Final Fantasy VI - Opera Scene (Original SNES version)

I've only seen one other video of the opera scene from the original FF6 (FF3 in the U.S.) on the SNES, and the audio is out of sync with the video on that one. So, I'm uploading a new recording of one of my favorite moments in gaming, ever.

[@hairglowingkyle4572]

One of the best moments in gaming history. The fact that after this scene Celes uses the song as her own theme is just fucking genius

[@MarioMasterProductions]

Really?

[@hairglowingkyle4572]

@@MarioMasterProductions Spoilers btw You can hear it during her conversation with Locke on the Port and her suicide attempt

[@bombomos]

Always loved celes's character.

[@AbedulTG]

@@hairglowingkyle4572 Also at the end! You can hear Locke and Celes themes combined together in their part of the ending escaping scene ❤️

[@Stratelier]

@@MarioMasterProductions Yes, this song is used as Celes's personal leitmotif, but the opera sequence is in fact the first time in the game you hear it.

[@arkay238]

We all had a reserved save slot just before this scene so we could play it whenever we wanted.

[@Cyzure]

No, no we didn't

[@shivamchouhan5077]

Yes me, I had

[@retrowindowsuser]

@@Cyzure Yes we did. I could live with only 2 save slots.

[@pamelah1220]

Still have it

[@janehuskmann1914]

You know who else reserved a save slot at this point? MY MOM!

[@JonMo94]

This scene is a masterpiece.

[@steve122288]

only on snes it is

[@christopherwood9517]

Seems like an understatement

[@no.402]

@@steve122288 Shut up.

[@alexandreazevedo9906]

THE masterpiece

[@psych0185]

they put vocals in the pixel remaster

[@FortexRetro]

OHH OHH OHH OHH OH OH OH OHHH!! Those are the original 16 bit lyrics

[@bloodraider9591]

If Tidus watched this he’d be like, HAHA

[@DGneoseeker1]

@@bloodraider9591 You mean HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

[@edwardedwards6785]

What’s brilliant about this whole motif is that the opera is just a silly stunt but the tune lingers sentimentally in her head and becomes her theme as a character. Many of the things we grow to love most seem frivolous or embarrassing at first. I think that’s why this scene is so relatable and such good storytelling

[@AJR-zg2py]

That's a great point and I'm SO HAPPY someone else noticed this! The opera is the first instance we hear this song... and I love that it's recalled later in her theme. It seems like the character was emotionally touched enough to remember the music, as a way to sooth her worries in troubled times... I can imagine Celes alone on the island in the World of Ruin rocking herself back and forth in despair, her only source of hope being this little frivolous song. It's so sad.

[@WeAreChangeCentralMI]

They revamped it for Aerith for FF VII.

[@sabrakt]

I really fucking love that the translation team probably worked their asses off to make the lyrics both beautiful and fitting (almost?) perfectly with the music. Pure masterpiece.

[@DrJones20]

All hail the translation team

[@martinauvre6304]

The french translation team also did that

[@megaposter2437]

The lyrics doesn't match the song at all, though.

[@MarneKolchak]

The spanish team also did an effort. As the french, like Martin Auvré points out. In fact, the lyrics were beautiful and fitting in every language I can read, haha. Kudos for them. It was worth it.

[@keit99]

That's where the gba translation shines 🤩 Ted Woolsey's ( I think ) original version was lacking (probably due to character limitations) in this scene sadly

[@TurtleCakesArts]

That feeling when this is the character your parents named you after. Truly honored to share her name

[@MarioMasterProductions]

Wholesome comment.

[@griever4053]

Celes or Maria?

[@TurtleCakesArts]

@@griever4053 Celes 💖

[@griever4053]

@@TurtleCakesArts your parents are legends

[@izzyrov5814]

I've always thought of naming my future daughter Celes ❤

[@MasterRave33]

one of the greatest scenes in video game history!!!

[@germa9090]

+MasterRave33 Don't get carried away now.. One of the nostalgic ones sure, I'll give it that much.

[@steve122288]

i played it when i was older since i never had a snes, and it stuck with me. Though it is really my own rendition that i fantasize in my head that makes it great.

[@MrRavemaster321]

yes

[@mrcokez1]

@@germa9090 who are you to say what is or isn't his favorite moment in gaming history? fuck off swine.

[@alexandreazevedo9906]

THE greatest

[@HeavenlyKnightAK]

This scene breaks my heart every time. This was my first final fantasy game.

[@Martynde]

What do you think of it in the Pixel Remaster?

[@thenewguy7527]

​@Martynde I personally don't like the look of the pixel remasters, feel like the games lose their charm/authenticity.

[@AJR-zg2py]

The moment the song swells at 1:05 into the second verse was a life-changing moment for me as a young man. I had always enjoyed music, but this was the first time the power of music absolutely paralyzed me with its beauty and making a deep connection within my soul. I will never forget playing this game at just past midnight when this song started to play... I was in the basement so I was glad no one could see (or hear!) me weeping; with a good speaker system, you can feel this song's power resonate in your chest. I never would have guessed that a late summer night in 1998 would be one of my most lasting memories. Thank you Nobuo Uematsu for crafting your magic for gamers everywhere.

[@arkay238]

AJR 1986 absolutely agree. I play this on the piano and that swell is my favorite bar. I always pause and take a deep breath right there so I can try to play it with the conviction it deserves.

[@Nathan-oe8ut]

@@arkay238 gay

[@Ketherrr]

thank you for this comment

[@hadesLX]

@@Nathan-oe8ut 💀

[@TheMiguelEsquivel]

this game makes you wish the world would be a magical place like in final fantasy lol

[@Rotsuoy]

I thought I was the sexiest gamer girl back in high school because I had every word of this song memorized by heart. Almost a decade later, and I still remember it clearly. It's become my daughter's favorite bedtime lullaby.

[@Lyoden]

Oh gee, bedtime lullaby...? Oh, that touched me...

[@nvslknm]

You are awesome!

[@dawnwayfinder]

+Rotsuoy That's so beautiful! :D

[@lgug1979]

Good to know I am not the only one. Same thing with my little boy!

[@Winston0Boogie]

Yeah, very beautiful!

[@darksayese]

I literally just got passed this part just now and my first time playing ff6 im 34 and that was beautiful scene im really loving this game

[@despe666]

Still sends chills down my spine 30 years later.

[@HeavenlyKnightAK]

Maria: Oh my hero, so far away now. Will I ever see your smile? Love goes away, like night into day. It's just a fading dream. I'm the darkness, you're the stars. Our love is brighter than the sun. For eternity, for me there can be, Only you, my chosen one... Must I forget you? Our solemn promise? Will autumn take the place of spring? What shall I do? I'm lost without you. Speak to me once more! Maria: We must part now, my life goes on. But my heart won't give you up. Ere I walk away, let me hear you say I meant as much to you.... So gently, you touched my heart. I will be forever yours. Come what may, I won't age a day, I'll wait for you, always...

[@HeavenlyKnightAK]

Reding the comments, I am glad I'm not the only one who gets choked up when this scene comes to life. I can picture everything and hear what she sings. That's a lot to bring out from a game without voice. Bravo

[@juancortapan7845]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is what 16 bits and much love can do. still one of the most memorable scenes of the videogames.

[@jamesw7609]

This goes so well with Celes jumping off the Cliff in the dark timeline.

[@thefallenoverlord2487]

And she survived tho

[@MnemonicHack]

When the song starts playing later on the island, it's a punch in the gut. To me at least. Makes me tear up every time

[@brokenfingers9607]

I didn't play this game until I (recently) hit 40, and damn. It's a beautiful moment in gaming no matter how old you are or what year it is.

[@alexsmith6914]

Everyone talking about the FF7 remake. Can you imagine just a current gen remaster for this? It would be the most emotional FF game. Terra's parents, her birth, The Phantom Train... Just about every character had a depressing backstory. It'll always be a top 3 of all time.

[@rickybell]

i have always said the remake's we need are those before psx...

[@herranton]

The thing is, ff7 doesn't hold up on the ps1. It is, well, ugly. And this is coming from someone who purchased an original PlayStation the day Final Fantasy 7 came out. The graphics on six still hold up today. It is a beautiful game with beautiful sounds and you don't need rose colored glasses to remember it fondly like you do ff7.

[@yermomLeslie]

And the destruction of the world...

[@pandacapre9302]

when FF3 and FF4 got DS releases. i really hoped they would go up to 6 with that....sadly they didnt... FF6 DS - that was all i was asking for. because i highly doubt they would ever remake one of the 16bit games in nextgen tech.

[@herranton]

@@pandacapre9302 five and six are on PlayStation 1, it's called ff anthology. It's probably the worst way to play those games though. Four is on ps1 as well, with chronotrigger on ff chronicals, and again, it's probably the worst version of those games. They added cutscenes that just weren't needed. Five, six and Chrono trigger have perfect graphics the way they are. I've not spent a lot of time with four.

[@godzillamonsterultraxz4770]

This was my first Final Fantasy game. This is the most powerful scene in the game without question. This game is a masterpiece

[@quentinbarrentine5114]

I'm 33, almost 34. Didn't get to play FF3 (or 6, depending on how you know it) until I got myself a Mini Classic SNES. FF3 (6) is one of 20 games programmed into it. I loved my original SNES as a kid, but I never got to play FF3 (6,) because my parents wouldn't buy it for me. Playing it now as an adult, when I got to this scene......ohhhhh MAN. I actually teared up and got misty eyed....over a 16-bit primitive graphics game from the early '90s. I actually shed a tear or two. This game is SO amazing, and I wish I had the opportunity to play it as a child. I can't help but feel like Molly Grue, finally seeing a Unicorn after so many decades of wishing to see one, and being sad that she didn't see one sooner when she was younger, when she needed it most.

[@ps3beatswii]

When I first played through this scene, I actually cried a bit. No other game has done that to me to this day.

[@thehoosierfortheUK]

This is surprisingly very beautiful and majestic for a Super Nintendo game!

[@xyzmaster86]

This song came close to making me cry... so much emotion put into a song during the Snes Era

[@KesumaofEO]

I recently played and finished this game for the first time and when I got to this scene I was blown away! It doesn't just have nostalgia value, it truly is an amazing scene and I'm so glad I got to experience it without spoilers this late into its existence 😅

[@grimsvaultstreaming3956]

i wish i play it again like it was the first time

[@lake4ishikawa]

And this is why nostalgia is a common misconception

[@sovietsquidward3575]

And this ladies and gentlemen is what got me hooked on FF6 forever

[@now192002]

No matter how many times I watch this, I will end up wailing like a banshee, like all love is being squeezed out of my heart, leaving nothing but despair.

[@izzyrov5814]

If only I'd see the 3d remake of this, I'd die happy...

[@rat_dragon]

This is the best moment in video game history

[@SkaAndALstraRa]

This scene gets me every time. Classic story-driven moments like this are the reason I wanted to start playing Final Fantasy in the first place. Squaresoft truly hired some of the best people in the business to create such a masterpiece. The translation for the English language came out so much better than what we are accustomed to seeing nowadays with most Final Fantasies. We really got a gist of who the characters were and what they were personally going through, and sometimes inexperienced voice actors can ruin the overall experience of the journey if it's not as good as we expect. Even though the technology back in those days wasn't very good, they still managed to tell the best stories.

[@Yoko-yl4zb]

Stole the words right from my mouth honestly after your comment there's nothing anyone can say lol

[@FinalMegaFangirl1230]

i just cried watching this!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@draves8953]

just play the game, and you will understand the context. to most of the harcore FF players this is one of those moments where its hard not to hold back a tear or 2. And thats not the only instance in this game where it happens.

[@pupumidas]

This scene never gets old !

[@JingRoku]

When she said "I'm the darkness you're the starlight" when i was 12 i felt that. When i was 18 i felt that. At 29 I break down and cry.

[@NoxLegend1]

Im trying to remember this scene... I think I was attacked by a purple gangster octopus?

[@atheismisamentaldisorder1839]

Correct... Just like the other 10 times the jerk showed up!

[@NoxLegend1]

@@atheismisamentaldisorder1839 I dont remember that. I thought I fought him at a train yard again or on a moving train I forget its been a while.

[@atheismisamentaldisorder1839]

@@NoxLegend1 You fight him first in the river. When you are on a raft with Banon, I believe his name was. You fight him again at the Opera House. Again, when you're trying to get the helm that allows you to go under water. Again, when you are trying to get to the floating island. Again, in the coliseum. I feel like I missing one of two other times.

[@sLasHeRxXx07]

This scene was ahead of its time. Surprised it didnt have vocals

[@johnnymx3]

Proof that you don't need good graphics to make a truly powerful and emotional game. I cry every time. 😭 Ah, who am I kidding!? The graphics in this scene are superb and leave just enough room for our hearts to fill in all the magic! 🥰

[@graysonchilcote9473]

Favorite scene from any video game ever made

[@janordanu2008]

I just played this and I like how you can read the lyrics in time with the music. I also like how you have to remember the lines just as Celes does so you feel the same performance pressure she does. And also the lyrics somewhat allude to the relationship between Celes and Locke besides Maria and Draco.

[@MegaThenman]

The feels came back

[@bigboyjeon4701]

This and the phoenix scene, still gets to me even after all this time.... Am in my mid 40s but still.. Never a dry eye listening to this

[@Lee-sf7nw]

Can you imagine they remake this game and the trailer to it is this melancholy song. I'd die from happiness.

[@kuniosolis]

What can you say about this... There is simply no need for it, yet there it was, adding so much color to the world, the characters, the melody is so fitting and memorable. It shows the love and passion and great team working to tell that story with snes limitations. Just beautiful.

[@1stRateSerrvice]

This makes me cry every time. Games just can't really do that nowadays.

[@missfitjude2820]

I can’t believe I didn’t play this as a child.

[@LordZaamus]

Best 5 minutes in all videogame history? Not 100% sure but... what can beat this, really?

[@Gylfaginning16]

This is such a beautiful moment in the game... I love it!

[@carcerharlson9767]

Watching this while drunk. Why won't these tears stop??? It's an opera play in a game ffs!!!

[@SirAuron777]

This song has me tearing up while taking an online exam😢

[@Salim-RS]

Remember to be careful what fish to eat....

[@na2154]

Salim Rabah NO!! CID!!

[@SunlethSky]

There were so many things worrying me until I heard this song...I couldn't eat, sleep, any of that. And I listened and saw the lyrics and found the solution... Squaresoft, Nobuo Uematsu, I'm so grateful you came up with this masterpiece. Everyone always goes on about One Winged Angel, Aerith's Theme, Zanarkand and all that, when really this deserves to be in all of those lists.

[@megablaziken8572]

I am playing though this game right now for my first time and just got to this part and well… I now firmly understand why this game is beloved so much. Its just. Wow. I’m still fairly young in the grand scheme of things and I’m glad I got to experience this wile still in the age group most people were when fist playing this back when it came out. (at least I assume that they were around my age)

[@mathewpowell2564]

Ten main characters a 16 bit opera amegegon half way through kefka what more can I say

[@jameskimes4263]

Its crazy how this one scene wasnt needed but was needed more than we knew. I never finished ff6. Never could bring myself to do it. Maybe before my physical body dies i will.

[@kamdan2011]

Taylor Cox, wherever you are out there, this song’s for you!

[@kiraschii5629]

I always thought this scene was so beautiful but now when I watch it my brain is just like....”mettaton”

[@helliagaming6255]

Fin fact this scene inspired the metaton opra scene so thats probably why

[@benhaughey5218]

@@helliagaming6255 i knew it i wasnt sure at first but now i definetly am

[@criticalvibes6375]

this scene/song has some kind of staying power, it lived in my head for like a month after i finished it, to the point where i taught myself how to play it on violin cause it just wouldn't leave my head

[@YukonJack]

I had the privilege of meeting the most brilliant composer of my time - Nobuo Uematsu. I shook his hand, he hand signed my 4xLP picture vinyl of Final Fantasy 8, the CD album for FF9, and his piano pieces on CD as well. He officially announced after the fact that was his last live performance he was going to do. I said growing up, if there was one composer I wanted to meet more than any other musician across all of human history, it would be him. It was a literal dream come true and I have some memorabilia that it worth money, sure, but the experience and the signed pieces are worth more than any dollar amount I could ever ask for them. He truly is a genius and a gift to humanity.

[@MikeHeskett]

I am incredibly jealous you got to meet him. He's my hero and the reason I wanted to start making music

[@YukonJack]

@@MikeHeskett I'm glad he inspired you brother. He's a genius just as much as Mozart was in my opinion. His music will always have a special place in the hearts of you, me, and everyone else touched by his music. If you aren't familiar with the band he founded, The Black Mages, you *have* to check out their albums. They're winners for sure.

[@MikeHeskett]

@@YukonJack I did a cover of Aeris Theme which is on KZbin. Search Mike Heskett - Aeris Theme If you would like to give it a listen 👍

[@4-kathryn]

Arrived here out of curiosity, was listening to 'Distant Worlds' cover of this song and realized I haven't heard the orginal. The scene in its m simplicity.. the sprites, chip-tune works well. Know it was due to technical limitations back then however I'm glad I gave it a view.

[@BriGuyIL1980]

I get chills every time. Love it.

[@IamNotaTeslaBot]

I learned to love. Thank you for this Well composed script

[@BerenElendilAPGaming]

...Holy shit, dude... I've never even played the game, and this shit choked me up. This is why everyone who worked at Squaresoft are masters of the craft.

[@NeoN-PeoN]

This song hurts my heart with nostalgia so strong. First RPG I ever beat.

[@franzolielectronics]

Just love it!

[@pixcalibur123]

Amazing music. Even more so when you can feel like you're singing the lyrics as the scene plays out.

[@ShuriBear]

My favorite moment in a Final Fantasy ever.

[@ur-inannak9565]

Its so sad, me and my wife are also apart due to circumstances not entirely in our control. I havent played this game in years but thinking about her tonight I started to hear this tune. Rewatching the scene has me in tears, I miss you so much My Lovely Wife.

[@markreyesmusic1401]

Oh my god it’s so incredible

[@IamNotaTeslaBot]

I still cry 2022

[@neilwiththedeal]

Her voice is so beautiful…

[@monkeyboy007jr]

Best game ever. Enough said !

[@Крутойпацан-ь4р]

This. Is. Incredible and hearttaking. It makes you actually sing to the song and lyrics. Thank you Squaresoft, for gifting world this masterpiece of art.

[@WanderingEndless]

I don't feel much of emotions, yet this scene continues to touch me, somehow. ...And makes me want to play FF6 once more.

[@Stratelier]

Updated English lyrics (as used in the remakes) to sing along by: Oh my hero, my beloved Shall we still be made to part? Though promises of perennial love Yet sing here in my heart I'm the darkness, you're the starlight Shining brightly from afar Through hours of despair, I offer this prayer To you, my evening star Must my final vows exchange-d be with him and not with you? Were you only here to quiet my fear Oh, speak! Guide me anew! _(atop the balcony)_ I am thankful, my beloved For your tenderness and grace I see in your eyes, so gentle and wise All doubts and fears erased Though the hours take no notice Of what fate might have in store Our love, come what may, will ne'er age a day I'll wait forevermore!

[@jimmymcjimface2607]

The first time i played this game, this scene came from out of nowhere and absolutely floored me. Easily my favorite ff moment. 😭😭😭

[@aleyro13]

Alternative lyrics (easier to sing in rythm of the melody): You’re my hero He who saves me You’re the one I long to see Though time goes away and nights turn to days your presence still remains In the darkness you’re the starlight shining brightly from afar for eternity For me there can be just you here in my heart Must I leave you? Must I wonder? From here on where you might be? Say what shall I do? How will I get through? Please come, guide me to you We must part now but I promise I will never let you go As I walk alone a voice in your tone I’ll hear as clear as my own In my heart now lives so gently the remembrance of your touch So let come what may I won’t age a day I’ll wait for you always

[@aleyro13]

@Trevor Mota It is better yes, but for a singer it is difficult to sing it rhythmically and this is an alternative for those who want to do that. I am not a professional lyricists, just a fan who like the song and the fact that I edited it so that it can more easily be sung is because I like it, not the other way around. It made it easier for me to sing it and I thought, "hey why not share it in case someone else out there would like that too?"

[@Carpet_Carp]

It's 2022 and I still get goosebumps from this

[@hiimjill3491]

One of the most beautiful scene in the history of gaming

[@MrFerrell55]

*Oh, yes*

[@bottleface]

This game pushed the SNES to its limits in so many ways. I remember playing this with my friend and it felt like we could hear the words even though the SNES sound obviously couldn't reproduce actual singing. This was an incredibly touching scene in a game that was just fantastic. I truly wish it got the attention that FF7 does because for my money, this is probably the best Final Fantasy game.

[@MoonFallSlump]

What a beautiful and melodious voice😍

[@fbistatmajor5918]

For me it's inarguably the greatest scene in FF history. It is so many things in one scene: multiple major character developments, emotional music, romantic undertones for more than just the opera itself, and it comes very early in the game while you're searching for Terra in her witch mode. I know saying this is the best scene in the series can be a stretch. It leaves out a lot of great ones. Galuf fighting exdeath with 0 hp Cecil becoming a paladin Squall and Rinoa on the Ragnarok The entire You're Not Alone scene in ff9 The Tidus and Yuna kiss And Aerith being shish kebabed as well as Cloud omnislashing Sephiroth But for me it's this scene. This single scene is why I wish ff6 would get a proper remake before all the other games. Ff7 has plenty of lore building. Ff6 has the remaster and that's it.

[@protesialbanese]

18 years have past and i remember it clearly.... dear old times back with friends bringing such an unforgettable spirit... the magic of ff stories...

[@Sour_Lemonade268]

This scene is so beautiful in the remaster. ❤

[@zhiruo7675]

Can't wait for this scene (and the game) to receive a modern remake with voice acting

[@gamerex9378]

Manly tears of nostalgia.

[@andrew_4747]

They did PHENOMENAL things with the music in this game especially given the limitations of the system

[@final6fr]

Pas besoin de full HD Audio et de 4k : Le jeu, sa magie, ... font tout ... Forever FF6

[@Merton9999]

Still my favorite moment in video game history. I like almost all FF games, including the new ones, but nothing has ever come close to FFVI for me.

[@magitekvai7796]

I have an idea: make it into a real opera. Make up an original story with Maria, Draco, Ralse and all that. Make them sing some songs from FF6 but add lyrics. Then finish the opera with the 14 minutes opera that was in the game

[@ADO404]

Magitek Man Isa good idea ^^

[@JuliaHonles]

YES

[@Mikihsa]

A bit late but this as been done way before you post that message. edit: for the 14mn final at least. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmenh31vl6qlqtE complete 12mn piece. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3jPZXmnisp5iZI This one is my favourite because that singer is amazing.

[@albertoam2]

Thanks for uploading this video, I am glad I played this game back in the 90's... What a masterpiece, I must say this is the best final fantasy up to date, and this scene is just the climax of it... Hope square some day remakes this one but don't touch the story at all, this one is perfect as it is

[@Zero8880]

How many of us 90's kids still remember the lyrics after nearly 30 years?

[@resoundingsource6595]

Never realized the similarities between the intro of this and aeriths theme before now. Cool to hear how the music developed over the years particularly in the uematsu era

[@trixietruelove2274]

This reminds me of Aeris' theme.

[@trixietruelove2274]

Oregon Thumb I know but not for me.

[@frozenflame5858]

That's because there is a phrase notes that is literally same and written by the same guy. Nobuo Uematsu is known for recycling themes across games.

[@knowpassword]

It's been awhile but I've just finished this part again! Thanks snes classic ed. 😭

[@HensuChoosu]

omigawd this scene! best part in any video game evar and nothing in gaming will ever top it for as long as humans exist! everything good in gaming that happened after this was inspired by this scene! such a great song and fits the story so well! more pleeze!!!

[@indiefansexplode]

Played this game again today and got to this scene and cried. I'm 33

[@sonicice8340]

amazing for the time period

[@EnderStine]

oh my love please run away

[@EnderStine]

monster king forbids your stay