Borislav Slavov and Larian Studios previous game, Divinity Original Sin 2 also had a wonderful soundtrack. A great thing he did on that one was allow you to assign an instrument (Flute, Oud, Tambura, Cello) to your character and the soundtrack would change to match your choice. Tremendous stuff!
I always picked the Cello for Divinity OS 2 because of how haunting and incredible it sounded throughout the whole game. I just couldnt get enough. I would just stop playing and sit back and listen so many times. Doing the same again with BG3.
I love how they use the same motif here in the opening theme and in "Down by the River" (character creation and elsewhere). Same melody used to very different effects.
Toby fox, who singlehandedly made undertale, did the same motifs throughout his soundtrack. he noted "I brings about a sense of nostalgia even if you haven't spent a lot of time with the characters. And i have to agree motifs are important for a reason.
Fun fact: The leitmotif plays every time you score a takedown or killing blow on a target the player is either equal or lower level to. Really adds to the thrill and adventure of taking out powerful foes.
feel like it's a call back to how the characters in Divinity OS2 each had their own "instrument" and landing killing blows would switch the soundtrack to that player/character's instrument of choice .
I would argue that games like Witcher 3 in 2015 were more obvious. Baldurs Gate is the best game this year, but this year had like 20 great game releases. I was still convinced Tears of the Kingdom would win until I was halfway through BG3@@ecargfosreya
@@DonovanGG__ I think what sells BG3 over Totk are the writing and characters. If it Just came down to the overworld and gameplay aspects then I would even say Totk is better. Replaying bg3 with different choices that end Up shaping the personality of each Party member completely different + the voice acting/writing is probably the best of all time
11:30 oh holy shit...in dnd every player's turn takes 6 seconds in game then its the next player then the next- the music is literally taking turns with the main melody until the "combat" finishes with the final push
The game is amazing, I had almost lost hope that companies could produce good games that are full of content and love and attention to detail, and also leave out countless microtransactions. Game so good it made a bunch of AAA developers angry they might be expected to also produce a game that isn't a greedy pile of garbage.
Yeah dude it only took six years and hundreds of millions of dollars in a privately owned self-publishing developer with a pedigree in making Rpgs for like two decades
@@Bonerlord I'm not saying every game has to be on the level as bg3 but so many games from AAA studios with hundreds of millions of dollars at their disposal are not just not as good as BG3 they're totally unadulterated garbage, buggy messes that are more like a beta, they're full of micro transactions that they get you to buy by making their games worse and selling you the fix, etc... The gaming industry is at rock bottom these days and these studios are angry Larian is exposing them for the clowns they are. Plenty of amazing games are made by small studios on small budgets but most the AAA studios just pump out the same crap over and over never pushing the limits of technology, never deviating from appealing to the lowest common denominator.
@@TrampMachine unfortunately it's not the AAA studios fault, it's the AAA publishers that own them. They wont care that BG3 is this successful, all they will do is push their devs to recreate it under extreme crunch and impossible deadlines. The devs speaking out aren't saying not to expect it because they don't want to do it ( i can guarantee they would love to spend more time working on something they love then push trash out), but because the publishers that own those studios will not care at all to do it right and to the same standard. Until those publishers start losing significant amounts of money it doesn't matter how successful BG3 is in the long run.
You know, once every 10 years or so there's a game that shake the trees. I was blown away by The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt, a game that introduced me to the open world RPG genre. Now 8 years later I discover Baldur's Gate 3 and my first D&D experience. I'm like 40 hours into the game and I guess close to the end of the first chapter (yes, there's quite a steep learning curve for a novice like myself) but what a blast this is! Everything in this game is TOP-NOTCH: the voice acting, the narrative, the graphics, the gameplay, the cutscenes, the possibilities, the soundtrack... and so on. Just wooooow!!! All my respect for the people (I should call them artists) who made this. Larian Studios from Belgium, hail to you. Thank you.
Also, Divinity Original Sins 2 was pretty insane as well. Witcher 3 was not as ground breaking as it was for the plot it finally tied up which started in 2006 or something with Witcher 1.
The game seems outstanding so far. So I don't normally care too much about graphics, but BG3 hits a new threshold where suddenly it looks SO good that the voice acting and characterization really get to shine. Like I actually listen to character dialogue and sincerely enjoy it. Would love to see you play it! Curious what you'll think of the choices for the bard instruments hehehe.
A CRPG has no business looking this good. Seeing the twinkle in the eye of my halfling Stabby McNubbins, and his super expressive face. Just amazing. And I thought the opening cinematic was an FMV for a moment!
And how abou the animations ? those facial expressions are so ... expressive haha, it´s making me not read the subtitles because I don´t want to miss ANY frame, since their expressions change so often during one conversation.
I love the game as i loved divinity (their previous franchise)... having a playable, complete, replayable, with great multi-playing option triple AAA is a really rare and enjoyable thing nowadays
Game feels amazing. You know it was done with crazy amount of love, when you dont have this "I dont think I can do this/ game allows me to do" moments. Without spoiling anything, me and friends already had this 3 situations, where I dont think other games mechanics let us solve problems like we did. Extremely immersive, similiar to good DnD session. On the plus side, we havent got a really good RPG in some time, that is not feeling like a soulless nostalgia cash grab, without being online 24/7 and price tags on every asset. Looking great, sounds amazing and is extremely fun to play, if classic fantasy setup can be your thing. Highly recommend for either solo or coop playthrough.
i've played the game since early access over a year ago, so i'm biased when i say yes: the game is fantastic. the soundtrack all around is mesmerizing, the voice acting is so stellar, and the gameplay itself is really fun esp if you like D&D 5e already 😊 i'm happy to see a reaction to the theme, i always found it imposing and exhilarating at the same time. i would gladly watch more bg3 soundtrack reactions if you choose to do so since i know nothing about the mechanics of music myself. the anecdote about the "devil's interval" was great! also, that strong theme melody that keeps repeating in this track has lyrics! the track "Down by the River" has them if you want to hear. it plays during the character creation menu. the vocalist is genuinely incredible. if you end up playing, i hope you enjoy it as much as i do!
Motifs from this track also serve as parts of the main battle theme during Act 1. Anytime you strike down an opponent they mix up the volume on the chorus section. It's absolutely bombastic.
It plays every time you kill an enemy of equal or higher level, usually the most “earned” or dramatic feeling combat, so it always lands with that impact
The game is SO amazing. I can't believe how amazing. Talking to the characters! The choices and places everything goes. It feels like you're actually talking to real characters. And then the music and voice acting is top notch. Combat too, and I even mentioned it last, as compared to other games. Kind of unbelievable. I was in the character creation menu listening to the music in there forever lol. Great game. Always appreciate you reactions. Very knowledgable. Enjoy the game!
I love how the theme takes you through a journey - the ominous mystery and dread, to almost a brief reprieve like the safety of camp, then to the drums of war, then almost a tavern-like setting, then an epic battle. So damn cool.
i LOVE this game and have been enjoying its music for years now! but i have no musical education, so it was really fascinating watching you break it down and make me appreciate it even more! 😊
You should explore the Berserk (1997) music and by extension Susumu Hirasawa's music. The guy is seriously underrated and his music is simply brilliant.
Рік тому+15
Wish I had the restraint to not dive right in to the soundtrack but listened to all of it the second i could. Yes, the game is one of a kind. Best game of all time, hands down. A TRUE masterpiece
Рік тому+2
If you want some other video game music that's masterclass greatness, anything by Maclaine Diemer's Guild Wars 2 work, Austin Wintory in general, Frostpunk by Piotr Musical and the original Baldur's Gate are some shout outs. Can also recommend checking out Stray Gods, a roleplaying musical game dropping on the 10th
Words cannot express how happy I get playing this game. The characters, gameplay, storyline, soundtrack, voice acting and virtually everything else just makes me giddy every time I grab my mouse. Hearing the "Down by the River" leitmotif makes me smile every time
I love your reaction to this piece, Tony - you've helped me appreciate it that much more when I linger on the main menu to just soak in the atmosphere of the game. Breaking down orchestral compositions brings such a smile to your face, especially when you enjoy the effort and detail in the composition - fingers crossed you decide to check out more of BG3's music! Helps that the game is great, too :D
First menu just turned me into a kid again! The music and the screen! Oh my goodness. The way it builds up tells the story you are most likely going to have with the game at the same time, and because of that it's different, at least subjectively different, song/track every time. Spoilers ahead, and even if they are from the first few hours of the game I still think they really spice the game: It still hooks back to the first steps, and reminds me of the feel of being just totally lost... This is game about knights and dragons, and we are starting the game on a alien ship, and crashing into demons of hell! I mean what the hell is going on!
oh me and my friend were discussing if the game would be delivering OST wise lately, he's a big fan of the oldschool BG games, that's my moment to introduce him with the best music reactor out there as we both love to dive into outstanding music pieces, very good pick and amazing timing
Divinity Original Sin 2 (Larian's previously released game) had a soundtrack that blew me away in 2017 when I played it. Same composer as BG3 and my god did he outdo himself again. I knew it would be tough to beat Divinity OS 2, but my god is the BG3 soundtrack something special. I especially love the Down by the River track, with those haunting vocals.
You mention in passing at the beginning about the tritone being the devils note. Its being played in the game menu when you see the temple of Bhaal, the god of murder. And mentioning a TRItone, the focus being on the Dead Three, the three evil gods who are the focus of the game. Its just so brilliant!
You should truthfully check out Baldur's Gate 1 and Baldur's Gate 2 main themes. As I feel this was made to inspire similarity to those epic songs, which still are amazing and recommend people to go check them out.
A great analyis as always! I can gladly say that the game absolutely lives up to the music. Borislav Slavov's soundtracks are incredilbe, his Divinity Original Sin 2 Soundtrack is legendary as well. This particular piece of music has 1 single goal in my opinion and it achieves it 1000%: To make you feel the Urge to go on an adventure. And the game gives you an opportunity to do so right away :)
The music of Bobby is on another level. I was blown away by his work in Divinity Original Sin 2 and he managed to do it yet again in Baldur's Gate 3 Been listening to these tracks since Early Acess 10:27 to 10:59 is my favorite part, the way the different melodies meld together in the big crescendo just makes me tear up.
Please react to more of BG3's or Divinity Original Sin 2's music! I love learning the mechanics and artistry behind things I deeply enjoy but don't truly understand. Knowing the intentions and complexity elevate the experience to another level. In particular, I'd be so curious to hear your thoughts about "The Power" from BG3 and "Shadow Prince's Theme" from Divinity OS 2!
I'm having fun listening to your analysis. As a soprano singing voice and a flute player I here all the stuff that is mixed in on top (event he things that probably get lost a lot - yeah flute you usually hear if it's missing), it's really good to get my nose pointed into the stuff I don't focus on.
@@DrumRollTonyReacts The only bad thing about it is that you can't do both at the same time 😂 But I started singing later in life (although I did sing in a choir for a couple of years and "liked singing" but I just didn't do it as much). I always got told I didn't have a very good singing voice. When I was a teen and my voice changed, it dropped a lot which is unusual for a girl. I got stuck singing alto a lot of the time but that is where my voice switches between (sorry, I don't know these words in English, not a native speaker) the breast tone and the high tone. So I always hated that. I had some range to go deeper and I could sing tenor a lot of the time. Couple of years back now, a friend started a choir project at Uni (because she's had some classical training and wanted to sing with friends) and I discovered that I could easily sing soprano and had a powerful voice. It's been an unexpected gift. As for the flute I played in a brass band for years and also love to play classical compositions for flute. I've played the flute for almost 20 years now. Since it doesn't get to shine that much in classical symphonies a lot of the time I always have an ear open for it and get really excited when I find it in the mix. I love music so much. I think something I find really cool and amazing about the composition at hand here is how seamlessly the wood instruments pass the melody amongst themselves. They just melt into each other. That is hard to do from a technical standpoint but it's also just really cool to make that work in a composition. Oh and you were wondering about the clarinet and oboe thing: Tbf my sister plays the clarinet so it might feel easier to me but generally, the oboe is the quackier one. it's not a coincidence that in Peter and the Wolf, the oboe is the duck. The clarinet sits in between the flute and the oboe in terms of "clarity" of tone but is more soulful than the flute. The flute just flies above the other instruments (like the bird in Peter and the Wolf) but I don't think you had trouble identifying the flute.
It feels so dense when you take the time to listen to all the layers. Totally agree on the baton being passed around, its like different voices/perspectives being given the freedom to play and pass it on.
That bow string pull (instrument), the one that sounded like ropes on a ship, gave me the impression of an intimate bow string pull (weapon). Though, ropes on a ship might be more accurate.
It’s really incredible how many outstanding aspects there are to this game. Everyone involved put their foot in this project, and it could honestly be their swan song.
It's one of the themes that will be stuck in my head and always remember. Same like the Tristram theme from D2 and the Skyrim take on the ES theme.There are giant games out there in the past that I can't recall a single tune from, Mass Effect and GTA comes to mind or just tunes like the guitar rip from half life (the ending techno track stuck in my head though for some reason), full songs in my memory are rare and reserved for only the best.
This theme has something all great themes have, and that's the ability to hum the main theme and have everyone know what it is. It also has a great buildup that gets you pumped up, like the Halo theme.
Don't forget to listen to the soundscape in the game. So many satisfying and atmospheric background sounds and effects. Also the sound in the menus. It all melds together to a mesmerizing wholeness.
Borislav is a master. I even bought the double vinyl release of his Divinity Original Sin 2 soundtrack that includes also a 8 page piano score (for bad keyboard players like me :)). They had to "reprint" the vinyl quite a few times now. And I think if there is so much demand for the works of a game composer on an exotic medium like vinyl it has to be something special. I hope Larian will release a vinyl edition for the BG3 ost, too.
You get to hear the main-game leitmotiff many times througout the game, specially mid-fights when you finally disalive some important enemy and it would already feel good to just overcome that enemy, but then the game just slaps you with this powerful and empowering leitmotiff
While the music to this game won't go onto the "you'll recognise it after 3 notes for decades" list, it does sound great AND works very well in the game. For example, BG3 is one of the few games where the music in the character generation doesn't shout "move on with it!" but invites you to lean down and relax, to enjoy the music while taking the time to think your character through.
@@perhapsyes2493I think what he means is that it won't become iconic. Like gta San Andreas famous toon, Mario's theme, skyrims main menu, undertales megalovania, etc. I do however think that this game will have an iconic motif. Duuun dun dun, dundundun. It's the motif for many of the games songs, and it's memorable, and a but emotional depending on the song. Feels nostalgic in tune. So I think while no song from this game will become iconic in gaming, the motif as far as rpg type genres and fantasy games go, will certainly be one of the most iconic fantasy motifs out there. Baldurs gate 3 itself right now is currently being set up as the trophy winning example of how to make an amazing modern game, fantasy game, rpg game, crpg game, dnd game. So this deserved pedestal treatment will certainly help elevate the soundtracks motif in gaming iconism, because the game itself will certainly at least be labeled as a must play game for anyone. Iconic tunes are basically always tied to famous or iconic titles. Sort of becoming an overall piece of gaming history. So I think this game and motif will become iconic, just not any individual song.
It was composed perfectly to accompany someone opening the game for the first time and following the regular timeframes to creating their firstcharacter.
My friends playing with me on my coop save are probably pretty tired of me pausing to listen to the musoc and ambience. Good sound and music design go so far with me, many others too, especially when you get several instruments in-game with which you can play a lot of the music you hear as bardic/distraction performances.
great breakdown and react for a very worthy OST, the game is batting it out of the park and the outstanding work on the OST is part of the overwhelmingly quality package.
Actually ☝️🤓 the tritonus was called the devil's interval because it was difficult to sing in a group and it "sounded bad" . It wasn't banned or considered evil.
Loved this man, and dont feel sorry for pausing it so much lol. I love hearing you break it down, i dont have an ear for these things so its nice to hear your thoughts on some of these pieces
One of my main motivstors for wanting to back BG3 when it first went into early access was because I could get my hands on the score. Been a fan of Borislav's ever since DOS2 so was eagerly looking forward to listening to it. Holding off from a full listen for now as I am only in Act 2 (about to meet Balthazar) so daren't spoil myself. One thing I have noticed, the opening beats of The Mindflayer's Theme (on Cello, at a guess) occour throughout the game, wherever the mood is tense and concern is rising.
Glad and suprised you are doing this gane, as others i had supported this game since early acess and im gkad to see it finally out and bring amazing. Makes me forget to it eve, of course music is peak
I definitely will pay money if they going to make musical theatre version of this game to watch it with these lit soundtrack that stuck in my mind since the day i play it
I listen to bg3 soundtrack on spotify whilst working. Love it. This one in particular reminds me of kings landing music in game of thrones at certain parts, and Gale often reminds me of jaime lannister
This game’s soundtrack is phenomenal. There is one track in particular that caught me off guard with how funny and meta it is. Yet despite that, it’s still an amazing song. Unfortunately even mentioning the name of it might be a spoiler, but it’s for a boss in act 3 and it’s great!
My favorite game I've ever played tbh and I've played a lot of games. You can tell the developers really cared when they made it. I'd love to know how your playthrough went and if you enjoyed it. It's not not everyone because of the type of game it is but I think it's still a game that can be appreciated by everyone for what it is even if it's not their cup of tea.
That one Irish sound ! Jeeeez, fall in love sooo much ! ❤ I played BG 1 and 2 on premiere, just cant wait for ps5 already ! 💯 Cheers RPG gamers all over the world, lets celebrate! . Drumm, fantastic video ! Thanks ! 🤞
Everytime that opening plays. Me: "The Lord of Murder shall Perish But in his doom he shall spawn a score of mortal progeny. Chaos will be sown from their passage. So sayeth the wise Alaundo."
You can see my reaction to the 3rd movement here: ua-cam.com/video/dsZAdThJuLQ/v-deo.htmlsi=lRfrM0RhASpeqJUx
Borislav Slavov and Larian Studios previous game, Divinity Original Sin 2 also had a wonderful soundtrack. A great thing he did on that one was allow you to assign an instrument (Flute, Oud, Tambura, Cello) to your character and the soundtrack would change to match your choice. Tremendous stuff!
The Queen's High Seas is one of my favourites.
Tambura gang
Some Divinity Original Sin 2 OST reactions would be great. A lot of amazing tracks in that. Borislav is one of my favorites.
I always picked the Cello for Divinity OS 2 because of how haunting and incredible it sounded throughout the whole game. I just couldnt get enough. I would just stop playing and sit back and listen so many times. Doing the same again with BG3.
I think BG3 does the same thing if youre a bard, theres certainly a nod to it when you pick your bard instrument.
I love how they use the same motif here in the opening theme and in "Down by the River" (character creation and elsewhere). Same melody used to very different effects.
Yeah one of Borislav's traits is how he likes to make certain notes or sounds echo throughout the soundtrack
Toby fox, who singlehandedly made undertale, did the same motifs throughout his soundtrack. he noted "I brings about a sense of nostalgia even if you haven't spent a lot of time with the characters. And i have to agree motifs are important for a reason.
Listen to I want to Live, the leitmotifs are all over the OST
There's a bit in Act 3 with a certain area of entertainment where there's a thematic take on this, was a nice touch when I noticed it.
Bro I love the motifs to "The Power" and "I want to live". Especially the versions that play in the camp.
Fun fact: The leitmotif plays every time you score a takedown or killing blow on a target the player is either equal or lower level to. Really adds to the thrill and adventure of taking out powerful foes.
Such a neat feature
feel like it's a call back to how the characters in Divinity OS2 each had their own "instrument" and landing killing blows would switch the soundtrack to that player/character's instrument of choice .
i didnt realize it was only when its equal or higher level, no wonder it always felt so impactful. absolutely slaps
“Sounds like we’re on a rocking ship…”
You should watch the whole intro cinematic of the game :D
lmaooooo
Can't wait for them to play this at the game awards
or the raphael fight theme that was amazing.
Easiest gave of the year ever in my opinion
I would argue that games like Witcher 3 in 2015 were more obvious. Baldurs Gate is the best game this year, but this year had like 20 great game releases. I was still convinced Tears of the Kingdom would win until I was halfway through BG3@@ecargfosreya
@@DonovanGG__ I think what sells BG3 over Totk are the writing and characters. If it Just came down to the overworld and gameplay aspects then I would even say Totk is better. Replaying bg3 with different choices that end Up shaping the personality of each Party member completely different + the voice acting/writing is probably the best of all time
Well it was even better than expected, and we took home the trophy too!
11:30 oh holy shit...in dnd every player's turn takes 6 seconds in game then its the next player then the next- the music is literally taking turns with the main melody until the "combat" finishes with the final push
The game is amazing, I had almost lost hope that companies could produce good games that are full of content and love and attention to detail, and also leave out countless microtransactions. Game so good it made a bunch of AAA developers angry they might be expected to also produce a game that isn't a greedy pile of garbage.
I am very excited to finally sit down and dig in when I have more time
Yeah dude it only took six years and hundreds of millions of dollars in a privately owned self-publishing developer with a pedigree in making Rpgs for like two decades
@@Bonerlord I'm not saying every game has to be on the level as bg3 but so many games from AAA studios with hundreds of millions of dollars at their disposal are not just not as good as BG3 they're totally unadulterated garbage, buggy messes that are more like a beta, they're full of micro transactions that they get you to buy by making their games worse and selling you the fix, etc... The gaming industry is at rock bottom these days and these studios are angry Larian is exposing them for the clowns they are. Plenty of amazing games are made by small studios on small budgets but most the AAA studios just pump out the same crap over and over never pushing the limits of technology, never deviating from appealing to the lowest common denominator.
@@TrampMachine unfortunately it's not the AAA studios fault, it's the AAA publishers that own them. They wont care that BG3 is this successful, all they will do is push their devs to recreate it under extreme crunch and impossible deadlines. The devs speaking out aren't saying not to expect it because they don't want to do it ( i can guarantee they would love to spend more time working on something they love then push trash out), but because the publishers that own those studios will not care at all to do it right and to the same standard. Until those publishers start losing significant amounts of money it doesn't matter how successful BG3 is in the long run.
@CJGordon987 nah man, developers are definitely also at fault. Its a combo of incompetent devs and shitty publishers.
You know, once every 10 years or so there's a game that shake the trees. I was blown away by The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt, a game that introduced me to the open world RPG genre. Now 8 years later I discover Baldur's Gate 3 and my first D&D experience. I'm like 40 hours into the game and I guess close to the end of the first chapter (yes, there's quite a steep learning curve for a novice like myself) but what a blast this is! Everything in this game is TOP-NOTCH: the voice acting, the narrative, the graphics, the gameplay, the cutscenes, the possibilities, the soundtrack... and so on. Just wooooow!!! All my respect for the people (I should call them artists) who made this. Larian Studios from Belgium, hail to you. Thank you.
I would give half of my memories to have BG3 as my first game of this type. You're one lucky dude
Well, given we got Elden Ring this decade as well, we have 2 games that has shaken the very forest itself.
@@christerjakobsen8107eh
My guy comparing Elden ring to Witcher and Baldur’s gate?
Also, Divinity Original Sins 2 was pretty insane as well. Witcher 3 was not as ground breaking as it was for the plot it finally tied up which started in 2006 or something with Witcher 1.
Ooh wee... by now you're probably finished with the game and probably have seen even MORE EPIC things in Act 2 and Act 3... This game is a jewel.
Baldur's gate is probably the Most godlike game i've ever played It's just something that Every gamer should play
The game seems outstanding so far. So I don't normally care too much about graphics, but BG3 hits a new threshold where suddenly it looks SO good that the voice acting and characterization really get to shine. Like I actually listen to character dialogue and sincerely enjoy it. Would love to see you play it! Curious what you'll think of the choices for the bard instruments hehehe.
That's great to hear
A CRPG has no business looking this good. Seeing the twinkle in the eye of my halfling Stabby McNubbins, and his super expressive face.
Just amazing. And I thought the opening cinematic was an FMV for a moment!
And how abou the animations ? those facial expressions are so ... expressive haha, it´s making me not read the subtitles because I don´t want to miss ANY frame, since their expressions change so often during one conversation.
My fav look of the graphic is when you are in the magma part you can see the sweat rolling down every character face in converstaions
Yes and there are so many unique combinations of choices in the game that leads to different outcomes
Down, down, down by the river.
Been playing this since the EA in 2020ish. I always go back to the harpy song. It’s short but so hauntingly beautiful.
Personally I can't stand how repetitive it is, it drives me insane in character creation and have to mute.
@@Fire_Bear42 that's neat
@@t20sgrunt36 If u like headaches
the first 'aaaaaa' 'eeeeeeeee' is iconic, i keep singing this randomly at home
Borislav is one of gaming's best composers in my opinion, along with Jeremy Soule and Christopher Tin 😊
Video Question: What do you think of the game? I own it but have not played it YET 👀
For live content catch me on Twitch. www.twitch.tv/drumrolltony
I love the game as i loved divinity (their previous franchise)... having a playable, complete, replayable, with great multi-playing option triple AAA is a really rare and enjoyable thing nowadays
It's absolutely amazing
It's one of the best games I have played in a long time.
Foe me, it's the best game of the last 20 years. I never got into Skyrim or The Witcher, maybe they were on a similar level in their time.
Game feels amazing. You know it was done with crazy amount of love, when you dont have this "I dont think I can do this/ game allows me to do" moments.
Without spoiling anything, me and friends already had this 3 situations, where I dont think other games mechanics let us solve problems like we did. Extremely immersive, similiar to good DnD session.
On the plus side, we havent got a really good RPG in some time, that is not feeling like a soulless nostalgia cash grab, without being online 24/7 and price tags on every asset.
Looking great, sounds amazing and is extremely fun to play, if classic fantasy setup can be your thing. Highly recommend for either solo or coop playthrough.
This is the sort of opening that you will have nostalgia of years from now. Such an amazing music for such an incredible game.
Better question is; “is the music as good as the game.” Fortunately, the answer is yes to both questions.
i've played the game since early access over a year ago, so i'm biased when i say yes: the game is fantastic. the soundtrack all around is mesmerizing, the voice acting is so stellar, and the gameplay itself is really fun esp if you like D&D 5e already 😊
i'm happy to see a reaction to the theme, i always found it imposing and exhilarating at the same time. i would gladly watch more bg3 soundtrack reactions if you choose to do so since i know nothing about the mechanics of music myself. the anecdote about the "devil's interval" was great! also, that strong theme melody that keeps repeating in this track has lyrics! the track "Down by the River" has them if you want to hear. it plays during the character creation menu. the vocalist is genuinely incredible.
if you end up playing, i hope you enjoy it as much as i do!
Thanks for the nice comment
Motifs from this track also serve as parts of the main battle theme during Act 1. Anytime you strike down an opponent they mix up the volume on the chorus section. It's absolutely bombastic.
it pumps me up every time, an excellent way to kick off the fight
It plays every time you kill an enemy of equal or higher level, usually the most “earned” or dramatic feeling combat, so it always lands with that impact
The rhythm syncs with a beating heart, it's really beautiful once you stop to actually take notice of it. Thanks for the analysis!
"Delicate but still commanding..."
So like Shadowheart. 🤔
In one of locations in the game you can find little music box and it plays main Theme and it's so pretty!
I'm 21 hours into the game and in my mind it is a masterpiece already.
I'm 44 hours. You are correct. GOTY
@@Battletoads2 finished it yesterday. Yup, GOTY, no contest.
120hours+
GOAT.
still playing, deserves game of the year.
The game is SO amazing. I can't believe how amazing. Talking to the characters! The choices and places everything goes. It feels like you're actually talking to real characters. And then the music and voice acting is top notch. Combat too, and I even mentioned it last, as compared to other games. Kind of unbelievable. I was in the character creation menu listening to the music in there forever lol. Great game. Always appreciate you reactions. Very knowledgable. Enjoy the game!
I love how the theme takes you through a journey - the ominous mystery and dread, to almost a brief reprieve like the safety of camp, then to the drums of war, then almost a tavern-like setting, then an epic battle. So damn cool.
This game was so good it made me deep dive Dungeons and Dragons lore and now i can't stop the video's on it.
This is so well composed and arranged, I'm weeping. It instantly teleported me back to hearing The Ride of the Rohirrim for the first time.
i LOVE this game and have been enjoying its music for years now! but i have no musical education, so it was really fascinating watching you break it down and make me appreciate it even more! 😊
I don't understand 70% of the words you say but I love watching people talk about music, love your content!
You should explore the Berserk (1997) music and by extension Susumu Hirasawa's music. The guy is seriously underrated and his music is simply brilliant.
Wish I had the restraint to not dive right in to the soundtrack but listened to all of it the second i could.
Yes, the game is one of a kind. Best game of all time, hands down. A TRUE masterpiece
If you want some other video game music that's masterclass greatness, anything by Maclaine Diemer's Guild Wars 2 work, Austin Wintory in general, Frostpunk by Piotr Musical and the original Baldur's Gate are some shout outs.
Can also recommend checking out Stray Gods, a roleplaying musical game dropping on the 10th
BG3 "I want to live" is also amazing, pretty iconic!
Words cannot express how happy I get playing this game. The characters, gameplay, storyline, soundtrack, voice acting and virtually everything else just makes me giddy every time I grab my mouse. Hearing the "Down by the River" leitmotif makes me smile every time
A very fitting soundtrack for what is quite possible the best game I've ever played. Thanks for the analysis!
I do think it's the best video game of the last decade.
I love your reaction to this piece, Tony - you've helped me appreciate it that much more when I linger on the main menu to just soak in the atmosphere of the game.
Breaking down orchestral compositions brings such a smile to your face, especially when you enjoy the effort and detail in the composition - fingers crossed you decide to check out more of BG3's music! Helps that the game is great, too :D
I strongly recomend reacting to 'Nine Blades' Track 5 of the Baldur's Gate OST. Probably one of the best tracks on there.
Make way to the Blade of Frontiers!
First menu just turned me into a kid again! The music and the screen! Oh my goodness.
The way it builds up tells the story you are most likely going to have with the game at the same time, and because of that it's different, at least subjectively different, song/track every time.
Spoilers ahead, and even if they are from the first few hours of the game I still think they really spice the game:
It still hooks back to the first steps, and reminds me of the feel of being just totally lost... This is game about knights and dragons, and we are starting the game on a alien ship, and crashing into demons of hell! I mean what the hell is going on!
oh me and my friend were discussing if the game would be delivering OST wise lately, he's a big fan of the oldschool BG games, that's my moment to introduce him with the best music reactor out there as we both love to dive into outstanding music pieces, very good pick and amazing timing
Divinity Original Sin 2 (Larian's previously released game) had a soundtrack that blew me away in 2017 when I played it. Same composer as BG3 and my god did he outdo himself again. I knew it would be tough to beat Divinity OS 2, but my god is the BG3 soundtrack something special. I especially love the Down by the River track, with those haunting vocals.
YES
You mention in passing at the beginning about the tritone being the devils note. Its being played in the game menu when you see the temple of Bhaal, the god of murder. And mentioning a TRItone, the focus being on the Dead Three, the three evil gods who are the focus of the game. Its just so brilliant!
Also, I bet there's only 3 vocalists in the beginning.
You should truthfully check out Baldur's Gate 1 and Baldur's Gate 2 main themes. As I feel this was made to inspire similarity to those epic songs, which still are amazing and recommend people to go check them out.
A great analyis as always!
I can gladly say that the game absolutely lives up to the music.
Borislav Slavov's soundtracks are incredilbe, his Divinity Original Sin 2 Soundtrack is legendary as well.
This particular piece of music has 1 single goal in my opinion and it achieves it 1000%: To make you feel the Urge to go on an adventure. And the game gives you an opportunity to do so right away :)
I'm trying to figure out how this isn't the best game ever made. So damn good.
That's a very subjective thing. However thinking that before you even finished it is pretty myopic.
Stop listening to the hype... it's distracted you.
@@DRourk Hype or not, this game delivers very strongly, so far this is the best work Larian did.
@@DRourk I think over 200 hours of gameplay is more than enough for 'me' to think this is the best game ever made. Sorry if you disagree bud.
@@troller8680 No doubt this is the best Larian has ever done. Whether it delivered strongly or not depends on what one is looking for.
@@DRourk mate, numbers are not lying. Your personal opinion might be different, but majority of playerbase seems to be positive, me among them.
The music of Bobby is on another level.
I was blown away by his work in Divinity Original Sin 2 and he managed to do it yet again in Baldur's Gate 3
Been listening to these tracks since Early Acess
10:27 to 10:59 is my favorite part, the way the different melodies meld together in the big crescendo just makes me tear up.
Please react to more of BG3's or Divinity Original Sin 2's music! I love learning the mechanics and artistry behind things I deeply enjoy but don't truly understand. Knowing the intentions and complexity elevate the experience to another level.
In particular, I'd be so curious to hear your thoughts about "The Power" from BG3 and "Shadow Prince's Theme" from Divinity OS 2!
I'm having fun listening to your analysis. As a soprano singing voice and a flute player I here all the stuff that is mixed in on top (event he things that probably get lost a lot - yeah flute you usually hear if it's missing), it's really good to get my nose pointed into the stuff I don't focus on.
That's cool you do both vocals and woodwinds
@@DrumRollTonyReacts The only bad thing about it is that you can't do both at the same time 😂
But I started singing later in life (although I did sing in a choir for a couple of years and "liked singing" but I just didn't do it as much). I always got told I didn't have a very good singing voice. When I was a teen and my voice changed, it dropped a lot which is unusual for a girl. I got stuck singing alto a lot of the time but that is where my voice switches between (sorry, I don't know these words in English, not a native speaker) the breast tone and the high tone. So I always hated that. I had some range to go deeper and I could sing tenor a lot of the time. Couple of years back now, a friend started a choir project at Uni (because she's had some classical training and wanted to sing with friends) and I discovered that I could easily sing soprano and had a powerful voice. It's been an unexpected gift. As for the flute I played in a brass band for years and also love to play classical compositions for flute. I've played the flute for almost 20 years now. Since it doesn't get to shine that much in classical symphonies a lot of the time I always have an ear open for it and get really excited when I find it in the mix. I love music so much.
I think something I find really cool and amazing about the composition at hand here is how seamlessly the wood instruments pass the melody amongst themselves. They just melt into each other. That is hard to do from a technical standpoint but it's also just really cool to make that work in a composition.
Oh and you were wondering about the clarinet and oboe thing: Tbf my sister plays the clarinet so it might feel easier to me but generally, the oboe is the quackier one. it's not a coincidence that in Peter and the Wolf, the oboe is the duck. The clarinet sits in between the flute and the oboe in terms of "clarity" of tone but is more soulful than the flute. The flute just flies above the other instruments (like the bird in Peter and the Wolf) but I don't think you had trouble identifying the flute.
It feels so dense when you take the time to listen to all the layers. Totally agree on the baton being passed around, its like different voices/perspectives being given the freedom to play and pass it on.
That bow string pull (instrument), the one that sounded like ropes on a ship, gave me the impression of an intimate bow string pull (weapon). Though, ropes on a ship might be more accurate.
It’s really incredible how many outstanding aspects there are to this game. Everyone involved put their foot in this project, and it could honestly be their swan song.
It's one of the themes that will be stuck in my head and always remember. Same like the Tristram theme from D2 and the Skyrim take on the ES theme.There are giant games out there in the past that I can't recall a single tune from, Mass Effect and GTA comes to mind or just tunes like the guitar rip from half life (the ending techno track stuck in my head though for some reason), full songs in my memory are rare and reserved for only the best.
That short call and answer by the bass voice and followed by the brass answering. PERFECTION.
This theme has something all great themes have, and that's the ability to hum the main theme and have everyone know what it is. It also has a great buildup that gets you pumped up, like the Halo theme.
I started recognizing the motiff right from the character creator, it's amazing.
Don't forget to listen to the soundscape in the game. So many satisfying and atmospheric background sounds and effects. Also the sound in the menus.
It all melds together to a mesmerizing wholeness.
Isn't it? They really did a terrific job. Everything falls into to place and then you get a... materpiece.
Such an awesome soundtrack! I’ve been using the tracks from Early Access for my home dnd games for the last two years and it never fails ^^
That's a good idea
@@DrumRollTonyReacts Thanks ^^
Adam Neely did a great video about tritones.
The second movement is fire. I love how the main theme flows from one instrument to another.
Game of the year! I got goosebumps when the orchestra performs GOTY nominees medley at The Game Awards yesterday, especially at the BG3 part.
Borislav is a master. I even bought the double vinyl release of his Divinity Original Sin 2 soundtrack that includes also a 8 page piano score (for bad keyboard players like me :)). They had to "reprint" the vinyl quite a few times now. And I think if there is so much demand for the works of a game composer on an exotic medium like vinyl it has to be something special. I hope Larian will release a vinyl edition for the BG3 ost, too.
You get to hear the main-game leitmotiff many times througout the game, specially mid-fights when you finally disalive some important enemy and it would already feel good to just overcome that enemy, but then the game just slaps you with this powerful and empowering leitmotiff
curious, metaphorically this is an Ant reviewing a god
Wait until you hear "So and So's" Final Act.
Good GOD.
While the music to this game won't go onto the "you'll recognise it after 3 notes for decades" list, it does sound great AND works very well in the game. For example, BG3 is one of the few games where the music in the character generation doesn't shout "move on with it!" but invites you to lean down and relax, to enjoy the music while taking the time to think your character through.
Nah, I am absolutely sure that I will recognize that opening vocals for the rest of my life.
@@perhapsyes2493I think what he means is that it won't become iconic. Like gta San Andreas famous toon, Mario's theme, skyrims main menu, undertales megalovania, etc.
I do however think that this game will have an iconic motif. Duuun dun dun, dundundun. It's the motif for many of the games songs, and it's memorable, and a but emotional depending on the song. Feels nostalgic in tune.
So I think while no song from this game will become iconic in gaming, the motif as far as rpg type genres and fantasy games go, will certainly be one of the most iconic fantasy motifs out there. Baldurs gate 3 itself right now is currently being set up as the trophy winning example of how to make an amazing modern game, fantasy game, rpg game, crpg game, dnd game. So this deserved pedestal treatment will certainly help elevate the soundtracks motif in gaming iconism, because the game itself will certainly at least be labeled as a must play game for anyone.
Iconic tunes are basically always tied to famous or iconic titles. Sort of becoming an overall piece of gaming history.
So I think this game and motif will become iconic, just not any individual song.
This game is a masterpiece, as well as soundtrack.
It was composed perfectly to accompany someone opening the game for the first time and following the regular timeframes to creating their firstcharacter.
My friends playing with me on my coop save are probably pretty tired of me pausing to listen to the musoc and ambience. Good sound and music design go so far with me, many others too, especially when you get several instruments in-game with which you can play a lot of the music you hear as bardic/distraction performances.
You should look his divinity original sin 2 soundtracks because they are really good too.
I’m playing as a bard and you can pull out your instrument anytime you want and people will stop and come and listen and throw good at you😅 I love it
during the character creation another rendition of the main theme with vocal and more melo subtle acoustic style great as well.
great breakdown and react for a very worthy OST, the game is batting it out of the park and the outstanding work on the OST is part of the overwhelmingly quality package.
dude you broke this whole thing down to dust ....and you put you some respec on it shout out to you sir!
I appreciate that!
Actually ☝️🤓 the tritonus was called the devil's interval because it was difficult to sing in a group and it "sounded bad" . It wasn't banned or considered evil.
It's so funny how redicilious the lore stories are. Every music campus everywhere 😅
@@DrumRollTonyReacts haha yep 🤣
You really need to do a reaction video for Ori and the Will of the Wisps OST!!! That one is one of the best OSTs ever.
Yes, i do agree
Finally more music where french horn outshines trumpet! Now we've got this and Basil Poledouris for epic french horn blasting.
Loved this man, and dont feel sorry for pausing it so much lol. I love hearing you break it down, i dont have an ear for these things so its nice to hear your thoughts on some of these pieces
Glad you did BG3. Amazing game with fantastic sound.
One of my main motivstors for wanting to back BG3 when it first went into early access was because I could get my hands on the score. Been a fan of Borislav's ever since DOS2 so was eagerly looking forward to listening to it.
Holding off from a full listen for now as I am only in Act 2 (about to meet Balthazar) so daren't spoil myself.
One thing I have noticed, the opening beats of The Mindflayer's Theme (on Cello, at a guess) occour throughout the game, wherever the mood is tense and concern is rising.
Listen to Raphael's end song battle the voice actor of the boss sings his own song.
This theme is permanently in my brain for the last year.
The game is indeed excellent and the soundtrack is amazing throughout
Soundtrack for a game like this is legendary, surely best soundtrack of the year.
Glad and suprised you are doing this gane, as others i had supported this game since early acess and im gkad to see it finally out and bring amazing. Makes me forget to it eve, of course music is peak
I definitely will pay money if they going to make musical theatre version of this game to watch it with these lit soundtrack that stuck in my mind since the day i play it
The music of this game has made me weep at a few points in the game, gods it's so good.
I listen to bg3 soundtrack on spotify whilst working. Love it. This one in particular reminds me of kings landing music in game of thrones at certain parts, and Gale often reminds me of jaime lannister
This game’s soundtrack is phenomenal. There is one track in particular that caught me off guard with how funny and meta it is. Yet despite that, it’s still an amazing song. Unfortunately even mentioning the name of it might be a spoiler, but it’s for a boss in act 3 and it’s great!
I know exactly what you're talking about and I absolutely love that song + fight + everything about it lol
First listening to the main menu music for this game was not only intimidating but amazing
Not sure if you already saw Weeping Dawn: "Baldurs Gate 3 - The Weeping Dawn - Vesela Delcheva/The Symphony of Sin"
BG3 Character creation sound is fantastic as well!
Down By The River lives in my head now haha
The Harpy Song. TEH HARPEH SONG
Ahhhh ahhhh… ahhhhh ahhhhhhh….. goosebumps
More games need to understand how impactfull a theme can be. And not using it often enough.
My favorite game I've ever played tbh and I've played a lot of games. You can tell the developers really cared when they made it. I'd love to know how your playthrough went and if you enjoyed it. It's not not everyone because of the type of game it is but I think it's still a game that can be appreciated by everyone for what it is even if it's not their cup of tea.
That one Irish sound ! Jeeeez, fall in love sooo much ! ❤ I played BG 1 and 2 on premiere, just cant wait for ps5 already ! 💯 Cheers RPG gamers all over the world, lets celebrate! .
Drumm, fantastic video ! Thanks ! 🤞
the last time i heard something this beautiful, this powerful in a game soundtrack has to be Age of Conan.
the bass thing in the beginning almost sounds like a bow and arrow being drawn
It totally does! 🏹
I would love to see a reaction to the previous OST, Divinity Original Sin 2. One of my personal favorite fantasy soundtracks!
Everytime that opening plays.
Me:
"The Lord of Murder shall Perish
But in his doom he shall spawn a score of mortal progeny.
Chaos will be sown from their passage.
So sayeth the wise Alaundo."
I have no fucking idea what the hack you talking but i like it!
This music was sooo good! I loved it! Its very chilling!
Game of The Year Award 2023! Yes this game is good
It reminds me of Basil Poledouris.