BATTLE AGAINST A TRUE HERO Confuses Game Composer

Today we are finally featuring some Undertale music here in the channel, and it's Battle Against a True Hero! The Undertale soundtrack is legendary. Even I, who didn't play the game, have heard some of it. It was fun to break down Battle Against a True Hero and try to uncover it's meaning from the perspective of an outsider to Undertale!
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[@DaviVasc]

Glad to finally be covering Undertale music here in the channel! This one was so cool. I gotta do more Undertale videos soon. In the meantime, make sure to check out the videos I've done on Hollow Knight music: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4TPi413mJlreLs

[@seabass3818]

My 2 favorite games

[@expertarcher8542]

I’d love more undertale music vids. This was so intriguing to watch.

[@Ocelainn]

Omg, thank youuu, i really love both soundtrack

[@GUILLERMOGOMEZ-py5vq]

The heroic one is her because to fight her u need to kill everyone and is only in the genocid3 route

[@BlueRiging]

You should do the track "Undertale" itself. It really is the crown jewel of the soundtrack.

[@Bee_Mes]

This guy is discovering the plot of the genocide route through the music and that’s probably a real testament to Toby’s music

[@ndfirish27]

it is. toby is a genius when it came to the music. i feel the same is present in deltarune

[@randomguy6909]

@@ndfirish27 He made like 6 songs in undertale-

[@SwiftlySev]

@@randomguy6909 no I think he composed all the undertale songs.

[@randomguy6909]

@@SwiftlySev He literally said this

[@SwiftlySev]

@@randomguy6909 wait I’m confused so are you saying he composed 6 songs or agreeing with me?

[@XenonPyromaniac13]

1:10 ironically an older version of Undyne's main theme was scrapped because Toby believed it didn't sound like "being heroically punched in the face"

[@myth0s_pumpkin806]

Spear of justice does have that vibe...

[@XenonPyromaniac13]

@@myth0s_pumpkin806 hence why it was used for the final version of Undertale

[@Dienow3xw]

Toby knows what he's doing XD

[@TartyRolls]

@@Dienow3xwnot really, he just makes what sounds cool, he doesn't use music theory

[@navytheprotogen4934]

@@TartyRollsHe’s kinda made his own version of music theory, he may not study it but he does use it - intentionally or not, as a storytelling aspect. Just look at gasters theme - all the characters who are connected to him - through being a scientist, or something deeper / speculation have a theme connected to him.

[@MrSuperTeenGohan]

1:10 "So punchy" Undyne would take that as a compliment

[@IronicVibes]

And toby fox lol that was his whole goal

[@GreaterCreation19212]

fr lmfao

[@hiddengemzgaming6510]

Perfectly sums up Undyne’s personality

[@onlinename7697]

7:52 man literally started believing in undyne without knowing who undyne is. Power of everyones hearts beating as one I guess.

[@user-ct7du5wg7k]

Innit

[@noahwysocki1233]

A big part of the point of this track, I feel, is that like you said, you SHOULDN'T be battling against a true hero. This track is indeed from the evil route, so the heroic overtone is all from her, but there is a bitter undertone from the fact that this is not a fight that should ever have happened, and a melancholy that comes from the game being aware that you're the protagonist; the True Hero is going to lose, and you're going to win. This song is her final stand, but facing off against her as she throws everything she's got at you is, nevertheless, glorious to behold.

[@yourcollegedebt8384]

Add onto that the implication that, no matter what happens, Undyne would die. She loses, and you just straight kill her. If she wins, then it's implied she'd melt from the overwhelming amounts of Determination that's keeping her together.

[@c00lg00p]

@@yourcollegedebt8384 there’s a KZbin video titled “what the internet did to undertale” that explains this in depth. The fight is essentially rigged, because you can respawn, but undyne cannot, meaning as long as you have the patience, it’s inevitable that you beat her. This is also reflected in the music, which sounds very heroic, but there is also an element of inevitability to it. It’s beautiful

[@SchansKir]

Do y’all understand that you can get some understanding of the game’s story just by listening to the soundtrack? That’s how good Toby Fox’s music is.

[@OlTimeyChara]

This gave me chills xD

[@BokuNoDensetsuNoHoshi]

@@OlTimeyChara same

[@nosignal2240]

The ambiguous chords you mentioned feels "desperate" to me. In the midst of Undyne's heroism and (fatal) determination to defeat you, she is also madly desperate. Her failure means the death of everyone she knows.

[@dyllon5211]

Totally agree, desperation was my thought exactly

[@krej1243]

And the death happened. Sans fight, is already after you killed everyone, so you can tell why megalovania track is SO different.

[@eddorneles]

@@krej1243 I would say Megalovania is the track of the unexpected challenge. Something unexpected as a powerful Sans.

[@krej1243]

@@eddornelesaaand.. That's the thing. He is NOT powerful. Whatever you say, he has 1 atk and 1 def. He's hard for us, but to monsters? He would be nothing. But yeah I totally agree with you. Just picking on details as always ;)

[@aliveashes4532]

@@krej1243 He min-maxed to destroy humans

[@AleXCD74]

"I'm not sure if this battle is a good thing or a bad thing" It's a TERRIBLE thing lmao. But it's also one of the most (if not the most) inspiring moments in the game. Great video, man, really enjoyed it, subscribed!

[@DaviVasc]

Welcome, my friend

[@UNSCPILOT]

Honestly once I hit this fight, I couldn't continue the "Evil" route any further and started over on another pacifist route, not even nessisary because it was too difficult, but the emotional reaction I had to it was too overwhelming to carry on or focus, good music and a good story is a heck of a thing to really expiriance

[@enigmatic3194]

​@@UNSCPILOT man... If only I was able to play undertale blind back then

[@kx7500]

Most inspiring is still hopes and dreams IMO

[@feudalocean8428]

@@kx7500yea I think its amazing but doesn’t leave any underlying “genius” tones these ones do. It just fits where it’s at perfectly. from a composer standpoint it’s perfect but it could fit into many places. These songs though seem like they wouldn’t fit anywhere else.

[@wojtekthegreat2115]

Dude has never played undertale but comprehends the story and fight of undyne just by the music - this is a true testament to how much of a master toby fox is at his craft

[@syweb2]

He did say he heard about it having different routes, like an evil route.

[@thegrandatm1844]

@@syweb2yeah but he didn’t know which one or which character

[@ermir_skg5696]

​@@syweb2yeah, but he isn't listening to the songs in a specific order or rather he doesn't know which songs belong to which route. Judg from the title and demeanor of the song he can understand

[@sloothorr]

Fox is a beast of a man. How on Earth is he so good at composing music, writing, programming, all at once??

[@_m889]

​@@sloothorr I heard somewhere that the code is actually awful on undertale, so many redundancies and inefficient code. But still it's able to make something beautiful. It's inspiring that you don't need to be a expert to make something beautiful, just a dream and determination.

[@exomancer3632]

A somewhat important thing to note with Undertale music is that it's composed in a 24-tone system.

[@Panicky]

You made it to his video, well done

[@jamesedleymusic]

That means it's slightly pitch-shifted, correct?

[@williamethier6684]

The True Hero is here, hoorayy!!!

[@dooplon5083]

@@jamesedleymusic Not necessarily iirc, from my basic understanding it just means that you have more tones available to use

[@jamesedleymusic]

@@dooplon5083 I remember I was trying to play Fallen Down on piano and I couldn't find the key it was in.

[@martensit25]

This theme can only be heard in the genocide run, where you became the villain and kill everyone, the boss is the true hero here. This theme shows how evil you are and the theme is cheering on the boss. It is heroic and positive but not for you. Its a really beautiful theme.

[@professorgrimm4602]

*genocide

[@mr.stuffdoer8483]

Yeah, there’s two full boss themes in genocide, one is Undyne’s. The other is your boss theme.

[@nothanz7409]

@@mr.stuffdoer8483 Sans?

[@Landjrin]

@@nothanz7409 Sans theme is "Song that might play when you fight sans" You, the players theme, is Megalovania.

[@techwizsmith7963]

It's not all heroic. The underlying melancholy of it is due to the fact that you can't lose. No matter how many times you die, you can always try again. The True Hero can't, and is destined to fall despite her efforts

[@harumilmao]

7:10 "You shouldn't be battling a true hero, you should be the true hero" THIS. It's incredible how the Undertale OST can give you the meaning of the song without you even playing the game (well, kinda)

[@pancake-zw2qc]

This guy does this with everything. He also does it perfectly with hollow knight too.

[@kx7500]

Well dude it was literally in the title of the track

[@Somerandomguy2763]

@@kx7500 yeah but the guy hasnt played undertale, just know it

[@kx7500]

@@Somerandomguy2763 well he has actually, just not until after this video. Was kinda a sht show of a playthrough too lol

[@Somerandomguy2763]

@@kx7500 i watched the Fitst part of his play through and all i thought when hes battling a monster is "Use the goddarn ACT button"

[@slothy6096]

The music at 5:20 and 7:45 is absolutely a callback to Asgore. It's a reminder of Undyne's royal duties as a knight and her pure loyalty to her friends and kingdom. So beautiful

[@firepowder]

I almost heard that at first as more of a snowdin flashback, mostly because of the jingling tambourine(?) punctuating it making it feel more christmassy. But I definitely hear the asgore influence too, and either way I think this section is totally Undyne reflecting on those she cares about and what she's fighting for, thus when it returns to the battle mode after it's more motivated again. Determination refresher kinda thing

[@VectorJW9260]

That little melodic figure appears in the themes of a lot of characters having to do with "determination". Asgore, this version of Undyne's theme, Alphys, Flowey.

[@tristangoncalves1417]

If I remember correctly this battle takes place at the one point where you truly take the plunge into being wholly evil, up until that point you've killed everyone you've encountered but it was always a fight, in this case you attempt to kill a child who clearly trusted you and was not a threat and that is where the "true hero" intervenes

[@The_True_Mx_Pink]

Almost. You are completely evil here as you have to actively search for Monsters to kill until each area has been cleaned out. This is simply the True Hero finally catching up to you.

[@exist4046]

The becoming truly bad starts when you slaughter a guy who literally stood before you and said "you have good inside of you, I want to help you!" and offered you a hug while sparing you the whole time. The actively trying to kill a literal child part is just the icing on the flesh-cake

[@tristangoncalves1417]

@@exist4046 been years since I did genocide, forgot some of the details

[@exist4046]

@@tristangoncalves1417 killing Papyrus is like, one of the biggest parts of the whole run. It's basically considered the point of no return. Everyone before him attacked you first, you could chalk it up to "self defense", but he is one of the few ENTIRELY morally innocent characters in the whole game. Of course I also do a lot of analyzing Undertale since it's my special interest, but yeah. Nothing against you for having foggy memories about the geno run, honestly I never even completed it since I'm shit at platformers and the Sans battle is sorta JUST platforming.

[@coldheaven2584]

@@exist4046 is it papyrus that offered help? i tried doing genocide and tbh he was the person that stopped me on my track

[@birdrun4246]

Knowing Toby Fox, the Mitsuda Lick reference was absolutely deliberate. The switch to 3/4 time is interesting too, since *every* other song about this character is in 3/4 or 6/8 time.

[@darsterz]

except run

[@smithy1578]

I would say the mitsuda lick could be a reference from Undyne thinking anime is real history

[@birdrun4246]

@@smithy1578yeah, that fits far too well.

[@HalfBreadChaos]

Toby absolutely played Chrono Trigger, so I do believe the Mitsuda Lick was intentional.

[@whichcache2517]

@@HalfBreadChaos Considering how the song Reunited uses Chrono Trigger’s soundfont, it would be impossible for it to not be a deliberate nod.

[@rockleefanlj]

9:42 With the context of the game/character, I believe this section is more of a rallying point for Undyne, feeling close to overwhelmed, she reflects on what she’s trying to protect, hence why we get the shift back into that fast paced intensity of the following section. It’s almost like the track is voicing her thoughts in the moment with something along the lines of, “I don’t know if I can do this for me, but I must do this for them.”

[@afeyowrimer9727]

I also think its when she rememembers papyrus, his crew was 4 people, ( Alphys, Asgore, Papyrus and her) 1,2,3,4 -1,2,3,4, now one is gone and ain't coming back

[@danielgonzalez-vm5lj]

​@@afeyowrimer9727thats not a crew those are her friends Her crew should be the royal guard which at this point all are dead exept 1 and 2 and herself of course

[@VectorJW9260]

Yeah. The leitmotif here lines up with that, as it's the theme of the kingdom of monsters

[@enemykiller30]

Spoilers up ahead, because you mentioned that you never played Undertale, but the "gentle" part is actually a motif from her love interest, Alphys, a nerd, goofy, and a weeb scientist whose also in-love with Undyne. That part really hit me, because of how dramatic it sounds. Undyne knowing that she might die, still never fails to remember her friends, especially Alphys. You mentioning that the chords give off the "happy" and the "sad" emotional weight onto them really symbolizes how happy Undyne is in meeting Alphys, and how both of them would be devastated if Undyne loses that battle. What more can I say, that sly dog really is a master of creating such beautiful music. It's terrifying.

[@abderianagelast7868]

I really want to believe you, because I really like their relationship dynamic and I think it's a fantastic head canon. But I can't find anything about this other than a very brief video that to me makes it clear that they're not the same motif. They're vaguely similar in motion, but the notes aren't the same, or even the same steps apart, and even if they were the same it's pulling from the least memorable part of Alphys' theme instead of the motif that gets used throughout the game, including the underground lab. I would absolutely love to be proven wrong though, because again, if it's actually true that it's an Alphys motif then that adds so much to an already emotional and memorable song. I desperately want that extra meaning to be there. I just can't hear it currently.

[@enemykiller30]

@@abderianagelast7868 I would like you to compare 0:31 of the track "Alphys", and 1:31 of "Battle Against a True Hero", it's basically a sped up version of the Alphys motif. Also take note, before the Undyne date, when she plays the piano, the notes coming from the piano are also, a motif from Alphys. Just a slight Easter egg.

[@gneu1527]

when dog that likes lesbian ships can make the best music

[@elver2218]

@@enemykiller30 Its actually waterfall 3rd motif but heavily changed but it also ckinda sounds like alphys so it may be both

[@elisa.alexander]

Oh my GOD you’re RIGHT!?

[@Someguyidk5988]

In my opinion, this song is the song that plays at the absolute climax of the evil route, there is so much emotion and different feelings going through your mind and this song encapsulates it all. Greif, justice, determination, denial, heroism. It’s just so perfect.

[@Silthurnix]

Megalovania go home

[@Unoriginal____Starwalker]

@@Silthurnix I know what I'm about to say has been repeated 10,000's of times, but Megalovania was always, *always* overrated.

[@The_True_Mx_Pink]

@@Unoriginal____Starwalker Overrated, but not undeserving.

[@CryoHydra357]

@@Unoriginal____Starwalker For me, it was more about Sans secretly being a badass.

[@DeadlockDrago]

@@Silthurnix Battle Against a True Hero Is a last stand in a narrative sense. Megalovania is a last stand in a designer sense. The former is regret by emotion; you are the baddy at the point of no return. The latter regret by force; you are absolutely aware of what you're doing and do not care, you monster. Neither will pull any punches.

[@canyakan1295]

I love how he tries to explain every single detail to my monke brain

[@eye7051]

😂

[@lamps4044]

Same

[@drawingdragon]

"Is the person that you're fighting the heroic one, and you're the evil one?" Knowing the context of the song, that comment hurt every inch of my soul. Spot on. Also I had never heard of the Misuda Lick, but knowing Toby Fox, it was probably intentional. Undertale itself is like a love letter to old-school JRPGs, so I wouldn't be surprised if he put that in intentionally as a tribute - it seems even more likely considering the character this song references is basically an over-the-top anime or JRPG hero lol

[@RefalaStas]

11:40 Wow, the closer you are to victory - the sadder is the song. Unbelievable, Toby Fox is a genius

[@professorgrimm4602]

There are a lot of people reacting to game music, but your channel is special, because you are really knowledgeable about music theory and actually analyse the soundtracks in depth. As someone a little familiar with music theory (but by far not an expert), it is great to learn things from your reactions.

[@DaviVasc]

Thank you!

[@smolchild1057]

Most reaction channels be like: 🗿.................................................................................. nice

[@jamesedleymusic]

There's just something special about game music. I suppose it's the fact that it has to be composed with replayability in mind. If the player is going to be hearing the music repeatedly, the composer (especially a good one) will make it more interesting so that the player doesn't get sick of it. That's why game music seems to be on another level for a lot of people.

[@smolchild1057]

@@jamesedleymusic if the music can make you feel more connected with the games environment and environmental story telling, etc. It can make the experience far richer. :)

[@AkaiAzul]

Yes, this song plays during the evil route. To give context, you're about to literally _murder_ a child when this character intervenes and saves them. This marks the character as a true hero whom you now have to battle against.

[@burb1175]

Yea, but you are also a child. But still murdering a child

[@ninolloydbandiola5581]

tbf you're a child too a murderous, bloodthirsty one but still

[@LoreSeamstress]

4:13 this man picked up on a leitmotif present throughout waterfall that I never noticed through several playthroughs/watches my goodness

[@aahhhhhhhhhhhhh]

😂 same

[@aliceliddell8413]

it's not just in waterfall, it's also in the tutorial world in the first ruins where you meet toriel, just slowed down

[@rootbeerfloathaspop3301]

RUINS leitmotif?

[@robloxboy7720]

Also An Ending leitmotif

[@rootbeerfloathaspop3301]

@@robloxboy7720 An Ending is Ruins Leitmotif if I remember correctly

[@FabbrizioPlays]

Undyne's role in the no mercy route is incredible, because it shows a side of her you don't see in the pacifist route. For the first half of the pacifist route, she treats you with malice and spite. In the first half of the no mercy route, she behaves much the same, except you deserve it. In the former, she eventually questions herself. In the latter, she has no reason to. It's such a complicated feeling, to have befriended these characters in the hero route, but not get to see them surpass their limits and bring their full might to bear until you play the villain route and they need to stop you. I feel so happy for them, seeing them unlock their own potential, but look at the circumstances under which it had to happen.

[@_MythicalWolf]

In the pacifist route she's fun but in the genocide route I respect her more then possibly any other character. Honestly all the characters who put up a true fight, or at least *try* to put up a true fight, to you in the genocide route really makes me respect them.

[@monky4640]

the melody you played at 4:36 is from a song called “Ruins”, and it’s basically a leitmotif representing determination, which fits for this song because - as you said - it’s a true hero trying to take down you, the villan

[@Hugonche29]

It's also the song used in the neutral ending ("An ending") and the song that plays during Undyne's death if you kill her in a neutral run. (It's not part of the official soundtrack, but you can find it as "Undyne's end" on youtube)

[@monky4640]

@@Hugonche29 it’s used in a lot of songs, like waterfall, don’t give up, and an ending like you said (also the undyne death theme is just the middle part of an ending)

[@macaronandcheese18113]

AND in undyne's regular battle theme!

[@eddorneles]

@@macaronandcheese18113 but a little bit quicker, but yeah! Since the first time I played the the game (neutral route) I felt it was very familiar to the Ruins

[@TheFlyfly]

i always assumed it represented the Underground

[@Lusius8879]

Minor spoilers ahead, just a quick warning for that: So, this song plays during a fight only encountered in the 'genocide' route (aka the evil route) and it signifies the point if no-return. Up untill this fight, you can still diverge from the evil path to take a neutral path instead (except having killed everyone before). As soon as you reach this fight; you're effectively locked into the evil path. The person you are fighting gains a boost of extreme energy/strength through determination to stop you, which makes her the last hope of the underground. And she has trained all her life for this exact situation. But not only does she know that, if you beat her, the underground is doomed... She also knows that, if she doés beat you, she will also die (because the strength of determination is lethal to monsters). So there is happiness, because she gets to fullfill her duty and destiny, and because she gained the extra strength through determination to be able to actually stand up against the player. But there is also sadness, because she knows she will die no matter what, and because she knows that her failing will make you unstopable. So this is where the duality of the song comes from. Both the hope of stopping you, and the breaking truth that everything is lost if she fails.

[@DrawciaGleam02]

Actually, if you don't kill all the monsters in Hotland you can still get a neutral ending. It's a bittersweet one to be honest.

[@t.k.5088]

"Minor spoilers" they said while fully disclosing a character's arc

[@rickastley1330]

@@DrawciaGleam02 yeah if you dont kill all of them you cant beat Mettaton NEO

[@TheSweetSpirit]

Actually I don't think Undyne has *any* idea what Determination, the "power" and not the emotion itself, is capable of. Or what it does when injected/stuck in monsters.

[@Lusius8879]

@@TheSweetSpirit she probably doesn't. That being said; what I said still stands, as it's clear she is aware of the fact she gained extra strength from some source.

[@elisa.alexander]

*The wind is howling.* The amount of focus and adrenaline and DETERMINATION I feel when hearing that calm (but surprisingly fast and precise) piano in the beginning is unmatched.

[@dozydoe5245]

I love seeing him light up when he listens to the music. I get so giddy when he nails it on the head and completely understands a character JUST BY THEIR THEME. Its been years but I still get so happy when people give it love because the fandom is my home.

[@NoirRival]

This entire fight is "It didnt have to come to this." And the song really emphasizes it as you said with the sad chords

[@Xd465Ace]

Toby Fox does a lot of references to various media. Mitsuda lick was probably intentional. The trumpet usage in the way he uses it is also very reminiscent of a composer called ZUN's style for his music. So, Toby had a ton of fun composing this track most likely, lol.

[@braxbro6674]

the structure also mimics ZUN’s composers

[@ananon3560]

I'd argue the Mitsuda lick was very intentional as it's the main difference between that part of the melody and the "Determination" leitmotif.

[@PE_Shark]

The whole track is quite a zun's style music and i love it

[@snailthelostcow63]

The whole boss battle is basically traditional danmaku

[@Vexnatos]

10:58 That's not just any progression, that's a *Royal Road* progression, which is all over Japanese music, and adds a bit of melodrama to the piece. Compare to Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" and "Together Forever".

[@AnimeboyIanpower]

As in "Royal Road" from Kirby Triple Deluxe?

[@jasonbell8515]

No, Royal Road uses a unique chord progression.

[@saviorlemons]

6:39 when he's explaining the two happy and sad chords clashing it could be in reference to the actual fight OR, what I think is more the case, it's in reference to your characters void of emotion in this genocide run. They kill for completionist, they don't kill for joy or for depression related issues, your character is a monster, you murdered so many innocent creatures and other friends, this isn't your time to shine you are the monster. That's just what I think imo, still a cool game and a really good song.

[@99v6cam]

The “mitsuda lick” is something I’ve heard and heard of a million times but never knew what it was exactly so I appreciate you finally teaching me 😅. You picked a fantastic array of songs to showcase it as well, I think that caught me off guard more than anything because I love all of those songs (and games). I honestly wasn’t expecting to know every single one of them but I do.

[@gneiss9620]

I love these videos because hearing someone's first impression is such a wonderful way to rediscover and fall in love with a track all over again. I also learned a good deal watching it. Thank you! Subbed.

[@DaviVasc]

Thank you and welcome!

[@GreatMadGenius]

666 likes LoL

[@yogsothoth915]

Heck yes, this song is so underrated. Undertale's Touhou song. Those surprise ZUNpets hit so good.

[@itsnotpenny]

just a side note, the melody at 7:37 is the same as Alphy's theme, who's Undyne's (the true hero in this case) love interest. In the context, Alphys is running away with the other citizens from you because ofc you're the bad guy in this route. The melody might sound happier because it might be undyne's hope of seeing her again maybe? I don't know much of music theory myself but I think it's a nice thing to point out

[@darksamus8368]

What a surprise! Didn't expect this sort of cover from you. However, I'm not disappointed at all, as it's my favorite song in the game for a multitude of reasons. Toby Fox is a musical genius.

[@hotlinegde1497]

Toby Fox is indeed a man of culture, he stated that he loves Chrono Trigger and I'm pretty sure that's where he took the Mitsuda lick from. He made a chrono trigger remix in 2011, and since then he made a lot of amazing music for various projects, like Homestuck for example. I think after you finish breaking down some of his Undertale songs you can check out some from there, I'd recommend listening to "Black", "Savior Of The Waking World", "English", "Descend" and maybe you can compare the Homestuck version of megalovania with the undertale one! (I believe there is like at least 5 versions of this song made by him) Love your content and this video!

[@hotlinegde1497]

Apologies if anything is misunderstood, I'm not a native speaker

[@michaelhuff7712]

I know he at least took Megalovania from Earthbound/Mother 2, or made that for himself.

[@Evilc]

@@michaelhuff7712 close, megalovania was originally made for toby's earthbound rom hack from 2011, which was mostly composed by him with some heavy inspiration from a song in the brandish 2 soundtrack

[@ahmed4363]

I wanna see him compare the undertale and smash Megalovania. Especially after now when he reacted to HeartAche

[@arn3107]

9:19 Toby Fox was a Chrono Trigger fan, or at least he used the Chrono Trigger soundfont in his music so i wouldn't be surprised

[@MerlinTheBird]

I’m no composer, I don’t understand any of the technical terms at all - but listening to you describe music and react is just exactly why I love listening to music. I love paying attention and just listening to all these tiny background things over and over. It’s just delightful and it’s great hearing someone explain why I feel certain things when I listen to this soundtrack.

[@parabledude]

dang, I never ever thought about video games ost like that I kinda understand that some themes can "represent" a character's personnality (or something like that), but incorporing some of the story elements in the music thanks to accords ... We really have to show big respect for all of these people that makes games X)

[@biggestnoob4704]

For context, you're playing as a bad guy when you fight this boss with this theme, so the song is melancholic as the boss is pulling herself together, in defiance of death, to try and kill you before you cause more harm.

[@McBehrer]

3:40 nailed it in one. For having not played the game, that is a spot-on analysis of the situation

[@user-cm6kj9eq3b]

東方のBGMの考察動画に驚き見に来ました。言い表せない感情を的確に表現する技術に感動しています。 7:28 日本で作られた動画のなかで、ここから流れる静かな部分に「なぜあの時私を助けたの」という歌詞がつけられた事がありました。「あの時」というのはアンダインに水を飲ませてあげるシーンの事です。プレイヤーは知っている、でもアンダインは知らないはず。シンプルな歌詞ですが、それを聞いてから思わず攻撃する事ができなくなり、涙を流してしまいました。 日本語しかできないので上手く伝わるかはわかりませんが、UNDERTALEファンの皆様にも伝えたくてコメントしました。音楽を通して海外の方と交流できた気がしてとても嬉しく思います。

[@SoulMelodyUwU]

8:50 that made my head explode lol I've played both Undertale (this is my favorite track from it!) and both Pokémon B/W and B2/W2 way too many times to count and I never noticed that, it's awesome to learn something new about some of my favorite games ^^

[@zeo4481]

"Battle AGAINST a True Heroe" is true in the sense that we are the Antagonist in this scenario. ,,But the Earth Refused to Die" is one the best ones in the game and comes right before this one and is exactly what it says on the tin. We want to destroy the world, the true heroe tries to stop us. They fail. We proceed.

[@jeffchee4714]

Hero

[@mehmeterciyas6844]

Frisk is the protagonist. Antagonist doesn't mean bad guy, protagonist doesn't mean good guy. Undyne is still the antagonist in this case

[@paulstelian97]

When I read "We proceed" I remember an animation related to Toby's other big game Deltarune and the evil route in its second chapter. That honestly sent me a bit of shivers.

[@AZDfox]

@@paulstelian97 Toby made the word "Proceed" ominous forever

[@mothgirl0512]

@@paulstelian97 hehe. shivers

[@burghleyimeanberdly6513]

The section that starts at 7:32 is the leitmotif of Undyne's (the titular true hero) girlfriend and it then becomes Asgore's (her boss) leitmotif. It represents what drives her to keep going

[@r1cknasty567]

i dont hear alphys theme here tho

[@anonymous-fl2mg]

2:37 I mean the whole theme of the fight is Undyne stopping a child from performing a mass extinction event, so that would make sense

[@anonymous-fl2mg]

3:04 yea like I said above, Undyne is pretty much the first of two real actual BOSSES in the Genocide/No Mercy/Annihilation Route, which by this point the player has killed of 3 of 5 areas to the point until all those who failed to evacuate have been killed.

[@swizzles1875]

Its crazy how much of what he talks about goes perfectly with Undyne's character and the context of the fight, the most loyal guard on the brink of death staying alive through sheer determination to kill the player to stop them from slaughtering every single monster in the underground. Toby's music is unmatched.

[@ravynbunny7193]

Oh no, he’s got into the Undertale. This will be your channel for the next year edit: and I can’t wait 🗿

[@DaviVasc]

I mean if you guys like it, I wouldn't mind haha

[@darsterz]

that is true, and also undertale does really interesting things with its music

[@SerenEirian]

@@DaviVasc The best way to experience the emotions behind the music is to play the game.

[@Nakia11798]

I'd love that. The OST is beautiful.

[@JANJANOJAN]

8:56 this in particular is awesome !!! wow i think you may be the onlyyy person who has eVERRRR mentioned that

[@MintyMoron64]

Undyne (The Undying) is indeed exclusive to the "evil" route of the game, in which you have to go out of your way to kill *everybody* up until this fight in order to meet the conditions for it. The happy/happy/sad chords represent her determination and desperation in the current situation. Edit: THE LICK!?

[@tychotheyokaiguy77]

It's so unusual how, when someone explains music and the undertones slash emotions to music, you start to hear it every where(the first time this happened to me was Ace Attorney/Apollo Justice, during the Smuggler/Concert Trial learning how to hear shifts and sudden changes to music), and in a weird way, but I can't think of another way to explain it; "Learn the emotions of music." Or I guess the emotions baked into the music. Like when I listen to Psychonauts music, specifically Gloria's Theatre or PSI King's... entire level. You can really begin to get even deeper understandings

[@Northflowo]

4:40 I don't think this particular melody shows up anywhere else in the game, but it DOES have the same notes as the song that plays when you battle this same character in the other routes, just in a different order :D

[@beywheelzhater8930]

I thought that was a segment of the waterfall theme

[@Northflowo]

​@@beywheelzhater8930 ,,, oh my god the waterfall theme also has the same notes YEAH it's more similar to the waterfall theme you're right! I was testing how these melodies work on a piano and you can pretty seamlessly just jump between them :D It does make sense considering that both the Undyne battles take place in the waterfall region

[@mr.monkey354]

It's the motif found in "an ending"

[@Northflowo]

@@mr.monkey354 Isn't an ending just an alternative version of waterfall or quiet water?

[@mr.monkey354]

@@Northflowo waterfall is also itself an alternate ruins

[@aidalabowitch9574]

Hearing this song again sent chills down my spine. I love how you point out the positive aspects of the song- happy chords, melody lines with positive connotations, that kind of thing- because I feel like that's part of what makes this song so special! It's not just a battle theme, it is the essence of what Undyne is, and these positive, more tender moments aren't meant for you. She's thinking of the people she loves and the ramifications of her failure, and even if there wasn't a lick of dialogue, the music makes it so, so clear. You aren't a person anymore, you're just a monster who needs to be stopped. Thank you for treating this song with such care! Your ability to understand it without even playing the game is really cool, and your knowledge of music theory really helped me to see even more detail in a song I've already analyzed to hell and back

[@theonesinblk]

LOVE these videos. For whatever reason watching you react so positively to thematic shifts within the songs makes the listening experience more powerful. Definitely a great viewing experience.

[@NeiroYT]

7:46 zunpet works! now you can check any touhou song, try Entrusting This World to Idols ~ Idolatrize World

[@BadyearOakarus]

this is one of those tracks where you can TELL what the composer was inspired by, the horns are very touhou

[@Darkusaido]

Nothing can beat zunpets!

[@deadlyadder2330]

it's literally the touhou soundfont lol

[@hoh3336]

ZUN himself said undyne is his favorite character and she has his favorite ost's in the game cause of the Zunpets involved lol

[@Dinamit0_Bomb3r]

11:47 : well, it isn't a bad thing that someone stops you from desyroying the whole world, but it isn't good that you want to desyroy it at the first time by the way, this video shows well half of why this song is my favorite, the other half being the lore to it

[@Zakru]

Just in case you still read comments here, you were correct in your guess that many melodies like the one at 3:47 are not unique to the song. It's the melody introduced in the song "An Ending" which is when the player went through neither the good or evil path, and the game tries its best to encourage them to explore it further. It's also the main melody of "Don't Give Up" from near the end of the good route, where the friends you've made along the way encourage you to battle the final boss when the situation seems dire. Being inspired to analyze further, the melody is IMO quite clearly used here from the perspective of our opponent: She has a lot of people who she's fighting for, and she must not give up, and instead has to press on.

[@r1cknasty567]

no its the ruins song sorry im late 1 year lmfao

[@Zakru]

@@r1cknasty567 Please do point out where exactly in the Ruins song that specific variation of the melody plays.

[@hatepineapples]

@@Zakruits pretty much the first part of the main melody - that ‘D# G# B G#’ after the right hand’s mordent(? not sure if im using the correct term) within the first 10 seconds of the theme. here it’s transposed downward to ‘C F Ab F’. this leitmotif is actually present in waterfall as well - when the piano comes in to play ‘B E G E’ and is also part of Undyne’s Neutral/Pacifist theme as well as that same ruins ‘D# G# B G#’ in her calmer section which is also transposed down a semitone to ‘D G Bb G’ in that same piece. i cant remember if the leitmotif is also present in the neutral route ending off the top of my head tho so i think you could both be right

[@Zakru]

@@hatepineapples Ok, SO. While the melody does have much in common with the Ruins melody, they are two distinct variations with different meanings. For clarity I'm referring to the melody introduced in "An Ending" at around the one minute mark. To preface, yes, you can actually hear the Ruins melody in Spear of Justice. Listen closely and you'll hear every note, maybe changed slightly to fit the chord progression, and with the final notes leading into the repeat. In BAaTH though, you can't hear the same 1:1 equivalence. On the other hand, every note in this melody maps to "An Ending". Not the other way, though, as the bit going down after the 7th note is omitted, I assume in "An Ending" it's mainly there to fill space. The latter half is the most obvious and incriminating part though, being the exact same notes (very few, in contrast to Ruins) alternating between an ambiguous and an empowering variant. In short: bro if you listen to all the music in question you'll hear the distinction, but it's alright, at least I got another excuse to listen to Undertale tracks way too closely :P

[@gault6546]

4:43 i think that motif was originally from Ruins (the area theme for, well, the Ruins, where Toriel secludes herself). it was modified a bit when put in Battle Against a True Hero. the same motif is also used in Undyne-related tracks such as Waterfall, Quiet Water (both are the area themes of Waterfall, where Undyne lives. both are very calming), NGAHHH, and Spear of Justice (which are both Undyne's themes in a non-genocide route. very upbeat and happier-sounding compared to BAaTH) but most importantly, the motif was used in Don't Give Up, where the player is being encouraged by the game characters to stay determined and fight back against Flowey in the True Pacifist run, even though Flowey almost has the power of a god and can end the world if they wanted to. in BAaTH, Undyne is likewise trying to fight against an evil force by staying determined, despite knowing that she won't live for much longer even if she wins the fight. she knows that she's one of the last things standing between you and the end of the world, so she doesn't give up and does what she can to save the world.

[@daleodorito]

This theme is basically an anime battle, the start is Undyne (that's her name) raising to be the true hero of the story (it has a short introducción theme called "but the Earth refused to die", that is about Undyne collecting his thoughs and gathering the courage and "determination" to defeat you), then she goes all out to stop you, there the so action focus rythm. The conflicting feelings you notice there are in the character, it feels heroic, happy, but kinda sad at the same time; Undyne is happy to be fighting all out agaisnt a villain like you (she is a hero after all) and the game puts all that hope of stopping you in the theme; but then is sad cause it should have never come to this. The soft intermision I like to think is Undyne realising that she cannot stop you, that she is melting; monsters melt when they use determination (which is basically the strongest kind of magic in this game, since the magic in this world is tied to feelings) cause their body is put to an anormous amount of presure; she is breaking and she knows he is not going to come out of this battle. Then she nods his head and keeps fighting you anyways, cause she is indeed, the true hero, she will never give up. And so the song keeps going knowing full well she cannot win, but she is going to try with everything she has anyways. Once again is conflicted cause she is dying but for her there is no better way to die that in an all out battle agianst a true evil.

[@saskia4219]

For me the intermission sounds like a flashback where she remembers everything she fights for: for the hopes and dreams of all monsters, to avenge all the fallen monsters and to protect the life of the all other monsters from you.

[@branbjorn]

im so happy that this game is still talked about all these years...this is my favorite song from the OST and ive tried to analyze it and i've listened to it so many times..but these comments and this video of this has given me such closure. LOVE this vid. 10/10.

[@plush_bun_bun]

You made me realise that I love watching passionate people. It makes me so happy to see other people happy I can't even explain it.

[@themightyai-5302]

I think I know why I like these videos now; I love video game music and you explain WHY I love it. I can never quite describe the feelings, but when you go through the chords and leitmotifs I always feel like "YES! YES! That what I am feeling!"

[@ItzCortana]

I really love how you can see how passionate you are about music, like how you can find meaning in songs from the different melodies, rhythms, and chords. As much as I already love music, and have been creating music for a long time, I’m still much of a rookie, and aspire to be as skilled as you are with identifying the chords from listening to a song, finding meaning in the song from the melodies, and having good musical ear!

[@TheAnimatorOfOpallyon]

11:34 that's the Royal Road Chord Progression.

[@NinjaPickle]

As a fan of your channel that got here from the Bloodborne soundtrack reactions, you've just open a floodgate of views by covering Undertale lol. Excited to see more from you, keep it up!

[@DaviVasc]

First was Monster Hunter, then Souls, then Hollow Knight, now Undertale. We're conquering the world one fandom at a time.

[@CryoHydra357]

Bloodborne got me to remember your channel, but hollow knight got me to subscribe. Seeing Undertale show up now, seems like it was the right idea.

[@Takejiro24]

Yep, never heard of him before until I got recommended his video breaking down Asgore's theme. This is my second video I've seen and "Battle Against a True Hero" is my absolute favorite song in the entire Undertale soundtrack. He's got a subscriber out of me.

[@theguitarassassin6639]

yes, many fragments of melodie’s are from many ideas established in the music in the first hour of the game, it’s remarkable how they can be molded in different contexts

[@theguitarassassin6639]

dang i got a lot to say, also this song references the main area theme from the beginning of the game called ruins, and the waterfall track that plays in the area where she lives (they have the same melody) and has a bit of her canonical gfs theme in that sudden piano section. also the main theme at the start of the song is referenced in both another song in this game (the next one in the ost actually) and a song in deltarune as an allusion to this character. it’s kinda crazy

[@eldiandevil]

Never thought I’d need an analysis of this song but this song is so good! Glad to see you covering it.

[@joshua.h]

This video was so amazing to watch. I've seen so many music reactions videos where the people listen to the music and are like wow, it sounds good. It's really nice to hear someone really break down the song and talk about why it's good and how the meaning of the song can be brought out. Love this.

[@shadesmcf]

This is one of my favorite tracks of the game. Undyne who is the character associated with this track is really a hero facing a terrible enemy, which is in the bad or evil route of the game, and so it is melancholic. To truly understand the weight behind it you have to experience that particular route of the game. You can almost feel the determination of a hero in the music coming at you like a thousand spears to your face lol. I love how this track connects to the narrative of the bad route. I also love how it relates to some other tracks in the game. Really looking forward to what musical connection it will have in the upcoming deltarune chapters as well.

[@gabrote42]

And if you finished a Neutral run, especially one where Undyne takes over, you'll recognize An Ending in this song as the collective will of the Underground, granting Undyne the power to oppose you. Remember her pre-battle speech

[@KhronosTrigger]

Yasunori Mitsuda definitely deserves to be in the long line of greatest composers of all time. His work has inspired so many others.

[@starlightroyals2412]

Yup. He's also a guest composer in a few indie games.

[@crazytiger6]

oh boy, i immediately got goosebumps the moment the song started I just listened to your video on heartache and have decided to watch the whole playlist

[@shermaniac]

Hearing this in music-y terms is so enlightening! The true hero is your opponent here, and I feel like there's always more "sad chords" toward the end of a phrase, and more at the end of the song, meaning it starts out heroic, the opponent comes at you fired up and ready to win, but towards the end not only does the fact the song lasted long mean you're closer to winning - a central theme of the game is your determination. You WILL win. This song knows how the story ends. Undyne comes out heroic and strong, but you WILL beat her, and that is sad. Happy notes to sad notes. Thank you for this analysis!

[@necromancer2367]

Your channel really is super underrated. Like the analysis and the explaination on what the notes mean adds a lot to the reaction and analysis and makes watching your vids a lot more enjoyable imo.

[@phntmthf5505]

3:40 this song plays exclusively on what is known as the “Genocide Route” of Undertale. It’s a variation of the boss theme for Undyne, who transforms into the boss that uses this song upon dying.

[@gabrote42]

The song itself has much more in common with An Ending (and of course Don't Give Up!) than with SoJ. It's the musical representation of the monster's collective will, like we see in An Ending. Wether to reach for freedom, support a friend, or take revenge for a massacre, this theme's there. And Undyne hears it, as the collective heartbeat lf the underground screaming for your demise. Very cool imo

[@modulusshift]

Fantastic content, I never would have known to draw the connection to the Mitsuda lick, even though that piece in Chrono Trigger has long been an inspiration to me. I'm glad to see you have more Undertale content lined up, I'll literally watch every single one, haha, watching trained musicians and composers react to Toby's music never gets old. It's just so intricate that five musicians will latch on to five different aspects of it during their first listen and they'll all be right to point out that this is a key part of the feel of the piece.

[@00SNIVY00]

The sort of Picardy Third harmony you're mentioning around 5:20 is one of my favorites. I never even noticed that it was a minor and major third, I never listened close enough to hear the minor third in that chord! This theme is one of my favorites from the game because of how intense it is, but also how much is actually happening. I also really love the 4-3 resolution at the end. the Mitsuda Lick is also REALLY cool to see! God this soundtrack was so well written. There's so many fantastic parts in so many of the pieces.

[@liboom1010]

I think you should hear these too: -Torial Theme -Asgore Theme -Hopes and Dreams -Megalovania (this one is different ) Those are some of Undertale’s music that I recommend, but there are more.

[@sarab3888]

Death by glamour is my favorite track from the game

[@Bugretti]

It's raining somewhere else IS GOATED pun mildly intended

[@toomanydum4084]

@@Bugretti goated with the sauce? mayhaps even... busting it down sexual style?

[@raglock1433]

A very welcome surprise. Learning more about one of my favorite osts ever made so many years later is awesome.

[@skiesquiggles7319]

It is TRULY such a treat to get to see someone almost completely unfamiliar with the game to listen to undertale music. Toby Fox is a great composer and it's really cool to see another composer react to the cool things he does. They're things we all pick up on while playing the game but you're able to put a name to them, which is awesome! Excited to see you cover more Undertale tracks so I can think about them in a whole new way!

[@lukelupul9908]

I feel like the word I want to reach for with this song is "bittersweet." Narratively, on the evil route a character named Undyne undergoes a transformation and becomes the most glorious and ferocious version of herself in order to oppose the player and end their massacre. It's really compelling to see that she was always capable of that, but tragic to consider the circumstances that brought her to this point.

[@mettaton1669]

That motif you brought up about halfway through is what I like the Don't Give Up Lietmotif. It appears in many songs, Ruins, Quiet Water, NGAHHH!!, Spear of Justice, An Ending, Don't Give Up, Respite, Bring It In Guys!, and of course this song. It basically symbolizes a sense of hope. There are two version of said lietmotif, one with many notes removed and one with the full set of notes, although I do not know if there is a reason for this or if that really means much of anything. Battle Against A True Hero uses a version with many notes removed. Many songs in the game using that lietmotif are ones meant for a character named Undyne, who believes she is the true hero and humans are the true villains. In Battle Against A True Hero the player has made that world view a reality, killing everyone they come across, including Undyne's best friend. She take a hit protecting a child from you and said attack normally would've killed her then and all then through some more complex lore reasons she manages to survive and gain a bit of a power boost, the fight begins and this song plays. You're truly fighting a real hero, and you are the true villain. She puts up one heck of a fight but despite Undyne's best efforts it is in the end impossible for her to win. The player is never truly defeated, whenever they die they can just come back and try again. Eventually they will win, and in her final moments, Undyne still has not lost hope. Giving a speech of how she was prepared for things to go this way, that if things go as planned, you won't be able to harm another life, and that this world will live on.

[@thegrim418]

"I've never played Undertale" You shouldn't have said that. I pray your inbox can handle the influx.

[@DaviVasc]

I'm used to it because of the Hollow Knight people haha. I don't mind though. They're right, I should play both.

[@thegrim418]

@@DaviVasc Of the two I'd say Undertale is the more relaxing, casual one. Having played both I can say there were times Hollow Knight had me quite frustrated. Undertale has a sequel in the works called Deltarune if you still have a taste for Toby Fox's works after the Patrons squeeze all of Undertale's OST out of you.

[@emhetnacinhoj2376]

It is truly amazing to me how much you get right just on the music. Great videos man.

[@Tuskingan]

This is probably my favorite track from the game I'm glad you broke it down a bit. Keep up the good videos

[@Aya_Albion]

Amazing video, as always! I’ve never played Undertale, but its music has already captured my heart, it could be because of Mitsuda Lick! This piece sounds heroic and yet fragile. I feel like kind of tragic but brave resolution from it. It makes me feel like I’m burning out with impatience. I got so emotional. I should definitely play the game! Thanks to your channel, l can get to know amazing game music like this, Davi. It’s a really great thing!

[@DaviVasc]

We should definitely play it someday, Aya! Everybody praises this game to no end, even Masahiro Sakurai himself!

[@Majoraspersona]

"Heroic yet fragile" is a great description. It encapsulates the fight and character in ways you wouldn't expect

[@TragedyRoseAy]

If you do play the game be careful with spoilers! And have fun! It’s a fun and emotional ride

[@elver2218]

@@DaviVasc can you react to both heartache and Asgore they are both very kool.

[@PhantomGato-v-]

@@elver2218 your wish is granted

[@yackus716]

That leitmotif that you pointed out does actually show up ALOT in the game, I think we mostly attribute it to the character in which this theme is for, but it plays in some of the overworld themes (like the ruins, waterfall, quiet water) and even the ending of the neutral and pacifist routes.

[@jimbotheimpaler4756]

I’ve heard this tracks feeling described as “knowing you must do the wrong thing to get what you want and choosing to do it anyways” and that spoke to me. Hearing someone break it down with more musical knowledge is cool, thank you.

[@monke_1.085]

I swear to god, this channel is so good and I finally know that’s it’s the mitsuda lick everywhere in ocarina of time and I swear we need you to stream playing all of these games that you react to. Instant sub from this video

[@liviekumori]

My absolute favorite track from this game, I even learned to play it on guitar

[@DaviVasc]

Awesome

[@mt2r-music]

As always your reactions/breakdowns are on point. Even the lore implications are.

[@zandraxofnebulon]

Incredible analysis all around. As an undertale superfan, you absolutely nailed everything about this track and the emotions it represents. Also, a lot of people who do these music reaction videos wouldn't have caught the mitsuda lick- you really know your stuff! Great job.

[@Average_Panda]

The things you pick up on without even playing the game is crazy. I always love seeing people react to these songs for the first time, but your reactions and sense of meaning are a lot more profound than others. Earned my subscription 👍

[@_vanillah_3334]

Love the video, so glad you're covering undertale tracks now! If you're looking for others, Bergentrükung + ASGORE is one of my favorites, you can't really go wrong with any of them though. Keep up the great work man, can't wait to see what else you put out

[@axitorium]

The way I like to think about this song is that, in the beginning of the song (in the 4/4 part), it seems like pure rage and search for vengeance on Undyne’s part (the true hero you’re fighting). You just killed all her friends, and all she has in sight is killing you. But once the 3/4 part hits, it seems more lonely and emotional, as you said, showing her grief. Once the harmonies kick in, she remembers she’s fighting for something, and it’s no longer pure rage. She feels the impact the loss of her friends is having on her, and she is now looking for justice, not vengeance. This is the reason why this song is my favorite in the soundtrack, because it displays Undyne’s grief as raw as possible. Tldr; Toby Fox is a HELLA amazing composer

[@ForestskiesOfficial]

Ngaahhh! I always cry because of Toby's music! It's been years and it still gets the tears rolling more often than not.

[@user-dw4uj1cw4l]

4:30 the "don't give up" leimotif.