the Sora in Smash Brothers reveal. People start bawling and screaming as soon as the Kingdom Hearts music kicks in and the keyblade is on screen.
That and banjo being added to smash were two of my most favorite moments in gaming. A perfect microcosm for why I love video games so much!
sometimes i put on music from persona 5, specifically beneath the mask rain, and just lay down and let it wash over me. It takes me to a moment where I was sitting on my bed in the summer, window open, a nice breeze coming it. A simple, calm moment, before life really started getting harder. its something that can give me a moment of peace.
Yo, randomly come across this while seraching for something else only 4 minutes after it was posted?? This should be good, gonna subscribe and watch this in parts.
First video essay to make me cry twice. Thank you
I hope they were happy tears! And thank YOU! 🙏
The DK Isle part almost got me. 🥲
beautiful rendition of Dearly Beloved
I will always love Brentalfloss. Those videos helped a lot when I was a teenager who didn't have a ton of friends. They helped me smile in a time in my life when I wasn't always smiling that much.
All the examples you wrote are ones that I'm not super familiar with, but now I'm going to have to listen!
And thank you for commenting!
3:11 December of 1999 would've put me at 11 years old, shortly after being transplanted halfway across the world to live in a completely different culture than I was accustomed to. My biggest solace during this confusing period of time was videogames, and the soothing soundtracks they played for me were like lullabies for my tumultuous soul. What DK64's Isle theme song was for you, Final Fantasy VII's was for me. Thank you for the trip down memory lane, Brian.
One of these days I'll finally sit down and finally finish the original final fantasy 7! It's been long overdue.
I'm happy I could help bring back some fond memories! Thank you!
Not sure why this popped up on my algorithm, since I've never seen any of your stuff, but I loved it.
I'm an aspiring video game music maker, with no real experience other than playing guitar and piano. But this video reawakened that passion I've put on the backburner for half a decade.
Thank you for making this.
I had zero experience before I just decided to dive in that one night. There are a ton of great resources out there to help you get started! You can do it!
Thank you for the kind words!
Just dropped right before my flight, hoping the download speed catches up to the boarding, ill be watching this at 30,000 feet, thank you❤
I hope you had an easy flight! Happy I could help pass the time while you're traveling!
@@Brian.Henken I freaking loved it dude, In my personal opinion, Halo, Project Zomboid, and Minecraft (Taswell), have the best soundtrack of all time.
@@omarzx7394 Halo and Minecraft are iconic! Super good stuff! Project zombiod I've always thought was super underappreciated. Not nearly enough love going its way!
What a absolutly awesome tribute, as someone who listen to vgm everyday, also, as someone who cry to Dearly Beloved, I relato to you in everything. It's not just music, but it is our life ost, our emotions, our memorys, our loved one.
I knew what the fuck was up from frame 1 with the bald head. GOAT
We ALWAYS go crazy for David Wise in this house! 🙏
The opening of this video is very attention grabbing! Can't wait to watch this!
Edit: The bit about Skyrim is so damn true man. The music of The Elder Scrolls series definitely changed my life.
I was really hoping people would like the intro haha it was a bit of a risk but I'm happy with how it turned out!
And omg same! Skyrim was huge in reigniting my love for video games music!
Something I’m gonna rewatch many times in the future
How is it that I can find another soul who has shared so many of the same experiences as I have. Great job, I am a huge fan of and supporter of video game music and you have covered so many of my favorites, I knew I was in for a good video when it began with David wise. Thank you and keep up the great work!
I knew I had to open with the GOAT for sure! Donkey Kong music has always been among some of the best that video games have to offer thanks to David Wise!
I'm happy you enjoyed the video! Thank you!
This really made me think about my favorite game: “Eternal Sonata”. The entire game is about Frederic Chopin, and talks about both his life and his art. This game is the greatest love letter to a classical composer I’ve ever seen, and not just in regards to his work, but also in great regards to his life and struggles he faced. The fact that this work of passion and love for a single classical composer exists and nobody knows about it because it’s a video game from 2006 kinda sucks. Even though Kingdom Hearts has had the biggest impact on my life, Eternal Sonata was the soundtrack that gave me that epiphany about how magnificent video game music is, and also single handed made me fall in love with classical music at a very young age, a love that still goes strong to this day. This game really is a must play for anyone who loves classical music and Chopin.
Wonderful video! It's just amazing how powerful video game music can be. I love the point you made about how our favorite childhood game music can bring us right back that place, that season, and those emotions. Thank you for sharing your story.
I'm one of those people who has a hard time parsing lyrics in music, so growing up I didnt actively want to listen to much until I started falling in love with The Legend of Zelda and dicovered a group online called Zelda Reorchestrated. From there, VGM was pretty much the only "genre" I ever listened to, and back then that sort of thing made me not normal. It makes me incrediby happy that love for VGM has spread and become more normalized, because it has always been amazing, its just the stigma that's been removed.
How has this been up for more than a day and only has this much attention?
I'm really glad that VGM has become so much more appreciated in recent years. People who are just now discovering it have a lot of great material to get through! It's really exciting to think about!
Thank you for commenting!
16:24 I just wanna say, thank you so much for sharing this story with us.
I absolutely love this video. The power that video game music holds is absolutely incredible. Wish this video gets a million views.
Bloody hell i didn't expect to cry watching this.
I grew up with the Kingdom Hearts and Sonic The Hedgehog franchises, although I could never play the games due to lack of owning the correct consoles. There's videos of me from when I was a kid on my DSi and 3DS watching videos of KH, and playing with Sonic toys. Music is an integral part to my artistic drive as I grew up also playing piano and guitar. Despite all I've learned on piano, video games are really the only music that clicks easier for me than classical- the song I have most played being Asgore from Undertale. Music was *my* way of being able to experience the games. Dearly Beloved has such a place in my heart, that anytime I hear it I just get this wave of nostalgia and want to go back to when I was a kid. The segments dedicated to it made me tear up :')
I went to go see the Sonic Symphony this summer and there was multiple moments I cried hearing the songs I grew up with being played live. Being surrounded by other Sonic fans screaming and singing along during the rock segments was a surreal experience, as I was always, and still am, the only person in my social groups who enjoyed Sonic. I had my mother with me who knew my love for the franchise but never really *saw* what was of it. She came out of the show with being enlightened and said it was one of her favorite concerts. Music has such a strong hold on video game communities and memories.
Thank you for making this video, this love letter.
Those memories are really special aren't they? I had a similar experience at a time in my life where I didn't have a PS2 anymore so I couldn't play the games for a while. Hearing the music in youtube videos always brought me right back and was super valuable to me. Seeing the music performed by an orchestra later in adulthood was easily able to bring tears to my eyes. I'm sure the Sonic symphony must have been a magical experience! Always hold onto those memories!
Thank you so much for the kind words!
I cant compliment you enough for this video masterclass in video game music. The tears you gave me at multiple points of this video speak volumes but here are also just 2 examples of many moments along my life journey that have given me a deep love of music.
One of my core memories is at 7 years sitting on the shaggy carpet of my childhood room slurping on my grape Koolaid Jammer with my little brother and stumbling my way through dk64s training area and exiting out onto DK Island. That music gave me a feeling unlike anything I had had before and I will always remember that.
A few years later after we moved to the middle of nowhere. Feeling alone I decided to join this online multi-player called Runescape to see if I could make any friends. It was always some of the first bonding experiences with my brother in which I can't put that into words how much it means especially when even today we can play those together while just hanging out and still enjoy each others company so very much. That entire soundtrack will forever be held so dear to me as a cure to loneliness and connection to my brother.
It always helps to enhance the experience greatly when you're able to share it with someone. That's at least part of the reason I make these videos. I'm really happy I could help bring forth some nice memories! Hopefully those tears were ones of joy!
11:52 that shot up my spine like a supposed acid flashback
The Crash Twinsanity soundtrack is SO slept on! Super underrated!
As a thorough VGM enjoyer, thank you so much for making this video.
This is beautiful.
As for me-and I’m sure for a lot of other people who have played video games all their life-I think this video is simply beautiful.
It says everything I’ve ever wanted to say but never knew how to articulate, and even deepened my love for video game music by giving me the opportunity to get properly emotional and appreciative alongside the people in this video and with those who are also watching.
Although I am just one commenter, sincerely, thank you for this video.
Part of allowing the things you love to truly make an impact and become a part of you is just that; allowing them. Never be afraid to risk getting properly emotional about the things that bring you joy. It will give it all so much more meaning and enrich your life even more! Thank you for the kind words! It really means the world!
Just watched this. I have to agree with the other guy. I truly think this is the best videogame vide essay/project to date.
your videos are hella underrated
Thank you!!
I have always seen video games as art and people look at me like I'm crazy.
But the work and time and dedication they put in the devs all the other people working on the small stuff that when the credits rolls we don't pay attention. It's endearing.
Love that little anecdote about your person journey with video game music it was beautiful homie
Randomly got this video in my feed and damn am I glad for it. Loved this video and excited to dig into the rest of your stuff. Glad to be adding to your sub count.
Thank you so much! Glad to have you here!
That bit with the Mother composer listening to himself play reminded me of sitting down on the couch while my parents were watching Big (1988) together. They got to the scene where two characters are playing heart and soul on the giant piano together, and I look over at my parents, and tears are silently streaming down both their faces. And I look back to the screen cause I don't wanna stare, and start thinking to myself "Should... should I.... excuse myself...?"
omfg you at least owe me a drink after utterly dehydrating me through literal tears like this
I'll venmo you 😎
Dearly beloved is one of the best tracks in kingdom hearts and one of the best video game tracks in general
It has a feeling of being away from your home without you knowing whats gonna be next
And in every game it feels like that home is both even more far away than it was yet closer
This is why kh3s dearly beloved broke me and so many people
It no longer feels like youre far away
It now feels like you know youre going back to your friends and family and this is the end
And that's also why the ending of that game hits so hard
There's a line in the original Kingdom Hearts that I think encapsulates that feeling really well. Where Sora is describing how his journey has affected him; stating that his heart "has grown with each new experience, and it's found a home with all the friends I've made." That feeling of being farther away from home yet closer is a pretty apt way of describing it, and dearly beloved is the perfect piece to amplify those emotions.
Music is the language we use when words aren't enough. When the experiences you're having in these games feel as real as they do, music can be a really effective tool to sell it all. It's absolutely wonderful!
The RUclips algorithm proving itself once again to give me some of the best videos on this site.
Wow. First of all, great Essay, agree on every level.
Also: When you asked the audience to think of a video game, I paused, rifled through the many favourite soundtracks in my head and stopped on Travelers Encore from Outer Wilds. Pressing play and hearing Timber Hearth from the same game was... a bit emotional to say the least.
Thank you for articulating what I felt my whole life. Keep being great!
It's funny, but while I was working on that part of the video I was kind of hoping someone would do that! Crazy coincidence that we ended up on the same game! That's so cool!
Thank you so much!
I really love this video
Uhhhh I had no idea that Ace of Base’s “Don’t Turn Around” was a cover. I always assumed theirs was the original. Learned something new!
This is gonna be a long-winded comment, but it's only natural to leave one for such a hefty video (fantastic work by the way, you've earned a sub from me).
Video game music is my favorite collection of music-Brent is right to call it a library instead of a genre. One of my most treasured memories will always be going to a symphony concert in San Antonio, with a combined full orchestra and rock band, for Sonic the Hedgehog music. These songs absolutely elicit emotional responses that I wish more people understood-staying on the topic of Sonic music, that's exactly why people want to hear Live & Learn in the upcoming Sonic film, because I guarantee every diehard fan there will be taken back to playing Sonic Adventure 2 on their Dreamcast or GameCube and fighting Finalhazard for the first time. It's an experience like no other.
Hearing the Skyarrow Bridge theme again will always make me think back to playing Pokémon Black for the first time; hearing the music for the casino minigames in New Super Mario Bros. makes me laugh thinking about how much more time I spent playing those than the actual game itself as a kid; hearing the credits theme for Professor Layton and the Unwound Future never fails to elicit an emotional reaction from me just because of how much I love the story in that game; Hollow Bastion, Planet Wisp, Space Junk Galaxy, the list goes on and on.
But what I think is the best thing is that this is still going on today. Sonic Frontiers, which came out only two years ago, is still bringing back fond memories of my first playthrough of the game with its soundtrack. I still get a rush every time I hear Undefeatable because it was just so cool to turn into Super Sonic against the first boss of the game, and I still feel serene every time I hear the Starfall Islands theme because of how calming it is.
Video game music is incredible, and I'm never going to stop loving it.
While I haven't played a ton of Sonic myself I can definitely empathize for sure. I can remember listening to a friend of mine in high school bust out this crazy rendition of the chemical plant zone from Sonic 2 on the band teacher's piano in my high school and it blew my mind. But it also took me right back to the first time that I played the game. Though the game didn't have such a massive impact on me the first time I played it, it still brought me back to that time as a child where I had little worry. It was extremely powerful.
Video game music is really special in that regard. Really all music is like that to some extent, but I think it's much different in a game where you're the center of the experience. It's wonderful!
I haven't even played most of these games but this made me tear up. Video game music has been so influential to my life and even to how I perceive the world. When I played undertale for the first time when I was eleven I was blown away by the music and the emotions it achieved while being so memorable that I could hum every single song in the game. It inspired me to write my own music in the hopes that I could one day achieve the same emotional impact that i feel when listening to that soundtrack and others. Its been a few years since ive started and um already getting comments on how inspiring my music to some of the people who have listened and it makes me so happy. Amazing video and I wish you the best.
After reading your comment I had to go and check out some of your music and you are extremely talented. Dusk Window was easily my favorite. My teenage years for me was when I really started to hit my stride playing the piano, and it's when I started to improve a lot. Always chase that.
I've always view music as the language we use when words fail. Based off of how you've described your life living with an autoimmune disorder and using music to express yourself, it definitely seems that you feel the same. Or at least that's how it comes off.
I have a few close family members with similar diseases so I know how difficult it can be. The music you're making in spite of that is something to really be proud of it! It's absolutely fantastic!
@@Brian.Henken Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed my music as well! It's hard to speak when in pain, so music has been a way to express what I'm feeling without words. As it is with many people.
@@Nanok1d Keep it up! I subscribed so I'm looking forward to seeing more!
Early video game music creators didn’t have to go that hard…but they did. Idk. It makes me respect the pioneers that did take the assignment seriously even if the medium wasn’t taken very seriously at the time.
This might be going into sound design but Dearly Beloved along with the sound of ocean waves makes that title screen one of my favorites. The Birth by Sleep version is also extremely depressing after you find out that the 3 main characters’ stories all end in a tragedy. I think in that one the violins help sell that message.
This video hit me at my core in all the best ways possible
From the first minute alone, I knew I was in for something special, and I sure was - a beautifully articulated video expressing the love and compassion of music relating to video games, and the emotions that are intrinsically tied to them
Even though I didn't share a handful of the examples given to prove your point across the video, I didn't need to - I already understood what you meant from the beginning. And the examples you did provide that I knew only hit harder
I almost cried four times while watching this video, including the Brentalfloss part where you began a cover of his "What If Super Mario Land Had Lyrics?"
I never thought I'd be emotional hearing the funny comedy video game music man - making me nearly choke in tears - but you've done it, and that alone is worthy of high praise
Thank you for this wonderful experience of a video, I will cherish it dearly and share it to all those I know will adore it as much as I do
P.S. I desperately need you to release cover of the DK island theme and that unreleased song you made in 2017 (as is preferably), they are SO beautiful and need the full for both in my life
I was extremely nervous to sing again in this video, as I haven't sung in quite a long time. I'm really glad it was able to affect you in such an emotional way! As for everything Brent said, yeah he hit the nail on the head perfectly! I'm extremely grateful to him for doing this at all, and the insight he gave is extremely valuable.
As for the covers I did and the music I've written; I've considered uploading them as unlisted and placing them in a playlist or something like that. I probably will in the coming week or two, so keep an eye out for a community post from me! I also do have a playlist on my channel of video game music I've made in the past if you'd like to check that out!
And thank you again! It means a lot that this video affected you the way it did! I'm happy I could bring you some joy!
@Brian.Henken I'll certainly take a listen to your previous work and keep an eye out for any future project you are a part of! I really look forward to what you have in store going forward!
No pressure at all, of course! Your best is more than enough, so please don't be anxious when diving into future projects ^^
@@foxxarie I feel like I'm better finding my voice with every new project and that's been really exciting! There will definitely be more to come! Glad to have you here!
I dont really have anything remarkable to comment on this Amazing Video, but i still want to say this, Thank you
I’ve never been so early but target audience reached bro.
I LOVE BRIAN HENKEN AND HIS VIDEOS RAAAAHHHHHHH
I LOVE YOU TOO RAAAHHHH!!!!
God bless you!
❤
Beautiful video
But no ZUN or Shogo Sakai mentions, Shogo Sakai masterfully working on Mother 3 and ZUN shaping a huge chunk of late 2000s internet culture, inspiring tons of fan circles that have released endless arranges of his music, and both he and the fans are still producing bangers to this day
Damn.
I was here before you explode, im comming back to this comment in a few years
I'll see ya when you return! I should more than likely still be making videos haha
Fucking amazing video man
yuh
Shout out to emetophobes everywhere, life's hard sometimes but you're all strong warriors. 14:16
I am not checking out Brentalfloss bro
Loser lmao
Mick Gordon Doom music is worst Doom music, not sorry
I closed my eyes when you started playing dearly beloved. I was there - a 10 year old kid discovering my favorite series for the first time. I felt warmth and excitement. I felt weightless. I felt home. Thank you for inviting us to remember. 🥹
Thank you for listening! I'm always a bit self conscious of my piano playing abilities, so I'm happy it was able to bring you back to some really fond memories!
@@Brian.Henken you played beautifully! You got mad talent, my friend. Not just in music but in storytelling as well. Thank you for being so vulnerable with your expression.
Some creators really let their heart be their guiding key, and it shows... 🗝️🖤🗝️