BUSTS DOWN THE DAMN DOOR I'M SO HAPPY THAT SOMEONE ELSE LOVES THIS GAME AND THE MUSIC OF IT. It is the ONLY Final Fantasy game that I still remember every single song to. All of them. It's such a good soundtrack and I could go on and on and on about how much I love each and every track. I'VE FOUND FAMILY.
I've never played this particular Final Fantasy, but I just wanted to say how much I love this comment, and this video generally. Enthusiasm fucking rules
Agreed. I love crystal chronicles, HOWEVER: If they ever remake it, make the method of playing multiplayer not retarded please. Just let us connect more than one pair of joycons/pro controller to play in a group. Not requiring a second handheld console and specific cables, like what the shit?
Seriously, Crystal Chronicles music hits my nostalgia harder than any other soundtrack. Every single song is just so evocative of the levels you find them in and they take me right back through my Gamecube memories.
You hit the nail on the head the head, man. So true. Before the Remaster came out, I hadn't played the game in many years, yet I could still remember practically every single song from it, and clearly picture each place the songs came from. Takes me back to a simpler time in life...
That unskippable opening scene at the very beginning of this game was ONLY tolerable every time bc of the music that got stuck in my head for years after as a kid. It put me enough into the mindspace of the game I was about to play that my tiny adhd butt didn't get up and do something else and forget I had a game on the TV entirely.
The editing on this video is superb- the battle overlay in the random battle bit and the "identifying rings" bit were both hilarious. Good job whoever edited this (Brian or Clayton, I'm guessing)! Now, on-topic, Nobuo is a fantastic composer, but almost all of Square's other composers are just as good as him, and not just Tankioka. FF13, for all its faults, has my favorite video game soundtrack, period, and that one was composed by Masashi Hamauzu. Square's just got really good contacts in the realm of game music, all around.
Hamauzu has done some great work in the series. Not only did he nail the music of 13, but he's also responsible for some of the music of 10 and Dirge of Cerberus, which I think is some of the best in the series as well. Then you have Yoko Shimomura who is responsible for the Super Mario RPG series, Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy XV and contributed to so many more iconic soundtracks. I would put Square up against any other company in any medium when it comes to their music department.
There's literally no reason I could hate you for this video, because Crystal Chronicles has my favourite video game soundtrack of all time. This OST literally never gets kicked out of my playlists and there's barely a week when I don't listen to at least a couple tracks. It has so many memorable songs, the instrumentation is insanely good and unique and the music is full of little nice details. I love the Final Fantasy games (FFIX is probably my all time favourite game), but what Kumi Tanioka did with this soundtrack still leaves me speechless.
I have been trying to tell people this since it’s release in the early 2000s. I purchased the cd from Japan and have played the cd so much it has eroded to dust. Bought another and that one was used so much until it no longer worked. The music feeds your soul and literally makes the game AN EXPERIENCE❣️ I have been waiting for the remastered for so SO long. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
The music from this game has been in my head since I played it way back as a teenager. A week doesn't go by when I don't hum or whistle one of the tracks.
I literally bought Crystal Chronicles when I was 10 solely because I loved the soundtrack. 13 years later, it's still my all time favorite video game soundtrack, and has influenced many of my writing projects. Kumi Tanioka is AMAZING
I’m so delighted by this video! I agree wholeheartedly, and have (quietly) held this opinion this for years. Of all the Final Fantasy soundtracks, this is the one I’m most likely to play while working at my computer or doing household tasks like cooking (I’ve even been known to put selections from it on as dinner music when entertaining guests!), many of its themes are in heavy rotation in my regular absent-minded whistling repertoire, and it’s among the first albums I’ve used to introduce music to my infant son. I initially came it it from a slightly different angle-I’d been an avid ‘early music’ listener for years before hearing this score, so I was already a great fan of crumhorns, recorders, and the like-but it warms the cockles of my heart to see someone else who’s loved this music as much as I have. And like you said, that’s no slight against Uematsu (or Sakimoto, whose works I also adore)-it’s just doing a different thing!
I remember seeing the video (Trailer? Intro?) with everyone getting ready for the journey. It got me immersed into the fantasy instantly. I am someone who never clicked with FF (all the respect to the franchise and its fans). But the video (which was made superb by its music) convinced me in a moment I was playing this FF. As you say, it’s an imperfect game, but dang I hold fond memories mostly due to its vibes and music. Thanks for this video.
Crystal Chronicles was my childhood. I played it with my brother after renting (and never returning ) it from blockbuster. The music has filled my childhood. It's brilliant use of old world instruments creates such a unique and recognizable atmosphere, and evoke such a childlike sense of immersion, wonder, and imagination within the player. I love the distinctively foreign sounding crumhorns & hurdygurdies, the somber ocarinas, playful tin whistles, and glistening harps! The music of this game planted a sense of wanderlust within my core as a child that I still hold to this day. Infact I practically live on the road, and a lot of tracks in my "Travel Tunes" playlist are from the FFCC OST. The musical score is amazing, the memories i've had of this game are a treasure. Your opinion is not wrong at all! Infact, it's quite right! This game was so underrated and i'm glad it's rather obscure composition is finally getting some sunlight with your video!
Starry Moonlit Night has long been a favorite track of mine- it’s awesome to see the Crystal Chronicles ost getting some much deserved love! Thanks, guys!
I agree. Honestly would I would love is a remake of the original, or a sequel that follows the spirit of the original. Bringing back the original composer would be amazing, too. The original Crystal Chronicles soundtrack has a high fantasy feel like no other game I've played.
PLEASE make a series of Brian talking about music!!! Maybe discuss the influence of horror soundtracks on horror video games? (and where those horror soundtracks came from.... second viennese school amirite)
I was like 10 when I watched my sister play this game, and the music has been a core memory for video game music my whole life since then. I never even played this game myself but hearing its music brings be back to a state of childlike wonder. I just saw this video now after it being out for 5 years and I could not agree more.
I KNEW I WASNT THE ONLY ONE FFCC was a really special game to me growing up and the music still holds a really big place in my heart, i still find myself muting games and listening to this OST instead on the regular. Thanks Brian for really articulating some of the things I've felt for ages!
hypotenuse The one that always sticks out for me is Final Fantasy Tactics. The fact that it's clearly midi tracks or something might turn people off, but similar to how CC's music reinforces its setting, Tactics' music accentuates the dramatic character interactions in a way that I haven't really seen in other FF games. Like, Uematsu's work is fantastic, but Sakamoto's music had me buying into the premise more than I usually do with fantasy games in general. It's hard for me to put a pin on why, but I think it may just be that Tactics almost has the appearance of a stage drama like King Lear and the composition sounds like something you might hear if a story like that were turned into a musical. It's hard to describe, but I've loved it since I first picked up the game.
I think I've gone back and listened to like at least 50% of the FFT OST multiple times joyfully. I can't say that about any other final fantasy game I think. There are definitely some other ones that I love to death and will listen to over and over, but I think FFT is the only one I consistently can go back and listen to it overall without it becoming grating.
I'd also put Tactics above FF:CC with a hypotenuse. I love FF:CC and its soundtrack, but FFT, especially the PSP version, has a character that is best expressed by this adaptation of Ovelia's Theme: ruclips.net/video/3kdXsfn0-7c/видео.html
The thing I like about Crystal Chronicles' music is that it stokes that part of my brain that's like "What happened/why is this here?" Areas of the world like the desert, those ancient ruins in the northwest, the wetlands, and especially the abandoned village all have themes that make me thirsty for more of the lore - the way the music is composed really allows theses places to harmonize as all being in the same world, which makes it even better.
I love this soundtrack so much, every winter near to christmas I start and end this game just for the music and art style, is for sure my favorite soundtrack in all gaming history.
Kumi Tanioka is awesome. I love her folk fusion stuff. Everything from the Percussion (Udu and Tabla) to the flutes and lutes, its all pretty charming.
I absolutely agree! The opening Kaze No Ne gives me CHILLS every single time! It's one of my favorite songs of all times, and the rest of the OST doesn't fall behind!
i really liked the opening, morning sky! as a kid, it was unlike any music i had ever heard before. i didn't get very far in the game, though, so i don't know much about the overall ost. i really appreciate this video. it's like ive found a bunch of hidden gems.
Ahh another fellow human who probably grew up replaying FF:CC music on repeat for years. FF:CC OST is one album I go back and listen to at least once a year! I'm not exaggerating. Everything you said was spot on how I feel about it too. I agree that the game was fun but not the best. However, the music is what keeps the memory of this game strong and alive for me.
This was an excellent video, but I'm most hyped about Brian's open-ended invite to listen to him talk more about music. Having gotten my degree in music and then doing absolutely nothing with all the theory and such I learned, it's such a joy to listen to other folks talk about it, especially in the context of things I am involved in like video games. More music talk, Brian!
I absolutely LOVE FF Crystal Chronicles!!!!! I got it as a Xmas gift when I was just a little kid! I was so happy when I unwrapped my brand new GameCube and this game with it! It always seemed so sad! One of my favourite things about that game was being able to write letters and send items or Gil to your family at the end of each dungeon!
Brian!! Please talk about the music in games like Bit.Trip Runner, that build incrementally upon themselves the further you progress in a level or a runthrough, and how that contributes to and enhances gameplay. It's so effective.
this video was good!!! the location is calming and the editing and sidebar is so fun and its so clear that there is actual interest and excitement in the voice instead of the usual detached im-teaching-you youtube-video-essay-authority voice im starting to hate hearing. I love passionate but well explained shit im... v happy with everything sidenote: the sound i made when i saw closed caption were available within the first 500 views (so 99.999% likely ready as it was uploaded) was just absolute relief and pleasure,, i love closed captions so much.
Hey Brian, I'm glad to find other Crystal Chronicles fans out in the wild - picked this one up off of Ebay on a whim and was absolutely blown away by the soundtrack. Consistent instrumentation, and also (you didn't touch on this, but you probably ran out of time) most of the tracks follow an (ABAC)x2D structure which, when placed against some of the shorter tracks popular in JRPG's at the time, really helped keep it interesting over the gameplay uninterrupted by battle themes. You nailed it right on the head!
love the special guest at 3:47 and i would be interested to here you talk about the portal music! - i really like it but would never listen to anything similar otherwise. (or sims 1 buy mode ;D )
I got this game as a teen and I played it in multiplayer and these songs... these songs! These wind instruments, I went to bed listening to it often. That translated main theme by Donna Burke doesn't do justice to the original.
I have some real nostalgic memories of Crystal Chronicles this video brings back. I've always enjoyed video game music & soundtracks in general - I would be interested in a series about the musical aspect of games! It helps that you (Brian) are so just... So genuine and excited about the subject.
Brian, I keep coming back to this video PLEASE UPDATE THE THUMBNAIL. Such a wonderful video and I’m guessing no one’s clicking it. 50k is not enough :( You’re brilliant, thanks
This is kind of silly, but maybe talk about Splatoon music and why it slaps so hard? Like, from the perspective of a person who Actually Understands Music.
This video almost made me cry, Crystal Chronicles was a really great part of growing up for me. A lot of my friends and I played it, including my first crush, and we would listen to the soundtrack together when we weren't playing the game. You didn't have to convince me, I was happily along for the ride. Great video, great topic, I'm subbed now.
I agree wholeheartedly. My sister and I grew up with this game playing the multiplayer on our gameboy advances. We had the intro song memorized and still do to this day. My fav tracks are Magic is Everything ( Mochet Manor theme), Twilight in Dreamland ( Mushroom Forest theme), Promised Grace (Veo Lu Sluice theme), Sleeping Treasure in the Sand (Leuda theme) , and Moving Clouds on the River's Surface (Jegon River theme). The soundtrack holds so many memories and I could sit down and listen to it over and over again with a smile on my face.
Hypotenuse! I love Uematsu and his soundtracks, and like FFCC soundtrack as well, but I think Yasunori Mitsuda (Xenogears, Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross) made the best Square JRPG soundtracks. I didn't even play Chrono Cross more than once a long time ago but that soundtrack is still stuck in my brain and I love it.
Yes! I really want to make some time to play Chrono Cross as an adult because it was too challenging for me back when I was... 12?... but that opening theme has stayed with me forever.
I don't play the Final Fantasy games, but I have listened to the music, and I entirely agree with Brian. It slightly changes enough each level so you know it is something new, but not so much like it is a different game score like Mario Odyssey.
PLEASE talk about music more, brian!! it's so interesting!! i thought the same thing back when y'all did that game music stream ages ago. I'd love to hear you talk about any other game soundtracks that you think are underrated and don't get a lot of recognition.
Hypotenuse: While I can't say I 100% agree with the initial statement, I find your points to be incredibly valid. Particularly, the "when you are" statement, and I believe previous Final Fantasy games should have and onwards should definitely employ more traditional instruments. As well, perhaps some synth effects for the otherworldly tones that say, New Age music, pulls off so well. The only reason I cannot fully agree, is due to some of the note arrangements and compositions of the SNES era games, leaning on Nobuo's Prog influences is what really helped to bring out the otherworldly nature of those games, before traditional instrumentals could be achieved in console games. I believe, if there were a happy medium between the shifting note structures and keys, with the use of traditional instruments, to create a wildly unexpected soundtrack, it would be an OST which may be highly lauded by fans. I have to say, good video, and good points, and I almost agree with you.
Good job on this one. The effort and polish in the music is clear. The weight of the music and it's ability to further your immersion is amazing. but! [hypotenuse] FFVIII always and forever 😜
FINALLY SOMEONE SAYS IT I’ve been replaying this game during quarantine (COVID-19 my dudes) and it’s been a delight to realize how vibrant and unique this game’s music is and how perfectly every track matches the stage or city it’s paired with. Pure nostalgic joy.
I wanna see each Polygon staffer go up to bat and talk about something like this. Like how a few days ago Tara talked about No Man's Sky. I wanna see everybody try to talk about something in games they really care about, and go deep! Also, that music does sound rad, but I gotta listen to all of it (because I didn't play Crystal Chronicles, so I can't say for certain).
Hey Brian! Your latest Polygon Original video Took me back to high school, Enjoying this weird Final Fantasy game... Not quite able to pinpoint why. Until your perspective on the music, Shared so eloquently and thoughtfully, Elevated my appreciation for my time with it.
Hypotenuse. While I agree that FFCC has great music in both the senses of immersion and arrangement, Final Fantasy Tactics still has my favorite soundtrack overall. And it's not just nostalgia or fan-girling making me trip up over it either, (and it's not blind devotion to Nobuo Uematsu as the composers were Masaharu Iwata and Hitoshi Sakimoto). I think FFT is distinct as a spin-off of the main series insofar as it takes on a darker tone, and the music helps reflect the seriousness of some of the story's themes. There hasn't been a soundtrack I've loved or appreciated more than FFT.
I'm just happy that people start to appreciate this game more and more :) Crystal Chronicles was my first Final Fantasy ever and just listening to the songs of that game makes me already feel like home
Long forgotten? Hell no. This is my favorite game of all time. I'm playing a campaign right now with 4 players. I think the multiplayer was what hurt the game overall because of the link cables you were forced to use- it's hard to do it even with me and three other adults. And very expensive if you don't have the equipment. I want them to remake this game for the switch- but that will only come with more awareness, since FFCC: Crystal Bearers essentially killed the series. So by all means; keep making videos about this game and hopefully enough people will catch onto it to warrant a remake or true sequel.
Brian did you read my mind??? I haven't played this game in a decade but the music was suddenly in my head this week! Love these videos so much--polygon is so much more than just the games themselves and that's why we love you
I still remember every song from this game. I bought the soundtrack back when I was in high school because I loved the music so much, and I still listen to it occasionally. It is so beautiful. And each time I listen to it I am brought back into those weekends when me and my friend sat hunched in front of my TV playing through this game together, yelling about who's turn it was to carry the chalice, and discussing our theories about the game.
Talk about Pokemon music next, please! I'm certain there's a hundred videos on it already, but, well. I dunno. That or something else I like. I would honestly be fine with you just talking about other final fantasy music. Music is cool, games are cool, game music is pretty sweet in general.
Crystal Chronicles was my first final fantasy game and god I loved it to bits. I didn't even have friends who had gameboys to do multiplayer with I was just so absorbed in the lore. I used to have pins of the races that i got from nintendo power, but I've moved so many times since then that those are lost to the ether. I used to like... bring the guidebook with me to school so I could try and mimic the illustrations inside... and honestly I haven't listened to any of the ost in years until this video and the nostalgia hit me like a ton of bricks. brb, going to listen to this ost for the rest of my life
Great analysis! Ooh, as a suggestion for another video, Henry Hatsworth and the Puzzling Adventure has really cool music! Like a boss theme that's an aria that's just random musical terms sung as though they make a sentence!
hypotenuse It's not that I necessarily disagree, but I think there's more emotion in what you choose as your favorite than objective criteria you can check off. I love a LOT of FF series music, and there have been some epic, beautiful songs etched into my memory over the decades, but FF6 will probably always be my favorite and most resonant because that is my most-loved game in the series. Either way, good for you defending your obscure choice, Brian, even though there's no "wrong" answer!
Brian this was so cool! I would love to hear you talk more about music, it's awesome you're so passionate, and music in video games has always interested me. it would be cool to hear more about it, thanks for the video.
Kohl Yis I know. That was the frost thing I noticed when I played CC on the past. Is there a reason why this was done? Or was it just something fun for the FF 9 fans?
hypotenuse I wholeheartedly disagree with FFCC having the *best* FF soundtrack, for me that prize goes to 13 which has made me tear up on multiple occasions. Please don't at me. BUUUUUUT I really enjoyed FFCC's soundtrack for all of the reasons you've stated. I've never been able to articulate it, but that ancient instrument feel really puts you in the game. I still play "In The Gloomy Darkness" on repeat if I need to focus....or just because. It's my fav track on that OST next to Veo Lu Sluice.
I've had such a hard time getting into 13. The gameplay just doesn't attract me the same way the others had. I'm more interested now because your experience indicates some good storytelling.. Which is the entire reason I play FF. :D
Nah I totally feel that. I actually really REALLY disliked 13, which left a bad taste in my mouth that marred the experience of 13-2 because I wasn't emotionally invested. It was just last year that I started digging up the soundtrack and fell all the way in love with it. The way Blinded By Light and Lightning's Theme somehow emotionally explained an entire character to me blew me away. And Fangs theme...omg...I mean the thing sounds like airships and freedom. Iffy game, but great soundtrack.
Oh wow I really wasn’t expecting to hear a thing about music theory on Polygon? I am very very pleasantly surprised! I never even recognized how instruments are changed around in games, which is pretty wild considering I play low brass and I very clearly notice the differences of ‘pieces where I have a part ever’ vs ‘pieces where I rest forever’ (give the low brass melody or at least recognize the importance of harmony in an ensemble setting 2k18). Please, other Brian, talk more about music! I love it! I don’t even care what about specifically, music is just really great and you seem super hyped about it which is something I can totally get behind.
I couldn’t agree more. This is one of the few soundtracks I find myself going back to time and time again despite not having much nostalgia for the game itself. Great video
This wonderful video and comments section has reminded me of all the times that I fell asleep listening to Final Fantasy overworld themes and ended up with hundreds of hours on the gameplay counter. Was anyone else really into OverClocked remixes? Is that site still around? I used to love them so much!
When I saw the title of this video come up in the feed I couldn't believe my eyes. I also love this soundtrack, it's also one of my favourite game soundtrack of all time. Very underrated and undeserved so. So great to hear someone who appreciate it as much as I am. I really liked the game too and had in fact the opportunity to play it Coup 3-players back in the day.
This was a fantastic video and i also am a huge lover of CC. Still to this day i play the main theme and moschet manor in the background while i do things. Keep it up and i cant wait for more content like this.
Hypotenuse? First off, loved the video; please make more videos about music! I'm not super familiar with Crystal Chronicles, but I absolutely agree with the reasoning. The purpose of a soundtrack is to complement the game, whether it's through setting a mood or associating characters or events with motifs; its job isn't to be something you'll be humming afterwards or listening to later. That said, the music of the early games defined each scene in a very powerful and distinctive way for me, from Matoya's Cave to IV's Red Wings and Theme of Love, though it could also be distracting at times. Not that I'd particularly mind when it did grab my attention; I'm just willing to admit that it could, at times, overstep its role as a soundtrack/accompaniment. The smaller, more distinct instrumentation can help with that, and, as you said, both reinforce the setting and keep cohesiveness throughout the experience; but the challenges then become conveying a sense of scale and avoiding monotony as to keep moments distinct. It seems much more difficult to pull off, but if done well it can be extremely effective and much more rewarding, as seems to be the case here. Most of the other soundtracks seem to opt for a more Mahlerian scale, which is fine, but doesn't have the same level of cohesion or as much of an identity. One of my favorite soundtracks, Diablo 2, is similar with its use of constrained and specific instrumentation; and while that varies with each "act" of the game, it manages to remain tonally consistent and does a fantastic job of building an atmosphere for the world. ... It's a much different world, but I feel it accomplishes similar things in similar ways and might be worth checking out.
Superb video for such an underrated game soundtrack. You should do a video on music from the Kirby games! They're not particularly complicated I don't think, but they have such an emotive sound/feel to them!
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Oh boy do I like seeing passionate people talk about the things they love.
andrineslife same I know nothing about final fantasy or music for that matter but made it through the whole video just carried by Brian’s enthusiasm
BUSTS DOWN THE DAMN DOOR
I'M SO HAPPY THAT SOMEONE ELSE LOVES THIS GAME AND THE MUSIC OF IT. It is the ONLY Final Fantasy game that I still remember every single song to. All of them. It's such a good soundtrack and I could go on and on and on about how much I love each and every track. I'VE FOUND FAMILY.
Mizuru007 WE HAVE FOUND OUR PEOPLE
HELL YEAH!!!! CC is very good and I will fight Anyone that says otherwise
I've never played this particular Final Fantasy, but I just wanted to say how much I love this comment, and this video generally. Enthusiasm fucking rules
represent
I still haven't beaten it yet because I can only play 1 player but hell yeah I love this game and I want a remake of it.
THIS GAME EXISTED FOR OTHER PEOPLE TOO?! I THOUGHT IT WAS A CHILDHOOD DREAM. I LOVED THIS GAME AAAH
A remaster is coming out soon
They should remaster it for Switch...
Akiin Moonlight yes I need this. Doubt it'll happen though.
YES PLEASE
Agreed. I love crystal chronicles, HOWEVER:
If they ever remake it, make the method of playing multiplayer not retarded please. Just let us connect more than one pair of joycons/pro controller to play in a group. Not requiring a second handheld console and specific cables, like what the shit?
And make the multi-player mode more intuitive, because the whole GBA thing was kind of dumb.
Local play with switches as the gameboy advance controllers. IT’S TIME
I love Brian videos like this!! He’s so passionate and knowledgeable and engaging!!
He's everything I want to be in a creative individual.
I'VE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR YEARS THANK YOU
Seriously, Crystal Chronicles music hits my nostalgia harder than any other soundtrack. Every single song is just so evocative of the levels you find them in and they take me right back through my Gamecube memories.
You hit the nail on the head the head, man. So true. Before the Remaster came out, I hadn't played the game in many years, yet I could still remember practically every single song from it, and clearly picture each place the songs came from.
Takes me back to a simpler time in life...
That unskippable opening scene at the very beginning of this game was ONLY tolerable every time bc of the music that got stuck in my head for years after as a kid. It put me enough into the mindspace of the game I was about to play that my tiny adhd butt didn't get up and do something else and forget I had a game on the TV entirely.
I used to restart the game JUST to listen to that song over and over, haha.
The editing on this video is superb- the battle overlay in the random battle bit and the "identifying rings" bit were both hilarious. Good job whoever edited this (Brian or Clayton, I'm guessing)! Now, on-topic, Nobuo is a fantastic composer, but almost all of Square's other composers are just as good as him, and not just Tankioka. FF13, for all its faults, has my favorite video game soundtrack, period, and that one was composed by Masashi Hamauzu. Square's just got really good contacts in the realm of game music, all around.
Hamauzu has done some great work in the series. Not only did he nail the music of 13, but he's also responsible for some of the music of 10 and Dirge of Cerberus, which I think is some of the best in the series as well. Then you have Yoko Shimomura who is responsible for the Super Mario RPG series, Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy XV and contributed to so many more iconic soundtracks. I would put Square up against any other company in any medium when it comes to their music department.
There's literally no reason I could hate you for this video, because Crystal Chronicles has my favourite video game soundtrack of all time. This OST literally never gets kicked out of my playlists and there's barely a week when I don't listen to at least a couple tracks. It has so many memorable songs, the instrumentation is insanely good and unique and the music is full of little nice details. I love the Final Fantasy games (FFIX is probably my all time favourite game), but what Kumi Tanioka did with this soundtrack still leaves me speechless.
I could've written this exact comment!
Brian’s really leaning into the “whimsical joyous pixie” brand here 🌱
I have been trying to tell people this since it’s release in the early 2000s. I purchased the cd from Japan and have played the cd so much it has eroded to dust. Bought another and that one was used so much until it no longer worked. The music feeds your soul and literally makes the game AN EXPERIENCE❣️ I have been waiting for the remastered for so SO long. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
FINALLY I've always said this game had my favorite Final Fantasy music of all time and it's nice to get some validation on this
The music from this game has been in my head since I played it way back as a teenager. A week doesn't go by when I don't hum or whistle one of the tracks.
I literally bought Crystal Chronicles when I was 10 solely because I loved the soundtrack. 13 years later, it's still my all time favorite video game soundtrack, and has influenced many of my writing projects. Kumi Tanioka is AMAZING
I’m so delighted by this video! I agree wholeheartedly, and have (quietly) held this opinion this for years. Of all the Final Fantasy soundtracks, this is the one I’m most likely to play while working at my computer or doing household tasks like cooking (I’ve even been known to put selections from it on as dinner music when entertaining guests!), many of its themes are in heavy rotation in my regular absent-minded whistling repertoire, and it’s among the first albums I’ve used to introduce music to my infant son. I initially came it it from a slightly different angle-I’d been an avid ‘early music’ listener for years before hearing this score, so I was already a great fan of crumhorns, recorders, and the like-but it warms the cockles of my heart to see someone else who’s loved this music as much as I have. And like you said, that’s no slight against Uematsu (or Sakimoto, whose works I also adore)-it’s just doing a different thing!
And let's not forget the game's theme "Sound of the Wind". Such a pretty song!
As a kid I used to restart the game over and over just to listen to it.
The percussion in that song was my favorite part as a kid.
So good!
I remember seeing the video (Trailer? Intro?) with everyone getting ready for the journey. It got me immersed into the fantasy instantly. I am someone who never clicked with FF (all the respect to the franchise and its fans). But the video (which was made superb by its music) convinced me in a moment I was playing this FF. As you say, it’s an imperfect game, but dang I hold fond memories mostly due to its vibes and music.
Thanks for this video.
Why would you say something so controversial and yet so brave?
Crystal Chronicles was my childhood. I played it with my brother after renting (and never returning ) it from blockbuster. The music has filled my childhood. It's brilliant use of old world instruments creates such a unique and recognizable atmosphere, and evoke such a childlike sense of immersion, wonder, and imagination within the player. I love the distinctively foreign sounding crumhorns & hurdygurdies, the somber ocarinas, playful tin whistles, and glistening harps! The music of this game planted a sense of wanderlust within my core as a child that I still hold to this day. Infact I practically live on the road, and a lot of tracks in my "Travel Tunes" playlist are from the FFCC OST. The musical score is amazing, the memories i've had of this game are a treasure.
Your opinion is not wrong at all! Infact, it's quite right! This game was so underrated and i'm glad it's rather obscure composition is finally getting some sunlight with your video!
Tanioka is immensely talented. The soundtrack does a fantastic job of capturing a fantasy Celtic feel.
Starry Moonlit Night has long been a favorite track of mine- it’s awesome to see the Crystal Chronicles ost getting some much deserved love! Thanks, guys!
I would love to see a Crystal Chronicles game for Switch. This is such a great video!
Edit: oh my god it’s HAPPENING!
Relixala Can't just be any Crystal Chronicles game though, the sequels were kinda bad. The first one is really the only good one IMO.
I agree. Honestly would I would love is a remake of the original, or a sequel that follows the spirit of the original. Bringing back the original composer would be amazing, too. The original Crystal Chronicles soundtrack has a high fantasy feel like no other game I've played.
ITS HAPPENING!
January 26th! And it's cross platform!!!!!!!!!
I'm here to say we made it lads, hope you're enjoying the remaster
I thought I was the only one who appreciated this soundtrack! I always go back and listen to it. It is one of my favorites!!!
PLEASE make a series of Brian talking about music!!! Maybe discuss the influence of horror soundtracks on horror video games? (and where those horror soundtracks came from.... second viennese school amirite)
That would be incredible.
I was like 10 when I watched my sister play this game, and the music has been a core memory for video game music my whole life since then. I never even played this game myself but hearing its music brings be back to a state of childlike wonder. I just saw this video now after it being out for 5 years and I could not agree more.
I LOVE when you talk about music, Brian, please talk about it more.
I KNEW I WASNT THE ONLY ONE
FFCC was a really special game to me growing up and the music still holds a really big place in my heart, i still find myself muting games and listening to this OST instead on the regular. Thanks Brian for really articulating some of the things I've felt for ages!
This is one passionate dude.
My son and I have loved this game for YEARS and still play it long distance, since he sorta grew up and moved out.
hypotenuse
The one that always sticks out for me is Final Fantasy Tactics. The fact that it's clearly midi tracks or something might turn people off, but similar to how CC's music reinforces its setting, Tactics' music accentuates the dramatic character interactions in a way that I haven't really seen in other FF games. Like, Uematsu's work is fantastic, but Sakamoto's music had me buying into the premise more than I usually do with fantasy games in general. It's hard for me to put a pin on why, but I think it may just be that Tactics almost has the appearance of a stage drama like King Lear and the composition sounds like something you might hear if a story like that were turned into a musical. It's hard to describe, but I've loved it since I first picked up the game.
Totally right about Sakimoto! He always hits the nail on the head for invoking emotions to a scene.
I think I've gone back and listened to like at least 50% of the FFT OST multiple times joyfully. I can't say that about any other final fantasy game I think.
There are definitely some other ones that I love to death and will listen to over and over, but I think FFT is the only one I consistently can go back and listen to it overall without it becoming grating.
I'd also put Tactics above FF:CC with a hypotenuse. I love FF:CC and its soundtrack, but FFT, especially the PSP version, has a character that is best expressed by this adaptation of Ovelia's Theme: ruclips.net/video/3kdXsfn0-7c/видео.html
The thing I like about Crystal Chronicles' music is that it stokes that part of my brain that's like "What happened/why is this here?" Areas of the world like the desert, those ancient ruins in the northwest, the wetlands, and especially the abandoned village all have themes that make me thirsty for more of the lore - the way the music is composed really allows theses places to harmonize as all being in the same world, which makes it even better.
I love this soundtrack so much, every winter near to christmas I start and end this game just for the music and art style, is for sure my favorite soundtrack in all gaming history.
Kumi Tanioka is awesome.
I love her folk fusion stuff.
Everything from the Percussion (Udu and Tabla) to the flutes and lutes, its all pretty charming.
This is the first time I've gotten a YT push update from Polygon and _ran_ to my computer to watch as soon as possible. 2 Min in and I already agree
I absolutely agree! The opening Kaze No Ne gives me CHILLS every single time! It's one of my favorite songs of all times, and the rest of the OST doesn't fall behind!
i really liked the opening, morning sky! as a kid, it was unlike any music i had ever heard before. i didn't get very far in the game, though, so i don't know much about the overall ost. i really appreciate this video. it's like ive found a bunch of hidden gems.
Ahh another fellow human who probably grew up replaying FF:CC music on repeat for years. FF:CC OST is one album I go back and listen to at least once a year! I'm not exaggerating. Everything you said was spot on how I feel about it too. I agree that the game was fun but not the best. However, the music is what keeps the memory of this game strong and alive for me.
hypotenuse
i dont disagree i just wanted to say hi .o/
lmao Brian say hi back 😂😂😂
clash?
This was an excellent video, but I'm most hyped about Brian's open-ended invite to listen to him talk more about music. Having gotten my degree in music and then doing absolutely nothing with all the theory and such I learned, it's such a joy to listen to other folks talk about it, especially in the context of things I am involved in like video games.
More music talk, Brian!
I absolutely LOVE FF Crystal Chronicles!!!!! I got it as a Xmas gift when I was just a little kid! I was so happy when I unwrapped my brand new GameCube and this game with it!
It always seemed so sad!
One of my favourite things about that game was being able to write letters and send items or Gil to your family at the end of each dungeon!
Brian!! Please talk about the music in games like Bit.Trip Runner, that build incrementally upon themselves the further you progress in a level or a runthrough, and how that contributes to and enhances gameplay. It's so effective.
this video was good!!! the location is calming and the editing and sidebar is so fun and its so clear that there is actual interest and excitement in the voice instead of the usual detached im-teaching-you youtube-video-essay-authority voice im starting to hate hearing. I love passionate but well explained shit im... v happy with everything
sidenote: the sound i made when i saw closed caption were available within the first 500 views (so 99.999% likely ready as it was uploaded) was just absolute relief and pleasure,, i love closed captions so much.
BRIAN I WILL LISTEN TO YOU TALK ABOUT MUSIC IN A FOREST ANY DAY.
Hey Brian,
I'm glad to find other Crystal Chronicles fans out in the wild - picked this one up off of Ebay on a whim and was absolutely blown away by the soundtrack. Consistent instrumentation, and also (you didn't touch on this, but you probably ran out of time) most of the tracks follow an (ABAC)x2D structure which, when placed against some of the shorter tracks popular in JRPG's at the time, really helped keep it interesting over the gameplay uninterrupted by battle themes. You nailed it right on the head!
love the special guest at 3:47 and i would be interested to here you talk about the portal music! - i really like it but would never listen to anything similar otherwise. (or sims 1 buy mode ;D )
I got this game as a teen and I played it in multiplayer and these songs... these songs! These wind instruments, I went to bed listening to it often. That translated main theme by Donna Burke doesn't do justice to the original.
I'm so glad to see that this soundtrack is getting the love it deserves.
I have some real nostalgic memories of Crystal Chronicles this video brings back.
I've always enjoyed video game music & soundtracks in general - I would be interested in a series about the musical aspect of games! It helps that you (Brian) are so just... So genuine and excited about the subject.
is this brian's editing or clayton's? either way fantastic job
Brian, I keep coming back to this video PLEASE UPDATE THE THUMBNAIL.
Such a wonderful video and I’m guessing no one’s clicking it. 50k is not enough :(
You’re brilliant, thanks
This is kind of silly, but maybe talk about Splatoon music and why it slaps so hard? Like, from the perspective of a person who Actually Understands Music.
Also if Splatoon wants me to win matches why did they make the losing music so good????
Eric Millett honestly though!! It makes me feel less bad about losing....which might be the point?
splatoon 1 losing music triggered me so hard i had to mute it each time i lost
hire sideways for this
Well,
For one thing, most of the music is punk/alt rock.
This video almost made me cry, Crystal Chronicles was a really great part of growing up for me. A lot of my friends and I played it, including my first crush, and we would listen to the soundtrack together when we weren't playing the game. You didn't have to convince me, I was happily along for the ride. Great video, great topic, I'm subbed now.
hy·pot·e·nuse
[hīˈpätnˌ(y)o͞os]
NOUN
the longest side of a right triangle, opposite the right angle.
I agree wholeheartedly. My sister and I grew up with this game playing the multiplayer on our gameboy advances. We had the intro song memorized and still do to this day. My fav tracks are Magic is Everything ( Mochet Manor theme), Twilight in Dreamland ( Mushroom Forest theme), Promised Grace (Veo Lu Sluice theme), Sleeping Treasure in the Sand (Leuda theme) , and Moving Clouds on the River's Surface (Jegon River theme). The soundtrack holds so many memories and I could sit down and listen to it over and over again with a smile on my face.
I would love to see a series where Brian talks about music!!!
I needed no convincing as this game had an incredible OST. The intro theme is still one of my favorite title tracks in any game
A remaster of this game for Nintendo Switch and would buy it day one. Two player couch coop and four player online coop. Insta success.
I still come back to this vid for some reason I love the personality Brian puts into his uploads
Hypotenuse! I love Uematsu and his soundtracks, and like FFCC soundtrack as well, but I think Yasunori Mitsuda (Xenogears, Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross) made the best Square JRPG soundtracks. I didn't even play Chrono Cross more than once a long time ago but that soundtrack is still stuck in my brain and I love it.
yes yes yes yes yes yes!!!
also please listen to the Kuroshitsuji Osts he made as well
Mitsuda is an unsung hero. Amen
Yes! I really want to make some time to play Chrono Cross as an adult because it was too challenging for me back when I was... 12?... but that opening theme has stayed with me forever.
Chrono Cross is woefully underrated both in terms of story and soundtrack.
The song in the opening credits (sound of the wind) is absolutely amazing too. Glad to see this game get some love
I don't play the Final Fantasy games, but I have listened to the music, and I entirely agree with Brian. It slightly changes enough each level so you know it is something new, but not so much like it is a different game score like Mario Odyssey.
PLEASE talk about music more, brian!! it's so interesting!! i thought the same thing back when y'all did that game music stream ages ago. I'd love to hear you talk about any other game soundtracks that you think are underrated and don't get a lot of recognition.
Hypotenuse:
While I can't say I 100% agree with the initial statement, I find your points to be incredibly valid. Particularly, the "when you are" statement, and I believe previous Final Fantasy games should have and onwards should definitely employ more traditional instruments. As well, perhaps some synth effects for the otherworldly tones that say, New Age music, pulls off so well. The only reason I cannot fully agree, is due to some of the note arrangements and compositions of the SNES era games, leaning on Nobuo's Prog influences is what really helped to bring out the otherworldly nature of those games, before traditional instrumentals could be achieved in console games. I believe, if there were a happy medium between the shifting note structures and keys, with the use of traditional instruments, to create a wildly unexpected soundtrack, it would be an OST which may be highly lauded by fans.
I have to say, good video, and good points, and I almost agree with you.
I could listen to Brian talk about things with this much passion all day tbh
Good job on this one. The effort and polish in the music is clear. The weight of the music and it's ability to further your immersion is amazing. but! [hypotenuse] FFVIII always and forever 😜
I respect this.
I am so glad you put the music in your video.
I remember downloading all the songs and relaxing in my bed listening to them.
Here from the future of 2020 to say Brian did in fact buy and learn how to play the hurdy gurdy
He did?! Is there video of him playing it? love the hurdy gurdy
i sorted by new just to find a comment like this. anyway, ruclips.net/video/YV__C64Ni50/видео.html
FINALLY SOMEONE SAYS IT
I’ve been replaying this game during quarantine (COVID-19 my dudes) and it’s been a delight to realize how vibrant and unique this game’s music is and how perfectly every track matches the stage or city it’s paired with. Pure nostalgic joy.
I wanna see each Polygon staffer go up to bat and talk about something like this. Like how a few days ago Tara talked about No Man's Sky. I wanna see everybody try to talk about something in games they really care about, and go deep!
Also, that music does sound rad, but I gotta listen to all of it (because I didn't play Crystal Chronicles, so I can't say for certain).
It all sounds like that, it's great.
Hey Brian!
Your latest
Polygon
Original video
Took me back to high school,
Enjoying this weird Final Fantasy game...
Not quite able to pinpoint why.
Until your perspective on the music,
Shared so eloquently and thoughtfully,
Elevated my appreciation for my time with it.
Hypotenuse.
While I agree that FFCC has great music in both the senses of immersion and arrangement, Final Fantasy Tactics still has my favorite soundtrack overall.
And it's not just nostalgia or fan-girling making me trip up over it either, (and it's not blind devotion to Nobuo Uematsu as the composers were Masaharu Iwata and Hitoshi Sakimoto). I think FFT is distinct as a spin-off of the main series insofar as it takes on a darker tone, and the music helps reflect the seriousness of some of the story's themes. There hasn't been a soundtrack I've loved or appreciated more than FFT.
I'm just happy that people start to appreciate this game more and more :) Crystal Chronicles was my first Final Fantasy ever and just listening to the songs of that game makes me already feel like home
Long forgotten? Hell no. This is my favorite game of all time. I'm playing a campaign right now with 4 players.
I think the multiplayer was what hurt the game overall because of the link cables you were forced to use- it's hard to do it even with me and three other adults. And very expensive if you don't have the equipment.
I want them to remake this game for the switch- but that will only come with more awareness, since FFCC: Crystal Bearers essentially killed the series.
So by all means; keep making videos about this game and hopefully enough people will catch onto it to warrant a remake or true sequel.
I liked Crystal Bearers tho... the other Crystal Chronicles are the ones that killed it IMO
Brian did you read my mind??? I haven't played this game in a decade but the music was suddenly in my head this week! Love these videos so much--polygon is so much more than just the games themselves and that's why we love you
I love this and I would like more of it please thank you have a nice day.
I still remember every song from this game. I bought the soundtrack back when I was in high school because I loved the music so much, and I still listen to it occasionally. It is so beautiful. And each time I listen to it I am brought back into those weekends when me and my friend sat hunched in front of my TV playing through this game together, yelling about who's turn it was to carry the chalice, and discussing our theories about the game.
Talk about Pokemon music next, please! I'm certain there's a hundred videos on it already, but, well. I dunno. That or something else I like. I would honestly be fine with you just talking about other final fantasy music. Music is cool, games are cool, game music is pretty sweet in general.
Crystal Chronicles was my first final fantasy game and god I loved it to bits. I didn't even have friends who had gameboys to do multiplayer with I was just so absorbed in the lore. I used to have pins of the races that i got from nintendo power, but I've moved so many times since then that those are lost to the ether. I used to like... bring the guidebook with me to school so I could try and mimic the illustrations inside...
and honestly I haven't listened to any of the ost in years until this video and the nostalgia hit me like a ton of bricks. brb, going to listen to this ost for the rest of my life
im falling in love with this dorky pixie videogame journalist and i didnt think this is how id spend my 2018 but HERE WE ARE
Great analysis! Ooh, as a suggestion for another video, Henry Hatsworth and the Puzzling Adventure has really cool music! Like a boss theme that's an aria that's just random musical terms sung as though they make a sentence!
hypotenuse
It's not that I necessarily disagree, but I think there's more emotion in what you choose as your favorite than objective criteria you can check off.
I love a LOT of FF series music, and there have been some epic, beautiful songs etched into my memory over the decades, but FF6 will probably always be my favorite and most resonant because that is my most-loved game in the series.
Either way, good for you defending your obscure choice, Brian, even though there's no "wrong" answer!
It's almost like music is art.
Brian this was so cool! I would love to hear you talk more about music, it's awesome you're so passionate, and music in video games has always interested me. it would be cool to hear more about it, thanks for the video.
Crystal Chronicles and FF9 have the best music.
Fun fact. Most monsters in Crystal Chronicles have similar models to the ones in IX.
Kohl Yis I know. That was the frost thing I noticed when I played CC on the past. Is there a reason why this was done? Or was it just something fun for the FF 9 fans?
The music on the spot where you catch the boat to cross the river is one of my favorites of all time.
Hypedoctorseuss but Legend of Mana had the best soundtrack of any Parasite Eve game.
Why does it feel so nice and calming that Brian is in the middle of the woods
hypotenuse
I wholeheartedly disagree with FFCC having the *best* FF soundtrack, for me that prize goes to 13 which has made me tear up on multiple occasions. Please don't at me.
BUUUUUUT I really enjoyed FFCC's soundtrack for all of the reasons you've stated. I've never been able to articulate it, but that ancient instrument feel really puts you in the game. I still play "In The Gloomy Darkness" on repeat if I need to focus....or just because. It's my fav track on that OST next to Veo Lu Sluice.
13's music was godlike tbh, especially 13-2 as well.
I've had such a hard time getting into 13. The gameplay just doesn't attract me the same way the others had. I'm more interested now because your experience indicates some good storytelling.. Which is the entire reason I play FF. :D
Nah I totally feel that. I actually really REALLY disliked 13, which left a bad taste in my mouth that marred the experience of 13-2 because I wasn't emotionally invested. It was just last year that I started digging up the soundtrack and fell all the way in love with it. The way Blinded By Light and Lightning's Theme somehow emotionally explained an entire character to me blew me away. And Fangs theme...omg...I mean the thing sounds like airships and freedom. Iffy game, but great soundtrack.
yas
Oh wow I really wasn’t expecting to hear a thing about music theory on Polygon? I am very very pleasantly surprised! I never even recognized how instruments are changed around in games, which is pretty wild considering I play low brass and I very clearly notice the differences of ‘pieces where I have a part ever’ vs ‘pieces where I rest forever’ (give the low brass melody or at least recognize the importance of harmony in an ensemble setting 2k18). Please, other Brian, talk more about music! I love it! I don’t even care what about specifically, music is just really great and you seem super hyped about it which is something I can totally get behind.
I still recall the music to this game to this day. It's just so memorable
I couldn’t agree more. This is one of the few soundtracks I find myself going back to time and time again despite not having much nostalgia for the game itself.
Great video
Brian, you discussing game music would be a welcome addition to the Polygon lineup :)
This wonderful video and comments section has reminded me of all the times that I fell asleep listening to Final Fantasy overworld themes and ended up with hundreds of hours on the gameplay counter. Was anyone else really into OverClocked remixes? Is that site still around? I used to love them so much!
I love hearing you talk about music! I vote that you should keep doing it.
When I saw the title of this video come up in the feed I couldn't believe my eyes. I also love this soundtrack, it's also one of my favourite game soundtrack of all time. Very underrated and undeserved so. So great to hear someone who appreciate it as much as I am. I really liked the game too and had in fact the opportunity to play it Coup 3-players back in the day.
unrelated to the topic but i love all the outdoor backgrounds of brian's videos
but also in terms of OST, id love to hear your thoughts on either the last of us or portal's OST
This was a fantastic video and i also am a huge lover of CC. Still to this day i play the main theme and moschet manor in the background while i do things. Keep it up and i cant wait for more content like this.
Hypotenuse? First off, loved the video; please make more videos about music! I'm not super familiar with Crystal Chronicles, but I absolutely agree with the reasoning. The purpose of a soundtrack is to complement the game, whether it's through setting a mood or associating characters or events with motifs; its job isn't to be something you'll be humming afterwards or listening to later.
That said, the music of the early games defined each scene in a very powerful and distinctive way for me, from Matoya's Cave to IV's Red Wings and Theme of Love, though it could also be distracting at times. Not that I'd particularly mind when it did grab my attention; I'm just willing to admit that it could, at times, overstep its role as a soundtrack/accompaniment.
The smaller, more distinct instrumentation can help with that, and, as you said, both reinforce the setting and keep cohesiveness throughout the experience; but the challenges then become conveying a sense of scale and avoiding monotony as to keep moments distinct. It seems much more difficult to pull off, but if done well it can be extremely effective and much more rewarding, as seems to be the case here. Most of the other soundtracks seem to opt for a more Mahlerian scale, which is fine, but doesn't have the same level of cohesion or as much of an identity.
One of my favorite soundtracks, Diablo 2, is similar with its use of constrained and specific instrumentation; and while that varies with each "act" of the game, it manages to remain tonally consistent and does a fantastic job of building an atmosphere for the world. ... It's a much different world, but I feel it accomplishes similar things in similar ways and might be worth checking out.
Superb video for such an underrated game soundtrack. You should do a video on music from the Kirby games! They're not particularly complicated I don't think, but they have such an emotive sound/feel to them!
I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE SOMEONE SHARE MY OPINION ON THIS! I still listen to that soundtrack to this very day.