How Octopath Traveler Hypes its Boss Battles
Vložit
- čas přidán 17. 05. 2024
- Octopath Traveler is a game full of good ideas. One you may not have noticed though is how it uses music to build excitement going into the boss battles. Let's explore Octopath's clever trick that made its boss battles so hype.
--
Support Game Score Fanfare on Patreon:
/ gamescorefanfare
Follow me on Twitter:
/ mittopotahis
Join the Game Score Fanfare Discord server!
/ discord
And thanks to a bunch of the people from in here who helped me with some of the music theory for this video, including Jake Butinaeu, Palycat, and TheDeerLord. Couldn't have done it without you!
"How Octopath Traveler Changes Key" by 8-Bit Music Theory
• How Octopath Traveler ...
"Octopath Traveler & Reimagining Game Music" by Game Score Fanfare
• Octopath Traveler: Rei...
--
Game footage used in this video, in order of appearance:
0:00 - Dark Souls 3
0:05 - Hollow Knight
0:09 - Final Fantasy VI
0:14 - Pokemon HeartGold / SoulSilver
0:18 - Shadow of the Colossus (2018 Remake)
0:22 - Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
0:25 - Metroid Prime
1:07 - Octopath Traveler
3:08 - Super Mario 64
3:11 - Bravely Default
--
All music used in this video is from the Octopath Traveler OST and was composed by Yasunori Nishiki, unless otherwise stated. Tracks in order of appearance:
0:00 - Koopa (Bowser) - Yoshi's Island (composed by Koji Kondo)
1:06 - Battle 3
1:25 - Cyrus' Theme
2:10 - Olberic's Theme
2:50 - For Redemption
3:08 - For Master
3:32 - For Redemption
4:30 - For Revenge
5:05 - Decisive Battle II
7:02 - For Truth
7:18 - For Freedom
7:36 - For Treasure
8:02 - Decisive Battle I
8:21 - The Battle At Journey's End
8:36 - They Who Govern Reason
9:17 - Decisive Battle I
--
Game Score Fanfare is a show that celebrates music in video games, an aspect so overlooked as that's often the point: to work without you even realising it's there. I look at games through the lens of its score, discovering the unique perspective and roles that music can bring. - Hry
It's a crime that RDR2 stole the award for best score/ost. Octopath deserves the award way more and even Celeste was more deserving of it than RDR2
*whispers very quietly* I agree.
@@GameScoreFanfare shouts very loudly* I TOTALLY AGREE. CRIME WE SAID, CRRRRRRIIIIIIIME!!!
Get this man a mic
Welcome to a popular vote awards show
Monster hunter world best rpg smh
I agree, but RDR2's soundtrack was also incredible. I wouldn't sleep on it just because it's in a AAA game.
"this.... will continuously loop either forever, or until you press the A button and enter the battle. Which ever comes first." lmao
*me when I'm about to face Galdera
@@jacobmartin8332 cries in Runelord Tressa
Octopath should have won best score. I will never ever not be salty about that. This game's OST is SO. DARN. GOOD
I don’t think there is any game even to this day that has managed to beat Octopath as my favourite OST in anything.
@@lewis9s Octopath is in my Top 3 along with any Falcom and Atlus OST.
@@McCaroni_Sup I still rock Snowboard Kids music in my car... I could listen to Big Snowman all day, every day.
I think Atlus is still owned by Sega, right? Gives me hope Snowboard Kids will have a good spot in line for Switch Online's N64 library!
I really can't believe that Octopath Traveller didn't won best OST at TGA. It´s really worked up the battle themes, the character themes and, absolutely, the dynamic soundtrack. It really touches the player.
I was devastated. RDR2 over Octopath AND Celeste??
@@GameScoreFanfare I really was hoping it would be about Celeste and Octopath. Lena put all of her passion and soul into Celeste soundtrack. Spotify even brought me Celeste as my most listened album.
But aside from personal preference, I really think that although its really an amazing western soundtrack brought by RDR2, all new western music but made in 2018, the impact of the Octopath Traveller Soundtrack in the player experience is much more heavy and undoubtful than the latter.
It's a shame, but I guess rather than winning a award, at least Octopath soudn track will go down as a landmark on modern RPG Soundtrack.
Also, Just would like to say that your work in this channel is beautifull and I was already rather anxious about your next video. Thanks for such great content and videos s2
I would have given it to GoW, personally. McCreary’s work is terrific.
Well, Xenoblade2 was not even nominated. What were you expected from those people?
@@jeffmc2157 True, True, Xenoblade music is better than shitty RDR music.
I’m surprised you didn’t touch on the most impressive boss hype transition, namely Cyrus. In addition to all the other restrictions, his ALSO has to seamlessly transition from 3/4 time to 4/4.
Oh you're totally right, I didn't even think about that!
In fact, Cyrus theme has it's waltz rhythm into his theme and "For Truth".
But then there are Ophilia and Therion too. Therion has managed to keep more of his leitmotif than else into "For Freedom" and the transition before the boss theme starts (also everything in 3/4), but Ophilia's case is curious because her theme is in 4/4, but "For Light" changes it into a 3/4 rhythm, keeping her 3 first flute notes into the transition, in an ascendant way.
@@alejandrotti10 Ophilia's Flamesgrace also has 4/4 to 3/4 change. So I guess that tempo change may be a hidden theme for Ophilia.
Changing from 3/4 to 4/4 isn’t impressive, different from all the other topics covered on the vid
Personally my favorite is Tressas translation
I really love Octopath so getting to see all the intent and detail that went into designing the music is really cool! Its one of those things that is done so well that most players don't even realize it. Each time I played the game I always felt amazed by the music!
Same! I already loved the music in Octopath and watching this video made me appreciate it even more. It's amazing.
Do a play through please
Vasko Games The music is literally what made me try the game in the first place!! I heard the title theme and I just froze in amazement and wonder. “I have to hear more” I said. So then I tried the demo, was enticed by everything including the music and bought the game almost immediately after. I’m only in Chapter 1 right now but it’s a masterpiece. Love all the different personalities the characters have and their stories.
Octopath was SO ROBBED at The Game Awards. It's easily my favorite soundtrack of all time, and one of my favorite games of all time, period. The soundtrack deserves so much more attention, super happy you made another video on it, same with 8-Bit Music Theory!
Game Awards is a joke.
It was ridiculous that Red Dead beat out Octopath in best score. Like what even.
It’s because not many people played it compared to red dead so
Nah dude, played both and RDR2 is just so much better in terms of soundtrack.
@@joeydaveyphoto2032 Of course VGA is a joke. Anything that even so much as mentions, let alone nominates Fortnite is automatically considered a joke.
My dad passed away a few months ago and tho we never really had a bond like normal father and son did we did enjoy sitting in front of a tv playing Nintendo or PlayStation. Metal Gear or Final Fantasy sound tracks bring me memories of my father and I staying up late on weekends, binge eating cereal, and figuring out strategies. When Octopath first came out I told my dad (not knowing of the future) “This game is fantastic! A masterpiece!” Dad replied moments later in a text “bring some pizza and drinks!” This game is bitter sweet right not because I can’t seem to play that old save file where we left off... Miss you dad....
Awe dude that's beautiful
I'm sorry to hear that, but I think he would want you to keep playing these games and enjoying life
I want to be that dad someday. Always think of him when you play RPGs but don’t let grief stop you from doing the things you love. He’ll always be a role model for you, and someday you’ll text your own children “Bring pizza and drinks!” when the next great masterpiece comes out
I'm so sorry for your loss man.
Darryl Jack I continued and did some money grinding. Tressa is so broken.
The Blazing Prince I hope to live up to those standards for children. I know when I visit my young cousins I bring my switch and we play Mario party.
These transitions are on of the biggest contributors to my love of the Boss theme Decisive Battle II. I still remember the first time i heard the theme. It was at the end of Therion's first chapter and at this point i had never heard decide battle II. I had heard the first boss theme and experienced the build up before but I was completely caught off guard by the opening of the new boss theme and it totally blew me away. I think Nishiki-san succeeded in capturing that same feeling he had at the concert and allowing thousands of people to experience that same euphoria.
Idfk why, but when i heard the transition in my playthrough, i bursted into a mixture of laughter and tears. I never expected something so smooth and so perfect
I’m currently starting chapter 2 so please don’t spoil too much, are the recommended levels for the enemy’s different depending on the order you get the characters? I did primrose chapter 1 last, and the game recommended me to go to primrose chapter 2 first, with Therion chapter 2 being the last one I should visit
Fetch, dude. How are you so good? Masterpiece breakdown here.
Holy smokes that's an INSANE amount of work and attention for something so minute. Designers have to leave some "gaps" in immersion at times, but Octopath team didn't even leave that!
Great video, as always.
You and 8-bit Music Theory upload the same game?! Is this a conspiracy?
Anyway, I really enjoy your video. The transition is nice.
It is also we are both lizard people wearing human skin
Sssssss I mean shhhhhhhhh I mean no we're not.
Why would you need human skin? Jusr use a speech synthesizer and your fine!
He even referred to it!!!
Man, there really is nothing more thrilling to me in a game than that suspense just before fighting a long awaited boss, and I think this explains why beautifully. I didn't think Octopath would be able to make me care all 8 characters, but it absolutely did, and the music had a lot to do with that. Great work as always dude, really enjoyed this one :)
I LOVED the way that Octopath did the battle transition music. Helps that the actual songs are friggin amazing too. Shoulda won best Soundtrack, not RDR2.
Great video!
Only music i can think of with good transition would be from red alert 2.
Time to build a time machine and take this video back to whomever decided RDR2 had a better score. Octopath Traveler was absolutely robbed at the game awards.
Right, like what this score is capable of being in 8 separate games, not to mention it deserve best art direction and RPG.
I would swap RDR2 for best game and OCTOPATH Traveler gets best RPG and soundtrack.
Octopath Traveler's soundtrack is soooooooo good!
“That is madness”
And I love it! I listen to these boss songs daily! It’s truly addictive. The composer and music team really deserve so much more credit for this incredible masterpiece. They have accomplished something that is beyond impressive.
Could you do a video on Kid Icarus: Uprising's phenomenal score? There are leitmotifs littered through it, and in the flying sections the music lines up perfectly with the action. Plus, it's a rock orchestra. You can never go wrong with that
8-bit-music theoy did a video on that and it's already brilliant
Minor correction to the statement you made at 8:06, but Battle at Journey's End plays at each character's Chapter 4, which is the final chapter for each of their stories. By the way, I love how the example you use to first demonstrate the transitions is "For Redemption -> Decisive Battle II," which is perhaps my favorite transition in the entire game, though I do have a soft spot for the "For Freedom -> Battle at Journey's End" you used at that point in the video.
"For Redemption -> Decisive Battle 1" is my personal favorite transition, and it's such a shame that it's only used for a Chapter 2 miniboss.
I love the octopath soundtrack im happy youre covering it more the transitions from the setup themes to the boss themes always gets me incredibly pumped
It's so good it deserved two videos!
This was something I noticed while playing the game, but never got the full amount of work behind it. I have to say it made every boss fight feel like a spectacle
Bravely default 2 has an awesome leadup song to its asterisk holder bosses.
Oh my effin god this video was a nonstop joy and the bpm part let me with chills and mouth opened, i love you so much
ily2
Also for some one who takes English as second language, the English localization really did a fantastic job . I just loved reading everything every sentence in the game , really pulls me into the game, its like reading a bedtime story for myself every night i played it . Also, Team Olberic here!
"Redemption will play forever or until you hit 'A'."
The waiting game begins.
Should have won the game aeard for best OST. That's why VGA are a joke some times.
Outstanding video, as always
Rdr2 really didnt even had good music.
OCTOPATH TRAVELER soundtrack is truly something that I did not ever expect to come from a video game music
While I adore many musics from various games, OCTOPATH is composed so brilliantly that I had to get the albums on my hands myself
Thank you for making the analysis video to grow bigger community of the game to appreciate the composer of this game
As a side note, there is a translated Japanese interview of the composer in the official 4-disks OCTOPATH TRAVELER CD album! I highly recommend to purchase the good to those who love the game’s music!
I too had to purchase it as soon as I could, the art on the discs are phenomenal!
It's the 1st time I've ever felt the urge to buy a game (and the appropriate console ; I don't have a Switch) just by hearing a soundtrack !
(I didn't, though, I'm not rich)
You and 8-bit Music Theory both uploaded videos on Octopath Traveler at the same time. Illuminati confirmed?
Not a chance, Not a Chance.
Octopath Traveler is definitely my favorite OST in 2018 and I'd love to hear more of its music!
The amount of work and forethought that was put into this soundtrack is pretty incredible
8-bit brought me here. Your video is well done. Congratulations; you earned yourself a new subscriber.
Same
Haven't played this but have enjoyed the OST for months now. The artist's love and devotion for the soundtrack was evident in the Main Theme as well as the tra ks that followed.
I'm so glad you mentioned that aspect.
The music alone is almost enough to get me to play this game. Its almost a crime I haven't heard of it til now
Then you will love the Final Boss in Octopath Traveler 2! ❤
9:15 no.... that is Sparta
Maaaaaan, I haven't played this game yet, but after the music I'm a lot more drawn twords it
the demo gives you 3 free hours to play thru the first chapters of any of the8 characters you pick, with the option to carry your save data over to the retail version of the game if you decide to buy it. so if you have a switch, it's worth downloading the demo and giving the gameplay a try! i'm about 65 hours into it and i've only done 2/4 chapters for all characters and maybe 3 characters' third chapters.
play it
I am still in shock that this amazing game, did not receive best art direction, music, or RPG, of even a nomination for goty.
Also will never get tired of hearing that boss music.
Also this earned a like and a subscribe, I checked out your other Octopath bid and Celeste to of my fave games of 2018 and would love to see you couver music of games like P5.
Together with Xenoblade Chronicles 2 the best Soundtrack of the past years.
You know what? I really loved the new insight into the Octopath soundtrack beyond what I heard myself playing, but I’m really just waiting for someone to release a video convincing me that RDR2 did better.
RDR2's soundtrack IS inferior, it only won due to popularity.
Absolutely man. Octopath’s music changed my perception on what kind of game I was playing from a turn-based strategy game to a strategic action game. As soon as Primrose’s intro boss battle had begun, that music made the fight feel like a dancing duel rather than a couple of peeps standing around while the others picked an attack to use.
I didn’t pick up on the cool transitions, all I knew was that the music was awesome. Thanks for pointing it out, next time I play I should use headphones to really enjoy it
man I returned here after watching today's reveal of Octopath traveler 2 and Yasunori returning as composer. The OST in this game was by far the most memorable thing for me and it had such good tracks
Octopath is my personal GOTY, and I'm so glad I played this masterpiece of music , it became # 2 of my all times OST , Xenoblade series are # 1 .
to me, music is the second most important part in a game. (gameplay > music > art direction > story > narrative )
All my favorites games has stunning soundtrack . I don't even like turn based, I've bought octopath for the soundtrack and holy shit what an addictive and awesome game . visually beautiful also! Square enix should do more of these.
You should also add world-building & lore in your parts too. Most of the time a good RPG has good world-building and it is one of the things that separates RPGs from action-adventure games. As for the lore it also has a part to play, but its not as important as the world-building.
Octopath Traveler is sooo good, man
You should totally have a look at the Octopath II transition tracks. All of the “For _____” pre-combat themes now actually use the character themes, just altered slightly. It’s super cool
well done, the music is absolutely wonderful... I can't get bored on each of them even though I've spent over 70hrs in this game
For octopath 2 , it gets even better. Even times the transition hyped me up
Admittedly, Octopath battles are also amazingly fun when in the battle. I've never played boss battles that were as consistently fun and engaging. I beat the 4 guardians at a fairly early level, and at least 2 of them took me 2-3 hours over the course of 2 days. Admittedly, I spent a decent amount of time planning out each turn, but that was necessary. Especially on Winniheld and Steorra.
My favorite has to be during primroses final chapter. That music that plays during the fight and during the dialogue really got to me
Fantastic video, man! Very well thought out and entertaining, and a great explanation of one of my favorite elements of Octopath's brilliant soundtrack.
I'm so glad 8-bit Music Theory sent me your way - you definitely earned a new subscriber.
d00d, having the tempo bar oscillating was a really nice touch for the video... amazing.
I'm really glad you noticed this enough that you felt compelled to make a video about it. I too noticed how I looked forward to a boss battle even before the dialogue starts because I knew to expect the hype like that. I think it was effective enough that most people noticed it, because we have boss battle tracks on CZcams that specifically include the hyping phase looping at least once and transitioning. Brilliant!
The way you explain is so good, i absolutely love it s2
Ooh I didn't notice this. I mean I heard the music and it was amazing but the subtle transition was lost on me the first time. Hearing it now that's actually amazing.
Cyrus has the best theme, fight me.
Also the best transition to his theme into decisive battle 2
Bro "For Redemption" Still gives me the chills!
The yoshi's island final boss intro was hot.
Love that you and 8-bit Music Theory are coordinating together ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for talking about this. Its unbelievable how good this game is at evoking the feeling of "oh shit here we go". Its those fucking pre-battle tracks, like you say. They turn into these beautifully impactful transitions, and then you hear those boss tones. This game's soundtrack has made me into the world's biggest Nishiki fan. Anything he composes for going forward I'll get hype for the OST of, he's proven himself to be more than just a student of the game, he's a master.
Please keep making videos. Seriously, I learn so much from this channel and I absolutely love it.
Yes another upload, The music is really good its a shame it didnt win best ost
this video was SO informative! i never even considered that the music had to react to the player's input--when you showed the first transition, my jaw dropped! great analysis. i wish you could have shown all 8 character's transitions, but i guess for some people that would have been repetitive. great vid!
6:33 that's so satisfying
I now have an insane appreciation for the music I already adored
Dude the metronome scene was so fucking nice, I loved it and will sub
Brillian video. The secret boss soundtrack always managed to let me tear up. The music is so great in this game.
And Octopath 2 does the same thing! Wonderful!
Such a good run-down. I was wondering when someone would write up how well this works and you did a perfect job.
This game is such an incredible piece of art, from top to bottom. I have been playing since Christmas day and loving every second of the experience ❤️
Criminally underrated video, criminally underrated game
Loved your video btw! Super in depth, full of passion and insight!
This is an amazing video! Thanks so much for doing this amazing content on such beautiful art.
Thank you for this video! Thanks for your time and your work :)
I agree , but they've got another chance with octopath traveler 2! Which already looks so amazing and entertaining, it gives me goosebumps just thinking about the new epic fights that will ensue.
Oh yeah, I remember hearing you describe that kind of themed instrument that each character had in the Bravely Default video. I really like your videos. It just connects the orchestral and digital ties to music in the best ways, i.e. evaluating osts by analyzing their scores and composition. My favorite video of yours is the one about Celeste. I absolutely love that games music, and your video just highlighted everything I like about it.
Octopath Traveler made me remember those good old times where i could enjoy a not-so-complicated Final Fantasy; i'm still playing OT1 and i am really enjoying it, and they say OT2 is even better...
I absolutely loved the score of this game, like many others. As a musician, it was super cool for you to show us how they used these musical tricks to seamlessly meld these songs together. It shows just how hard they worked at the project and I love see when things in games aren't just thrown together. Thanks again for this video!
This is great. I'm so psyched to discover this channel.
TWO Octopath videos?! We are spoiled and blessed 😊
I really love and agree with some of the points you've made. I will always hold Octopath's OST as top 2 all time (not just video game, but top 2 ost period ever) and one of my biggest reasons is the way each song fits so appropriately for its character or location
By far, the greatest transition in the entire game for me was For Succor -> Decisive Battle II. The buildup is just menacing when it falls over into the boss them, and the transition just fits so perfectly that it feels so personal. Amazing score.
Great video, really enjoyed it. I don't know much about music theory but I enjoy learning little bits about it. I think you explained yourself very well and without getting too technical. Ps. I'm a patron and I appreciate your newsletter :)
Now, on to the 8-bit music theory video, which I'm sure will have me scratching my head in bafflement and awe.
Well 8-bit just got you a new subscriber! Love the analysis, cheers!
I remember watching this video 6 months ago and couldn't remember the name. Had to watch it again when I found it. Amazing video! 10/10 would watch again.
There was someone on CZcams who uploaded the three story boss themes with each of the travelers' battle transitions. At some point I petitioned that they do one for Moment of Truth and the boss theme /that/ leads to, but now I also want to hear what each transition would sound like with Those Who Govern Reason as well.
This is an outstanding overview that helped me understand why this game’s music is so powerful and how it all plays together to form a seamless gameplay experience.
Awesome video, honestly smiled throughout the entirety of it
I can't thank you enough for this analysis. The fact my friend sent me this only means I've pestered him enough with these observations myself lol
I've always been deeply fond of videogame ost and i came to subconsciously analyze Octopath's music, and this right here is what left me in awe. I adore these little motif matching and anticipations.
Great video and explanation. The soundtrack of OT is amazing!
These scores were my favorites in the entire game, possibly of ANY game as far as boss themes go. They never fail to hype me the heck up for a boss and the transition is just pure genius!
Thank god that They Who Govern Reason is so fucking epic because I have had to listen to it on repeat due to dying so many times to those EPIC bosses
You and 8-Bit Music Theory complement one another very well. I'd love to see more such collaborations!
Basically, where 8-bit Music Theory does all the technical low-level analyses, you provide the high-level view of what's going on.
So that's why it feels so amazing to listen to the tracks. Thanks.
It's an eye opening video ! thanks for that !
I keep coming back to Octopath because of its soundtrack. The very first song I heard was in Haanit's village, and that blew my way. That alone kept me excited to continue through this diverse game.
This is easily one of the best, if not the best, JRPG OST ever. I’ll argue that to my grave.
I'M READY ARE YOU -Therion
I think kingdom hearts was the first game that started doing these types of scores. The music was mellow & chill & then when it changes & transitions into battle theme mode. I havent play octopath but ill try it out
Underrated channel. Subbed.
I get so excited EVERY time this happens dude, even when I was watching the video. It's so cool!
Awesome stuff . . . as always. Might even pick this one up after all
SO. COOL! This game always continues to amaze and impress as one dives deeper and deeper into it.