Opera Singer Reacts: Footfalls (Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker OST/Trailer)

[@MarcoMeatball]

Sorry if this is a little choppy at times. I'm still figuring out my OBS settings for watching things like this/recording from OBS. sorry it's not perfect :D :X - Note Answers and Shadowbringers Music only are no longer on the channel. It's for the best.

[@PresidentFunnyValentine]

Is it due to copyright?

[@MarcoMeatball]

@@PresidentFunnyValentine yes

[@ClessTheAngel]

Aw damn that sucks Marco. I thought it would be okay since in Answers you didn't use the official song but looking forward to what you got next! I'm gonna request a certain song later after you beat Endwalker! Once you beat it, you'll probably know what one :)

[@SomethingScotty]

Squeenix strikes again. Personally I'm surprised they were able to claim it, as being a professional musician and giving a breakdown and critique of the songs is something I'd think would be covered under fair use.

[@ApexGale]

@@SomethingScotty It's also just weird because there's plenty of videos on this site of people reacting to the Shadowbringsrs theme/trailer.

[@kenzieroots347]

The dragons singing ishgard’s theme will never not make me fucking *sob*

[@titaniumvulpes]

The greatest part is how in Heavensward they were singing it against you, but now in Endwalker they're on your side, made so much more poignant by how the lyric "Mah morn narr" becomes just "Mah morn".

[@alexlone1844]

@@titaniumvulpes Ah yes. Let's add more reasons to adore 14's music. god damnit. i love it.

[@bluesrike]

​@@titaniumvulpesCan I ask for the translation of that Dragonspeak?

[@ConBadger]

@@bluesrike I got this from an "official lyrics video" Our slumber disturbed All my brothers wake Death Comes (this is Mah Morn) Our slumber disturbed Vengeance will be ours

[@YunaLeow]

"On wings of hope you rise up through the night, higher! Oh, higher!" Oh boy... only if you knew... I completed Endwalker within 2 weeks of its release and my only regret is that I can never play this game for the very first time ever again.

[@Carsu12]

Yeah, I also considered getting a strong concussion to hopefully forget whole MSQ and relive it again for the first time

[@CodeeXD]

Yeah man foreal.

[@joolzian2510]

I would give my first born to play this game again for the first time.

[@Toksyuryel]

@@Carsu12 ECT is both a safer and much more reliable method of erasing your memories.

[@blankvoidzx3784]

Been playing since 1.0 and the closed beta for ARR... smashed Endwalker in around the same time... DIED with the walk through the endgame area. Literally had to leave the PC because I was bawling my eyes out.

[@piconio]

the Lyrics here are also very epic ,,Tales of loss, and fire, and faith" that's literally Heavensward, Stormblood and Shadowbringers x)

[@hoangminhle1964]

I feel like the order is reverse, as Shadowbringer has a theme around dealung with losses, and Heavensward has the whole church

[@joshuareinert1740]

​@@hoangminhle1964 the core themes though are in the correct order, Heavensward has the loss of Haurchefant, Papalymo, the warriors of darkness losing their home, the WoL losing their safety in eorzea and escaping to Ishgard, Nidhoggs inability to cope with the loss of his sister, Hraesvaelgrs lack of action after the loss of Shiva. shadowbringers is an exercise of questioning faith, what is the light, why has the light done this, what does this mean about Hydaelyn, why did she let this happen. What about Emet, his unshakable faith in his cause, his duty to bring back his loved ones, Elidibus faith in lord Zodiark and his own duty, even when his memory fades, his faith remains. The exarchs faith in the WoL, even after all that time, he still believes. the crystariums faith in the exarch to lead them. Eulmores shaken faith in Vauthry.

[@insertcognomen]

@@joshuareinert1740 please explain fire

[@joshuareinert1740]

@@insertcognomen Fire is probably meant to represent passion. Passion for one's home land, for one's cause, for one's beliefs. In the vocal theme for Stormblood "Revolutions" there is a line that goes "Fire in your eyes, Fire in your hearts, steeled as you sound the horns of war." Could also symbolize hatred for the enemy, the chaos of zenos, the nation's rising from the ashes.

[@Nirual86]

I'd argue all three themes are present in every expansion, but there is definitely an argument of each being more focused on one in particular

[@krysmphoenix6010]

I saw that little chair dance for the Song of Hope. It is impossible to not feel uplifted by it. There's something about her operatic voice, the lyrics, and the bit of jazzy feeling to the background accompaniment that comes together with it. It gives you strength. It carries you. I wish I had more music theory knowledge to disect just this tiny little section because it's so amazing. It's another lietmotif that Endwalker introduces, but unlike the rest it only shows up very rarely. And each time it does... it gives you the chair wiggles.

[@corvidkaigaming]

As someone who has been playing for the last 7 years, the way they did Footfalls absolutely had me a bawling mess when I heard it the first few times. This game has meant so much to me, and hearing the journey we've made through the game in music form was just...BOOM. Right in feels, no chance to find my feet beforehand. XD

[@schizothread]

@@ZincZXzinx you read the Quran HAHAHA

[@narius_jaden215]

This game, along with every expansion, has made me cry, cheer, laugh, and more. More than any other game in my lifetime. I've loved many games, from many genres. I've been playing since the nes days. When it comes to the total package of music, gameplay and story, this beats out everything else for me. This song was a culmination of all that came before it. A crescendo, the climax to all the hardships, the tragedies and triumphs of FFXIV as a whole. A lot of games can't pull this off. Basically no MMO has ever done it right. And yet here we stand. My commentary is obviously aimed at more than the music, but I just love everything about my time with FFXIV :).

[@itsmaxey4597]

Since you're starting to listen to FFXIV tracks I would totally love to hear your thoughts on "Flow", after you beat Endwalker of course, one of my favourite songs that came from this expansion

[@ValbrandrLeonhardt]

That song makes me tear up every time. Endwalker is a god damn masterpiece.

[@bikko3089]

@@ValbrandrLeonhardt Same. I must say it's better now, but when the expansion came, I teared up every time T^T

[@o0Azure0o]

Especially since they just dropped the music video for it.

[@sheikaitheblueberryelf4938]

Yes, this song is definitely a must especially with how emotional it is. I cry every time I hear it.

[@VainVanitas]

@@o0Azure0o I thought I had gotten over crying when I hear flow. Then I watched that music video and all the feels came flooding back.

[@Daecoth]

In Soken We trust 🥰

[@Qazqi]

When you finish 6.0, I recommend going back and having another look at the lyrics of some of these songs, Footfalls included. It's great that the songs can keep delivering even beyond the expansion itself.

[@Noelle668]

I’m so glad you’re in the XIV family! I’ve been enjoying your other game interests and music reviews, keep it up 💎

[@MarcoMeatball]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ WHT reporting for duty

[@GimmeTOKYO]

@@MarcoMeatball SPAM THAT HOLY LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT

[@specialnewb9821]

That late 90s/early 2000s opening just hits me right in the nostalgia!

[@Rpgotoko]

it's really different when someone know about the lore and review the trailer. Keep the Good Work.

[@Zzzlol94]

This song hits so much harder after having played the Endwalker story. Especially when Endwalker kicks in, it instantly tears me up heavily. After having heard that same part happen in the middle of With Hearts Aligned when fighting Endsinger. Which is the first time since Answers in T13 in 2015 where I’ve cried on the first time after getting to a specific part of a song for a boss ingame. That leitmotif just hits so hard when you’ve heard it so much during Endwalker and then you suddenly get the vocals put on top with Endsinger and With Hearts Aligned. Just everything of how the last phase of Endsinger is done is perfect.

[@Abysswalker8220]

Gods this song. It really makes you reflect on the journey we’ve shared. From fighting ladybugs and squirrels to journeying to the end of the ends of the universe. It was a beautiful journey and I can’t wait to see how the story will progress from here

[@crystalgoddess4085]

Footfalls is easily the best theme among the expansions, so fitting that the theme to the end of a story arc would contain elements of every past theme, you can hear leitmotifs from Answers, Heavensward, Revolutions and Shadowbringers throughout it. As for the lyrics which play during the part with Estinien and Vrtra, they are in "Wyrmspeak" and are; Dys an sohm in | Our slumber disturbed Rohs an kyn ala na | All my brothers wake Eehl an sohm in | Our peace sacrificed Sahl djahs afah an | Vengeance will be ours Which sounds like it's from the perspective of the dragons, who had finally attained peace at the end of Heavensward, and are now resolved to fight fang and claw against those who have disrupted their hard-won peace.

[@CrimsonDX]

I've seen a few FF14 reactions to the music or the trailers, but it was really something special to see someone talking about it who is actually a fan of the game.

[@MarcoMeatball]

I’m really glad you like it. This game means so much to me.

[@shd_samurai9676]

Nobody ever mentions this(and this is unrelated to the music) but I love tat in the opening shot our silhouette on the moon looks like an ascian in their robes.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Oh! Ya..

[@jens1639]

no one will judge you, if you played the song of hope segment nonstop, trust me

[@xLeenix]

It is good you found a "workaround" with the copyright. I am happy that we can it have this way :3

[@MarcoMeatball]

me too. I got really scared. LOL.

[@rexex345]

I remember it mentioned that the song is meant to be something of a duet between zodiark and hydaelyn using the male and female vocals, with the dragon's song calling to war midway. The translation to the heavens ward section is similar to what is in dragon song but the context and some words have changed it from a call of destruction to a call to arms to defend the world.

[@NakuruKouChannel]

i'm so happy watching your reactions. knowing that other people do reactions only bc FFXIV has been so popular recently while not being interested or know anything about the story at all, getting someone who has in-depth knowledge of the story And the music really is 💯💯💯💯💯 I hope you will love Endwalker as much as I did.

[@MarcoMeatball]

thank you for writing this that is so sweet.

[@danh8804]

That damn counter-melody in the last section is where I can't avoid crying

[@mikigirl18]

I loved how spot on you were on this. You were right on about it all. Also, I'm not sure if anyone else had mentioned this, but the lyrics, "On wings of hope we rise of through the night, HIGHER, oh higher" makes me think about how we hold on to the tiniest hope and elevate it to be our motivation to surpass the odds.

[@lancetheguybeingadude7432]

It has to be done, and even if Rules are Rules, its good to see we can still grind this out, all the love as always, and goodnight Marco! ♡

[@Spee33]

Two other great songs: Shadowbringers Trailer/OST, that opening still gives me goosebumps. Other song: Tomorrow and tomorrow.

[@Postpar]

I'd love to hear your break down of the last fight of part 1 of endwarlker's 24-man alliance raid when you get to it.

[@PogausorusRex]

A friend recommended I looked at your channel and love your work. Thank you :)

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you friend and thank you You!

[@pailofstars]

There have been reactions to this songs, but this one goes into much more depths. Kudos!

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you!

[@DefenderX]

I would recommend you to check out "Close the Distance" from FFXIV. It's a song at the end of Endwalker and is really emotional 👍

[@DefenderX]

Also, would recommend reacting to "Soul Echoes" by Alex Moukala and "In the Balance", which is FFXIV Endwalkers latest last raid boss.

[@prisoner817]

In the balance is 🤌

[@NogginNogs]

What hit me hard was the evolution of the song from discordant melody>clear melody>full song as you progressed through the story in Ultima Thule. Still can't go back there with out tearing up a little.

[@matthewsvic]

Thank you for your thoughts and reaction, I love this song and trailer! ✨🤍✨

[@alfonsoferraro7519]

Man you really have a soft spot for FFXIV. Me too as well. Anyway one of the most satisfying and complete experience, in my opinion, is when you have to talk objectively about something you love. That's because despite the fact you may recognize some flaws in that thing, you know you still love it. I got no education in music or whatsoever, I am just speaking generally. But it was clear to me how much you really wanted to talk about this song throughout the video itself, you had some sort of positive anxiety like "oh I must tell them about this part of the song, it's incredible!! they must know it, they can't miss this!!!". I really enjoyed the video, keep it up!

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you Alfonso! Sei italiano?!

[@alfonsoferraro7519]

@@MarcoMeatball Si!

[@metalfingers2129]

I'm one of those guys that just bounces around to anyone who will react to FFXIV music and sub. Glad I found this one and see that you are also a fellow warrior of light. Really awesome insight and while I always know that Soken has callbacks to old songs all the time, I did not notice the Heavensward and Stormblood references with Estinien and Zenos. This song just got that much better.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Welcome here!

[@kaisskateouederni]

Marco : talking about the song while remembering the journey and adding interesting element to the analysis Chad Pikachu : still flexing but behind the endwalker vid

[@CodeeXD]

God this song hits so different after finishing endwalker msq

[@gabriskillo]

You really should listen to "Answer" from FF XIV, I think that the voice there is really capable and full of expression, and also the organic is well structured.

[@TechneMakre]

he's done a video on answers, but had to remove it for copyright unfortunately

[@MrTrevo1000]

SUPER curious how you haven’t reacted to the Draco and Maria Opera from FFVI, or even better the Distant Worlds rendition, it’s amazing imo. Your background is perfectly poised to commentate on this! :)

[@MarcoMeatball]

Its coming in a few weeks and is about 25 minutes long

[@nicogalax]

@@MarcoMeatball woah woah, it'll be epic

[@777dulera777]

Fantastic video. I enjoyed your love for the song and all the insights you had to share.

[@Shade_sShadow]

If there is one thing final fantasy does better than any series it is music and story. I am convinced ffXIV is some of the best work in the series.

[@M0narch1024]

Oh boy that's two FFXIV reacts in a row, the temptation is getting to me. Do I really end up signing onto my first MMORPG soon? Also Day eleven of recommending Stay Gold from the Arknights OST

[@babooteee]

it’s become such a meme now but the free trial is a very good way to try it out before paying and you don’t have any time restrictions. i myself spent 350+ hours in the free trial before actually buying the game and it was the best decision i ever made

[@robikkupegasus7039]

JOIN UUUUSSS... Free trial is free, and lasts for a GOOOOOD chunk of time...what've you got to lose, eh?~ :3

[@narius_jaden215]

They ain't even memeing, you can take your time to fall in love with the free trial before you ever have to pay a cent.

[@prisoner817]

I was hesitant at first too but.. It's like a singleplayer game first with mmo elements, totally worth. The story is maybe one of the best FF has put out no Kap

[@prisoner817]

Cool hearing your perspective on it, subbed

[@robikkupegasus7039]

Oh man, Endwalker...what an experience, what a time had - what an absolutely amazing emotional time. I hope you enjoy the absolute wonder that is yet to come, and that you walk the end with head held high!

[@hyperjgaming5768]

"On wings of hope you rise up through the night, HIGHER OH HIGHER!!!!" Let me play this game again for the first time...

[@Vinechicken]

i'm sooo excited for you! i wish i could see your reactions to the story but i know that playing with an audience is just different and i wish you the best experience possible. but when you finish the game please make a video gushing over it, that would be lovely!

[@SyrantStuff]

Finally getting to watch the trailer and reflect on the journey is a bit overwhelming after consuming the story in 4 months. Watching it with the rest so recently behind me is a flood of memories and emotions.

[@gabrielefried3853]

Soken! 🥰🥰🥰 Thanks for this one especially, I never played the game (maybe that's to change 😉) but I LOVE the music!

[@jerome6519]

i saw someone mention that the Name footfalls could also be a tie in from where your journey as a Scion first begins, the Waking Sands, which is located in the area called "The Footfalls"

[@Mangoekaki]

I absolutely love musical breakdown videos like these. I just found your channel and I'm already enjoying your content very much!! Thank you for sharing! As for my thoughts on this trailer's music: When the Endwalker trailer first released at the live letter, I think I was only post-Heavensward going into Stormblood, so I really had no context of what was going on and why these scenes were so significant. Despite that though, this trailer got me extra excited to keep pushing through the MSQ, and of course I thought the music was (and still is) a total banger. Who was this long blond hair guy? We see Estinien again? So many questions that didn't really spoil me for story, rather got me hyped for the buildup. What will happen?? As of now, I'm about a third of the way through Shadowbringers. The music of the Endwalker trailer hits VERY different because I finally experienced a good chunk of the struggles the WoL and the world had to face--heart-wrenching, painful struggles referenced, accompanied by glimpses of hope and fleeting moments of peace...only to be plunged back into battle. The way the main vocalist belts out his song, strong and determined, feels like the war cry of the WoL on the field. "NO, IT'S NOT TOO LATE--FORGE AHEAD!!" And when the melody raises up in that last bit? Oh man...I tear up every time now. FFXIV is my first real MMO and is the first game I truly invest my time (and my money) into because there is so much depth in the story, beautiful music, and an amazing community which I'm proud to be a part of. Keep up the amazing work, and enjoy the game!!

[@MarcoMeatball]

Same for me! First mmo! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@Mangoekaki]

@@MarcoMeatball Nearly a year after I posted my comment, I have finally finished Endwalker and am into the beginnings of 6.1. I'm watching this again to see what has changed. "Forge ahead" used to be the lyric I latched onto, but now "Tales of loss, and fire, and faith" have SO much more impact. I hope you enjoyed The Walk as much as I did.

[@emerald6182]

The music just gets better! Enjoy!

[@Fumbolover]

Good to know that i am not the only one getting emotional listening to this songs

[@josephryantengco3671]

I returned here after listening to your reaction on FFXVI. And not do I only see the similarities of their 'warring' themes, but Clive do also look a lot like Warrior of Light lol.

[@SomethingScotty]

Not sure if it's been mentioned yet or not, but scrolling down a few mouse scrolls didn't show anything, but the composer of this song, Masayoshi Soken, created the song while in the hospital getting cancer treatment. So while the song does perfectly depict the story of the game, perhaps there was a little bit of himself written in there? Of course, I think the guy in charge of localization for FF14 wrote the lyrics. But still, coming up with a banger like this while in a hospital bed sick with cancer of all things is impressive.

[@MarcoMeatball]

I knew this fact and find it unbelievable

[@michaeltrees7106]

A theory I have on why they went rock instead of the original choir/orchestral version for the storm blood part is because of the complete reversal of the Harlem situation in garlemald. The grand choir of the nation is now reduced to a fraction of what it was

[@FenerX]

I love this track so much

[@fabianoverde681]

I wonder if you ever heard the main menu theme for Civilization VI cause i think it would be right up your alley ;)

[@SaltyLocke]

Enjoy Endwalker! It's an amazing trip to both the familiar and the unknown. I cannot see how they could ever top this expansion.

[@Kananzael]

Remember we said the same for Shadowbringer. ;)

[@SaltyLocke]

@@Kananzael True... very very true

[@ManxoChu]

In case it hasn't been said, welcome to XIV. Enjoy the journey from A Realm Reborn (ARR) all the way to Endwalker (EW) and beyond. XIV has the world record for most music tracks in a single video game title. As someone who while isn't a hardcore FF fan but gets engrossed in a good story, XIV is a treat the entire way through.

[@Firecat0]

Loved this!

[@July-gj1st]

Tomorrow and Tomorrow, also Answers and the Heavensward theme!

[@MarcoMeatball]

😇

[@alessiostarnini14]

You should read the lyrics its absolutely beautiful

[@Xanthanarium]

Something that I always wondered about this song is if it's intentional that when they sing "forge ahead", it also sounds to me like they're singing "forged in hell". I really did assume that "forged in hell" was the lyric there for months.

[@MarcoMeatball]

I wonder but it might just be a diction thing 🤔

[@futtbuckerson7394]

I’m interested in your thoughts on Triumph aka Storm of Blood and the Tsukuyomi bgm specifically Lunacy into Wayward Daughter

[@4lifettime]

4:50 GOD HES JUST SO FUCKING COOL

[@Kitsune-gs7fm]

I love this music

[@Baal93Ash]

This is more an analyse than a react because you already know the song but it's cool !

[@BelladoriReigns]

i like how you react and understand the characters and story, have you played the game or simply watched videos on the story?

[@MarcoMeatball]

I have played for 500 hours 🤣

[@roguephoenix]

ok i thought that was john krasinski on that thumbnail and wondered why he'd be in a video about ffxiv

[@Ken_Mochi]

I like your reaction and video :D

[@MarcoMeatball]

😇

[@Nimoot]

Really want to hear your reaction to a song that plays towards the end of 6.0 ... Two Songs actually ... you likely will because they're amazing. 😀

[@hoang7850]

Endwalker let’s goooo

[@pablonarcoboy185]

FF14, I wanted to play it. But, the thought of playing MMOs seems daunting to me. Not really the game but, the fact that i have to interact with people. I'm not really a people person.

[@xLeenix]

well as long you dont want to go hard end game content you should be fine with like...going into a dungeon with a random group just saying "hi" and am ende ".thx. gg. bb."...you get away with this xD and even so...you can go since the last patch in every story dungeon now with a group of npc! So if you just want to do the mainstory you are totally fine with avoiding people!

[@pablonarcoboy185]

Now, you guys got me interested. The trial still free?

[@MarcoMeatball]

@@pablonarcoboy185 ahahahahaha that was fast :D

[@pablonarcoboy185]

@@MarcoMeatball Well, it's been 2 years since every fan of ff14 has reccomended it to me. That NPC party fill is just just the deal sealer to me lmao

[@MarcoMeatball]

@@pablonarcoboy185 its nice you’ll love it

[@bclap06able]

I would love to see a reaction to these songs from someone who doesn't know games, and just gaslight them with "this is some new guy trying to make waves"... and just see how they respond to it

[@mchammer1337]

well now i want to hear your opinion on trial boss 1 in endwalker. Trying to avoid spoilering since its such a good moment

[@CryBlueofZ]

SOKEN OUR LORD

[@kamenlobster]

Still hoping for azien from bleach theme reaction

[@ettibbet5493]

All hail crystal mommy

[@Chillinchillin8]

Still say Shadowbringers was by far the best expac thus far.

[@1LuvMLPFiM]

Masayoshi Soken does what Masayoshi Soken does best!

[@kxrizmuh877]

Soken limit break 4

[@ScientistNoRyu]

Last time i watched this trailer was before the Endwalker release . Endwalker was my goty 2021 and top 3 all time , never saw that happening. I'm a huge Yakuza fan and in 2020 i was telling everyone that i have my top 4 2021 Yakuza 6,5,4,3 but then i played Nier replicant and it became my nr1 till Endwalker

[@beefcakeman1525]

wow, a react channel that actually plays the game. unlike the ones that pretend to like the game and have 0 interest in it or any of its lore

[@MarcoMeatball]

Im surprised that’s a thing?!

[@つな-u1s]

didnt know seth rogen was an opera singer

[@alexdinca3947]

u have to try sephiros theme

[@MarcoMeatball]

Try the second video on the channel

[@bowiebazinga2019]

Oh I've been waiting for this one. I was at first meh on the song but the more I listened to it, the more I fell in love with the song. I still prefer Shadowbringers and Heavensward, but this is right there.

[@chrisdiaz3043]

Pls try and listen to Flow as well!!! 🙂🙂

[@MarcoMeatball]

Once I’m done ;)

[@guilhermeklippel9952]

You're so cute

[@DocttorBR]

React to "Answers" FFXIV theme.

[@MarcoMeatball]

I had to unpublish because copyright issues

[@ZincZXzinx]

Isn't opera a girls thing 🤔

[@MarcoMeatball]

Hahahahahahahahahhaahahahahhaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah. No.

[@Yaonglol]

I was not aware you knew the lore so well, I came from the future when you reviewed Terraria's Calamity Mod's OST and this is so awesome seeing you react to and love this game and it's OST. I loved FFXIV, the story is by far one of my favorite MMO stories and it always made me feel every emotion.

[@MarcoMeatball]

I agree!!! And yes i enjoy the game haha

[@undies891]

Did you have to take down your Answers video?

[@MarcoMeatball]

I chose to out of fear