For the curious and/or lazy, here's a full list of the tracks where the main theme's melodies are included. _Where We Used To Be_ (and, by extension, all of its remixes) include 3 main melodic lines, which occur at 0:12, 0:36 and 0:56 respectively in _Elysium, in the Blue Sky._ The first melodic line appears in the following tracks: _Elysium, in the Blue Sky_ _Elysium in the Dream_ _Where We Used To Be_ _Yggdrasil_ _Orbital Ring_ _White All Around Us_ The second melodic line appears in the following tracks: _Elysium, in the Blue Sky_ _Elysium in the Dream_ _Where We Used To Be_ _The Decision_ _A Faint Hope_ _The Power of Jin_ _Orbital Ring_ _Parting_ _The Tomorrow With You_ _Escape - Going Through Clouds_ _Elysium_ _White All Around Us_ _One Last you_ The third melodic line appears in the following tracks: _Elysium, in the Blue Sky_ _Elysium in the Dream_ _The Awakening_ _Where We Used To Be_ _Yggdrasil_ _With People and Darkness_ _Orbital Ring_ _Our Hope_ _White All Around Us_ _One Last You_
Oh my goodness, I started making this list as well but didn't get to finish it as of now - thanks so much for the effort! O.o This is also so much better than I'd have done it, was only searching for the second line :D
I'm listening to "One Last You" right now and it reminded me to come and check out this video. So like, I've actively got tears in my eyes at this moment. Of course I'm not gonna STOP the song, I'll watch this video in a few minutes.
People often say how XC1's "Unfinished Battle" is severely underused and while I agree I think XC2 did something amazing with this idea. The track "The Tommorow With You" might be not just my favourite Xenoblade or game track but maybe even my favourite piece of music ever. The fact that this only places twice in the game (I'm pretty sure) is perfect when you take the context of the 2 times it plays. The end of Chapter 7 saving Pyra and Mythra, awakening Pneuma and Rex becoming the true Driver of the Aegis. It's probably my favourite scene in the whole game. Then when the song plays during the ending scene it's the perfect juxtaposition as Rex loses Pyra, Mythra AND Pneuma. However the track itself is a foreshadowing to Pyra and Mythra's return by literally telling you this song represents the tommorow Rex wants with Pyra and Mythra. Sorry if this was a bit of a messy rant but I just love the Xenoblade games and I could talk about any of my favourite games for hours.
Small note: The section of “the power of jin” that contains the main theme starts at a high pitch and descends down in a minor key, whereas the main theme, which is meant to symbolize rex’s relationship with pyra and mythra starts low, and ascends in a major key. I interpret this as an allusion to the fact that Jin and Lora’s relationship was very similar to Rex and pyra’s but the tragedy that befell Lora made Jin bitter and resentful towards humans and drivers. Jin and Rex are like two sides of the same coin. Rex almost gives up when pyra is taken, but he’s able to overcome it with the help of his friends. Jin loses his driver and many of his friends and becomes resentful. Just a cool little detail, and why I think they included that leitmotif for both characters
Howdy ya'll! Sorry it's been a bit since the last Xenoblade 2 video, but hopefully you enjoyed! I love video game music so much, so I thought this was a great way to come back to the sequel. I'm interested to hear what are your favorite songs that utilizes the main motif or, hell, even your favorite songs from the game? "Parting"/"The Tomorrow with You" are up there as my favorite uses of the motif cause... my emotions lol.
Well that uses the main theme I would say that ygrasill (world tree) I just love that theme. And well the main screen theme I still remember how after three months or so I put the game on and don't being able to press A just watching it. I was nostalgic of a game that I have finished less that a year ago and wich I could have play without moment at that moment. For me it has a lot of power, more having all the Leitmotives explained in the video
My favourite song changes every week, that's how good the soundtrack is. But Uraya's theme is when the game really 100% got me. I walked around Gormott, Uraya and Mor Ardain, just to listen to the themes. And After Despair and Hope... damn had I goose bumps the entire fight
@@KayJulers Well, at least there's one place where his ability to do a full driver combo solo is helpful. When he's traveling with you in the Land of Morytha, you'll just be fighting a random enemy and he'll pull it off and you're just like, "Huh! Where'd that Guldo go we were just fighting?"
Hey, I just wanted to say I really appreciate this video. I'm a huge Xenoblade fan, specifically of Xc2, though I love 1 and 3! I discovered your channel last year around the time the trailer for 3 first dropped, and you did your breakdown video on it. Ever since whenever I feel like listening to someone talk about my favourite video game series, you're my go to guy! I think that's just because I adore how much work and passion you put into your videos. The scripts are always very well paced and describe things really well, but I want to especially highlight the way you *speak* your lines. You always say stuff with such passion and enthusiasm... its refreshing to listen to when a day gets me down. I especially got that with this video. Its so well put together in almost every way, with the editing being on point, the script and the way you say it, and of course the subject matter itself - I never noticed just how deeply connected and thematically coherent 'Where We Used To Be' is in the game and its story beats! So thank you for always putting in your best. It does not go unnoticed, even on a video thats been out a few years! Keep on creating awesome videos! 👍
I love how in this moment when rex has to let go of pneuma the character growth on Zeke and Morag show as they suddenly end up exchanging roles for a little, Morag opening up to confort Rex while Zeke kinda gets more mature and is the one that tells Rex to be logical.
This was an amazing video, your analysis was incredibly in-depth and made me think about this soundtrack in a whole new way. I always knew I loved this game's OST, but now I just love it even more because of how intricately it's weaved into the story. I would love to see more of this kind of content on your channel, especially because I want to see this game get the love it deserves in every aspect possible. Thank you so much!
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and that you've found something more to love about the game. This soundtrack really is killer and deserves all the praise it gets. I love video game music, so more videos of this type are ones I'm certainly open to doing!
Parting will ALWAYS make me cry. The weight, cinematography, and direction just overwhelm me. White All Around Us takes me out of the story, and has me retrospectively remember the journey, the characters, the everything. And then they play the Elysium is leitmotif in the end, and I just break down. XC2 is a masterpiece to me. No game has made me this emotional before.
The main theme’s motif is such an amazing thing. But my favorite part of the ost definitely had to be Drifting Souls. It can be from Pyra, Mythra, Nia, or even Jin or Malos’ pov depending on how you interpret each line. It relates to how the blades drift from their drivers
That was a freaking great look into the main theme, and other portions of the soundtrack as a whole. For me, I'd say my three favorite tracks that incorporate "Where We Used To Be" would have to be "A Faint Hope", "The Tomorrow With You" and "Orbital Ring". You pretty much explained it pretty well as to how and why "Orbital Ring" is such a good track to use as the characters are on the final stretch of reaching Elysium; and the significance that "The Tomorrow With You" plays in the final moments Pneuma and Rex have together. "A Faint Hope" really does it for me towards the ending of the scene "Memories of This Planet", as just as the title of the track itself, it brings a slight feeling of hope in all the despair Malos is unleashing upon Alrest at that moment. With its incorporation of the main theme as Rex asks Klaus if he's changed his view on the world, it displays the newfound hope Klaus has; as he finally witnesses the good of mankind that he's longed to see all this time. Then as the music slows down, along with the characters movements, we get one last glimpse of Klaus' wish to face Galea one last time; perhaps in a place that resembles where they used to be.
Thank you, Adam! "A Faint Hope" is crazy good! There was a point in time where I would listen to it practically every day. It almost made the video, but I decided for the sake of time to focus on some of the others. That moment with Klaus is a really great one, though! Well said! I always liked how Klaus doesn't answer Rex simply with a "yes", but "I think... I am glad I met you all" which I think has a lot more weight to it. I've always liked the song's placement during the discussion with Addam in the fields of Elysium, too.
@@KayJulers It's used so well in that scene with Addam too; it had almost completely slipped my mind since it's been a while since my NG+ playthrough. Especially with the fact that the main topic in their conversation is about protection, and how Rex accepting Pyra and Mythra wholeheartedly will grant him the power he seeks to protect those he cares about. Thank you for reminding me of it being used in that scene. Also, it's cool to know you loved "A Faint Hope" to a strong degree like I did. Despite it not making the video, the other tracks you discussed are just as good on their own.
No Im not crying! But damn, XC 2 is just so spectacular, I cant believe they put the game together in such a short amount of time. I remember having some issues with it when I was playing it for the first time but the more I replayed it and the more I think about it as time passes, the greater appreciation I have for it, the world, the characters, the story and themes, it all seems so purposefull and well weaved together, XC 2 is very unique in my mind and I just freaking love it :)
I'm so glad someone made a video like this! The main Xenoblade 2 motif lives so unbelievably rent free in my head Even after over 2000 songs played in my best of XC music playlist, I never realised the main motif in Jin's theme! Always learning, I suppose 😅
Yeah, arguably my favorite soundtrack in a video game. Just so thematically and musically diverse and impressive. The Tomorrow With You wrecked me, the quality of that track alone made me tear up more than the actual story events. I would say XB2 and Madoka Magica's OSTs are the two that have left the most emotional impact for me. Also I see someone chose Mythra, well done.
Wow I’m crying all over again haha. I am so so soooooo happy I found this! Xbc2 has one of my favorite soundtracks ever and the main theme in particular is brilliant! It is so nice to see someone discuss it in depth!! For me, the theme perfectly captures the melancholy of xbc2 and the lost world of morytha. The moment in parting when the horns kick in as morag consoles Rex is probably my favorite implementation of the theme, especially since morag tends to be more reserved. I am absolutely subscribing!
Holy cow. What an amazing breakdown. How does this not have more views and you not have more subscribers? An overall well-made video with great editing, clear audio, and really great writing to convey the info. This was a great watch. I’m glad UA-cam tossed your channel my way. Definite sub for your content and quality. Now I’ll start binging the whole backlog of videos you’ve got. Hahaha.
The fact that no one has gone and made a compilation of every time this theme plays in the game so that I can listen to it all in one video drives me nuts.
I really love this video, i always listen to the music in xc2 and it really enjoy to music (with soms tears). I think this video shows the superb soundtrack of this game very good.
Thank you for taking a deeper look into the music, the most overlooked part of this game for me. People generally just talk about the 'hype' tracks and take everything else at face value. Now I can send this video when I can't properly convey how much thought is put into the OST! On a side note, your way of analysing and writing has inspired me to start making video's myself. I finally decided to bite the bullet and start my serious channel. So thank you for being an inspiration and I look forward to every video you decide to make in the future!
Man, this video pointed out so many cool things I never would've fully noticed with the music when fully playing through this myself. I knew the main theme was used in multiple areas and i just thought that was a nice motif type of thing being the main theme of this game, not much more, but dang... this video really summarized how it was really used well. Good job on that. Showing the ending again for this game though, you could've done without that. I didn't need those feels again.
I'm so happy there is quality content, delving deep into this game, no idea why this game specifically affected me so much but this content may help me understand..at least a little
This is a very good exploration into the topic, thank you for this. I've always thought 'the main theme of XC2' is in a bit of a weird position with regards to whether it's _Elysium, in the Blue Sky_ or _Where We Used To Be._ I, personally, am on the side of the former; whereas the latter is the title theme and appears in more cutscenes, EitBS appears both before it on the OST and in-game. It's a bit like XCX's no2=THEMEX in that regard; even though no9=MONOX is the title theme, the former is generally considered 'the main theme'. But either way, the point of the video is unchanged. The main motif (or, rather, set of motifs) representing "Rex's bonds with Pyra/Mythra" is a very interesting take, and after watching the video, I'd probably agree. The one aspect of the theme I hadn't been sure about in the past is at the end of _Escape ~ Going Through Clouds,_ where the motif pops back up at the darkest part of the piece, when the Cloud Sea disperses, the Titans have gone, and all the party can see is the Land of Morytha before crossing the ridge, but the 'death of the bond' makes more sense than anything I came up with. 11:47 I have to say, even after listening to the OST countless times and deliberately making many notes of the leitmotifs, I never noticed that that moment in _The Awakening_ was a reference to the main theme. I'm now very glad I watched this, that was a very good catch.
That's the debate I had originally. I decided to go with the latter because of its presence on the title screen, which parallels the main theme's utilization in the first game like you mentioned. I figured with how much of the numbered titles bleeds together that it would be fitting. And that's a very good point regarding Xenoblade X. I'm glad you enjoyed the video as well!
Super interesting and original video! I absolutely love Xenoblade 2's soundtrack (it might be my favorite video game OST of all time), but I never noticed just how many of the songs were influenced by the main theme. Now XB2's main theme being more subdued and less fancy than XB1's main theme suddenly makes a lot more sense - it's very much the starting point of XB2's musical journey.
Thank you for making this video. Where We Used To Be never fails to give me the shivers. I love this game and I love its music. I'm not sure whether these would've been the thematic connections I would've made but I'm really glad you talked about it (and all the other themes and tracks you talked about) anyway.
Of course, and thanks for watching! What's great is how many other connections we have like Amalthus' theme and Counterattack worked into other tunes. It's a very cohesive track list.
The way Poppi goes to hug Tora after refusing to help Rex cross the chasm is what always breaks my heart... It is as strong as the separation of Rex and Pneuma.
I just noticed that "The power of Jin" and "Orbital Ring" remind me the Kingdom Hearts and Metroid music style respectively. This thumbnail is godlike by the way.
Great video. You def shined a new light on the tracks, and I had some feels welled up at the end. I also really liked the transitions between your narration and any audio from the game itself. That said, hearing some later Rex clips during those moments honestly feels good after dealing with the overblown "xc2 dub bad because ch 1 scream bad" memes I sometimes see. Excellent job overall. By the way, the JoJo clips were a nice touch. :v
I loved the implementation of the main motif into the world tree theme. They did it so well. And I totally agree that the first game needed an area theme theme with the main motif worked in
I never really thought about how well the music accompanies the game so well aside from drifting souls always hitting me in the feels. Like yes I always loved the OST of this game, but never really seen (personally) anyone dive into it like this. Great vid!
No way, you really made the exact same video I was planning on making for months now?! :D Oh well, I'm not complaining, like your content so joke's on you :D Edit: Watched the whole thing now and interestingly enough, you didn't mention the one track that my video would have led up to - "A Faint Hope", which had the strongest emotional impact on my that any piece of music ever had. So yeah, maybe I'll make a shorter version of what I originally planned after all, possibly also referencing your video here with corresponding credit :D Also you've done an amazing job man, keep it up! Loved this video!
"A Faint Hope" was a song I was obsessed with for a time and had on the list originally, but unfortunately cut it for the sake of time. You should definitely do it, though! I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on that track in particular and the way it hit you emotionally.
During the ending I started crying when Rex turned to Poppi and I realized what the promise was, but the reall tearjerker was Mòrag bowing and thanking both Rex and Pneuma, that solidified her as my favorite character. The rest of the ending was just me swimming in a pool of tears
Ok that was amazing. Xenoblade 2's OST is my favorite video game soundtrack (tied with Sonic Unleashed and Kid Icarus Uprising), so any video talking about how great this soundtrack is bound to be fantastic
Walking With You and The Tomorrow With You sound similar... When listening to The Tomorrow With You, 3:31 perfectly aligns with 1:21 in Walking With You. it makes it feel like you avoided a terrible fate.
Fun fact: the ancient ship's theme is a slow meloncholic version of the final boss's (battle) theme from xenoblade chronicles 1. Pretty sure the female vocals used there are used again in xbc2. Another fun fact is that the title for xenoblade chronicles ending theme is titled "Beyond the sky" and the main theme for xbc2 is "Where we used to be" makes not only a complete sentence, but one that sums up both games' origin. If perhaps, the entirety of the xeno franchise. Elysium in the sky also can fit into this, but instead we are given a name of the place beyond the sky. I think my new favorite foreshadowing is the end of chapter 2, where pyra comments on the embers being pretty as the camera pans up the world tree and rex replies without thinking "yeah, I guess its because you made it pyra". He corrects himself when he realizes how weird it sounded and instead said he said she was really good at making fires. "That is what I do" In the grand scheme of things, they're not talking about her being a fire element blade at all.
After the initial hype from Xenoblade 2's opening chapters, my love started to waver a bit until I hit chapter 7. That's when I think everything was put into perspective and my enjoyment skyrocketed into a love for the game.
Thanks for making these videos, they are really good, and you don't trow in completely ludicrous and dumb theories whilst not acting like an ass hat. You are by far the best Xeno tuber.
You mentioned this song representing the relationship between Rex, Pyra, and Mythra. When you beat the game, the title screen is the three of them together, staring at the World Tree after the final cutscene.
Finally, someone talking about how music is actually the best part of some video games and an explanation for someone to why I cry every time I hear XC2 music.
Damn I never really thought about how they are all connected but in the back of my kind it all makes sense as how it made me feel all the emotions it did and the poetic nature of even the titles the where we used to be Is genius
Completely reminded me how much of a wreck the ending of the game made me. It's probably the most beautiful ending of a game ever. and the music perfectly accompanies it.
Interesting fact : every theme you mentioned, except The Awakening, are in fact composed by Yasunori Mitsuda. In fact, for Xenoblade 2, he mainly only composed themes with this leitmotiv (with the Anuna songs, Amalthus themes and the Decision). The Awakening was composed by Kenji Hiramatsu (the + of Ace+) and does not possesed the leitmotiv. It is principally interesting cause Mitsuda is a long time composer for the Xeno serie. His composition for Xenoblade 2 also is a representation of his link with the series, from which he is probably parting for a while now (Xenoblade 2 was his biggest project to date). So, it is interesting to make link between Xenoblade 2 and Gears and Saga 1, cause Mitsuda composed many links between those games (as The Decision which is a reference to Light from the Netherworld from Xenogears). You could also check "Nephilim", the piano version, from Xenosaga 1. You will recognize the style of the man. Truly, Xenoblade 2 ost is incredible, and ACE+ were damn full of inspiration this time. But, the soundtrack composed by Mitsuda makes most of the charm of the game, cause it is filled with real emotion. Xenoblade 2 is a retelling of Gears. Mitsuda compose anew for this same story. It is a soundtrack filled with history and passion. For me, White All Around Us is the best with the leitmotiv. But, it couldn't be that good without the others. It feels like a culminatio of all the travels and the emotions created during it. Charming song that feels like the end, but the end for a new beginning full of hope. Sea of Clouds, from Ace, is incredible too. I really sense the clouds and the signification from this game. Titans die, there is less space for people to live. In the Cloud, people loose their hope for a future. In the cloud, there is a lost past. But, in those same clouds, there is a new present awaiting to be found. Thx for the video ! You completely nailed the emotions created by those musics !
That's a really interesting fact! It also has me really jived to continue my Gears playthrough as the music I've heard so far has been great. (I'm not far at all, but Dazil is a jam). Sea of Clouds is so good! I didn't realize how good it was until I tackle the Morytha video and it has stuck with me ever since. Certainly a hidden gem!
This video went off. I wish more people would analyze Xenoblade Chronicles 2's Soundtrack more. A moment i found inspiring was actually in the Torna Expansion. As the main menu is a solo piano of a beautiful theme. When I first listened to it, I felt calm and relaxed. However, after finishing the story, the ending theme played and I realized the title theme was a piano version of it. Now, every time I listen to the main menu, I feel sadness and sorrow instead of the feelings I mentioned before.
For the curious and/or lazy, here's a full list of the tracks where the main theme's melodies are included. _Where We Used To Be_ (and, by extension, all of its remixes) include 3 main melodic lines, which occur at 0:12, 0:36 and 0:56 respectively in _Elysium, in the Blue Sky._
The first melodic line appears in the following tracks:
_Elysium, in the Blue Sky_
_Elysium in the Dream_
_Where We Used To Be_
_Yggdrasil_
_Orbital Ring_
_White All Around Us_
The second melodic line appears in the following tracks:
_Elysium, in the Blue Sky_
_Elysium in the Dream_
_Where We Used To Be_
_The Decision_
_A Faint Hope_
_The Power of Jin_
_Orbital Ring_
_Parting_
_The Tomorrow With You_
_Escape - Going Through Clouds_
_Elysium_
_White All Around Us_
_One Last you_
The third melodic line appears in the following tracks:
_Elysium, in the Blue Sky_
_Elysium in the Dream_
_The Awakening_
_Where We Used To Be_
_Yggdrasil_
_With People and Darkness_
_Orbital Ring_
_Our Hope_
_White All Around Us_
_One Last You_
This is incredibly comprehensive! Thank you!
Oh my goodness, I started making this list as well but didn't get to finish it as of now - thanks so much for the effort! O.o This is also so much better than I'd have done it, was only searching for the second line :D
"Wholesome conversation"
*these are my parents' graves*
Almost cried looking back at the story. The music really hit da feels
I'm listening to "One Last You" right now and it reminded me to come and check out this video.
So like, I've actively got tears in my eyes at this moment. Of course I'm not gonna STOP the song, I'll watch this video in a few minutes.
Almost? I cry everytime I hear that final song.
@@jazzscorner4176 same
I did
I wanted someone to talk about this for AGES. Thanks.
I HAVE BEEN WAITING! WAITING FOR THIS DAAAAAY!
People often say how XC1's "Unfinished Battle" is severely underused and while I agree I think XC2 did something amazing with this idea. The track "The Tommorow With You" might be not just my favourite Xenoblade or game track but maybe even my favourite piece of music ever. The fact that this only places twice in the game (I'm pretty sure) is perfect when you take the context of the 2 times it plays.
The end of Chapter 7 saving Pyra and Mythra, awakening Pneuma and Rex becoming the true Driver of the Aegis. It's probably my favourite scene in the whole game. Then when the song plays during the ending scene it's the perfect juxtaposition as Rex loses Pyra, Mythra AND Pneuma. However the track itself is a foreshadowing to Pyra and Mythra's return by literally telling you this song represents the tommorow Rex wants with Pyra and Mythra. Sorry if this was a bit of a messy rant but I just love the Xenoblade games and I could talk about any of my favourite games for hours.
Agreed. Great analysis for a beautiful song.
KayJulers: *shows Rex's scream* - "And I think the excellent voice acting of-"
Me: "OH NO PLEASE NOOO NOOOOOOOOOOO"
KayJulers: Sike I got u
The quarantine is a damn perfect time to binge Xenoblade 2 again sure isn't it?
What about beating it twice 🙃
Small note:
The section of “the power of jin” that contains the main theme starts at a high pitch and descends down in a minor key, whereas the main theme, which is meant to symbolize rex’s relationship with pyra and mythra starts low, and ascends in a major key.
I interpret this as an allusion to the fact that Jin and Lora’s relationship was very similar to Rex and pyra’s but the tragedy that befell Lora made Jin bitter and resentful towards humans and drivers. Jin and Rex are like two sides of the same coin. Rex almost gives up when pyra is taken, but he’s able to overcome it with the help of his friends. Jin loses his driver and many of his friends and becomes resentful.
Just a cool little detail, and why I think they included that leitmotif for both characters
Simpletons: "the story is the main focus the music is just good and not important"
[KayJulers: has entered the chat]
Mythra: simpleton?
Howdy ya'll! Sorry it's been a bit since the last Xenoblade 2 video, but hopefully you enjoyed! I love video game music so much, so I thought this was a great way to come back to the sequel.
I'm interested to hear what are your favorite songs that utilizes the main motif or, hell, even your favorite songs from the game? "Parting"/"The Tomorrow with You" are up there as my favorite uses of the motif cause... my emotions lol.
My favorite is The tomorrow with you! And yes.. It always put tears in my eyes.... ahh the feels ❤😅
Well that uses the main theme I would say that ygrasill (world tree) I just love that theme.
And well the main screen theme I still remember how after three months or so I put the game on and don't being able to press A just watching it. I was nostalgic of a game that I have finished less that a year ago and wich I could have play without moment at that moment. For me it has a lot of power, more having all the Leitmotives explained in the video
KayJulers I think my favorite is either Counterattack, Elysium in the Dream, or One Last You.
My favourite song changes every week, that's how good the soundtrack is. But Uraya's theme is when the game really 100% got me. I walked around Gormott, Uraya and Mor Ardain, just to listen to the themes. And After Despair and Hope... damn had I goose bumps the entire fight
The entire OST is magnificent, but walking with you takes the cake.
not gonna lie i tear up when i hear "where we used to be"
Seeing the ending, and returning to that screen... I stayed for an hour looking at the title screen crying
"Oh no god! Not Empty Moment!"
How's this man going to have an art that boasts high evasion with AOE damage on top of one that does topple, launch, and smash? That's just crazy.
Oh pls no
@@KayJulers Well, at least there's one place where his ability to do a full driver combo solo is helpful. When he's traveling with you in the Land of Morytha, you'll just be fighting a random enemy and he'll pull it off and you're just like, "Huh! Where'd that Guldo go we were just fighting?"
god i hated empty moment so much before i started grinding and was able to destroy him easily
DIMITRI
Hey, I just wanted to say I really appreciate this video. I'm a huge Xenoblade fan, specifically of Xc2, though I love 1 and 3! I discovered your channel last year around the time the trailer for 3 first dropped, and you did your breakdown video on it. Ever since whenever I feel like listening to someone talk about my favourite video game series, you're my go to guy!
I think that's just because I adore how much work and passion you put into your videos. The scripts are always very well paced and describe things really well, but I want to especially highlight the way you *speak* your lines. You always say stuff with such passion and enthusiasm... its refreshing to listen to when a day gets me down.
I especially got that with this video. Its so well put together in almost every way, with the editing being on point, the script and the way you say it, and of course the subject matter itself - I never noticed just how deeply connected and thematically coherent 'Where We Used To Be' is in the game and its story beats!
So thank you for always putting in your best. It does not go unnoticed, even on a video thats been out a few years!
Keep on creating awesome videos! 👍
I love how in this moment when rex has to let go of pneuma the character growth on Zeke and Morag show as they suddenly end up exchanging roles for a little, Morag opening up to confort Rex while Zeke kinda gets more mature and is the one that tells Rex to be logical.
This was an amazing video, your analysis was incredibly in-depth and made me think about this soundtrack in a whole new way. I always knew I loved this game's OST, but now I just love it even more because of how intricately it's weaved into the story. I would love to see more of this kind of content on your channel, especially because I want to see this game get the love it deserves in every aspect possible. Thank you so much!
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and that you've found something more to love about the game. This soundtrack really is killer and deserves all the praise it gets. I love video game music, so more videos of this type are ones I'm certainly open to doing!
I teared up so many times while just exploring the world and listening to the music. The Kingdom of Uraya Day Theme is God tier
all music in this game is god tier
Parting will ALWAYS make me cry. The weight, cinematography, and direction just overwhelm me. White All Around Us takes me out of the story, and has me retrospectively remember the journey, the characters, the everything. And then they play the Elysium is leitmotif in the end, and I just break down.
XC2 is a masterpiece to me. No game has made me this emotional before.
This video is woefully underrated
I cried atleast twice just watching this video, the music really empowers all these scenes so much
The main theme’s motif is such an amazing thing. But my favorite part of the ost definitely had to be Drifting Souls. It can be from Pyra, Mythra, Nia, or even Jin or Malos’ pov depending on how you interpret each line. It relates to how the blades drift from their drivers
That was a freaking great look into the main theme, and other portions of the soundtrack as a whole.
For me, I'd say my three favorite tracks that incorporate "Where We Used To Be" would have to be "A Faint Hope", "The Tomorrow With You" and "Orbital Ring". You pretty much explained it pretty well as to how and why "Orbital Ring" is such a good track to use as the characters are on the final stretch of reaching Elysium; and the significance that "The Tomorrow With You" plays in the final moments Pneuma and Rex have together. "A Faint Hope" really does it for me towards the ending of the scene "Memories of This Planet", as just as the title of the track itself, it brings a slight feeling of hope in all the despair Malos is unleashing upon Alrest at that moment. With its incorporation of the main theme as Rex asks Klaus if he's changed his view on the world, it displays the newfound hope Klaus has; as he finally witnesses the good of mankind that he's longed to see all this time. Then as the music slows down, along with the characters movements, we get one last glimpse of Klaus' wish to face Galea one last time; perhaps in a place that resembles where they used to be.
Thank you, Adam! "A Faint Hope" is crazy good! There was a point in time where I would listen to it practically every day. It almost made the video, but I decided for the sake of time to focus on some of the others. That moment with Klaus is a really great one, though! Well said! I always liked how Klaus doesn't answer Rex simply with a "yes", but "I think... I am glad I met you all" which I think has a lot more weight to it. I've always liked the song's placement during the discussion with Addam in the fields of Elysium, too.
@@KayJulers It's used so well in that scene with Addam too; it had almost completely slipped my mind since it's been a while since my NG+ playthrough. Especially with the fact that the main topic in their conversation is about protection, and how Rex accepting Pyra and Mythra wholeheartedly will grant him the power he seeks to protect those he cares about.
Thank you for reminding me of it being used in that scene. Also, it's cool to know you loved "A Faint Hope" to a strong degree like I did. Despite it not making the video, the other tracks you discussed are just as good on their own.
Well after watching this you just have sentenced yourself to do more of these.
But really a very good video as always. Keep the good work
Sounds about right from the looks of it lol. And thank you!
No Im not crying! But damn, XC 2 is just so spectacular, I cant believe they put the game together in such a short amount of time. I remember having some issues with it when I was playing it for the first time but the more I replayed it and the more I think about it as time passes, the greater appreciation I have for it, the world, the characters, the story and themes, it all seems so purposefull and well weaved together, XC 2 is very unique in my mind and I just freaking love it :)
"also known as oh god not empty moment" theme. Accurate.
maybe TOO accurate.
I played this game when I was 11 and at the end I sobbed like a baby. I guess it’s just how it was all put together.
Cool video. Xenoblade 2's soundtrack is one of my favorite soundtracks. It's neat seeing some of the songs analyzed this way.
Thanks, Frank!
@@KayJulers You're welcome!
I'm so glad someone made a video like this! The main Xenoblade 2 motif lives so unbelievably rent free in my head
Even after over 2000 songs played in my best of XC music playlist, I never realised the main motif in Jin's theme! Always learning, I suppose 😅
Fun fact: Amalthus’ boss theme takes reference from the famous “The Planets” song “Jupiter”. I’m sure if you listen to both you’ll see what I mean
You sir, just earned a sub. That was absolutely beautiful, and I couldn't put it better myself. God this game is so underrated
Yeah, arguably my favorite soundtrack in a video game. Just so thematically and musically diverse and impressive. The Tomorrow With You wrecked me, the quality of that track alone made me tear up more than the actual story events. I would say XB2 and Madoka Magica's OSTs are the two that have left the most emotional impact for me.
Also I see someone chose Mythra, well done.
Wow I’m crying all over again haha. I am so so soooooo happy I found this! Xbc2 has one of my favorite soundtracks ever and the main theme in particular is brilliant! It is so nice to see someone discuss it in depth!! For me, the theme perfectly captures the melancholy of xbc2 and the lost world of morytha. The moment in parting when the horns kick in as morag consoles Rex is probably my favorite implementation of the theme, especially since morag tends to be more reserved. I am absolutely subscribing!
I love this game and its music so much! And I love your videos! ❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you, Daniel! 💛💙❤️
...and all of you guys!
Holy cow. What an amazing breakdown. How does this not have more views and you not have more subscribers? An overall well-made video with great editing, clear audio, and really great writing to convey the info.
This was a great watch. I’m glad UA-cam tossed your channel my way. Definite sub for your content and quality. Now I’ll start binging the whole backlog of videos you’ve got. Hahaha.
The fact that no one has gone and made a compilation of every time this theme plays in the game so that I can listen to it all in one video drives me nuts.
A music analysis of a game that's super important to me? Thank you, youtube recommendations.
Amazing work, this games music captures so much emotion so perfectly
I really love this video, i always listen to the music in xc2 and it really enjoy to music (with soms tears). I think this video shows the superb soundtrack of this game very good.
Thank you for taking a deeper look into the music, the most overlooked part of this game for me. People generally just talk about the 'hype' tracks and take everything else at face value. Now I can send this video when I can't properly convey how much thought is put into the OST!
On a side note, your way of analysing and writing has inspired me to start making video's myself. I finally decided to bite the bullet and start my serious channel. So thank you for being an inspiration and I look forward to every video you decide to make in the future!
Man, this video pointed out so many cool things I never would've fully noticed with the music when fully playing through this myself. I knew the main theme was used in multiple areas and i just thought that was a nice motif type of thing being the main theme of this game, not much more, but dang... this video really summarized how it was really used well. Good job on that. Showing the ending again for this game though, you could've done without that. I didn't need those feels again.
This was really good. XC2 has one of my favorite soundtracks and this really brought up some emotions. Thank you
I just love xenoblade. Especially those main themes. Oh god the title themes are too great to miss. Also they all got boppin battle themes as a bonus.
I'm so happy there is quality content, delving deep into this game, no idea why this game specifically affected me so much but this content may help me understand..at least a little
This. Xenoblade 1 and x just never got the music to work as well as this game and you nailed it on the head as to why
Fantastic video
This video was wonderful! I love this type of musical analysis, and was hoping someone would do one for XC2!
This video was well done, I hope you consider making a similar video of Xenoblade 3s main theme.
This is a very good exploration into the topic, thank you for this. I've always thought 'the main theme of XC2' is in a bit of a weird position with regards to whether it's _Elysium, in the Blue Sky_ or _Where We Used To Be._ I, personally, am on the side of the former; whereas the latter is the title theme and appears in more cutscenes, EitBS appears both before it on the OST and in-game. It's a bit like XCX's no2=THEMEX in that regard; even though no9=MONOX is the title theme, the former is generally considered 'the main theme'. But either way, the point of the video is unchanged.
The main motif (or, rather, set of motifs) representing "Rex's bonds with Pyra/Mythra" is a very interesting take, and after watching the video, I'd probably agree. The one aspect of the theme I hadn't been sure about in the past is at the end of _Escape ~ Going Through Clouds,_ where the motif pops back up at the darkest part of the piece, when the Cloud Sea disperses, the Titans have gone, and all the party can see is the Land of Morytha before crossing the ridge, but the 'death of the bond' makes more sense than anything I came up with.
11:47 I have to say, even after listening to the OST countless times and deliberately making many notes of the leitmotifs, I never noticed that that moment in _The Awakening_ was a reference to the main theme. I'm now very glad I watched this, that was a very good catch.
That's the debate I had originally. I decided to go with the latter because of its presence on the title screen, which parallels the main theme's utilization in the first game like you mentioned. I figured with how much of the numbered titles bleeds together that it would be fitting. And that's a very good point regarding Xenoblade X. I'm glad you enjoyed the video as well!
God this fucking THEME.
THIS. THIS IS WHAT MADE ME BUY THE OST.
THIS IS WHAT MADE ME CRY LIKE A BABY
THIS THEME
And GOD THAT THIRD MELODY. THE VOCALS. THE PIANO. I LOVE IT ALL
Super interesting and original video! I absolutely love Xenoblade 2's soundtrack (it might be my favorite video game OST of all time), but I never noticed just how many of the songs were influenced by the main theme. Now XB2's main theme being more subdued and less fancy than XB1's main theme suddenly makes a lot more sense - it's very much the starting point of XB2's musical journey.
Thank you for making this video. Where We Used To Be never fails to give me the shivers. I love this game and I love its music. I'm not sure whether these would've been the thematic connections I would've made but I'm really glad you talked about it (and all the other themes and tracks you talked about) anyway.
Of course, and thanks for watching! What's great is how many other connections we have like Amalthus' theme and Counterattack worked into other tunes. It's a very cohesive track list.
The way Poppi goes to hug Tora after refusing to help Rex cross the chasm is what always breaks my heart... It is as strong as the separation of Rex and Pneuma.
I just noticed that "The power of Jin" and "Orbital Ring" remind me the Kingdom Hearts and Metroid music style respectively.
This thumbnail is godlike by the way.
Great video. You def shined a new light on the tracks, and I had some feels welled up at the end. I also really liked the transitions between your narration and any audio from the game itself. That said, hearing some later Rex clips during those moments honestly feels good after dealing with the overblown "xc2 dub bad because ch 1 scream bad" memes I sometimes see. Excellent job overall.
By the way, the JoJo clips were a nice touch. :v
This made me remember how much I love this game. So thanks for that!
Of course! Glad you enjoyed!
I've beaten the game 3 times and the themes and characters never fail to impress
The music really helped me getting invested into the gameplay and story, making me a new Xenoblade fan.
I feel that. Hearing the title theme was what motivated me to finally start the copy of Xenoblade 1 I had been sitting on for more than a year.
I loved the implementation of the main motif into the world tree theme. They did it so well.
And I totally agree that the first game needed an area theme theme with the main motif worked in
You don't have the deserved views in your videos. Your channel is truly amazing
I never really thought about how well the music accompanies the game so well aside from drifting souls always hitting me in the feels. Like yes I always loved the OST of this game, but never really seen (personally) anyone dive into it like this. Great vid!
Thank you! Drifting Souls is my kryponite and always hits me hard during the battle against Malos at the end.
No way, you really made the exact same video I was planning on making for months now?! :D Oh well, I'm not complaining, like your content so joke's on you :D
Edit: Watched the whole thing now and interestingly enough, you didn't mention the one track that my video would have led up to - "A Faint Hope", which had the strongest emotional impact on my that any piece of music ever had. So yeah, maybe I'll make a shorter version of what I originally planned after all, possibly also referencing your video here with corresponding credit :D
Also you've done an amazing job man, keep it up! Loved this video!
"A Faint Hope" was a song I was obsessed with for a time and had on the list originally, but unfortunately cut it for the sake of time. You should definitely do it, though! I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on that track in particular and the way it hit you emotionally.
@@KayJulers Oh so that's why :D Alright, hope I can finish it relatively soon! ^^
ive seen the ending of this game around 7 times, always end up crying...
I'm so glad someone else thought about how the music impacts the game- fantastic video!
2:46
I'll never not think of that one ytp where Rex slaps Pyra with the sword after saying that
During the ending I started crying when Rex turned to Poppi and I realized what the promise was, but the reall tearjerker was Mòrag bowing and thanking both Rex and Pneuma, that solidified her as my favorite character. The rest of the ending was just me swimming in a pool of tears
I agree with everything on this video all of the Soundtracks are so amazing
Wow I didn't even know the main theme got worked into the world tree theme. I always find myself learning new stuff by watching your videos
Ok that was amazing. Xenoblade 2's OST is my favorite video game soundtrack (tied with Sonic Unleashed and Kid Icarus Uprising), so any video talking about how great this soundtrack is bound to be fantastic
Walking With You and The Tomorrow With You sound similar...
When listening to The Tomorrow With You, 3:31 perfectly aligns with 1:21 in Walking With You. it makes it feel like you avoided a terrible fate.
I can't not cry when I hear One Last You, goddammit where are the tissues when you need them
Fun fact: the ancient ship's theme is a slow meloncholic version of the final boss's (battle) theme from xenoblade chronicles 1. Pretty sure the female vocals used there are used again in xbc2. Another fun fact is that the title for xenoblade chronicles ending theme is titled "Beyond the sky" and the main theme for xbc2 is "Where we used to be" makes not only a complete sentence, but one that sums up both games' origin. If perhaps, the entirety of the xeno franchise. Elysium in the sky also can fit into this, but instead we are given a name of the place beyond the sky. I think my new favorite foreshadowing is the end of chapter 2, where pyra comments on the embers being pretty as the camera pans up the world tree and rex replies without thinking "yeah, I guess its because you made it pyra". He corrects himself when he realizes how weird it sounded and instead said he said she was really good at making fires.
"That is what I do"
In the grand scheme of things, they're not talking about her being a fire element blade at all.
For some reason I only really started appreciating this game towards the end
After the initial hype from Xenoblade 2's opening chapters, my love started to waver a bit until I hit chapter 7. That's when I think everything was put into perspective and my enjoyment skyrocketed into a love for the game.
In simple words, this soundtrack is amazing
Thanks for making these videos, they are really good, and you don't trow in completely ludicrous and dumb theories whilst not acting like an ass hat. You are by far the best Xeno tuber.
I'm flattered and really appreciate the kind words.
You mentioned this song representing the relationship between Rex, Pyra, and Mythra. When you beat the game, the title screen is the three of them together, staring at the World Tree after the final cutscene.
Finally, someone talking about how music is actually the best part of some video games and an explanation for someone to why I cry every time I hear XC2 music.
This is a great video! Keep it up dude!
The power of Jin rlly gives me an empty moment
I totally didn’t cry like 4 times through this video
It’s fucking beautiful. Favorite main theme of any game ever.
Thank you, Kay
Damn I never really thought about how they are all connected but in the back of my kind it all makes sense as how it made me feel all the emotions it did and the poetic nature of even the titles the where we used to be Is genius
This is such a good video! Now I wonder if you'll talk about Xenoblade 1's main theme 🤔
Also my favorite rendition is the one in the final boss, just a clash between the wills of Rex/Pneuma VS Malos/Amalthus
Thank you for breaking this part of the game down, now I can cry knowing the reason.
Had to admit when i beat this game 1st time one last you made me crack lol. Never does a game get me emotionally invested but goddamn.
i knew i loved the music in this game but this makes me realize how perfect this game is
awesome video man
People are still talking about this game?
I'm I still playing this game?
*Yes*
Completely reminded me how much of a wreck the ending of the game made me. It's probably the most beautiful ending of a game ever. and the music perfectly accompanies it.
Very good video !
I'm a simple man. When Poppi cries I cry.
*standing ovation*
This is such a great Video. I Hope you Will gain More Subs as fast as possible!
Nice vid JayKulers
IT'S COOL I NEEDED TO CRY TODAY
Interesting fact : every theme you mentioned, except The Awakening, are in fact composed by Yasunori Mitsuda. In fact, for Xenoblade 2, he mainly only composed themes with this leitmotiv (with the Anuna songs, Amalthus themes and the Decision). The Awakening was composed by Kenji Hiramatsu (the + of Ace+) and does not possesed the leitmotiv.
It is principally interesting cause Mitsuda is a long time composer for the Xeno serie. His composition for Xenoblade 2 also is a representation of his link with the series, from which he is probably parting for a while now (Xenoblade 2 was his biggest project to date). So, it is interesting to make link between Xenoblade 2 and Gears and Saga 1, cause Mitsuda composed many links between those games (as The Decision which is a reference to Light from the Netherworld from Xenogears). You could also check "Nephilim", the piano version, from Xenosaga 1. You will recognize the style of the man.
Truly, Xenoblade 2 ost is incredible, and ACE+ were damn full of inspiration this time. But, the soundtrack composed by Mitsuda makes most of the charm of the game, cause it is filled with real emotion. Xenoblade 2 is a retelling of Gears. Mitsuda compose anew for this same story. It is a soundtrack filled with history and passion.
For me, White All Around Us is the best with the leitmotiv. But, it couldn't be that good without the others. It feels like a culminatio of all the travels and the emotions created during it. Charming song that feels like the end, but the end for a new beginning full of hope.
Sea of Clouds, from Ace, is incredible too. I really sense the clouds and the signification from this game. Titans die, there is less space for people to live. In the Cloud, people loose their hope for a future. In the cloud, there is a lost past. But, in those same clouds, there is a new present awaiting to be found.
Thx for the video ! You completely nailed the emotions created by those musics !
That's a really interesting fact! It also has me really jived to continue my Gears playthrough as the music I've heard so far has been great. (I'm not far at all, but Dazil is a jam).
Sea of Clouds is so good! I didn't realize how good it was until I tackle the Morytha video and it has stuck with me ever since. Certainly a hidden gem!
Amazing
The music is fantastic, do Torna next
Sad he didn't cover The Decision, my all time favorite song
This video went off. I wish more people would analyze Xenoblade Chronicles 2's Soundtrack more. A moment i found inspiring was actually in the Torna Expansion. As the main menu is a solo piano of a beautiful theme. When I first listened to it, I felt calm and relaxed. However, after finishing the story, the ending theme played and I realized the title theme was a piano version of it. Now, every time I listen to the main menu, I feel sadness and sorrow instead of the feelings I mentioned before.
7:16 MGS3 REFERENCE
I literally cry near then end when pya and mithra come back