LIKE THE VID IF YOU'RE COOL A couple postscript notes: ● I am super not qualified to talk in depth about a topic like this, so excuse any mistakes on the music theory department. Please correct me and/or add some notes if you feel inclined For this exact reason, this video only uses leitmotifs as a viachle for me to talk about other stuff I know about, and I intentionally don't go into shit I'm not an expert at ● The purpose of this video isn’t to literally cover every single leitmotif, it’s to show how each game the utilizes leitmotifs and study them, with my own interpretation of each of them thrown in, with that being said- ● I only covered leitmotifs that have originated from the games, so sadly no shows and movies, even though there’s plenty to talk about, X especially ● It’s very unlikely that I covered every single leitmotif ever, so please let me know the ones I missed if you’ve picked up any! As always, thanks for watching!💜
Hey um, where's the button, that let's you give multiple likes on a single video? For real though: biggest kudos to LVNDR VIBES and more than just thank you to you of course. You've got this "confident demeanor in the face of complete uncertainty"-thing down to a T. And it's always gratifying to get to understand something or someone you already care a great deal for, on an even more intimate level. U da Boi!
It was an *amazing* video, AL. As the big fucking nerd of soundtracks that I am and sharing very, very similar tastes with you, this video felt like an absolute treat to me. Almost 40 minutes that flew by without even noticing. No wonder it takes you that long to release videos, there's clearly a huge amount of work behind this. BUT, I do have a nitpick. I'm gonna ruin your joke here at 18:14 because Forces DOES use Eggman's theme, although very briefly. You can find it in the beginning of track called "Cutscene - Mega Death Egg Robot"
As someone who has studied music for a while, You did an amazing job. I really love how you made this video. The Editing is So Good!! The Aesthetics are Wonderful!! I really hope one day I can make videos like this!
Despite 06 being a technical disaster you can definitely tell that that SEGA really tried to make 06 a good game by looking at the soundtrack. Everything is a certified banger.
I love Eggman’s Leitmotif because it fits nearly every side of him as a villain: It can sound Bombastic and Hammy, perfect for Eggman’s usual dramatic entrances and plans. It can sound a little bit goofy, which reflects how the evil genius can tend to be forced into more comic roles in some scenes. It can sound almost unhinged, to reflect the unplanned part of Ivo’s schemes where he snaps and resorts to trying to snap the hedgehog in two. And it can almost always sound utterly totalitarian and terrifying, in moments of his utter triumph, where all hope seems lost.
That entire video was such a treat. I was expecting "Supporting Me" to show up, with that creepy, disjointed take on "Live and Learn", like a twisted prototype of that song.
People laughed at the end of the game but I found the dumbass line to be like the bad laugh in that one Final Fantasy game it was meant to sound off in order to break tension
It’s so interesting how Sonic Unleashed is I think the only Sonic game to have an instrumental main theme in addition to an entirely different main vocal theme. It makes me wonder if Endless Possibilities was a late addition or had its main melody changed at the last minute.
As flawed as it is, I’ve always liked the idea that Endless Possibilities represents Super Sonic, and the incredible power of the Chaos Emeralds. Its super flawed, don’t get me wrong, but a song about limitless potential, just makes too much sense to not associate them.
I doubt it was a late addition at all. Super Sonic vs. Perfect Dark Gaia is pretty clearly an orchestral rendition of Endless Possibility, and while it doesn’t use the exact same leitmotif as the one heard throughout the game, it still shares a similar motivic idea
Another thing with these motifs is nostalgia. There were a few times during this video where I almost shed a tear. It brings up emotions, and double so if those emotions are tied to your childhood.
Oh for sure, music is such a powerful force in video games. It goes unnoticed sometimes by general audiences, but man music can make a level, or story scene, or even a menu such a memorable experience.
@@spider59er35 the drowning theme gave me anxiety when it came on lol. as i kid i was terrified of water levels so even with that theme nostalgia affected me
I never realized the connection between Lost Valley and Motar Canyon's themes, that's awesome. It reminds me of the dark reprise of "Live and Learn" in "Supporting Me".
Sonic Adventure 2 also has a leitmotif: Live & Learn. It shows up remixed in the intro to SA2 Battle. The main riff plays in the menu music. The music for the story recaps has a slowed down version of the main riff. The Biolizard theme has the main riff distorted and slowed. Then the actual Live & Learn plays during the final boss. And then the piano notes during the Last Scene are a slowed version of the main riff too.
After an eternity of Sonic fans complaining about everything ESPECIALLY '06, you've actually managed to point out something about that game that was unequivocally GREAT and that level of positivity just ruins me.
29:41 Another thing to mention is about this specific motif is its overwhelming domination. In the end, despite that little song and dance that Sonic and Eggman played and Sonic's initial victories, it was all planned. Eggman played Sonic like a fiddle to achieve his goal. Eggman was always in control.
Finally, someone else acknowledges Sonic 06 went hard with its leitmotifs. I flipped out when I realized on my own that Silver's Dreams of an Absolution is in a bunch of his cutscene tracks
Then this should be a treat for you: ua-cam.com/video/tQ1LAig3t6g/v-deo.html They played a Sonic Frontiers Medley, and yes, an orchestral version of I'm Here is there.
I'M HEREEEEE REACHING FAAR ACROSS THESE NEW FRONTIEEERS WITH MYYY LIIFE I FIIGHT THIS FEEEEAR IN MY HAAAANDS, I HOLD THE ONES I LOOVE WALK FORWAARD THROOUGH THE COOLD DAAAAWN ALWAYS TO NEW HORIZOOOONS
Another great example is the OST for the Saturn port of 3D Blast. Every single level theme + the title screen music contains a leitmotif of the game’s vocal track You’re My Hero. That one little sequence of notes goes through like 10 different genres throughout the game. Calypso, orchestral, jazz, ambient, techno, circus music, it’s crazy
As someone who calls themselves a musician, has listened to several Sonic soundtracks consistently and thought I knew all that these OST’s had to offer…you genuinely shocked me with some of these reveals. These composers are more genius then I already thought they were! You did INSANELY well here, Al. This editing is next level, your writing still continues to be great, even the sound design in this video is edited and balanced brilliantly. Great work, you created a masterpiece. Added to my favourites. (Yes, I actually use the favourites playlist.)
This is an amazing video. I would argue that Sonic Unleashed’s soundtrack is the most complete out of any Sonic soundtrack, not only because the music is incredibly well composed, but also how it works within the story itself. The cutscene music are great examples of this, but one music piece many people seem to overlook is Eggmanland - Day. In this music piece, it is overwhelmed with artificial and electronic sounds, mostly from the synths, but there is a faint piano melody buried underneath it. It also contains many of the notes similar to Sonic’s leitmotif in Sonic Unleashed. The only natural element is being drowned out by the artificiality of the situation. Seen as how Sonic is the only natural creature in Eggmanland, he would be represented by the piano, a very natural sounding instrument (as well as piano having a very heavy presence in Sonic’s theme in Unleashed and the game in general). But because the piano is so faint compared to all of the other instruments, just from the music alone, you can feel the intensity of the stage. With so many synths piled on top of each other, and then one piano trying to work its way through, it is almost as if Sonic is overwhelmed by the seriousness and intensity from the stage and he is trying to push through the danger everywhere. At certain moments, the piano works contrasts yet compliments the synths, almost as if Sonic is wall-jumping when the piano notes change, then dodging enemies or missiles in an ever changing, threatening environment. Just goes to show how important the music is to tell a story, and also goes to show how a game with a phenomenal soundtrack also has one of the greatest stories the franchise could ever have.
Eggmanland day was one of my favorite tracks because of its uneasy feeling like your in a place you shouldnt have allowed to be built, but sonic had other things on his plate and had to ingore eggman, and now he's paying for it by being in the belly of the beast. And i instantly thought of e102 gammas theme wheb you mentioned a synth and piano in competition. But in gammas case the 2 are working in conjunction and taking turns being the lead. Showing that the animal inside and the robot around it are in harmony.
I think the fact that Sonic’s leitmotifs are varied resembles him in this way: he is a free spirited guy. He moves and thinks like the wind, always changing. Eggman’s doesn’t change because he is more about controlling. Everything staying put in his power. Anyways, that is just what I think. Great video! Incredibly edited! Definitely subbed!
There’s many others that people often overlook. For example, the level “Space Gadget” from Shadow the hedgehog (2005) shares a leitmotif with Sonic & the Black Knight’s result screen theme. And Shadow’s signature “I am all of me” Motif appears in the last section of Crush 40’s version of “All Hail Shadow.” Also you should do one of these videos on the Crash Bandicoot series! It’s full of Leitmotifs!
I always thought this was an inherent problem with the franchise. As incredibly diverse the soundtracks are, there's never the ONE song/theme you could associate with Sonic (most iconic would probably be Green Hill, but even that's not Sonic's theme). But when you said that Sonic's theme is whatever the hell the games WANT his theme to be (in service of the story), it blew my mind open. Another banger video! I hope one day to be able to reach your level of god tier editing!
I know nothing about music theory. I didn't know what a leitmotif was until this video, yet still... goddamn, this might be the BEST Sonic video ever. Not even exaggerating. A unique topic plus absolutely insane editing.
this is one of the hardest videos i’ve ever seen in my life. your editing is absolutely insane and i can feel the passion you have for this franchise just in the first few minutes. fr made me tear up at a lot of the unleashed bits, that game changed my entire childhood and i’m so glad more people are giving it the respect it’s always deserved
Ever since I learned about them from Undertale i've been in love with leitmotifs, this video encapsules everything I love about them perfectly. Amazing job as usual!
Every time I come back to this video I just appreciate it more and more. Like holy shit, the way you let the music speak for itself and use colour to back up the audio is just fuckin' MAGIC. YOU HAVE MAGIC HANDS.
17:27 in my religious perspective, I can see this part included in Mephiles' theme represents strength and overcoming of any evil temptation. Like a triumphant part that will only play when you finally overcome an urge to do something that isn't right. To combat that temptation with your wisdom and knowledge God has given you.
19:48 You're right it's NOT the best advice, BUT it's not *bad* advice. Smileing releases a chemical in your brain that can help fight off stress. Even a fake smile can trick your brain into thinking you're happy. Sonic's not off the mark here. Regardless, this video, as you already know, is a masterpiece and the section on Sonic's leitmotif helped me so much with my Sonic game project. I think you know why you're the GOAT right? Keep being yourself AL, and live life to the fullest.
It's currently 3am and I thought I'd go to bed listening to this but instead I'm cheesing hard as shit because you reaffirmed why this series has the best music ever
I’m so glad many more people lately have been talking about Sonic 06 in a positive light. Sure, it’s not the best game in the world, but that doesn’t mean it should be shunned to video game hell.
30-50 minute Sonic videos that talk about the most random things that you never realized had such a big impact on your viewing of the game is my favorite genre of videos on UA-cam
Constantly in awe of how you blend an almost AMV-like style with the more traditional informative video essay style into your video editing! It really keeps a fun, energetic flow and energy throughout this whole thing.
This video not only does great with "show don't tell", but also has the best usage (or at least the best to me, I haven't seen any videos that uses it this good) of "show don't tell". With leitmotifs, yeah you could go on for 3 hours talking about all the times it uses. But that's not what you need. You just simply need to listen. How it changes and what impact it brings
When I watch UA-cam I very rarely ever say "This video is amazing" but all through this one I kept saying it over and over. The editing, the jokes, everything kept me watching. Amazing vid man.
More people need to see this video The editing, the quality, the sound, the transitions, whatever colour/contrast editing you did to the footage to change the atmosphere? This was such an incredible watch experience, I'm so glad UA-cam did good for once and recommended me this video, I'm subscribing this instant! Really looking forward to more videos from you in the future!
Great video as usual! Just wanted to mention one thing about 06 I’m surprised you didn’t mention. Although it isn’t exactly a leitmotif, sonic, shadow, and silver’s main themes are all a different style of music. At the time, rap was the most popular style of music, shadow was a character from the past who was asleep up until present day, and he is a character made when rock was the most prominent style of sonic music, and silver’s techno music gave off a futuristic feel. In short, shadow represents the past, sonic represents the present, and silver represents the future.
this is also in line in what they say to solaris Silver says something along the lines of "i will protect the future" Sonic says "for the present day, the here and now that you've stolen, time to take it back" Shadow says something along the lines of "i will release you from the past"
Fantastic video! Something I thought was interesting I wanted to point out was about Eggman's leitmotif from 06 not being in Forces. It actually is! It's in the cutscene right before the final boss! A rare W for Forces!
man, i just love videos like this, they remind me why I like the music of these games so much :) Each new motif that came up had me pointing at the screen in recognition, and you do such an great job explaining this cool aspect of sonic's music and sound design!
Editing on this was stellar. I keep re-listening to the Black Knight soundtrack recently and just miss how prevalent leitmotif's were in Sonic. Here's hoping Frontiers and beyond bring them back, they add so much to the depth of the character and game, and cement that staying power each game has. Thank you for making a video showing it off in full force!
I've never seen your channel before but there's a reason why UA-cam decided to recommend it to me in literally the first slot on the homepage within 4 hours of upload. There's also a reason why I dropped everything I was doing and watched the whole thing there and then after just the first few seconds until 1am. With the Ohtani soundtracks meaning so much to me and having listened to them in great detail myself it was so satisfying to see someone else point out everything I love so much about them with as much passion as me, especially Unleashed. Seriously good job on this, I've never been so sure of a sub before. 39 minutes 41 seconds well spent and I will definitely watch it again.
I feel like it fits that sonic's theme changes while eggman doesn't, in overall sonic has to adapt to the newest situations laid upon him, making him change and eventually grow, eggman work as this everlasting but still challenging wall, he is and is mostly the final boss, that's never gonna change, of course it changes from time to time depending on the issue at hand, but it's overall eggman vs sonic, sonic has to change his ways but eggman mostly stays the same ol villain operating his new toy in order to finish off THE hero, Sonic.
all of these honestly makes me even more excited for Frontiers than I already have, because man - Ohtani is just a class of his own with how he makes these soundtracks
This vid made me have an even greater appreciation for sonic soundtracks than I already had. Leitmotifs really can make important sonic moments all the more memorable and cathartic. Keep up the good work Al!
Solaris Phase 1 has an incredible quality going on: It is basically Mephiles' boss theme, but using the powerful orchesta Iblis uses in all its themes. Mephiles' structure backed by Iblis' power, AKA what Solaris pretty much IS. It was a genius move that took me a long while to notice.
The sonic 06 section shows why 06 even with all it's flaws still manages to be some of the best Sonic has offered to the world. It may be hated by a lot of people, but I can never get myself to hate such a epic game that gives me goosebumps when I listen to the final boss theme. 06 is a good example of a fantastic concept with an unfortunate execution.
This video is exactly what I have been looking for. I want to apply this technique in my own game songs and I learnt a lot from this video. Thank you for making this!
My favourite bit about the were-hog motif is that it kinda acts like a musical plot twist. For the majority of the game, you associate the motif with the were-hog, mainly when Sonic first transforms. But at the end of the game it plays when Dark Gaia is on screen. This is because the main reason the were-hog exists is that Sonic sucked in a bunch of Dark Gaia’s energy when the planet split, causing the were-hogs curse. At the end of the game when DG regains most of its power, the last bit on energy it needs is the bit in Sonic, MEANING, that the were-hog was just an extension of Dark Gaia, MEANING that the Were-hog motif is actually Dark Gaia’s. Musical plot twist.
I literally can come to your videos and learn so much about editing, and gain so much inspiration to edit. All while listening to you talk about a franchise I love.
I swear the way he edits and makes videos is absolutely heavenly, and the transitions are so satisfying, whatever this guy gets payed he needs a frickin' raise
This video is INCREDIBLE. You deserve WAY more views for this, it's obvious there was a ton of time and effort poured into the project. Quickest sub of my life.
something about your videos just fuckin hits different. your editing style, your writing, the topics you cover... all of it just hits home. stuff like yours is why im proud to call myself a sonic fan. great video as always!
I watched this with my eyes swollen from going outside and touching grass (never again) and after watching this video, I can say that my eyes are no longer swollen. AL you cured my allergies, thank you for uploading. Nah Fr tho AL this was MAGNIFICENT. watched it all the way through just impressed by how much work was put into each edit and how eye opening the reveal was for every leitmotif I never caught, and how they impact their respective games’ narrative and themes. You’re unmatched dawg, blowing me away every time. 🔥
I have newfound respect not just for previous music tracks I didn't appreciate, but for the ambition of Sonic's music in general. This is an extra layer to the series that I don't think many people ever discuss, which I feel makes this video requires viewing for any Sonic fan. And of course the stellar content being discussed is matched by remarkable editing. This video is quintessential ALtheBoi, and the biggest peak Sonictube will see... until your next upload.
As a music nerd, I really appreciation the existence of this video. I was waiting for one like this since 2017. But, can I just say, the EDITING! JEEZ SO GOOD.
Dude, I'm still amazed how much your editing has evolved over the years, everything is so stylish and alive! And the subject itself was presented just as well, you could upload your next video in 10 years that will still be an event to me, I just feel inspired by your work every time I watch it, HOW IT'S SO GOOD!?
I've never clicked on a video faster. I've been waiting for more from you, and this video definitely delivered and was worth the wait. You captured just how unique and godly Sonic music is with excellent explanation and flawless editing (as usual). I never thought I could appreciate Sonic music more, but this video has opened my eyes to the little details I never knew needed appreciation.
There’s actually a really hard to spot leitmotif in E-102 Gamma’s main theme from Sonic Adventure. The song’s buildup in the beginning plays the same notes as Sonic 3’s final boss.
28:35 HOLY WHAT AMAZING EDITING. u basically made a visual leitmotif (if thats even a thing) to transition to the most hype segment of unleashed's cutscene. and the logo movement synced impossibly perfectly with that amazing ost wtf how are you doing this. the entire pacing of this video was so incredible as always, i just cant describe how much i love ur vids. ty for putting so much effort into your content
I know they aren't official, but Sonic Before and After the Sequel's soundtracks are fully of little leitmotifs from other Sonic media that'll make you feel out when you notice them. For example, in Hilltop Heights Acts 2 and 3, you can notice a bit of the Green Hill melody in it or in Foliage Furnace Act 1, South Island theme from the OVA appears near the end of the song.
Now THAT ( 27:29 ) that gave me goosebumps! Such a powerful delivery on such a simple concept of "Keep. Moving. Forward." To each new adventure and beyond! You knocked it out of the park. And I bet you'll keep knocking it out because there's only ever one direction to run! FORWARD!
33:33 hey look that’s me great video!!! i love leitmotifs in games and this is just perfect. your editing is fantastic and you pointed out a lot of stuff i didn’t notice before. keep up the great work!
This is such a fantastically edited video intersplicing the music with the cutscene dialogue and your own voiceover, it's fantastic and all compliments each other so well
LIKE THE VID IF YOU'RE COOL
A couple postscript notes:
● I am super not qualified to talk in depth about a topic like this, so excuse any mistakes on the music theory department. Please correct me and/or add some notes if you feel inclined
For this exact reason, this video only uses leitmotifs as a viachle for me to talk about other stuff I know about, and I intentionally don't go into shit I'm not an expert at
● The purpose of this video isn’t to literally cover every single leitmotif, it’s to show how each game the utilizes leitmotifs and study them, with my own interpretation of each of them thrown in, with that being said-
● I only covered leitmotifs that have originated from the games, so sadly no shows and movies, even though there’s plenty to talk about, X especially
● It’s very unlikely that I covered every single leitmotif ever, so please let me know the ones I missed if you’ve picked up any!
As always, thanks for watching!💜
To be fair, I'm not sure if it's physically possible to NOT like this video, or your channel in general
Hey um, where's the button, that let's you give multiple likes on a single video?
For real though: biggest kudos to LVNDR VIBES and more than just thank you to you of course.
You've got this "confident demeanor in the face of complete uncertainty"-thing down to a T.
And it's always gratifying to get to understand something or someone you already care a great deal for, on an even more intimate level.
U da Boi!
It was an *amazing* video, AL. As the big fucking nerd of soundtracks that I am and sharing very, very similar tastes with you, this video felt like an absolute treat to me. Almost 40 minutes that flew by without even noticing. No wonder it takes you that long to release videos, there's clearly a huge amount of work behind this.
BUT, I do have a nitpick. I'm gonna ruin your joke here at 18:14 because Forces DOES use Eggman's theme, although very briefly. You can find it in the beginning of track called "Cutscene - Mega Death Egg Robot"
As someone who has studied music for a while, You did an amazing job.
I really love how you made this video. The Editing is So Good!! The Aesthetics are Wonderful!!
I really hope one day I can make videos like this!
You are so UNDERRATED!! What the hell
I like how in every time merlina talks, sonic just says “huh?”
His ass was not listening lol
huh?
LMAO I NEVER REALIZED THAT, IT'S SO FUCKING FUNNY
lol that's so me. you gotta say things to me at least twice cuz i ain't heard shit of what you said
ADHD
"what is sonic's theme?" it doesn't matter
no, like, it actually doesn't.
Finally, a nearly-40 minute video telling my why I should like Sonic Music more than I did before
After this nearly-40 minute video:
Soo... it worked !
This and the Understanding The Music of Sonic the Hedgehog video are the ultimate exposition to this franchise's music
and some of that 40 mins was crushed by crush 40 am i right?
@@raygod7810 crush 40 must love their leitmotifs
Despite 06 being a technical disaster you can definitely tell that that SEGA really tried to make 06 a good game by looking at the soundtrack. Everything is a certified banger.
The game may be an enjoyable torture sim
the concepts an music amazing am begging for Silver to show up again I would love seeing him encounter Sage
all the sonic ost's (not Dark Brotherhood) are bangers
@@senritsujumpsuit6021 He did show up in Forc-
@@sakuradabp6400 oh God not that butchering of a quote
Sonic 06 may be a terrible game, but it has one of the best soundtracks in gaming.
Why, yes. This *is* the hill I plan to die on.
Ngl the fact that Shadow is that built different that his theme plays over the main villains theme (I am referring to 06)
Thats why he called the ultimate lifeform.
I love Eggman’s Leitmotif because it fits nearly every side of him as a villain:
It can sound Bombastic and Hammy, perfect for Eggman’s usual dramatic entrances and plans.
It can sound a little bit goofy, which reflects how the evil genius can tend to be forced into more comic roles in some scenes.
It can sound almost unhinged, to reflect the unplanned part of Ivo’s schemes where he snaps and resorts to trying to snap the hedgehog in two.
And it can almost always sound utterly totalitarian and terrifying, in moments of his utter triumph, where all hope seems lost.
That entire video was such a treat. I was expecting "Supporting Me" to show up, with that creepy, disjointed take on "Live and Learn", like a twisted prototype of that song.
I get teary eyed when “Live Life” reaches its climax as a response to Merlina’s fears.
God I love Sonic and the Black Knight’s music.
Same, I swear it's one of the best of all time.
People laughed at the end of the game but I found the dumbass line to be like the bad laugh in that one Final Fantasy game it was meant to sound off in order to break tension
Black Knight and '06 have the best soundtracks in the whole series!
Real🥲
It’s so interesting how Sonic Unleashed is I think the only Sonic game to have an instrumental main theme in addition to an entirely different main vocal theme. It makes me wonder if Endless Possibilities was a late addition or had its main melody changed at the last minute.
I thought about that too, it's an oddity!
Couldn't get anything concrete so I didn't spend time on it
As flawed as it is, I’ve always liked the idea that Endless Possibilities represents Super Sonic, and the incredible power of the Chaos Emeralds. Its super flawed, don’t get me wrong, but a song about limitless potential, just makes too much sense to not associate them.
@@voidenterprisesWhat About The Bridge? Wouldn't That Represent The Werehog?
I doubt it was a late addition at all. Super Sonic vs. Perfect Dark Gaia is pretty clearly an orchestral rendition of Endless Possibility, and while it doesn’t use the exact same leitmotif as the one heard throughout the game, it still shares a similar motivic idea
I love the editing, my favorite moment so far is
"I am immortal, you cannot defea-"
*instant cut to death*
Another thing with these motifs is nostalgia. There were a few times during this video where I almost shed a tear. It brings up emotions, and double so if those emotions are tied to your childhood.
Oh for sure, music is such a powerful force in video games. It goes unnoticed sometimes by general audiences, but man music can make a level, or story scene, or even a menu such a memorable experience.
_Drowning theme intensifies_ 😭😭😭
@@spider59er35 the drowning theme gave me anxiety when it came on lol. as i kid i was terrified of water levels so even with that theme nostalgia affected me
Same loo
His World and Knight of the Wind are my favorites
I never realized the connection between Lost Valley and Motar Canyon's themes, that's awesome. It reminds me of the dark reprise of "Live and Learn" in "Supporting Me".
Sonic Adventure 2 also has a leitmotif: Live & Learn. It shows up remixed in the intro to SA2 Battle. The main riff plays in the menu music. The music for the story recaps has a slowed down version of the main riff. The Biolizard theme has the main riff distorted and slowed. Then the actual Live & Learn plays during the final boss. And then the piano notes during the Last Scene are a slowed version of the main riff too.
It also plays in This Way Out (Prison lane), if you pay close attention!
not to mention super shadow’s theme in shth
And when sonic reappears after using chaos control for the first time and charges into final rush
@@gameringly8916 that's the same as the menu and story recap music
sonic mania has alot of leitmotifs too
After an eternity of Sonic fans complaining about everything ESPECIALLY '06, you've actually managed to point out something about that game that was unequivocally GREAT and that level of positivity just ruins me.
29:41 Another thing to mention is about this specific motif is its overwhelming domination. In the end, despite that little song and dance that Sonic and Eggman played and Sonic's initial victories, it was all planned. Eggman played Sonic like a fiddle to achieve his goal. Eggman was always in control.
"Oh no, not me: I never lost control. You're face to face with the man who broke the world" -David Bowie, slightly paraphrased
man, sonic franchise is genius.
the music in '06 never fails to make me tear up, especially with that solaris boss fight. that game truly had so much potential
Finally, someone else acknowledges Sonic 06 went hard with its leitmotifs. I flipped out when I realized on my own that Silver's Dreams of an Absolution is in a bunch of his cutscene tracks
0:17 the fact they used the part of the chorus that literally says “nothing can stop you now” fits so well with the scene.
I can’t wait for Frontiers to add its own motifs. I think I’m here is pretty good now, but an orchestral version would hook me even more.
Loggers.
It already has Planet Wisp's in there in Kronos' Track..just saying.
Then this should be a treat for you:
ua-cam.com/video/tQ1LAig3t6g/v-deo.html
They played a Sonic Frontiers Medley, and yes, an orchestral version of I'm Here is there.
I'M HEREEEEE
REACHING FAAR ACROSS THESE NEW FRONTIEEERS
WITH MYYY LIIFE I FIIGHT THIS FEEEEAR
IN MY HAAAANDS, I HOLD THE ONES I LOOVE
WALK FORWAARD THROOUGH THE COOLD DAAAAWN
ALWAYS TO NEW HORIZOOOONS
@@mechashadow wait really?
Loved how each example of Merlina’s leitmotif was followed by Sonic saying huh 😭
I got goosebumps when Gamma's theme played. 25 years later still
I legit cried knowing what was going to be used for returning leitmotif, that being his self sacrifice
Another great example is the OST for the Saturn port of 3D Blast. Every single level theme + the title screen music contains a leitmotif of the game’s vocal track You’re My Hero. That one little sequence of notes goes through like 10 different genres throughout the game. Calypso, orchestral, jazz, ambient, techno, circus music, it’s crazy
As someone who calls themselves a musician, has listened to several Sonic soundtracks consistently and thought I knew all that these OST’s had to offer…you genuinely shocked me with some of these reveals. These composers are more genius then I already thought they were!
You did INSANELY well here, Al. This editing is next level, your writing still continues to be great, even the sound design in this video is edited and balanced brilliantly. Great work, you created a masterpiece. Added to my favourites. (Yes, I actually use the favourites playlist.)
I added it to my favourites playlist too bro!! 😂
@@simplycharles5341 Nice! Good to know the favourites playlist lives on.
Man that black knight section really puts into perspective how confused sonic is for most of his stories
_H U H ?_
This is an amazing video. I would argue that Sonic Unleashed’s soundtrack is the most complete out of any Sonic soundtrack, not only because the music is incredibly well composed, but also how it works within the story itself. The cutscene music are great examples of this, but one music piece many people seem to overlook is Eggmanland - Day.
In this music piece, it is overwhelmed with artificial and electronic sounds, mostly from the synths, but there is a faint piano melody buried underneath it. It also contains many of the notes similar to Sonic’s leitmotif in Sonic Unleashed. The only natural element is being drowned out by the artificiality of the situation. Seen as how Sonic is the only natural creature in Eggmanland, he would be represented by the piano, a very natural sounding instrument (as well as piano having a very heavy presence in Sonic’s theme in Unleashed and the game in general). But because the piano is so faint compared to all of the other instruments, just from the music alone, you can feel the intensity of the stage. With so many synths piled on top of each other, and then one piano trying to work its way through, it is almost as if Sonic is overwhelmed by the seriousness and intensity from the stage and he is trying to push through the danger everywhere. At certain moments, the piano works contrasts yet compliments the synths, almost as if Sonic is wall-jumping when the piano notes change, then dodging enemies or missiles in an ever changing, threatening environment.
Just goes to show how important the music is to tell a story, and also goes to show how a game with a phenomenal soundtrack also has one of the greatest stories the franchise could ever have.
Hey, maybe that means the guitar in Eggmanland - Night is used to represent the Werehog
@@dangarbagecanman Very well could be.
Eggmanland day was one of my favorite tracks because of its uneasy feeling like your in a place you shouldnt have allowed to be built, but sonic had other things on his plate and had to ingore eggman, and now he's paying for it by being in the belly of the beast.
And i instantly thought of e102 gammas theme wheb you mentioned a synth and piano in competition. But in gammas case the 2 are working in conjunction and taking turns being the lead. Showing that the animal inside and the robot around it are in harmony.
And on top of all of that, the track absolutely SLAPS.
I think the fact that Sonic’s leitmotifs are varied resembles him in this way: he is a free spirited guy. He moves and thinks like the wind, always changing. Eggman’s doesn’t change because he is more about controlling. Everything staying put in his power. Anyways, that is just what I think.
Great video! Incredibly edited! Definitely subbed!
There’s many others that people often overlook. For example, the level “Space Gadget” from Shadow the hedgehog (2005) shares a leitmotif with Sonic & the Black Knight’s result screen theme. And Shadow’s signature “I am all of me” Motif appears in the last section of Crush 40’s version of “All Hail Shadow.” Also you should do one of these videos on the Crash Bandicoot series! It’s full of Leitmotifs!
Also, green hill zone in silvers theme
@@tivvy2vs21 Yes! I love that one🔥
i am all of me is also in the beginning of never turn back!!
17:53 I literally said "Shadow is so fucking cool" at the exact same time as you, that is hilarious
I always thought this was an inherent problem with the franchise. As incredibly diverse the soundtracks are, there's never the ONE song/theme you could associate with Sonic (most iconic would probably be Green Hill, but even that's not Sonic's theme). But when you said that Sonic's theme is whatever the hell the games WANT his theme to be (in service of the story), it blew my mind open.
Another banger video! I hope one day to be able to reach your level of god tier editing!
Actually most people associate Sonic with Live and Learn more than anything
Sonic's theme will always be his SA1 version of It Doesn't Matter imo
interestingly, i’ve been having the same thoughts about the mario franchise’s music
Did you people like not watch the video
I know nothing about music theory. I didn't know what a leitmotif was until this video, yet still... goddamn, this might be the BEST Sonic video ever. Not even exaggerating. A unique topic plus absolutely insane editing.
HES BACKKK!!
I read this in the sonic movie Battista's voice lol.
Papa's gotta brand new stache!
@@Nascarfan1896 Lmao same
HES BACKKKKK
(Say it like how Eggman Did in sonic two).
@@ultracommander8368 Eggman didn't say that... I don't think so
this is one of the hardest videos i’ve ever seen in my life. your editing is absolutely insane and i can feel the passion you have for this franchise just in the first few minutes. fr made me tear up at a lot of the unleashed bits, that game changed my entire childhood and i’m so glad more people are giving it the respect it’s always deserved
Ever since I learned about them from Undertale i've been in love with leitmotifs, this video encapsules everything I love about them perfectly. Amazing job as usual!
You should've been there when Homestuck was a thing. Radiation was the master of it.
Every time I come back to this video I just appreciate it more and more. Like holy shit, the way you let the music speak for itself and use colour to back up the audio is just fuckin' MAGIC.
YOU HAVE MAGIC HANDS.
I love that analysis at 13:20. That’s soooo fitting
17:27 in my religious perspective, I can see this part included in Mephiles' theme represents strength and overcoming of any evil temptation. Like a triumphant part that will only play when you finally overcome an urge to do something that isn't right. To combat that temptation with your wisdom and knowledge God has given you.
Who's here after being pleased how they used "Live & Learn" as a lietmotif in Sonic Movie 3?
19:48 You're right it's NOT the best advice, BUT it's not *bad* advice. Smileing releases a chemical in your brain that can help fight off stress. Even a fake smile can trick your brain into thinking you're happy. Sonic's not off the mark here.
Regardless, this video, as you already know, is a masterpiece and the section on Sonic's leitmotif helped me so much with my Sonic game project. I think you know why you're the GOAT right? Keep being yourself AL, and live life to the fullest.
20:14 THE FLAMES OF DISSASTER MENTIONED
I was gonna say that
It's currently 3am and I thought I'd go to bed listening to this but instead I'm cheesing hard as shit because you reaffirmed why this series has the best music ever
I’m so glad many more people lately have been talking about Sonic 06 in a positive light. Sure, it’s not the best game in the world, but that doesn’t mean it should be shunned to video game hell.
30-50 minute Sonic videos that talk about the most random things that you never realized had such a big impact on your viewing of the game is my favorite genre of videos on UA-cam
Constantly in awe of how you blend an almost AMV-like style with the more traditional informative video essay style into your video editing! It really keeps a fun, energetic flow and energy throughout this whole thing.
Way to make this topic across a 30+ year franchise so easily digestible. Also this editing is PEAK! Good stuff!!
This is informative and I find it more useful than anything I learned in my university so far, because by 90% of my brain is pure Sonic 👍
This video not only does great with "show don't tell", but also has the best usage (or at least the best to me, I haven't seen any videos that uses it this good) of "show don't tell". With leitmotifs, yeah you could go on for 3 hours talking about all the times it uses. But that's not what you need. You just simply need to listen. How it changes and what impact it brings
I really genuinely hope Frontiers has a great leitmotif, we haven't really heard much of it in the OST and I'm concerned LOL
Great video!
When I watch UA-cam I very rarely ever say "This video is amazing" but all through this one I kept saying it over and over. The editing, the jokes, everything kept me watching. Amazing vid man.
I literally almost died because I couldn’t go another day without seeing your insanely polished editing, true story
More people need to see this video
The editing, the quality, the sound, the transitions, whatever colour/contrast editing you did to the footage to change the atmosphere? This was such an incredible watch experience, I'm so glad UA-cam did good for once and recommended me this video, I'm subscribing this instant!
Really looking forward to more videos from you in the future!
Great video as usual! Just wanted to mention one thing about 06 I’m surprised you didn’t mention. Although it isn’t exactly a leitmotif, sonic, shadow, and silver’s main themes are all a different style of music. At the time, rap was the most popular style of music, shadow was a character from the past who was asleep up until present day, and he is a character made when rock was the most prominent style of sonic music, and silver’s techno music gave off a futuristic feel. In short, shadow represents the past, sonic represents the present, and silver represents the future.
this is also in line in what they say to solaris
Silver says something along the lines of "i will protect the future"
Sonic says "for the present day, the here and now that you've stolen, time to take it back"
Shadow says something along the lines of "i will release you from the past"
@@gggsh7 oh wow didn’t know that part! Sonic 06 did everything it could to emphasis the past present and future theme in cool ways!
Fantastic video! Something I thought was interesting I wanted to point out was about Eggman's leitmotif from 06 not being in Forces. It actually is! It's in the cutscene right before the final boss! A rare W for Forces!
man, i just love videos like this, they remind me why I like the music of these games so much :) Each new motif that came up had me pointing at the screen in recognition, and you do such an great job explaining this cool aspect of sonic's music and sound design!
These videos remind me why I like sonic games so much!
And the music. It's gotta be some of the best music out there.
Editing on this was stellar. I keep re-listening to the Black Knight soundtrack recently and just miss how prevalent leitmotif's were in Sonic. Here's hoping Frontiers and beyond bring them back, they add so much to the depth of the character and game, and cement that staying power each game has. Thank you for making a video showing it off in full force!
I've never seen your channel before but there's a reason why UA-cam decided to recommend it to me in literally the first slot on the homepage within 4 hours of upload. There's also a reason why I dropped everything I was doing and watched the whole thing there and then after just the first few seconds until 1am. With the Ohtani soundtracks meaning so much to me and having listened to them in great detail myself it was so satisfying to see someone else point out everything I love so much about them with as much passion as me, especially Unleashed. Seriously good job on this, I've never been so sure of a sub before. 39 minutes 41 seconds well spent and I will definitely watch it again.
I feel like it fits that sonic's theme changes while eggman doesn't, in overall sonic has to adapt to the newest situations laid upon him, making him change and eventually grow, eggman work as this everlasting but still challenging wall, he is and is mostly the final boss, that's never gonna change, of course it changes from time to time depending on the issue at hand, but it's overall eggman vs sonic, sonic has to change his ways but eggman mostly stays the same ol villain operating his new toy in order to finish off THE hero, Sonic.
Almost 40 minutes, holy-
The wait is definitely worth I can’t wait to chill out and freak out about the topic and editing 🧡
The recognition you get for your amazing works is far too little. You're bound to go viral one of these days.
all of these honestly makes me even more excited for Frontiers than I already have, because man - Ohtani is just a class of his own with how he makes these soundtracks
The editing, writing, comedy, and analysis here is ridiculously good. Left a like
This vid made me have an even greater appreciation for sonic soundtracks than I already had. Leitmotifs really can make important sonic moments all the more memorable and cathartic. Keep up the good work Al!
Solaris Phase 1 has an incredible quality going on: It is basically Mephiles' boss theme, but using the powerful orchesta Iblis uses in all its themes. Mephiles' structure backed by Iblis' power, AKA what Solaris pretty much IS.
It was a genius move that took me a long while to notice.
Very cool video topic idea. I absolutely adore the His World leitmotif in 06, I think that melody is genuinely masterful.
The editing in this video is amazing! Really great job!
I also love you theory as to why Sonic doesn't have a consistent main theme.
The sonic 06 section shows why 06 even with all it's flaws still manages to be some of the best Sonic has offered to the world. It may be hated by a lot of people, but I can never get myself to hate such a epic game that gives me goosebumps when I listen to the final boss theme. 06 is a good example of a fantastic concept with an unfortunate execution.
Project 06 is what the game could've been.
I wish Sonic 06 was a good game bro 😭
40 minutes of insane editing! Incredible work!
i REALLY love the color isolation effect for whoever's theme is currently playing. amazing video 🙏💖
This video is exactly what I have been looking for. I want to apply this technique in my own game songs and I learnt a lot from this video. Thank you for making this!
My favourite bit about the were-hog motif is that it kinda acts like a musical plot twist. For the majority of the game, you associate the motif with the were-hog, mainly when Sonic first transforms. But at the end of the game it plays when Dark Gaia is on screen. This is because the main reason the were-hog exists is that Sonic sucked in a bunch of Dark Gaia’s energy when the planet split, causing the were-hogs curse. At the end of the game when DG regains most of its power, the last bit on energy it needs is the bit in Sonic, MEANING, that the were-hog was just an extension of Dark Gaia, MEANING that the Were-hog motif is actually Dark Gaia’s. Musical plot twist.
I literally can come to your videos and learn so much about editing, and gain so much inspiration to edit. All while listening to you talk about a franchise I love.
I swear the way he edits and makes videos is absolutely heavenly, and the transitions are so satisfying, whatever this guy gets payed he needs a frickin' raise
Worth the wait, can't wait to rewatch dozens of times for editing inspiration
the quality of your video essays is always so insane. yet another cinematic masterpiece
Holy shit, he finally stopped being a Twitter shitposter.
IT'S CALLED NETWORKING
This video is INCREDIBLE. You deserve WAY more views for this, it's obvious there was a ton of time and effort poured into the project. Quickest sub of my life.
The editing on this video is absolutely insane and honestly so is the story-telling a flow of the video.
your editing is genuinely so inspiring man, one of the most underrated channels ive seen
your editing is inspirational as hell, so cinematic i love it, the kind of editing i'd love to be able to do one day
something about your videos just fuckin hits different. your editing style, your writing, the topics you cover... all of it just hits home. stuff like yours is why im proud to call myself a sonic fan. great video as always!
I watched this with my eyes swollen from going outside and touching grass (never again) and after watching this video, I can say that my eyes are no longer swollen. AL you cured my allergies, thank you for uploading.
Nah Fr tho AL this was MAGNIFICENT. watched it all the way through just impressed by how much work was put into each edit and how eye opening the reveal was for every leitmotif I never caught, and how they impact their respective games’ narrative and themes. You’re unmatched dawg, blowing me away every time. 🔥
I have newfound respect not just for previous music tracks I didn't appreciate, but for the ambition of Sonic's music in general. This is an extra layer to the series that I don't think many people ever discuss, which I feel makes this video requires viewing for any Sonic fan. And of course the stellar content being discussed is matched by remarkable editing. This video is quintessential ALtheBoi, and the biggest peak Sonictube will see... until your next upload.
your videos never dissapoint man theyre so well done :)
As a music nerd, I really appreciation the existence of this video. I was waiting for one like this since 2017. But, can I just say, the EDITING! JEEZ SO GOOD.
Dude, I'm still amazed how much your editing has evolved over the years, everything is so stylish and alive! And the subject itself was presented just as well, you could upload your next video in 10 years that will still be an event to me, I just feel inspired by your work every time I watch it, HOW IT'S SO GOOD!?
the ULTIMATE example of a content i feel bad for not paying for it
dude you are just insane, watched the whole thing
I've never clicked on a video faster. I've been waiting for more from you, and this video definitely delivered and was worth the wait. You captured just how unique and godly Sonic music is with excellent explanation and flawless editing (as usual). I never thought I could appreciate Sonic music more, but this video has opened my eyes to the little details I never knew needed appreciation.
There’s actually a really hard to spot leitmotif in E-102 Gamma’s main theme from Sonic Adventure. The song’s buildup in the beginning plays the same notes as Sonic 3’s final boss.
THE EDITING AND NARRATIVE SEQUENCE THIS VIDEO HAS IS PEAK BRO. Literally gave me chills everytime a new leitmotif came in
28:35 HOLY WHAT AMAZING EDITING. u basically made a visual leitmotif (if thats even a thing) to transition to the most hype segment of unleashed's cutscene. and the logo movement synced impossibly perfectly with that amazing ost wtf how are you doing this. the entire pacing of this video was so incredible as always, i just cant describe how much i love ur vids. ty for putting so much effort into your content
I know they aren't official, but Sonic Before and After the Sequel's soundtracks are fully of little leitmotifs from other Sonic media that'll make you feel out when you notice them. For example, in Hilltop Heights Acts 2 and 3, you can notice a bit of the Green Hill melody in it or in Foliage Furnace Act 1, South Island theme from the OVA appears near the end of the song.
Now THAT ( 27:29 ) that gave me goosebumps! Such a powerful delivery on such a simple concept of "Keep. Moving. Forward." To each new adventure and beyond! You knocked it out of the park. And I bet you'll keep knocking it out because there's only ever one direction to run!
FORWARD!
33:33 hey look that’s me
great video!!! i love leitmotifs in games and this is just perfect. your editing is fantastic and you pointed out a lot of stuff i didn’t notice before. keep up the great work!
This is such a fantastically edited video intersplicing the music with the cutscene dialogue and your own voiceover, it's fantastic and all compliments each other so well
Absolute chaotic beauty. You can really feel the crazy amount of work and talent put into this one, and I'm in love with your shit all over again. ♡
Sonic 06, Sonic Colors and Sonic Unleashed have contains music that is so impeccable, peerless, incomparable, and finally... Nostalgic.
Prepared to watch this video 100x more because I cannot get enough of Sonic musical analysis videos, and by GOD this was so well done omg
I’ve watched this video like 9 times and every single time the editing and script floors me. Well done!
Holy shit dude you absolutely KILLED it with the climaxes like Live Life, the progression to each leitmotif is just absolutely phenomenal!
14:34 - I love the way you said "Mah Boi Silver".
And I absolutely love the new video! Well done, man, just bravo. 👏