How Going Underwater Changed Game Music

[@i8dacookies890]

"This allows developers to draw from many different WELLS of inspiration" Well played.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

+John Remmers aaaahhhhhh there's a few other sneaky ones in there! 😉

[@i8dacookies890]

Game Score Fanfare I hope you didn't go OVERBOARD.

[@QarleyQuark]

Well ~played~

[@cashnelson2306]

you can just let the pun breathe my dude you don't need to put it in all caps

[@luuketaylor]

Not to be *that* guy, but only because no one else has said this in the replies- Well well well...

[@TylerMeacham]

Omg the soundtrack of my childhood. Mostly because I always got stuck in the water level.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

+Tyler Meacham They are always so hard ugh. I think that's part of the reason they stick with us. Lots of time spent in those levels trying to beat them. :P

[@TylerMeacham]

Game Score Fanfare also I knew I recognized your voice! Can I just say that I've had your old WHERE IS ANTARCTICA vid in my favorites for like 10 years? It's a classic

[@GameScoreFanfare]

+Tyler Meacham HOLY CRAP ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?????? I can't believe this!

[@TylerMeacham]

Game Score Fanfare hahaha 100%

[@MorseCodeStutters]

LOL It's so funny because it's too true!

[@NickGoblin2]

It's so satisfying when that drumline kicks into Dire Dire Docks. It pumps you up along with the relaxation that comes with the level, putting the excitement and caution of Mario into your head.

[@goldengoron3433]

Dire Dire Docks hits me in the nostalgia everytime

[@x2f01mick]

Nelo Cintron I have 5 different versions saved on Spotify.

[@VideoGameRemixes]

Awesome video dude! You did a really good job at putting the psychology behind water level music into words, especially when looking at how and why it's changed over the years :)

[@briggsjaxon8059]

I know Im asking randomly but does someone know a way to log back into an instagram account..? I somehow forgot the password. I would love any tricks you can give me!

[@ryderjulien1557]

@Briggs Jaxon Instablaster ;)

[@shibbyxoxo]

Oh man, the DK soundtrack is so wonderful. Aquatic ambience is so stunning.

[@jondespa]

The music from Donkey Kong Country was a technical achievement at that time. I don't remember any video game that sounded like it before it came out. The melody and instrumentation of the whole 'Aquatic Ambiance' track at 4:43 is amazing! It's my favorite video game music of all time.

[@bdhuffman42]

Hydrocity Act 2 will always be my favorite water theme and water level

[@will_wmgc]

Great idea applying the effects to your voice as you mention them. This is great, I can't really find something like your channel anywhere else, and you make some really good points, plus it seems pretty accessible to non-musicians too!

[@GameScoreFanfare]

I had the idea of applying the effects, and then in the Nerdwriter's last video (on the music in Blade Runner) he did the exact same thing with the reverb. So now everyone is going to think I copied him, BUT WE JUST HAD THE SAME IDEA INDEPENDENTLY! I love your kind words. Exactly what I'm going for. Thank you!

[@LOOMING_WRAITH_OF_BAD_OMEN]

He's on his way. I'm here because it was in my recommended, and I just so happen to be a musician too.

[@MihzvolWuriar]

Underwater themes that I love are such as Garden of God from Chrono Cross, and Snow in a snow-bound land from David Wise itself, both prime examples of how great they can be

[@TheBrokenEclipse]

"That's one debatable" lol

[@spartanwar1185]

TRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

[@ReagonSmash14]

That ones the best

[@ashercoates4345]

I almost turned off the video

[@pinkajou656]

Oh my god, what’s that even from???

[@skylordguy6861]

You're doing great. Your channel made me interested in learning more about video game music.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Such an under-appreciated aspect!

[@TurboButton]

Never noticed before, but that little clip you played of the Water Temple's music, is that just a remix of the opening of the Zora's Domain tune?

[@GameScoreFanfare]

WOAH you might be right! Really sounds like it, definitely that descending arpeggio again. Nice little pick-up.

[@AlexDeLarge1]

Turbo Button I think they just sound similar in the chord structure. Zora’s Domain is all major chords, the Water Temple has minor chords to give it a spookier feel.

[@Poppilion]

No he didn't that is the tune used in the oot water temple but I can see how someone can get mixed up seeing how it sounds quite similar

[@elcelite4011]

It is probably on purpose. Games tend to create music with resounding patterns, much like classical symphonic music.

[@MarcosTorresJr]

4:30

[@Harvaine]

donkey kong 1 & 2 underwater themes always give me chills, i love them so much

[@geesegalore5594]

It's amazing how much goes into animation, music and game play when making a game. Recently, I've been watching videos on music, (like this one) game design, and animation. Before I thought all there was to music is make a catchy melody and you're good. But the part where he talks about the song resembling bubbles going to the surface and waves in the ocean really makes me appreciate all the music in video games I've listened to over the years.

[@TheUKNutter]

Underwater music in 3 steps 1. Play mellow and legato 2. Use major and minor 7th chords only 3. Use EP piano sounds

[@alepenagorbe9135]

Underwater levels in 3 steps 1. Fish

[@cedricverner7380]

Mmmmm that metroid prime song in the intro 😍😍

[@GameScoreFanfare]

+Cedric Verner one of my very favourites.

[@goldfedora378]

I love how in the Iron-Whale level of Shovel Knight, it starts with some descending arpeggios, making you feel like you're sinking and descending because, in that part of the level, you are. You are literally going down. And then it gains the melody, making the level feel like you are on the edge of the dark, unknown depths of the sea, where cruel creatures, be they monsters or men, lie.

[@Giraffinator]

This was an amazing video with a topic that I never would've thought I'd be interested in.

[@fenomozo9108]

Is a shame that this video isn´t longer

[@pedroscoponi4905]

"...Have come from *under the sea* _shows Kingdom Hearts_ " I love this video so much, I'm still laughing

[@Cobyba]

I'm so happy you used the Crashed Frigate song from Prime in the intro. Actually one of my favorite pieces of videogame music ever.

[@justinao7620]

You have such a wonderful intuition for something you are obviously very passionate about. I am bewildered as to how you have not immediately propelled into stardom, but I am simultaneously happy to know that I found your channel this early on, and now get the chance to see how you grow and prosper. Keep at it! Soon, you'll easily have thousands of views per video, I am sure of it!

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Thank you so much! This is really so encouraging!

[@dont-feed-ben4833]

Great job at supporting your points with objective differences in the music using theory that effect the overall "feel" of the levels and games. You've earned my like.

[@joshuadelaney4752]

Damn, super glad I came across this channel! Just subbed!

[@svddsosa7396]

Banjo Kazooie soundtrack transitions changed my life I swear

[@yokotaashi]

OMG you had me at Underwater Frigate. That was the first game soundtrack I downloaded and now often listen to OSTs for games I've never played. Thank you for the wonderful insight and theory behind it, I wish you had let some of those tracks play through!

[@lordgiles1841]

Your Channel is fucking great. I am a huge Soundtrack-Fan. Doesn't matter if Movie, -Anime, -TV-Show or Game-Score. This is right the Channel for me! Keep up the great work!

[@PlayMoGame]

Rocket: Robot on Wheels also had that really satisfying seamless transition from land to water

[@MMMercia]

River Twygz Bed from paper Mario is a classic

[@creezza6711]

Yeah, River Twygz Bed really did take the usual "Underwater Level" music and have it unravel from the inside out. Layer by layer. Violently. And slowly. Then proceeded to make a shake made out of it's remains. Then put the shake into Cake Icing. Then made a cake out of humans, using that Icing as well. Then smushed that cake into a Patty, and made a sandwich with moldy bread that was left out in the Sun for 10 years. Filled with bugs and eggs. Then threw that sandwich into a fire. *_I still have nightmares....._*

[@VioletNova217]

NOPE NOPE NOPE SO MUCH NOPE

[@TheAbsol7448]

Definitely. :)

[@Cosmovich]

oh boi, that river was l i t

[@iregretsomeofmypreviouscom3284]

We dont talk about that

[@Yojimbo711]

Most of the music in those early games fitted the scenes tremendously and were also great tracks themselves, great video!

[@iiropeltonen]

I watched for 3 minutes and subscribed. I love this kind of prepared journalistic content with a clear subject and appropriate lenght and depth. Good job!

[@VGpunx]

Wow, what a great explanation! I'm so happy this popped up in my feed today!

[@jujucatjuca]

Very cool video! I'd never stopped to pay attention to the uniqueness of underwater music.

[@PabbyPabbles]

Wasn't Dire Dire Docks the level with Bowser's sub, though? This looked like the earlier sunken ship level I forgot the name of...

[@GameScoreFanfare]

+TheOnePabb yeah the level I showed was Jolly Rogers Bay, but the music that plays is called Dire Dire Docks.

[@edwardlennie5731]

Another amazing video! You always choose such great pieces to highlight your points :D

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Aw shucks... thanks. :)

[@TheFleshPrevails]

New to the channel and I ABSOLUTELY love it already! I always obsessed over game soundtracks and found it hard to put into words! Keep up the great work! And by the way... you NAILED that first song pick!! Underwater Frigate from Metroid Prime ALWAYS made me feel so immersed and inspired!

[@glanni]

The original donau waltz was also about the Donau, the big river that flows through Vienna, the home of Johann Strauß. Thus 3/4 pacing always has such a watery flowing feel imo

[@BadgerCheese94]

I personally LOVE underwater levels ever since I was a kid. I think its my love of the ocean. Water levels and snow levels have always been my favourite types.

[@XinGraves13]

You got my subscription when you put the effects on your voice to illustrate your voice. Nice.

[@sihplak]

2:26 The underwater theme sounds more like 6/8. You can quite clearly hear the compound duple meter, and the pulses are much too fast to be reasonably considered a 3/4 waltz. However, if anything the slower 6/8 arguably is even more "floaty", as it feels like 2/4, but with more space between given the fact that the meter is compound instead of simple. 5:20 Presuming you're talking about the track being played that you speak over, it quite obviously has a beat. You can quite easily hear very in-time eighth notes, there is quite obviously a beat. To argue there not being a beat to grab onto is incorrect. However, the instrumentation and distortions you described are definitely accurate.

[@MtrlDstrbt]

correct

[@beatstwosz9665]

nope the one he described was reverb not delay

[@klontjespap]

i actually said to myself 6/8 before he mentioned the 3/4, i guess maybe i wasn't wrong

[@xxXthekevXxx]

It bugged me that he said the Donkey Kong song didn’t have the beat. As a musician it’s very easy (for me at least) to find the beat.

[@trentulloa]

It’s 4/4, sure it sounds like 3/4 but it has a fourth beat, there are four beats not 3.

[@ShmaerkWards]

5:44 : For those interested: The effect is a Reverb, not a Delay.

[@hunterofendermen367]

Very well researched. Great explanation and a job, beautifully, well done.

[@Marcusml333]

Great video! I love underwater music, underwater levels, and everything underwater, basically.

[@HazeAnderson]

4:43 best underwater music in video game, IMO. Back in 1996 i had a keyboard amp, a Roland sampler and some electronic pads to go with my drumkit. I used to play this sample on a loop before my band's set, while we were setting up.

[@Ixiom64]

First video I watched from this channel and I love it already. I think some video game music are hidden masterpieces looked over by a lot of people.

[@newageBoundhippie]

Dire Dire Docks remains, to this day, one of my favorite songs of all time...Aquatic Ambiance as well. And I mean general, not just video game music. Another noteworthy ( no pun intended ) underwater song I adore is from the Starfy series, used for the starting level ( usually called Cave of Lob or Lobber's Cave ).

[@Bend818]

I KNEW the Mario Bros underwater music reminded me of the Waltz for a reason! Great video!

[@SharonKofoed]

LOVE the various water soundtracks in games....thanks for putting this together!

[@joshsjunk365]

I would like to thank you for starting the video with a track from my favorite Nintendo franchise :) this video helped me a lot as I will be helping a friend of mine compose compose music for a new game he’s developing.

[@rexeb]

A whole video dedicated to underwater music and not a single mention or clip from Ecco! Still a great vid though - thanks!

[@GameScoreFanfare]

+Barley Tea the focus was definitely more on underwater levels, rather than underwater games. Plus I'm still mad at ecco for being impossible!

[@rexeb]

Heh, fair enough on both points! :)

[@iregretsomeofmypreviouscom3284]

Aside from Labyrinth Zone Sonic games had godalike Water musics like Hidrocity, Aqua Lake, Aqua Planet, Tidal Tempest (JP), Aquatic Mine, Dry Lagoon, Aquatic Base, Aquarium Park, Water Palace...

[@GieterHero]

Nice touch actually appyling the sound effects to your voice in the DKC bit to make it more clear what they do.

[@BexEdmondson]

got linked to this by a colleague - super interesting! being a dev but not a musician, i think game music is reallllllly overlooked, so i'm happy i've found your channel so i can learn more about it :) also ha, if that's the nanalew i think it is, that's so cool

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Thank you! :) And yes it is Shawna.

[@dddoger]

Ecco the Dolphin water level music

[@KizulEmeraldfire]

That game ONLY HAS water levels! It's also an EVIL, EVIL game! ;_; An AMAZING game - but EVIL. I still have yet to beat the final level in any of the Ecco games. xD

[@Laenthal]

Not evil, but adult-level scary.

[@cheesypies]

I love the Dive song in pokemon R/S/E so happy sounding. Sometimes I just went out to sea to hear the Surf song and then dived and listened to the underwater one then back up... so lovely.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

+CheesyPies one of my favourite Pokémon tracks!

[@shajita]

Mark Brown shared this on Twitter, and I watched ALL of your videos in one go. Amazing videos, dude. You've earned yourself a sub. Keep up the good work.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Thanks! I will try! :)

[@TheAbsol7448]

Props for using Metroid music in the intro. I absolutely _love_ underwater music in Metroid. You earned a subscriber just for that. :)

[@GameScoreFanfare]

My absolute favourite is Underwater Depths from Metroid Fusion.

[@TheAbsol7448]

I haven't played Fusion yet. So far, my favorite is either Underwater Frigate Reactor Core or Subterranean Bog. Both of those give me chills every time I hear them(like most of Metroid's tracks).

[@agametothenick3530]

So glad I discovered this channel. Great video mate!

[@TheApostleofRock]

Facinating. Who knew. Because now you get music out of games that could be taken for standalone pieces. My personal favorite is far and away "Gwyn Lord of Cinder." Thematically as close to perfect as you can get for that final boss.

[@DreadEthos616]

All of my favorite water music comes from the Classic Sonic series. (The Chemical Plant Act 2 theme in Sonic Mania is my favorite underwater track. It's a pretty fast track for an underwater level, because there are some extremely fast parts, even in the underwater parts.)

[@iregretsomeofmypreviouscom3284]

Chemical Plant act 2 doesnt have water

[@JohnHassink]

2:41 Konami's "Antarctic Adventure" (released in december 1983, so over a year before "Super Mario Bros." in september 1985) also had music with a 3/4 time signature. It's a rendition of "The Skater's Waltz" by Émile Waldteufel. Some more examples are: the game start jingles from "Tank Batallion" (1980), "Galaga" (1981) and "Pepper II" (1982), even if those are a bit short, also the in-game music of "Mappy" (1983), which is in 6/8, and multiple pieces in certain versions of "Jet Set Willy" (1984).

[@MairuzuMusic]

Wow, awesome video! I never really payed much attention to the use of dynamic music arrangements in levels such as these-it's so cool! 😃

[@stezo2k]

Amazing video, subbed. The bramble music in DKC2 was meant to be for a water level and it shows, it may even be one of the best game scores ever

[@tigeros8995]

This video deserves much much more clicks. It is so well explained and interesting damn

[@zdp-189]

Soooo soooo amazing to open with Metoid Prime! I love all Metroid games, the music really is ethereal and feels like it takes me to these extreme, alien worlds. Amazing!

[@isotera6372]

Seriously though, anything from the metroid prime soundtrack can bring me straight back to the moment I was playing the game. Especially the phazon mines, phendrana drifts and the sunken frigate.

[@Hepyrian]

Wow this is really great. Refreshing to see someone nailing Game music in a video essay style (or any style for that matter). Looking forward to seeing what you do.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Glad you enjoy it! Really means a lot, I'm a fan of your work. :)

[@dhsghdhsbd]

Sonic 3: oh yeah I have an underwater level too, it's called "Hydrocity Zone" Hydrocity Zone: *_fast paced music_*

[@supahstarclod]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon this channel, I really loved the in-depth analysis in this video

[@WT_Neptune]

Ruby/Sapphire's Dive theme is absolutely nuts for a water theme. It is so energetic and bouncy. Definitely an outlier in this category of themes.

[@charbomber110]

this is my first episode of this and i subscribed before the intro even ended. your good at getting subs!

[@yetanothertubeuser]

Now hold on a second here - a game from 1985 is supposed to have the first ever video game song not in 4/4? The Commodore 64 released three years earlier, there are probably multiple games on it that beat SMB to this title Edit: Hey, I was right for once - Ultima III ('84) has original music in 3/4.

[@TimesigJolteon]

There are A LOT of odd time VGM songs pre-1985, stuff far weirder than 3/4 too (3/4 is honestly an incredibly common time signature, relatively speaking to what else is out there, especially in game music.), so yeah his statement is ridiculously uninformed. A few random examples: 1) Marble Madness - Intermediate Race (1984) changes time signature constantly, mixed meter The Rite of Spring style, including lots of 5/4 sections in particular. ((and this was a very mainstream game...)) 2) Congo Bongo (1983) has its theme in 15/16 in the SG-1000 port, and in 5/4 in the MSX port. 3) Tower of Druaga - Music When Princess Appears (1984) is 7/4, or at least 4/4 + 6/8 alternating. and that's just naming a few lol

[@TheJamesM]

Yeah, this video was good on the whole, but his claims of things being a first for games seemed pretty suspicious, like they might be drawing from a comparatively limited history. A lot happened in games before and outside of the Nintendo and Sega systems!

[@TheJamesM]

Yeah, this video was good on the whole, but his claims of things being a first for games seemed pretty suspicious, like they might be drawing from a comparatively limited history. A lot happened in games before and outside of the Nintendo and Sega systems!

[@klontjespap]

easily multiple on the c64

[@marsf6080]

KZbin has a problem of most videogame channels having videogame history start and end with Nintendo, and nothing else. A shame.

[@holopilot3008]

The Donkey Kong Country water theme will forever be my favorite. That song reaches deep within my soul every time I hear it. I just see 4 year old me sitting on my bunk bed, watching my big brother and dad play Donkey Kong together. I miss those days, I was so enthralled by watching them play that. DK Country was also the very first game I ever played.

[@humanseekingtruth6080]

This was really good and feature great underwater game music!

[@Kraigon42]

I have zero musical knowledge, but I always seem to enjoy musical analysis such as this. I also had never considered how CD gaming changed how music is done in games, though recently learning that cartridges were essentially plug-in motherboard expansions allows me to make sense of that and it's quite an interesting fact to learn. Thank you.

[@carlosvidal6663]

I don’t know why but even though I love underwater music it always gives me the creeps. A little detail on the video, what you called a delay was actually a reverb. Other than that your video was spot on!

[@vladfarcam4817]

Saw the title and the channel title Subscribed instantly

[@SinnohStarly]

Oh yes, this is the good stuff. Your channel is gonna skyrocket! Excellent song choices and analysis.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

I sure hope so! Thanks man. :D

[@kappabravomusic2101]

pretty sweet review of the music. Enjoyed the facts about VG music with time. Good job. I love DKC music so much for many years now.

[@Squidhead]

I love your channel, I'm so happy I found it, keep it up 😭

[@brachydios1230]

aw nice another great video I'm shocked you aren't more popular good job!

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Visibility is an issue. :P Thank you, you're very nice!

[@andregomes115]

awesome vdd. thanks for this work man. i learning a little base of music watching you

[@timidstein888]

Great work, man. Anthing you do is awesome ;)

[@rofflechoffle]

i was so worried you weren't going to bring up grant kirkhope. i'd like to add that his dynamic approach to underwater music completely reflects the fact that sound travels much less efficiently through water than it does through air, which almost makes the soundtrack feel diegetic and therefore perfectly maintains immersion in the video game world. A lot of dynamic soundtracks have achieved that through the years, but i'll always hold Kirkhope's underwater versions of his music in B-K as some of the first and greatest examples of this.

[@MissSamGreen]

This is so interesting! Great video! You've got yourself a new subscriber!

[@Revvie99]

Buoy Base from Super Mario Galaxy is the best, especially when you put the water and land piece together

[@JulesThePsion]

This video reminded me to keep hydrated today. Thanks.

[@CanadianAPX]

Really cool video man! Taking music in university and I'm in some class for Music in Film/television and Music in Video Games and this video actually was really intriguing. Thanks :)

[@GameScoreFanfare]

+CanadianAPX wait, are you saying you watched this in class??

[@CanadianAPX]

I showed my professor this today :p

[@GameScoreFanfare]

CanadianAPX oh right. That is scary, but thanks! 😁

[@CanadianAPX]

It may actually help a lot of other students. Most are film students and aren't overly adept with musical concepts and they way you spoke and presented information was very easy to follow!

[@heliocapella4670]

Came here from a Mark Brown (GMTK) twitter recommendation, great channel. Subbed.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Thanks heaps!

[@hummeldonsr3406]

Absolutely fantastic video. Glad to have found this channel. Keep it up!

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Glad you enjoy it! :D

[@irishjet2687]

This is the first video of yours I’ve ever watched, after it showed up in my suggestions. You’re awesome! One bit of criticism, though. It would have been nice if you sampled more tracks, especially when you showed gameplay from their point of origin. Otherwise, fantastic video! You have my sub!

[@Baegus]

Never noticed the drums in Dire Dire Docks! Amazing video

[@MV4got2aim]

really loving the channel! another great video and fantastic editing on this one.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

thank you! :D

[@kickitoldskool]

Menno Verbeek Looks like you're first, so you get a Crown: 👑

[@superceotto4584]

you got me with the intro music lol. best of the best

[@digitalandy]

Very interesting. Another early title which eschewed melodic up-beat tunes for a darker, more ambient approach is the first Metroid on NES. It's amazing how the score fits and enhances the atmosphere of being isolated in an alien world. The gameplay also played into this, dropping you in a dark and convoluted maze full of strange creatures and hidden passages.

[@GameScoreFanfare]

Totally! Metroid was something always tugging at me when talking about the influence of DKC. I had a conversation about it with some people on a discord channel, and it helped me recognise the difference between "atmospheric" and "ambient." I kind of meant ambient more in terms of genre, pioneered by the likes of Brian Eno. Emphasis on textures and samples (field recordings), heavy reliance on synth pads, and highly atmospheric. I think music can be atmospheric, set the environment and mood, but not ambient. Zelda music can be atmospheric in how it sets its fantasy tone, but I certainly wouldn't call it ambient.

[@mwarrensims]

whenever I heard water music I knew I was about to become very angry and frustrated

[@StarSquadEnt]

Wow what a great analysis on the music in gaming. I always loved water levels and the music with it but something I love even more are the soundtracks of ice levels. Sonic 3’s Ice Cap, Paper Mario 64’s Shiver Region, and even some of the haunting ones in Metroid Prime. I’d like to see what you say about ice levels in the future.

[@Rumboats]

Beautiful essay, well done!

[@AdolfoSalinasP]

Congratulations for your content!! Your made a great job!!!