The sound of the reapers in this song is one of the most intimidating things I've ever heard. The trilogy does such a good job at making the reapers something to be feared, almost to the point where you're just in awe of the sheer destructions this race of machines can cause.
This is something I loved about Mass Effect. You cannot win. Whatever you do, is futile. You're facing a foe that has squashed millions of civilizations, and yours will fall like any other. Only, that doesn't happen. This time, the Reapers are defeated. I loved that.
@@SargeRho It's so rare that a 'doomsday' plot genuinely does make you feel like "how tf are we going to beat this" but the mass effect trilogy did it so incredibly well.
Honestly, while I enjoyed ME3, I knew from the first minute that something was off. Finally the reapers are acknowledged, and the conversation where this happens is like a minute long with most of it on -rails dialogue. ME3 has its strength, but man, if only those greedy fucks at EA had given these poor Devs another year or two. It wouldve been a masterpiece.
The constant pulse throughout the song, that you described as an alarm, always struck me as a distress signal. You can hear Earth and humanity crying out for help, but you're left with no choice but to cover your ears and hold back your tears as you turn away. To seek aid, yes, but there's no forgetting that you're leaving countless innocents to their fate. This song is a defeat, a crushing one, and it never fails to make me cry.
Oh man... Mass Effect series and its music mean so much to me I can't express enough. And this piece in particular gives me chills each time I hear it, no matter how many times it's already been. It's just amazing. We can feel the Commander's pain and their internal struggle in this very moment as the Normandy is taking off. And, seeing what is happening before our eyes, before the Commander's eyes, that the Reapers are killing, harvesting people down there, and we can't do anything at this moment but leave, pardon me if it's out of place, "for those we can yet save"... This was one of those moments I've experienced in games when I felt so helpless I wanted to cry (and I do every walkthrough). Also the mission on Thessia later gave me the same feeling. There's one dialogue with Garrus in ME3 that always makes me remember the beginning of the game and Leaving Earth, about if it's better to try to save everyone, or to sacrifice less people to save more. "And ruthless calculus..." This is a question that doesn't have a correct answer I think. And no matter what answer we choose in that dialogue it always has this most bitter taste. But, returning to Leaving Earth itself. Besides despair, there's still hope to be felt. No matter how dark things are, while one is alive, something can be done. And this is what the Commander has accepted taking the tags from Anderson and agreeing to leave. To return. And return they will. "Guns blazing, the whole galaxy behind us". The task Shepard has accepted is enormous and incredibly difficult, but in the end only this person is capable to do what has to be done, along with the closest friends and allies. With them and for them. And for everyone alive. And this is what the whole series shows us, not only this track. And for this, Mass Effect will always have a special place in my heart. There is still much that can be said, but I'm afraid my thoughts are already quite a mess. So yeah, even when it seems that all hope is about to be lost, you still have to fight. This is the most valuable lesson I've had in my life. Thank you Marco for picking this piece and for great, as always, analysis. Keep up the good work ♥
Still crying every time I hear this OST, this one and "Farewell and Into the Inevitable" definitely hit the hardest for me. Finished it so many years ago and it was like leaving behind another life, which I still remember with nostalgia and some bittersweet feelings. It's heartwarming to see that it has resonated with so many people in the same way. Thank you for reminding us of the masterpiece that was Mass Effect
Mass Effect’s trilogy will always hold a special place in my heart. Such a beautiful, lived-in universe. Such a deep, impactful story with love…strife…pain…and wonder. I don’t think any game will make me feel what mass effect 1-3 did.
The opening scene along with this song really set the tone for the whole game. For me the most striking part of the opening scene was when the Normandy was leaving earth and you saw tons of what looked like little meteorites falling to earth and then the scene where the Normandy leaves earths atmosphere and you realize those meteorites are the wreckage of earths fleets after trying to fight the reapers. That opening scene showed that we werent losing to the reapers but for all intents and purposes we had already all but lost.
This track and "Farewell and Into the Inevitable" always hit my heart like tridents no matter how many times I hear them. So many powerfully melancholic songs in Mass Effect 3, it's an embarrassment of sad riches. I think the soundtrack is one of the many reasons behind why I've played ME2 far more than ME3 in the years since finishing the trilogy; ME3 is just so goddamn depressing and that's not what I need playing videogames these days. Appreciate your analysis as always regardless; insightful as always. Cheers!
This soundtrack is so emotional, specialy when you know the context. Its one of those moments where the visuals and the music and sound effects, everything combined elevates the scene to be more then just a cutscene to inform you what happens. It sets the tone for the entire game and forshadows everything that is comming.
Clint Mansell has been one of my favorite composers since Requiem for A Dream. The Fountain has one of my favorite original soundtracks ever, and I was absolutely blown away when I realized he'd done some composing for Mass Effect 3. Leaving Earth is right up there with some of the best stuff he's ever done, and that's really saying something. Wish he'd do more composing for video games.
A fellow The Fountain enjoyer ^^ Clint Mansell is a beast and I'm sad that this movie in particular is not more known. The Soundtrack and the pictures are just the perfect combination of raw emotion, love, despair, obsession. It's beautiful.
I remember this piece clear as day. The invasion of The Reapers was devastating to watch no to mention, Levaing Earth. Seeing an innocent boy being caught in the crossfire right in front of Shepards eyes was a devastating sight to behold and experience. _OOooof the emotions..._
No matter how many times I've played this game (and it's a lot, ME3 and the Shepard trilogy is my most favourite game franchise of all time), that intro still makes me cry. Such an effective way to set the tone and show the stakes of the story. The much better facial animations for Shepard really pushed the scene further too.
I'm not sure if someone has said this yet but the high piano notes remind me of a sonar or radar ping. Perhaps representing the large number of ships are approaching/leaving
I've listened to this track so many times it's not healthy. Mass Effect 3 was one of those games I was almost scared to play because I was so very excited for it. This opening sequence is absolutely one of my favorites in all gaming. Thanks for the great insights!
That song definitely leaves a mark on you throughout the game. The emotional power in the instruments seems to transfer across songs, to the point that a single piano or brass note can evoke the same feeling. It’s like emotional shorthand.
Thank you for bringing up Mass Effect games, they are precious to me, and feel like not enough people talk about them nowadays. This trilogy definitely is not perfect, but still such a memorable experience for a player, characters feel like real friends to you, story grips your heart so tightly, makes you care so much about this virtual galaxy, it's insane. Music was really good too, hope you will consider making video about Vigil theme, which plays mostly in ME1, and a couple times in ME3. Really curious what you will say about it.
4:19 How did you know? I can't help it. EVERYTIME i hear Leaving earth i cry. It's a beautiful piece but also it tells you "It's over". I've played the entire trilogy and seeing how everything was in vain was painful. F the council! They didn't do shit until that last very moment.
The sounds for the Reapers were specifically designed using frequencies and tones that cause fear and anxiety in humans and they did it using a metal trash can.... Highly recommend you check out all of the reapers SFX here ruclips.net/video/vpa3F99xY4s/видео.html
When you pair this track to when the Normandy departs, amongst the invading Reaper fleet and the burning remnants of the human fleet, hits alot harder.
I’m not a musician nor fluent in the language of music, but that single note - plin plin plin plin - in the background, sounds to me like a distress beacon echoing into the void. Pretty apt for Mass Effect!
the Mass Effect trilogy games are "one" of my favorite games, it's a piece of art as a whole, ending included, even though they aren't perfect. personally i prefer the synthesis ending, but what really matters is truly the journey
Mass effect 3 really pulls at my soul. I grew up with these games. I fought and lived through those events. Me and my friends bonded over these games. I will never turn my back on mass effect
to this day the mass effect music never fails to bring emotions up in me. such good composition and themes that when paired with hundreds of hours of playing through a massive universe with amazing characters is something that just can't be compared. every time i hear a track from any of these games it makes me want to revisit the whole trilogy again and met characters i consider old friends all over again.
I listen to this constantly, especially when I'm sad and want to cry but can't. It just makes it easier to cry when listening to this. I like the Reaper parts too. Terrifying and also powerful. Thanks for your analysis.
In the part where you talk about "Regret and Suffering" those 3 higher pitched notes were always the sound of hope for me in the face of destruction, tragedy and sadness. Like a flowerbud about to bloom sending you on a journey. The continous high pitched notes you described as an alarm go hand in hand with the 3 notes i mentioned bfore for me. They are continous and stand for that. That your journey continues with hope. Its subtle because at the moment you cannot really feel happy but it shows you that you will again in the future. Sadly i cannot describe it better since english is not my native language but i tried. Thanks for your awesome videos. I learn a lot about the usage of music in cinematics and games and really like how you talk about it with your own opinion and musical knowledge
Those 3 piano keys always make me think of an SOS. Even when cut off by the reapers, it continues to play throughout the song uninterrupted. It's like a tiny ray of hope for as long as it keeps playing, you know Earth is still fighting.
Mass Effect 3 music is heartbreaking and it's one of the elements that make that game so deep. I played all three games and I must say nothing left such a strong impression on me at the point that at the end of ME3 I was in tears.
Gotta say, I don't watch your every video, but I absolutely LOVE the ones I do. Such an amazing understanding and dissection of music. Thank you dearly for what you're doing!
My pleasure. :) I don’t expect people to watch every one. So don’t worry. But hear me out. What if you mute the videos you like after you watch them once and let them play 3-5 times…….. lol jk. Thank you so much!
Yessss.... I remember mentioning Leaving Earth on the previous ME3 video. ME3 was one of my first experiences in gaming and this opening track and cut scene will be ingrained as a really emotional and maybe even jarring moment. When the camera pans from the exploding space pods to the meteors and aliens descending into the atmosphere is when you really realise whats at stake and mentally prepares you for the rest of the game. Something about having to leave your homeworld behind as it burns is so tragic and hopeless. ME3 was a masterpiece of gaming.
Just hearing the music just brings back the cutscene to mind, the shuttle blowing up, and as the music rises at the end you can feel a sense of shepards anger and determination as he heads back up the ramp...
One of the only music in a video game that ever had me cry, hearing that while seeing home being burned and being unable to do anything about it hit hard Try "An end once and for all" a true musical masterpiece
I can't believe it took me 4 months to see you did Leaving Earth, it is definitely one of my favorite tracks in Mass Effect but the one I recommend the most to people and that I always bring up is "An End Once and For All." Not only is it the final track played in ME3 but listening to it feels like a never ending build up to an epic finale but when the music reaches its apex/climax it trails off... The track to ne fits the ending so well especially if the cannon ending is destroy and max war readiness with Shepard still alive it feels like the build up to a story that isn't quite finished yet. Like we are laving as soon as we reach the peak and didn't have time to come off the high.
Leaving Earth and An End Once And For All are my absolute fave music tracks along the triology. Both tracks hit me really hard. Mass Effect was the first game that brought me to tears at the end and I had have never felt this roller coaster of emotions again for an other game yet.
I love Mass effect. I am one of the newer fans as I got Into the series when Legendary edition was released and I am so glad that I did. These are easily some of the best games I've ever played. Leaving earth did make me a bit teary eyed when I first heard it, it is a powerful song and such an emotional moment.
I think that B-E-B motif represents Shepard's inability to save everyone. It shows up here, those notes "haunt" the dream music, and "an end once and for all" has it too.
Mass Effect is my favorite video game of all time. Leaving Earth is truly sad and haunting. Other notable cues are: Lair of the Shadow Broker and the combat music in Project Overlord, which is also used in Rescuing the Scientists and Duel Reacters. The theme for David Archer is also noteworthy.
Totally agree with you. This theme REALLY had the feel of ".....we've lost didn't we?" and it being 20min {at most} into the game is like HOW do you win this?!
This music still brings tears to my eyes, it so wonderful that it hurts. And thanks for uploading your thought on it, always lovely to hear others thought on things we like :D
Finally I can watch your analysis of this song... Might be my favourite track in the whole trilogy, which are my favourite games ever. I discovered Mass Effect during the first quarantine in France during winter and spring 2020, heard a lot about it but never took the time to really dive in. Well, it was hell of an experience, even if it was by watching one of my favourite streamers playing the games, I remember waiting each evening the next live to see the new chapters of what became to me a real TV-show like. Today I think I loved watching this playthrough because most of the choices the streamer made were decisions I would have taken too. But I also feel like this is my favourite video game trilogy because the quarantine and my discovery of the games came in a time when I was very depressed in my real life and it was absolutely not getting better with my group of friends. I made several mistakes which ultimately peaked when I was trying to completely get out of school because I was stressed and couldn't do anything but being afraid of the next mistake I would commit myself. This trilogy really healed me because, with the quarantine already helping me to isolate myself for a while and thinking in a new way about my whole life, these games helped me to ask myself the good questions. Both morally, and socially. The interactions with the characters, their dialogues, the relationships you can develop with each one of them : colleagues, friends, or even more, make you feel like they're real and important to you. It works in an even better way when you start learning about their pasts, their families, their cultures, their species. Because you want to keep them with you. And you start thinking about how to talk to them, you see how they react, you see how a character with a certain behaviour will take something you said well or badly. And no joke about that, they're so well done and acted that I could compare it to each person I had in my group of friends. This trilogy literally healed me from depression, stress, anger, sadness and helped me to recover. And well, it worked. Today I have the same friends, and even more so I think it worked. Might be why I have a particular state of mind when I think about Mass Effect. I bought the games, played the trilogy 2 times, then bought the Legendary Edition when it came out and played it 3 times since then. And well, now I want to play the trilogy for the 6th time...
I also wanted to mention the banging noise is impactful because in the context out of the songs scene it can be interpreted as a few gunshots. People making their last stand who are almost certainly doomed. But in context of the scene it’s these normal soldiers sending off people who are almost guaranteed to die as they are leaving. While they themselves stay behind to fight. Even while the reaper is right there blaring down on them. They make no attempt to board the ships themselves.
While mass effect 1 and 2 were more about making the tracks sound epic and energetic, mass effect 3 really brought in the emotions with it's beautiful tracks and revealing how serious the reaper invasion is. I'm not ashamed to admit that the tracks such as leaving earth and I'm proud of you definitely made me shed tears in spite of them being short. Man I love the mass effect trilogy!
What i love most about the scene is that Earth has ZERO plot armor. Earth is invaded by the Covenant in Halo? One city is devastated, the invading fleet destroyed mostly. Additional fleets arrive, Earth holds out for months. Here? The Reapers are coming. You pissed them off, and now theyre coming faster than light, faster than any ship in the galaxy. Your interstellar communications are cut immediately, followed by probes in the outer solar system. Minutes later, the Moon is attacked. Then, with as much fury as the song here has pain, the Reapers attack. Two of the five fleets in Earth's orbit are obliterated, debris raining down on cities across the world. The Reapers have no mercy, no remorse, no pity. The worst part about it all is the hopelessness. Shepard has warned everyone for YEARS about this day, but nobody seemed to listen. And in this final moment, as you are leaving Earth to seek help, the dread sets in. People are being slaughtered by the millions, and theres nothing you can do about it. Not a damn thing.
One of my bands (and likely a ton of others I have no doubt) used to walk out to a brief edit of Mansell's requiem for a dream and I had hoped to use An End Once And For All to open our final show because it evokes such a feeling of sadness, and loss but also a definitive end. However, like many others, we didnt get a last show or rather we did, we just didnt realize it at the time. Anyways, amazing game series, fantastic and forever impactful narrative (emotionally scarred by the disappointing and hollow ending tho), and the compositions that made up the soundtrack..... I have no words..... Tho ive just now used many lol
Mass effect 1, 2 and 3, transferring saves between them, building such an incredibly story, seeing amazing things and meeting characters that felt truly alive... I wish games were still like that. well, not "games", no. these things were STORIES.
The first time I played Mass Effect 3 was an absolute discovery to me. I was like "yeah this music is nice!, i'll keep it!" As I haven't played the 2 pre-episodes before, I haven't quite understood much things then... The final battle was lost because of the random choices... I thought to myself: "no way, how could we lose this?". But When I played Mass Effect 3 for the second time after completing the 2 episodes before, including the dlcs, that music stroke me to my soul, it hurt so much! All the efforts I put to join forces and make alliances was ruined by the invasion. The whole scene became heartbreaking when I realized the enemies wiped all was accomplished to save the galaxy and the different worlds. The final battle was a victory thanks to the alliances I made from the 3 episodes, including important choices. That was a relief to finally end the war... The Mass Effect saga story is still so epic! One of the rarest game series that became a legend, like the Star Wars saga.
this track makes me tear up. the ME3 music, frankly the music for the entirety of the Shepard Trilogy and Andromeda is just so freaking on point. And ME3's matches the tone of the game so perfectly. chills and tearing up in equal measure. for like every track...though I admit a bit of bias cause I am so obsessed with Mass Effect...
The ME series has so many phenomenal tracks that really help carry it even further into the realm of one of the best sci Fi franchises out there, but ME3 really just hits different. Leaving Earth may just be the track that is on par with Vigil from ME1.
I have not played mass effect but I feel like this song resembles hope as well. The saddening start represents the pain and suffering of humanity losing earth but then the sound of those bells shows up and the only thing I could think of was hope, something like "we lost earth but we are still in the fight". Then the melody slowly starts to rise and the "good" sounds of the bells and piano are kinda "fighting" the evil sound of the warships which is much stronger and louder but only temporary, and once it goes away the rest of the melody gets stronger and stronger until it ends
1) That loud hornlike sounds is Reaper's Horns, to be more specifick. As a signal "Sol, we are here, we came! And you are all compleatly fucked up!" 2) And this piano tear-like sounds is a like moments of life counting..... After HORNS it's just "How long coud we can resist?" 3) And this "Sun-down" on the planet's enge is very emotional moment. Like "Light is off for you!". Like a losiang any hope, last light oh hope and safety.
This always pulls my heart strings especially when Shepards watches the things he tried to save didnt go according to his plan. Also on another if you can, check out the OST for Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous, especially the Aeon theme, Azata theme and Mythic power theme. Love your work Marco!
Ive played through mass effect series countless times, and the music is by far my favorite among most. this song I wish was so much longer so that I could just drown in it. it makes you feel so much in just a span of 2 minutes, but thats about as long as it took for the negligence and ignorance of the council and human leadership to ultimately allow the reapers to come and start their mass extermination. The music, mixed with the knowledge of all the politics, and the way things are in the world, the galaxy its just so much more. a lot of people hated the ending. I loved it it was just enough to let the player choose based on what they would do in that situation. what kind of future would you give the people, yourself?
The reaper horn itself is fantastic. I'm not talking about the one in the track. I'm talking about the one that if you set it off at full volume in a busy street, you're going to get a few choice pedestrians looking up. That's why I used it as a notification tone on my phone for a while.
Mass Effect in general has an amazing soundtrack with many memorable songs from all 3 games. "Leaving Earth" packs a punch when you first hear it and you played from the 1st game onwards to that moment. I feel like that among the first somber notes punctuated by the harsh sounds which represent the reapers, you can hear a few subtle high notes which eventually connects into the 2nd half of the song, carrying the spark of hope and triumph. This song is brilliant and carries the full emotional load you are blasted with in the first part of the game.
Ever since I heard this theme it gives me chills, every damn time. No exceptions. Especially remembering it in context of the game. Despite the sour ending it has been one of the grandest adventures you can experience in any form of media. Players really came to love and relate to all the characters. Loss of each of them would send some players into heavy mood for days. This track just encapsulates entire series so well. It has pain, fear, the unknown, hope, courage. Everything combined into this monumental harmony. To me it is strangely empowering. You just want to kick some alien world-ending ass with your best friends by your side, who are ready to go to hell and back with you.
Marco! I've lowkey been waiting for this! I really recommend suicide mission from Mass Effect 2! Funny enough, I actually just finished replaying the Mass Effect Trilogy for like the 50,000th time yesterday, and I'm restarting 3 again!
If you were to describe this entire piece in a single word, it'd be "helplessness". You know everything around you is going to hell, and there's not a single thing you can do to fight. You're running away, eyes closed, holding back tears, ears covered as to not hear the despair around you. But you still hear the Reapers' screech, loud and clear, cutting through your whole body, because they're just that powerful. You're so helpless you're not even entitled to silence.
I love the Mass Effect saga, if I would get a pill that would make me forget the game so I can play it again and feeling it for the first time again I would. It left such a mass effect in my heart (Kappa)
I love your analysis of this. One thing I would like to add, the high 'bingbingbingbing' doesn't sound like alarms or klaxon to me. It's to soft and 'peaceful', it sounds to me like dissociating. The sound portrays the feeling of 'this can't be happening, this can't be real'. The sound starts right when the reaper shows up and the little kid climbs into the shuttle. Then the sound briefly fades in the moment the shuttle is blown up, the music has a big low boom, like you collapse, something worse than you can imagine is happening and you can't comprehend it. Then the bingbingbing (dissociating) is back along with a sad/angry/determinded/desperate buildup. Shephards head is a mess, 'I can't believe this happend' in combination with desparation, grief and a lot of anger. In short the bingbingbing sound, is the sound of trauma to me. And Shepard did get ptsd from the ordeal as we all know. As someone with ptsd, this song hit me soooo hard the first time I heard it
I have to admit I'm not a fan of mass effect. Never really was. But I highly acknowledge the love and care people have for the series and music. This is one of the best pieces of video game music
Yes dude you reacted to one of my favorite video game soundtracks of all time!! Love the mass effect trilogy so freaking much. Don't know if you have already but you should react to spikeroog from the Witcher 3, unless you have already. 👍
Mass Effect, as a series, has one of the best soundtracks in gaming. There is so much to love, it has lots of emotional themes, atmospheric music, thrilling battle themes, personal character-based music... it has it all.
I've played MASS EFFECT 3... I've cried so much, I did many choices, try to change scenario, I was so dellusional. I choose the end with the Coexistence
The "Bing Bing Bing Bing" sound referenced in this video could be an SOS. As the Normandy leaves Earth's atmosphere, we see ships falling, destroyed. In a way, I like to imagine that the "Bings" are SOS messages from satellites or communication devices.
The sound of the reapers in this song is one of the most intimidating things I've ever heard. The trilogy does such a good job at making the reapers something to be feared, almost to the point where you're just in awe of the sheer destructions this race of machines can cause.
Reaper sounds were designed specifically using frequencies that cause fear
@@Cwronaga216 Wow I had no idea about that. That's cool af
@@ChadYu and they did it by modulating the sound of a trash can
This is something I loved about Mass Effect. You cannot win. Whatever you do, is futile. You're facing a foe that has squashed millions of civilizations, and yours will fall like any other.
Only, that doesn't happen. This time, the Reapers are defeated.
I loved that.
@@SargeRho It's so rare that a 'doomsday' plot genuinely does make you feel like "how tf are we going to beat this" but the mass effect trilogy did it so incredibly well.
Me3's opening blew me away. This is such an incredible series that I don't think anything can ever top it.
Honestly, while I enjoyed ME3, I knew from the first minute that something was off. Finally the reapers are acknowledged, and the conversation where this happens is like a minute long with most of it on -rails dialogue.
ME3 has its strength, but man, if only those greedy fucks at EA had given these poor Devs another year or two. It wouldve been a masterpiece.
@@Nutellafuerstthe horrible thing about the Reapers is that you don't even see them coming.
They appear and you're pretty much a goner.
The constant pulse throughout the song, that you described as an alarm, always struck me as a distress signal.
You can hear Earth and humanity crying out for help, but you're left with no choice but to cover your ears and hold back your tears as you turn away. To seek aid, yes, but there's no forgetting that you're leaving countless innocents to their fate.
This song is a defeat, a crushing one, and it never fails to make me cry.
😭😭
As soon as i hear this my soul gets destroyed and i just cant help but continue to cry for a while...
Oh man... Mass Effect series and its music mean so much to me I can't express enough. And this piece in particular gives me chills each time I hear it, no matter how many times it's already been. It's just amazing. We can feel the Commander's pain and their internal struggle in this very moment as the Normandy is taking off. And, seeing what is happening before our eyes, before the Commander's eyes, that the Reapers are killing, harvesting people down there, and we can't do anything at this moment but leave, pardon me if it's out of place, "for those we can yet save"... This was one of those moments I've experienced in games when I felt so helpless I wanted to cry (and I do every walkthrough). Also the mission on Thessia later gave me the same feeling.
There's one dialogue with Garrus in ME3 that always makes me remember the beginning of the game and Leaving Earth, about if it's better to try to save everyone, or to sacrifice less people to save more. "And ruthless calculus..." This is a question that doesn't have a correct answer I think. And no matter what answer we choose in that dialogue it always has this most bitter taste.
But, returning to Leaving Earth itself. Besides despair, there's still hope to be felt. No matter how dark things are, while one is alive, something can be done. And this is what the Commander has accepted taking the tags from Anderson and agreeing to leave. To return. And return they will. "Guns blazing, the whole galaxy behind us". The task Shepard has accepted is enormous and incredibly difficult, but in the end only this person is capable to do what has to be done, along with the closest friends and allies. With them and for them. And for everyone alive. And this is what the whole series shows us, not only this track. And for this, Mass Effect will always have a special place in my heart.
There is still much that can be said, but I'm afraid my thoughts are already quite a mess. So yeah, even when it seems that all hope is about to be lost, you still have to fight. This is the most valuable lesson I've had in my life.
Thank you Marco for picking this piece and for great, as always, analysis. Keep up the good work ♥
Still crying every time I hear this OST, this one and "Farewell and Into the Inevitable" definitely hit the hardest for me. Finished it so many years ago and it was like leaving behind another life, which I still remember with nostalgia and some bittersweet feelings. It's heartwarming to see that it has resonated with so many people in the same way. Thank you for reminding us of the masterpiece that was Mass Effect
"We've had a good ride."
"...The best."
Mass Effect’s trilogy will always hold a special place in my heart. Such a beautiful, lived-in universe. Such a deep, impactful story with love…strife…pain…and wonder. I don’t think any game will make me feel what mass effect 1-3 did.
For me it was more about the reality of the situation is hitting. The reapers are here and that piano key was an SOS that would never be answered.
The opening scene along with this song really set the tone for the whole game. For me the most striking part of the opening scene was when the Normandy was leaving earth and you saw tons of what looked like little meteorites falling to earth and then the scene where the Normandy leaves earths atmosphere and you realize those meteorites are the wreckage of earths fleets after trying to fight the reapers.
That opening scene showed that we werent losing to the reapers but for all intents and purposes we had already all but lost.
Very well said
This track and "Farewell and Into the Inevitable" always hit my heart like tridents no matter how many times I hear them. So many powerfully melancholic songs in Mass Effect 3, it's an embarrassment of sad riches. I think the soundtrack is one of the many reasons behind why I've played ME2 far more than ME3 in the years since finishing the trilogy; ME3 is just so goddamn depressing and that's not what I need playing videogames these days.
Appreciate your analysis as always regardless; insightful as always. Cheers!
This soundtrack is so emotional, specialy when you know the context. Its one of those moments where the visuals and the music and sound effects, everything combined elevates the scene to be more then just a cutscene to inform you what happens. It sets the tone for the entire game and forshadows everything that is comming.
ME3 was the first game that made me cry. At the end of it I sobbed like a baby... 😭
You did good son... You did good.
Clint Mansell has been one of my favorite composers since Requiem for A Dream. The Fountain has one of my favorite original soundtracks ever, and I was absolutely blown away when I realized he'd done some composing for Mass Effect 3.
Leaving Earth is right up there with some of the best stuff he's ever done, and that's really saying something. Wish he'd do more composing for video games.
A fellow The Fountain enjoyer ^^ Clint Mansell is a beast and I'm sad that this movie in particular is not more known. The Soundtrack and the pictures are just the perfect combination of raw emotion, love, despair, obsession. It's beautiful.
I remember this piece clear as day. The invasion of The Reapers was devastating to watch no to mention, Levaing Earth. Seeing an innocent boy being caught in the crossfire right in front of Shepards eyes was a devastating sight to behold and experience.
_OOooof the emotions..._
My son was about the same age when I first played ME 3. Needless to say, it hit me really hard.
No matter how many times I've played this game (and it's a lot, ME3 and the Shepard trilogy is my most favourite game franchise of all time), that intro still makes me cry. Such an effective way to set the tone and show the stakes of the story. The much better facial animations for Shepard really pushed the scene further too.
It’s really hard to put into words how much I love mass effect
I'm not sure if someone has said this yet but the high piano notes remind me of a sonar or radar ping. Perhaps representing the large number of ships are approaching/leaving
This piece definitely broke me. It's hauntingly beautiful.
I've listened to this track so many times it's not healthy. Mass Effect 3 was one of those games I was almost scared to play because I was so very excited for it. This opening sequence is absolutely one of my favorites in all gaming. Thanks for the great insights!
That song definitely leaves a mark on you throughout the game. The emotional power in the instruments seems to transfer across songs, to the point that a single piano or brass note can evoke the same feeling. It’s like emotional shorthand.
Thank you for bringing up Mass Effect games, they are precious to me, and feel like not enough people talk about them nowadays. This trilogy definitely is not perfect, but still such a memorable experience for a player, characters feel like real friends to you, story grips your heart so tightly, makes you care so much about this virtual galaxy, it's insane.
Music was really good too, hope you will consider making video about Vigil theme, which plays mostly in ME1, and a couple times in ME3. Really curious what you will say about it.
4:19 How did you know? I can't help it. EVERYTIME i hear Leaving earth i cry. It's a beautiful piece but also it tells you "It's over". I've played the entire trilogy and seeing how everything was in vain was painful. F the council! They didn't do shit until that last very moment.
The sounds for the Reapers were specifically designed using frequencies and tones that cause fear and anxiety in humans and they did it using a metal trash can.... Highly recommend you check out all of the reapers SFX here ruclips.net/video/vpa3F99xY4s/видео.html
When you pair this track to when the Normandy departs, amongst the invading Reaper fleet and the burning remnants of the human fleet, hits alot harder.
I’m not a musician nor fluent in the language of music, but that single note - plin plin plin plin - in the background, sounds to me like a distress beacon echoing into the void. Pretty apt for Mass Effect!
the Mass Effect trilogy games are "one" of my favorite games, it's a piece of art as a whole, ending included, even though they aren't perfect. personally i prefer the synthesis ending, but what really matters is truly the journey
Mass effect 3 really pulls at my soul. I grew up with these games. I fought and lived through those events. Me and my friends bonded over these games. I will never turn my back on mass effect
to this day the mass effect music never fails to bring emotions up in me. such good composition and themes that when paired with hundreds of hours of playing through a massive universe with amazing characters is something that just can't be compared. every time i hear a track from any of these games it makes me want to revisit the whole trilogy again and met characters i consider old friends all over again.
The song at the end of Mass effect 3 is also amazing starts off sad and depressing but then rises up into a victory song
Man this track is just in awe of despair
I listen to this constantly, especially when I'm sad and want to cry but can't. It just makes it easier to cry when listening to this. I like the Reaper parts too. Terrifying and also powerful. Thanks for your analysis.
My first full played serial game, Always mesmerized by it's choice matters even carried through its sequel and yes, the music and lore
In the part where you talk about "Regret and Suffering" those 3 higher pitched notes were always the sound of hope for me in the face of destruction, tragedy and sadness. Like a flowerbud about to bloom sending you on a journey. The continous high pitched notes you described as an alarm go hand in hand with the 3 notes i mentioned bfore for me. They are continous and stand for that. That your journey continues with hope. Its subtle because at the moment you cannot really feel happy but it shows you that you will again in the future. Sadly i cannot describe it better since english is not my native language but i tried. Thanks for your awesome videos. I learn a lot about the usage of music in cinematics and games and really like how you talk about it with your own opinion and musical knowledge
Glad that music allows us all to have our own beautiful interpretations!
Those 3 piano keys always make me think of an SOS. Even when cut off by the reapers, it continues to play throughout the song uninterrupted. It's like a tiny ray of hope for as long as it keeps playing, you know Earth is still fighting.
Mass Effect 3 music is heartbreaking and it's one of the elements that make that game so deep. I played all three games and I must say nothing left such a strong impression on me at the point that at the end of ME3 I was in tears.
Gotta say, I don't watch your every video, but I absolutely LOVE the ones I do. Such an amazing understanding and dissection of music. Thank you dearly for what you're doing!
My pleasure. :) I don’t expect people to watch every one. So don’t worry. But hear me out. What if you mute the videos you like after you watch them once and let them play 3-5 times…….. lol jk. Thank you so much!
@@MarcoMeatball To be fair, I already rewatch the ones I like from time to time haha
Yessss.... I remember mentioning Leaving Earth on the previous ME3 video. ME3 was one of my first experiences in gaming and this opening track and cut scene will be ingrained as a really emotional and maybe even jarring moment. When the camera pans from the exploding space pods to the meteors and aliens descending into the atmosphere is when you really realise whats at stake and mentally prepares you for the rest of the game. Something about having to leave your homeworld behind as it burns is so tragic and hopeless.
ME3 was a masterpiece of gaming.
me3 was the first me I played had no prior experience or knowledge before and the mission downright shocked me
Just an absolutely heart breaking song
That constant high ping is what I interpret as a signal. A sort of SOS. Like Earth is calling out for help… And yet you’re forced to flee…
Just hearing the music just brings back the cutscene to mind, the shuttle blowing up, and as the music rises at the end you can feel a sense of shepards anger and determination as he heads back up the ramp...
Mass Effect holds a special place in my heart. The music still brings me to those moments again.
One of the only music in a video game that ever had me cry, hearing that while seeing home being burned and being unable to do anything about it hit hard
Try "An end once and for all" a true musical masterpiece
I need more Mass Effect on this channel.
I can't believe it took me 4 months to see you did Leaving Earth, it is definitely one of my favorite tracks in Mass Effect but the one I recommend the most to people and that I always bring up is "An End Once and For All." Not only is it the final track played in ME3 but listening to it feels like a never ending build up to an epic finale but when the music reaches its apex/climax it trails off... The track to ne fits the ending so well especially if the cannon ending is destroy and max war readiness with Shepard still alive it feels like the build up to a story that isn't quite finished yet. Like we are laving as soon as we reach the peak and didn't have time to come off the high.
Leaving Earth and An End Once And For All are my absolute fave music tracks along the triology. Both tracks hit me really hard. Mass Effect was the first game that brought me to tears at the end and I had have never felt this roller coaster of emotions again for an other game yet.
I love Mass effect. I am one of the newer fans as I got Into the series when Legendary edition was released and I am so glad that I did. These are easily some of the best games I've ever played. Leaving earth did make me a bit teary eyed when I first heard it, it is a powerful song and such an emotional moment.
definitely "shit..... we already lost did we?" feel
The way the track swells into a Lament for an entire planet is just too much for me. Moves me so much I’ll never forget the first time.
I think that B-E-B motif represents Shepard's inability to save everyone. It shows up here, those notes "haunt" the dream music, and "an end once and for all" has it too.
God this track brings back some memories.. my god, thanks for reminding me about this great track, but also, damn you for bringing me this sadness :,)
I weep everytime I here this song.
Mass Effect is my favorite video game of all time. Leaving Earth is truly sad and haunting. Other notable cues are: Lair of the Shadow Broker and the combat music in Project Overlord, which is also used in Rescuing the Scientists and Duel Reacters. The theme for David Archer is also noteworthy.
The intro to Me3 really got me, the tune really hit the “you’ve been warning people for years, and now you get to witness the fall of your planet”
Totally agree with you. This theme REALLY had the feel of ".....we've lost didn't we?" and it being 20min {at most} into the game is like HOW do you win this?!
This music still brings tears to my eyes, it so wonderful that it hurts.
And thanks for uploading your thought on it, always lovely to hear others thought on things we like :D
Best video game series in existence.
This is perfect, I started playing Mass Effect 3 for the first time today!
Finally I can watch your analysis of this song... Might be my favourite track in the whole trilogy, which are my favourite games ever.
I discovered Mass Effect during the first quarantine in France during winter and spring 2020, heard a lot about it but never took the time to really dive in.
Well, it was hell of an experience, even if it was by watching one of my favourite streamers playing the games, I remember waiting each evening the next live to see the new chapters of what became to me a real TV-show like. Today I think I loved watching this playthrough because most of the choices the streamer made were decisions I would have taken too.
But I also feel like this is my favourite video game trilogy because the quarantine and my discovery of the games came in a time when I was very depressed in my real life and it was absolutely not getting better with my group of friends. I made several mistakes which ultimately peaked when I was trying to completely get out of school because I was stressed and couldn't do anything but being afraid of the next mistake I would commit myself.
This trilogy really healed me because, with the quarantine already helping me to isolate myself for a while and thinking in a new way about my whole life, these games helped me to ask myself the good questions. Both morally, and socially. The interactions with the characters, their dialogues, the relationships you can develop with each one of them : colleagues, friends, or even more, make you feel like they're real and important to you. It works in an even better way when you start learning about their pasts, their families, their cultures, their species. Because you want to keep them with you. And you start thinking about how to talk to them, you see how they react, you see how a character with a certain behaviour will take something you said well or badly. And no joke about that, they're so well done and acted that I could compare it to each person I had in my group of friends.
This trilogy literally healed me from depression, stress, anger, sadness and helped me to recover. And well, it worked. Today I have the same friends, and even more so I think it worked.
Might be why I have a particular state of mind when I think about Mass Effect.
I bought the games, played the trilogy 2 times, then bought the Legendary Edition when it came out and played it 3 times since then. And well, now I want to play the trilogy for the 6th time...
Thank you so much for sharing
Loving the mass effect videos! Please keep them coming!
I also wanted to mention the banging noise is impactful because in the context out of the songs scene it can be interpreted as a few gunshots. People making their last stand who are almost certainly doomed.
But in context of the scene it’s these normal soldiers sending off people who are almost guaranteed to die as they are leaving. While they themselves stay behind to fight. Even while the reaper is right there blaring down on them. They make no attempt to board the ships themselves.
I consistently come back to ME3's more melancholic tracks. The feelings they evoke from me are intense, even after 7 years since i first played it.
The whole series had such a good soundtrack. I hope the new one honors the first three.
While mass effect 1 and 2 were more about making the tracks sound epic and energetic, mass effect 3 really brought in the emotions with it's beautiful tracks and revealing how serious the reaper invasion is. I'm not ashamed to admit that the tracks such as leaving earth and I'm proud of you definitely made me shed tears in spite of them being short.
Man I love the mass effect trilogy!
I cryed when i played the beginning of ME3, thats the power of that song and gameplay at that moment
"our numbers will darken the sky of every world" i always remember that quote when hearing this soundtrack
What i love most about the scene is that Earth has ZERO plot armor.
Earth is invaded by the Covenant in Halo? One city is devastated, the invading fleet destroyed mostly. Additional fleets arrive, Earth holds out for months.
Here?
The Reapers are coming. You pissed them off, and now theyre coming faster than light, faster than any ship in the galaxy. Your interstellar communications are cut immediately, followed by probes in the outer solar system. Minutes later, the Moon is attacked. Then, with as much fury as the song here has pain, the Reapers attack. Two of the five fleets in Earth's orbit are obliterated, debris raining down on cities across the world. The Reapers have no mercy, no remorse, no pity. The worst part about it all is the hopelessness. Shepard has warned everyone for YEARS about this day, but nobody seemed to listen. And in this final moment, as you are leaving Earth to seek help, the dread sets in. People are being slaughtered by the millions, and theres nothing you can do about it. Not a damn thing.
One of my bands (and likely a ton of others I have no doubt) used to walk out to a brief edit of Mansell's requiem for a dream and I had hoped to use An End Once And For All to open our final show because it evokes such a feeling of sadness, and loss but also a definitive end. However, like many others, we didnt get a last show or rather we did, we just didnt realize it at the time. Anyways, amazing game series, fantastic and forever impactful narrative (emotionally scarred by the disappointing and hollow ending tho), and the compositions that made up the soundtrack..... I have no words..... Tho ive just now used many lol
Mass effect 1, 2 and 3, transferring saves between them, building such an incredibly story, seeing amazing things and meeting characters that felt truly alive... I wish games were still like that.
well, not "games", no. these things were STORIES.
The first time I played Mass Effect 3 was an absolute discovery to me. I was like "yeah this music is nice!, i'll keep it!" As I haven't played the 2 pre-episodes before, I haven't quite understood much things then... The final battle was lost because of the random choices... I thought to myself: "no way, how could we lose this?".
But When I played Mass Effect 3 for the second time after completing the 2 episodes before, including the dlcs, that music stroke me to my soul, it hurt so much! All the efforts I put to join forces and make alliances was ruined by the invasion. The whole scene became heartbreaking when I realized the enemies wiped all was accomplished to save the galaxy and the different worlds.
The final battle was a victory thanks to the alliances I made from the 3 episodes, including important choices. That was a relief to finally end the war...
The Mass Effect saga story is still so epic! One of the rarest game series that became a legend, like the Star Wars saga.
this track makes me tear up. the ME3 music, frankly the music for the entirety of the Shepard Trilogy and Andromeda is just so freaking on point. And ME3's matches the tone of the game so perfectly. chills and tearing up in equal measure. for like every track...though I admit a bit of bias cause I am so obsessed with Mass Effect...
I always treated Mass Effect 3 as one long ending, so I got to the picke red green, or blue I was still happy with the game as a whole.
That song and the intro had me in tears... and not the happy ones
"You want to know how a human dies? At ramming speed." - Emily Wong
The ME series has so many phenomenal tracks that really help carry it even further into the realm of one of the best sci Fi franchises out there, but ME3 really just hits different. Leaving Earth may just be the track that is on par with Vigil from ME1.
I have not played mass effect but I feel like this song resembles hope as well. The saddening start represents the pain and suffering of humanity losing earth but then the sound of those bells shows up and the only thing I could think of was hope, something like "we lost earth but we are still in the fight". Then the melody slowly starts to rise and the "good" sounds of the bells and piano are kinda "fighting" the evil sound of the warships which is much stronger and louder but only temporary, and once it goes away the rest of the melody gets stronger and stronger until it ends
1) That loud hornlike sounds is Reaper's Horns, to be more specifick. As a signal "Sol, we are here, we came! And you are all compleatly fucked up!"
2) And this piano tear-like sounds is a like moments of life counting..... After HORNS it's just "How long coud we can resist?"
3) And this "Sun-down" on the planet's enge is very emotional moment. Like "Light is off for you!". Like a losiang any hope, last light oh hope and safety.
This always pulls my heart strings especially when Shepards watches the things he tried to save didnt go according to his plan.
Also on another if you can, check out the OST for Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous, especially the Aeon theme, Azata theme and Mythic power theme.
Love your work Marco!
Ive played through mass effect series countless times, and the music is by far my favorite among most. this song I wish was so much longer so that I could just drown in it. it makes you feel so much in just a span of 2 minutes, but thats about as long as it took for the negligence and ignorance of the council and human leadership to ultimately allow the reapers to come and start their mass extermination. The music, mixed with the knowledge of all the politics, and the way things are in the world, the galaxy its just so much more. a lot of people hated the ending. I loved it it was just enough to let the player choose based on what they would do in that situation. what kind of future would you give the people, yourself?
The reaper horn itself is fantastic. I'm not talking about the one in the track. I'm talking about the one that if you set it off at full volume in a busy street, you're going to get a few choice pedestrians looking up.
That's why I used it as a notification tone on my phone for a while.
Mass Effect in general has an amazing soundtrack with many memorable songs from all 3 games. "Leaving Earth" packs a punch when you first hear it and you played from the 1st game onwards to that moment. I feel like that among the first somber notes punctuated by the harsh sounds which represent the reapers, you can hear a few subtle high notes which eventually connects into the 2nd half of the song, carrying the spark of hope and triumph. This song is brilliant and carries the full emotional load you are blasted with in the first part of the game.
One note. That's all it takes for my mind to go back to the start of ME3 and get emotional...
Oh I suggested this a while ago, I'm sure someone put in a more formal request. This song has no right hitting so hard.
Ever since I heard this theme it gives me chills, every damn time. No exceptions. Especially remembering it in context of the game. Despite the sour ending it has been one of the grandest adventures you can experience in any form of media. Players really came to love and relate to all the characters. Loss of each of them would send some players into heavy mood for days.
This track just encapsulates entire series so well. It has pain, fear, the unknown, hope, courage. Everything combined into this monumental harmony. To me it is strangely empowering. You just want to kick some alien world-ending ass with your best friends by your side, who are ready to go to hell and back with you.
Marco! I've lowkey been waiting for this! I really recommend suicide mission from Mass Effect 2! Funny enough, I actually just finished replaying the Mass Effect Trilogy for like the 50,000th time yesterday, and I'm restarting 3 again!
Wow I really need to
Fricking Reaper sounds haunt me until today. Still one of the best „villain“ ever.
If you were to describe this entire piece in a single word, it'd be "helplessness".
You know everything around you is going to hell, and there's not a single thing you can do to fight. You're running away, eyes closed, holding back tears, ears covered as to not hear the despair around you. But you still hear the Reapers' screech, loud and clear, cutting through your whole body, because they're just that powerful. You're so helpless you're not even entitled to silence.
I love the Mass Effect saga, if I would get a pill that would make me forget the game so I can play it again and feeling it for the first time again I would. It left such a mass effect in my heart (Kappa)
I love your analysis of this. One thing I would like to add, the high 'bingbingbingbing' doesn't sound like alarms or klaxon to me. It's to soft and 'peaceful', it sounds to me like dissociating. The sound portrays the feeling of 'this can't be happening, this can't be real'. The sound starts right when the reaper shows up and the little kid climbs into the shuttle. Then the sound briefly fades in the moment the shuttle is blown up, the music has a big low boom, like you collapse, something worse than you can imagine is happening and you can't comprehend it. Then the bingbingbing (dissociating) is back along with a sad/angry/determinded/desperate buildup. Shephards head is a mess, 'I can't believe this happend' in combination with desparation, grief and a lot of anger.
In short the bingbingbing sound, is the sound of trauma to me. And Shepard did get ptsd from the ordeal as we all know. As someone with ptsd, this song hit me soooo hard the first time I heard it
Just the first couple of notes already got me tearing up
The moment when Anderson still desides to stay and lead the troops left on earth and organise the defense.
I have to admit I'm not a fan of mass effect. Never really was. But I highly acknowledge the love and care people have for the series and music. This is one of the best pieces of video game music
I'll never forget how they used the reapers' beam weapon as an instrument. Tchaikovsky would approve.
FatShark and Jesper Kyd released the full Darktide OST. I’d love to see the boss theme ‘Disposal Unit (Imperium Mix) discussed. Absolute banger!
This song was crazy when playing it for the first time.
Words honestly just do not fully convey the impact that the Mass Effect series had on me.
The song was used in a Jeunet movie and i loved when i heared it. Movie's itself is worth a watch, "TS Spivet"
Yes dude you reacted to one of my favorite video game soundtracks of all time!! Love the mass effect trilogy so freaking much. Don't know if you have already but you should react to spikeroog from the Witcher 3, unless you have already. 👍
You cannot listen to Leaving Earth without An End Once and for All.
Mass Effect, as a series, has one of the best soundtracks in gaming. There is so much to love, it has lots of emotional themes, atmospheric music, thrilling battle themes, personal character-based music... it has it all.
I've played MASS EFFECT 3... I've cried so much, I did many choices, try to change scenario, I was so dellusional. I choose the end with the Coexistence
The "Bing Bing Bing Bing" sound referenced in this video could be an SOS. As the Normandy leaves Earth's atmosphere, we see ships falling, destroyed. In a way, I like to imagine that the "Bings" are SOS messages from satellites or communication devices.