Chibi-Robo's Wild and Wacky Soundtrack

Chibi-Robo is a gem of a game. I played it a lot growing up and always had fond memories of it, but it wasn't until fairly recently that I remembered just how weird and great the soundtrack is. There's a bunch of tunes that are worth talking about, more than I could get into in this one video, but I wanted to highlight some of the tracks that I thought exemplified the 'style' of the game's soundtrack. The long-winded, rambly, goofy, and at times intensely dissonant score is really hard to pin down to one style, and yet it all feels cohesive as the vision of sole composer Hirofumi Taniguchi. I don't know if I managed to shed any light on why the game's score sounds the way it does, but I had a ton of fun making this one and I hope you have fun watching it!
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#ChibiRobo #videogamemusic #musictheory

[@NeverduskX]

I'm not musically trained. I can barely comprehend most music theory, and KZbin lessons often leave me struggling to comprehend what was said. But I've been practicing and learning as I go, on my own, to improve. There is something extremely satisfying about watching an 8-Bit Music Theory video, and realizing I understand the things you say a little more each time.

[@ckk3129]

This is 100% true. These videos actually wholly motivated me to learn music and music theory just to appreciate the videos LMAO. I will always have this channel to thank for that.

[@oribargil3958]

Yo this is awsome I am happy for you!!

[@aloysiuskurnia7643]

extreme, extreme mood however tho, I knew a bit of theory before and this channel simply drives me to *crave m o r e*

[@shudheshvelusamy7644]

* Starts video while wearing headphones * * turns up volume to hear music better * *I LOVE CHIBI ROBO!!!!!!* Why do I do this to myself?

[@Jim21500]

Who needs giant steps when you have timid love

[@petarus625]

Chibi-Coltrane!

[@nameloss]

also makes me think of allan holdsworth for some reason?

[@charleswesthoff5954]

I don't know

[@ivyssauro123]

Nah that's some straight Webern shit right there, really cool stuff

[@neji1641]

It makes me so happy whenever anyone recognizes Chibi Robo. I'd love a new adventure game on Switch.

[@mrhobs]

I know, we need an HD port, remaster, remake, reimagining, or full on sequel. Something! Ha. (Although I would be nervous about anything too different… the chunky graphics and oddly paced progression are part of the charm. I’d be happy with a touched up remaster, with some assets being redone or smoothed out, new textures, etc. But essentially the same game. And then a true followup that really takes advantage of Switch 2. It’s possible! Heh

[@phlector]

@@mrhobsan HD remake would be a perfect opportunity to bundle the first game and the direction sequel (only stayed in Japan) it would be so perfect! Maybe even have movement options that were only in the sequel (i.e. swinging your plug to reach different places)

[@mrhobs]

@@phlector Yes! The really have a lot of options that would work. I hope someone in charge over there in Japan land has fond memories of this game... enough to push for another release of some kind.

[@Macalaka]

the birthday song was always my favourite. to me it feels like the theme of the dad trying to pitch this new toy he bought and why its so great. which makes sense when you think of his story and the fact that this is suppose to be his daughters gift lol. i dont know why but when i listen to the piano it just sounds like the dad listing off all the great things chibi robo can do!

[@DapperDevNull]

Taniguchi was also the composer for ChuLip, another charming obscure game that deserves more attention like ChibiRobo. And now he composes music for a little game studio called OnionGames.

[@Dac_vak]

Chibi Robo is such an underrated gem. Who knew its OST was so interesting! Amazing video!

[@antonlandmark2612]

I think you misspelled the word gem, it is spelled g-a-m-e not gem.

[@Shanx317]

@@antonlandmark2612 It is a gem

[@UrsaFrank]

@@antonlandmark2612 I genuinly can't tell if you're trolling

[@longlifetometal1995]

Half of the Dreamcast catalog is underrated. Honestly, if Sega had marketed their console better, I bet they would have released at least two more gens of consoles, considering how many gems were released on that console

[@frostyelkk]

@@UrsaFrank pull up your big boy suspenders and guess

[@brendankim6015]

If they ever make a follow up on switch with the same adventure style as the original, it will be a day one purchase for me. Great video, thanks for the nostalgia kick!

[@chel1498]

I genuinely believe chibi robo has the best soundtrack. It's so full of heart, variety, and ear worms. I will die loving this soundtrack

[@KurosakiYukigo]

This is definitely one of the strangest OSTs I've ever heard.

[@MisterAppleEsq]

11:03 Okay Coltrane.

[@tristanlapoint1798]

I'm glad I wasn't the only one who thought that lmao

[@rodrigorebolledo9918]

lmao thought the same

[@congresta]

Chibi-Robo was FRICKEN AMAZING when I was little!! It was one of the major reasons I got into music growing up. It makes me super happy that someone else enjoyed it as much as I did. Stain cleaning is the best action music track. RIP Teriyaki blues.

[@emmbeesea]

Well, I know one more OST I need to listen to while in quarantine. Thanks for introducing this wonderful gem to your audience 8-bit Music Theory!

[@nicolasvidal92]

Based MBC

[@cecilofthesea]

i don't know a lick of music theory, and i've certainly never watched any videos on it, but somehow youtube knew to recommend this to me and i'm so happy. chibi robo was a huge part of my childhood and i'm so glad there's appreciation for it out there. even if i don't know what a chord progression is, i can really see your love for this game and its soundtrack and i definitely share that love for it. i always knew there was something special about its music.

[@batofdestiny]

Me, watching this video because I like the sound effects of Chibi Robo walking around: Nice

[@emano3203]

I played Chibi Robo for the first time this month, and now I'm currently trying to complete it. Something that I found quite interesting is how the game accidentally corresponds really well to our current Quarantine situation, being that the whole game is spent inside the house, and focuses on develop small narratives and struggles between the people/toys living there.

[@filippopratesi2997]

I'd love to see a video about Professor Layton's adventures. There's lots to talk about, don't you think?

[@Egghedd]

I'm not a Patreon but even just to have it bounce around in your brain, Hirofumi Taniguchi's soundtrack for Chulip, is what got me into him. Soooo glad you did a video on Chibi-Robo! tho, looove that soundtrack.

[@burajirujinn]

Also so glad to see a Taniguchi work here...

[@jaredkhan8743]

Daaaammnn I've literally never heard anything like this before. It's so so creative!!!

[@WorldBurningTime]

Oh my gosh yes! I hope more people play Chibi Robo and hopefully one day they give Chibi Robo another chance!

[@zmanrockz6358]

Holy crap I forgot about this game. In aftercare in elementary school they had this on the game cube, and I loved it so much that after someone lost the save card I just tried to see how far I could get every day.

[@Bpaulsen98]

The music in this game was always a huge sell point for me! Glad to see it being taken to the spot light!!

[@TeruteruBozusama]

Kind of related, the reason I've bought some albums is that I listened to them here on KZbin first, be it on the artist's channel or a fan made music video. So fans sharing what they like, even legally grey or outright illegal helps the industry than it likes to admit..!

[@supernunb3128]

Have you looked into the Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort music? Something tells me there's more there than meets the eye... Also, on an extremely similar note, the Mii Channel theme...

[@emilykidd1941]

Ornette Coleman has been pretty quiet since Sophie’s Theme came out 🤔😏

[@Dagnardio]

You win the comment section, love it 😂

[@ivyssauro123]

😂😂😂😂

[@Tsuwami]

The reharmonization of Timid Love literally brought a tear to my eye, holy moly.

[@austinbaker8042]

ChibiRobo is a gem I'm honored to have played at such a young age.

[@Cliffdog]

Fantastic analysis!! Never realised how much depth the music it had, definitely has me itching for a replay now. Chibi robos one of my favourite franchises, such a shame it doesn't get the same treatment other Nintendo games do, hopefully there will be a switch game and some more eccentric music to accompany.

[@alejandromontanez2977]

wow that mummy theme is so weirdly incredible

[@Vampirolol]

Amazing video, as soon as I saw the thumbnail, the "daylight" theme came to mind. That and the tragic song that plays during memories. You did a great job showing why Chibi Robo sounds weird in a good way.

[@PabloPerroPerro]

You have to play Katamari Damacy, I'm sure you'll love the soundtrack!

[@aloysiuskurnia7643]

He just covered Lonely Rolling Star! Go check out his new video!

[@PabloPerroPerro]

@@aloysiuskurnia7643 I just watched it and it was great! Thanks for the reminder anyway :)

[@scrunglenut6222]

have been playing this again and this is probably one of my favorite games of all time, thanks for the rundown on all those sick tunes!

[@desophos7070]

I would watch a video of you analyzing this entire soundtrack! Your passion really shines through and this music is astounding!

[@shabado0]

So delighted to see you highlight such an underrated gem of an OST. Skip LTD has always cared deeply about making sure that audio and video are fused tightly and both play up the interactive elements of the medium, in that vein I’d highly recommend a study of the soundtracks of the Art Style series, as they take much of the creative and interactive spirit of chibi robo’s audio treatment and bring it in to the purely abstract and experimental. Light Trax, Rotohex, Orbient, boxlife, and Aquia are standouts

[@Mr.Nichan]

You've revealed to me some of the weirdness of this game.

[@ygypt]

you just convinced me to play chibi-robo

[@cacnguyen7064]

omg imagine making noises on each footsteps

[@Cheefoo124]

I would have been able to appreciate the character themes if they weren't always drowned out by very VERY loud babble language. HAWA BWAW HA HAWA BWAW BLAW HA HAWAWA BWAW Also fun fact: when you pick up your plug you run a little bit faster. And you know what's really interesting? The music speeds up a bit too.

[@Martykun36]

The Glover soundtrack is so weird. I'd love to know if it's actually genius or just weird.

[@dissonanceparadiddle]

I adore this cute smol game. Glad i saw this before I started doing a let's play of this. Really wish we got actually decent sequels for this ip

[@alexanderbednar3021]

Much of my childhood involved playing Gamecube games such as Chibi Robo, so this video brought back emotions and memories I miss dearly. Thank you so much for taking me on this journey back through Chibi Robo's soundtrack. Love your content as always! :)

[@UltimateTS64]

Okay so this is completely unrelated, but I think it would be interesting if you did a video on Sonic Unleashed's ost. Whether it was how the day stages' music reflects the countries the continents represent and still are distinctly Sonic. Or the duality of the day and night music. I was just thinking about that, but great video as always

[@mynewaccount2361]

Unleashed's soundtrack focuses on ethnic flavors to support the game's world traveling theme, so there's not a lot to talk about music theory wise

[@AnimeUniverseDE]

@@mynewaccount2361 8BitMusicTheory not only talks about music theory but also about arranging, and for that topic, a video about Unleashed would be amazing. And also, I personally think there are cool harmonic tricks to be found in Unleashed's OST, your argument doesn't really make sense to me. Analysing how the composers and arrangers achieved these "ethnic flavors" is definitely a great video idea.

[@NeverduskX]

I absolutely loved Unleashed's soundtrack. Especially Dragon Road's music.

[@DoubleADwarf]

[Jazzy brass sting echoes ominously in the distance]

[@UltimateTS64]

@@mynewaccount2361 Well yeah I know that, but I would like to know what methods are used to achieve that. Like what instruments, rhythmic patterns, etc. are used to achieve that, yet still make it distinctly Sonic.

[@AlphaOblivion7]

Thank you so much for making this video. This game and its music deserve more attention.

[@MRBONES-fg6cs]

You should look into the other games made by ex-Love-De-Lic developers; Chibi-Robo is part of a long legacy of games with bizarre, fantastic OSTs.

[@burajirujinn]

Almost all of them made by Hirofumi Taniguchi.

[@hardboiled2987]

I have next to no understanding of music theory but the way you explain and word things leaves me with a satisfied feeling of intuitive understanding and fullfilment, even without having to understand the conceptualizations and terminology. I think thats very impressive honestly. Good job. Also pleasing to get some insight as to why this game emotionally impacted so much as a kid. I like to say that a good amount of the tracks have a strong sense of mystery and allure, but quite a few of them almost have this sort of like… childlike dread.. to them? Like a friendly forebodding. Hard to word. It’s unique to this game, its atmosphere and its music.

[@hardboiled2987]

16:25 I reeqaally wish you had addressed this song though. Strong emotions from the giga robo track.

[@periapsis413]

Dude thank you for making this video. Not only does this game deserve more love and recognition, you transcribed the bass part of the day music for which I am eternally grateful because I'm still terrible at transcribing.. Looks like I might need to tune my bass down a step or two though.

[@therealseanw.stewart2071]

I LOVED this game as a kid, it was one of the last great games for the GameCube! Very unique, charming and fun. Wonderful music too. To this day I still remember most of it, even despite not having gotten to play it for over 13 years.

[@ThrenMusic]

Love the observations and connections you made between the music and the game world! One thing I think you could look further into were those moments where you point out that key centers and functionality of harmony was abandoned but a sense of cohesion remained. I was noticing that, just from looking the root pitches and the bass line, Taniguchi achieved a number of these effects through sequences. By moving in consistent intervals in the bass line, it allows for the functionality of the above harmonies to carry less weight in your interpretation of the phrase because the bass line already gives your ear a sense of direction and trajectory. This allows Tanaguchi to elaborate on the harmony in seemingly random ways. Even super foreign key relations feel digestible based on the proximity of the upper voices to each other - for example, in the harmonies at 11:20 , each chord is in the same register, typically shares chord tones with both the preceding and proceeding chords, and voice movement is stepwise, meaning no pitch is more than a whole step away from the pitches of the other chords. In this section, the bass line moves down in a pattern of thirds alternating between major and minor intervals, creating a sense of direction that allows your ear to understand where the phrase is moving, while the above voices explore various modes and harmonies. I think looking at some non-functional composing techniques like that could provide you with even more insight into how such weird harmonic landscapes feel so stable and cohesive!

[@AnOkayKeyboard]

im so glad that one of my absolute favorite youtubers shares my love for chibi-robo!!! This was the first game I ever finished 100% I loved it so much

[@ThePsychedelicGoat]

thank you for this absolutely massive nostalgia bomb

[@voidvisual]

me and my friend got this game back in 2006 to play together because of a nintendo power magazine. this is the weirdest underrated classic that nobody played. its beautiful

[@DodderingOldMan]

I'm kind of working on a side scrolling shooter (think Gradius) where every action by the player and the enemy craft adds a layer to the background music. Would anyone be interested in something like that?

[@openheart820]

That sounds like a really cool idea!

[@lukesorensen9432]

That’s dope make it

[@runeman00]

I don't know how many people remember or even played Boktai but the series definitely has one of my favorite soundtracks of all time and I would love to hear you dissect it. The intro themes boss themes and the way they use contextual music is absolutely fantastic.

[@burajirujinn]

So glad to see a Hirofumi Taniguchi's work here. I'm a huge fan of Taniguchi thanks to this game. He worked in a bunch of other games by the same group of developers and still makes great game soundtracks to this day. For who is interested in checking out what is he working with nowadays check out Onion Games.

[@SPIRE_FAN]

Great video! Not only are "Midday Majesty" and "Night Play" some of the best songs ever made, but Taniguchi NEEDS to come back to compose for another Video Game!

[@jamesthenabignumber]

Excellent video! I’d love to watch a video of you analysing Bomberman music. Especially Super Bomberman 2 on the SNES. It’s chaotic and weird, and I struggle to understand what is going on.

[@jolynn5070]

YESSS THIS GAME’S OST IS GETTING THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES!!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@kid14346]

Dang, I'm sad you didn't cover "Imma Gonna do Something!" That is my favorite song.

[@techniclepanther7538]

This guy reminds me of the way Sondheim composes melodies. Odd jumps and harmonic transitions contribute to the beauty of the music.

[@Tsunakumura]

Finally, FINALLY someone talking about this games music! Thank you!!

[@mainman5372]

The nostalgia I get from seeing this game is fantastic, I listen to the bizarre and phenomenal music of chibi robo and see how my music taste can thank chibi for all the great music

[@captaingalaxy9167]

This a great video. I think chibi robo has one of the most unique soundtracks in the Nintendo catalogue, so it's good it gets talked about. My 2 favourite track from the game not mentioned here are the title theme and abandoned memories.

[@arismartinian3346]

I JUST discovered this game a few days ago, incredible timing.

[@emileboucher]

The «Sophie» theme is really Chrono Trigger-esque! As your video on non fonctionnal harmony suggested. Splendid work, as always! (:

[@xenasBS]

Currently studying Music Design for Games & Interaction. Me and my classmates absolutely love your content for obvious reasons but the kind of dive into interactive music from the start of this video is especially interesting :)!

[@EmptyKingdoms]

Teasing us with the older robo music in the background for the ending, I love you, but I hated that, it was a tricky move. You tricked me. My feelings are not toys to be played with, dude.

[@soroneir1260]

My only experience with Chibi Robo has been briefly playing it on a demo console while in line at Toys R Us to get a gift Mew, but this was in the Game Boy Advance era so all the little Pokemon fans had to link cable to an employee with boxes full of Mews and trade with them.

[@Jon-Mark_W]

That’s co cool how you explain it. I can’t do that, but I can feel it, and do it. For me that’s good enough. Love your vids man!

[@VegaPhil]

Ah I love it too, must be one of the few people to actually buy it day one on GameCube. So many odd things happening but that is its charm

[@tristanlapoint1798]

Thanks for bringing this wonderful game and it's soundtrack to my attention, 8-bit! Much love and respect

[@silverseth7]

Shocked you didn't peek at the UFO visitation theme. It's the catchiest 'aliens are here' theme I've ever heard.

[@gillesreuse]

These 18 minutes just FLEW by. Great video.

[@gebacc]

Thank you for the Chibi Robo love. There isn't enough of it in the web.

[@alexarea1280]

Hey I think that if you could do a video on Calamitymod music that would be really great as I think DM Dokuro has many arragement and composition techniques worth explaining and blowing minds for.

[@yes.6892]

Wuh- What about *Teriyaki blues* my dude!?

[@pirandpirand9202]

Maybe it's too "by the book"?. I don't know, it's certainly an iconic song, but it seems the blues-y spot was already taken by the race mini game, which has the interesting chord progression

[@congresta]

He tried, but every time he started, something fell on his head.

[@ForgottenRecusant]

who would have thought i would hear a violin concerto in a game about cleaning a house.

[@Sintanity]

Oh man I remember chibi robo, but the DS version! That game was so much fun, tohugh it definitely didn't have half the complexities of this version of it that's for sure

[@gregoiremanhes]

When will you do a Pr. layton analysis ? :D Huge thanks for your work !

[@demilad225]

Usually I have a decent understanding of these videos. This one was completely beyond me.

[@mikemaster43]

Im so glad you have this masterpiece a shoutout.

[@mimisaiko]

Nice Video! The Music is crazy, but fit the game perfectly!

[@joepines3278]

I just played Chibi Robo for the first time a month ago so seeing this is really cool. The ost is really cool

[@ktash8937]

This is some complicated writing! Super cool.

[@tongpoo8985]

I hope you talk about the giga robo theme, that plus the flashback hit hard as a kid

[@PjnguVG]

The Love Theme is SOOOOOOO Post-romantic

[@jacobkaplan8103]

Love the videos, I get so excited every time you post. I was wondering if you had recommendations for any music theory tutorials for me to learn more about chords, chord progressions, scales etc. I find that a lot of stuff goes over my head but at the same time I’m so motivated after every video to learn more about music theory. Any recommendations would be awesome!

[@N0t_Alex]

You really gonna make me play this game now, huh?

[@jayjtrainer]

It's interesting how much you can learn about sound design from games but is there a game that directly teaches music theory?

[@MauroAndinoCabrera]

I think it will be insteristing to mession that when chibi robo climbs it sound like a version of MISION IMPOSSIBLE

[@Michael-su7ip]

This bassy music reminds me of mid 90s namco music. Like pacman arrangement, digdug arrangement, galaga arrangement etc

[@soroneir1260]

Sophie's theme is so beautiful. It's called A Maiden's Thoughts for anyone who wants to listen to the full song. Reminds me of music from Super Danganronpa 2, Beautiful Ruin maybe?

[@lucaspec7284]

Well i don't understand the theorical reason it's so great of a soundtrack, but i'm happy that someone does. it's a great game

[@ipsum2224]

That bass tone is killer though

[@Kelkador]

I love the game, still have my childhood copy and thank god because the price shot up to ~150$

[@RahTheory]

@8-bit Music Theory, I highly suggest you take a look at the Battle Bakraid OST - I feel like it deserves more attention and you would love the musicality of it. Especially the chord progressions in Gray Stream.

[@thetoadshow7213]

1 of my favorite games of all time

[@audoodle9963]

By the way if you love Chibi-Robo you should check out Chulip. It’s a bit more cryptic but it’s got a lot of similar elements in terms of cute weird characters and surprisingly dark themes. Both games also use a timer system.

[@burajirujinn]

And both have a soundtrack by Hirofumi Taniguchi

[@audoodle9963]

burajirujinn holy shit

[@joho7534]

Did you say...thirds...? *giant steps looms in the distance*

[@Free2Flay]

I wish the amount of views on these videos wasn't so correlated to the popularity of the game you're talking about. Not only did you put too much effort into this for only 30k views, but Chibi-Robo was a legitimately good (and cute) game that deserved more attention.

[@ivyssauro123]

Holy f*** Timid love is wild! I guess I need to try and learn it on the violin, that synth violin solo does not does it justice

[@Type_Orange_Music]

I wish a was ever so slightly better at theory to better appreciate the theory behind this music.