Old Composer Reacts to FINAL FANTASY X OST Zanarkand Double Take Experience

[@chibi0vampyre030]

All us OG FF players casually sobbing at being forced to remember this story 😭

[@taylervence5852]

Bruh I play through the game every year and the end still gets me every time. This song literally gives me chills and so many emotions every time I hear it

[@clindsell6111]

bruh that aint shit compared to what i been through at this point. now listen... to my story.... (to zanarkand intensifies)

[@flokabeatbox6765]

everytime i finish it, i play it over again

[@Trizzle2Jernts]

AHHHHHH!

[@gilded_lady]

Seriously 😭 I've played X more than any other game and I want to pull it out again now.

[@Trehek]

Some context for you: The piano version of To Zanarkand plays at the beginning of the game, in a "let me tell you my story" kinda scene, and again when the gameplay actually reaches that point. An orchestral version plays in the ending of the game, but that arrangement is different from the live one you listened to. The scene in the piano video is a somber one: The city of Zanarkand was the protagonist's home, now in ruins, destroyed by a world-destroying monster called Sin. The characters have set out on a journey to defeat Sin, and when this scene occurs they've reached the conclusion that they're likely the only ones with a chance, but the method they planned to use to defeat Sin is flawed, and regardless of the outcome they're going to die. They ponder this, camped just outside the ruins of Zanarkand before setting out for the last time.

[@Zogun_85]

This comment should be pinned. While the melody and orchestration is immensely beatiful on it's own, this dimension of the story adds an emotional element to the melody :) One of the best beatiful tracks in video game history for sure.

[@battlejoe]

Well said!

[@carlchampagne941]

Beautifully said. It's been over 20 years since this came out, so I don't remember the times exactly. However, by the time you've spent maybe 40-50 hours of gameplay with these characters, and suddenly hit with the full emotion and context of the opening credits, well let's just say it makes an enormous impact. And add to that one of the most beautiful pieces of music, if not the most, in a video game, and it's a magical moment.

[@ryanhoward8694]

This was the first game I ever played that elicited a deep emotional reaction from me.

[@GameslordXY]

And also before the title screen as well.

[@chuckstallman5]

My wife was actually cool enough to let me have this song played as she walked down the aisle for our wedding! I always get goosebumps when I hear this song!

[@Spritzkrieg]

Oh n o, you shouldn't have done that. You're now destined to have a very tragic (although poetic and inspiring) ending to your relationship, probably death but that's up to the writers

[@1337Figaro]

Your wife sounds like an amazing person, congratulations

[@grahtman]

My brother and his wife did Yuna's theme. It was beautiful.

[@haibane4272]

I asked for eyes on me from final fantasy 8 when I walked down the aisle. My favourite of the FF games.

[@CantFaketheFunk]

@@Spritzkrieg I mean, any relationship that doesn't end in divorce will end in death eventually. Kind of a pesky consequence of being mortal.

[@nachot6592]

This piece sets the mood for a bittersweet, 50-hour, adventure. The ending still makes me cry to this day, 20 years later.

[@DenarianLord]

You're gonna cry, you always cry, see? You're crying.

[@PhillipAntoneOMara]

It's right up there with Will Smith being forced to kill his zombified dog in I Am Legend. Can't watch without crying a little.

[@kapfor3]

I don't remember the factual details of the ending. I remember how it made me FEEL. I was messed up for a while after playing it. THAT I remember crystal clearly.

[@MGsubbie]

50 hours??! Who only puts 50 hours into this game? I've never had under 100 hours on a playthrough for this game.

[@scythelord]

@@MGsubbie It's like original FF7, where you really were just rushing it if your timer didn't max out at 99:59:59 long before you finished.

[@TheViralInfekT]

To Zanarkand is one of, if not the most beautiful pieces in all Final Fantasy. At least for me. Evey time I hear that haunting piano my eyes tear up and goosebumps form. Just beautiful.

[@ryanabarca8616]

Used to be that way for me too. Had a head injury and it doesn't hit the same way I remember. Amazing piece of music regardless

[@cloudparter]

It's okay but honestly Nobuo's work on Lost Odyssey was just better. Parting Forever is one of the saddest song's I've ever heard. Lost Odyssey being a 360 title really hurt it's exposure sadly.

[@jessesummer-lavigne269]

Nobou Uematsu is on level with John Williams and Star Wars. To Zanarkand and One Winged Angel. Sure, there are other composers, like Yuki Kajiura, but the amount of success he's had is unparalleled.

[@Snow-Willow]

On Nobuo is way better than John williams, he hasn't nearly plagiarized as much for one.

[@nintendude794]

@@Snow-Willow do you know how temp tracking works in movie and game production? ‘Plagiarism’ isn’t necessarily the composer’s fault many times.

[@Fleshlight_Reviewer]

Ew star wars

[@nintendude794]

@@Fleshlight_Reviewer Despecialized Original Trilogy is actually pretty good. That’s about it.

[@darkgrip90]

Nobuo Uematsu mostly composed for games , while Yuki Kajiura mostly anime . And both are living legends

[@Charsept]

Nobuo Uematsu is a legend. The Final Fantasy games have incredible music and it's almost entirely thanks to Uematsu. This man composed the soundtrack to my childhood/adolescence. You could easily do a dozen more reactions to his work.

[@suburbanindie]

He's the best composer of all-time in my book. He's a master of any genre you want - even progressive metal. Everything is memorable. Every note has impact. No space wasted.

[@chesberger4474]

@@suburbanindie He ranks higher than John Williams to me, simply because of his emotion. The can set and define a scene like no other.

[@solblackguy]

Unpopular opinion: Final Fantasy Mystic Quest's OST goes the hardest. That soundtrack deserved to be in a better game.

[@Goujiki]

@@chesberger4474 In my opinion as well. John Williams is amazing, but Nobuo Uematsu is one of the most brilliant musical minds ever. He can capture emotions and tell a story just with music alone, there doesn't even need to be a scene, he tells the story in the music.

[@Liminal-Escalator]

@@solblackguy I remember listening to a cover of the battle teme back before there was all kinds of OSTs and covers on here. Crazy how much there is now compared to way back. I used to go to a vgmidi site with my parents dialup before finding OCRemix and spending 20 minutes for every song.

[@YetiCoolBrother]

Final Fantasy X is probably like Top 10 saddest video games of all time and this song fits so perfectly, I get emotional just listening to it even having not played FFX in some years. Uematsu-san is a genius man.

[@hanes2]

I love FFX but what about that Crisis Core man 😢

[@Whiteshade]

What is other 9?

[@bahamutaxiomx8706]

Ohmygod, you tried to kill Luffy. That’s not too coool. You’re right, Uematsu IS a genius though. So it cancels out.

[@joelyjowell3]

Bro . I’ve never played a game that’s more sad than ffx 😂 but that’s why it’s my top 5 ff game

[@marcelotiberio3775]

love how he gets emotional without even knowing the context, just emphasize how good is the composition, amazing

[@Ph03nix1]

Nobuo Uematsu is a master of manipulating emotion with music

[@KegOfMeat]

It’s simply incredible.

[@Samisnotamused]

The bittersweet story really does come across so well in this piece of music. I was 9 years old when FFX came out and I cried when playing it. All these years later I still cry, even when just listening to the music. Absolute masterpiece with such a simple melody. Thank you so much for listening to it with us!

[@ManiacTobi]

Same! (Not the age, but the crying 😏)

[@6kine6tic67]

Same 😊

[@tibowmew]

I bawled my eyes out when I played this game. Even watching clips will still make me cry. I love the music for this game, but Uematsu is a master in creating mood with music.

[@danhaden9933]

I am frigging 50+ old and this piece still gets me every time...

[@j.r.cilliangreen4083]

Everyone cries at Zanarkand. To this day it wrecks me…

[@Frag-ile]

Ah, to Zanarkand. The track us "gamer bros" put on when we're a bit stressed out and need a good cry about nothing in particular. Loved to see you enjoy it.

[@TeppicTheAbysswalker]

Right? 😅 Why the hell do we need that??

[@choybo1]

have to ease into it and set the mood with the ending version of simple and clean

[@axtonflaxonwaxon9448]

JRPG stands for Japanese Role Playing Game. Popular series you may have heard of would include Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest. They are usually primarily story driven and the gameplay would be a split between running around exploring or a turn based combat system.

[@ascott615]

I like to compare a JRPGs to be like epic movies or novels. They are long form story telling, many being 40+ hours of story telling. I worked in a book store and a coworker asked me why I play video games and I replied, "Imagine a book that took you 60 hours to read. That is why I play video games" This was in 2002 before RPGs got shortened.

[@theLikou1]

JRPG doesn't mean just turn based combat as there are plenty of Action RPGs that are JRPGs just because they are made in Japan. A good example is the Ys series. One recommendation for the channel by the way, this series has amazing soundtracks.

[@hykuet6213]

JRPG like reading a book while Western RPG like writing your book but, in recent year, this boundaries become less and less clear

[@GameslordXY]

@@ascott615 Then you should enjoy Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbiden West. They have real time action combat,but they have a LOT of cutscenes, very good - great voice acting and great amazing music, especially Forbiden West. Well Zero Dawn has much better main storyline,while Forbiden West has better everything else.

[@ascott615]

@@GameslordXY Horizon Zero Dawn was great fun. But like most open world games by the time I completed it, I was done with it. Story and world were great but gameplay got a bit repetitive after 80 hours.

[@kide9747]

You should check out some of Uematsu's older work in the FF series, like Dancing Mad. It's really amazing what those older video game composers accomplished with the technology of the time.

[@Enharmony1625]

Definitely hoping to see a reaction to Dancing Mad!

[@billjarock]

Dancing Mad as well as the Opera Maria and Draco would be very interesting to review!

[@samjonna9488]

@@billjarock Maria and Draco would be phenomenal (I've even seen "Opera Singer Reacts" to this one), but the challenge is in finding the "right" version to review. Even Distant Worlds has done a few renditions, and there's so many passionate people in disagreement.

[@fireaza]

"Opening Theme" from Final Fantasy VI is also very well done. The Super Nintendo was clearly a turning point for when music in games was able to sound more lifelike.

[@Enharmony1625]

@@fireaza The opening theme (Terra's Theme) is one of my favorite pieces of video game music ever! It's so gorgeous and effective in its simplicity.

[@TheTrippySoul]

Tidus, the blonde haired guy, story arc is kinda based around the "sins of our fathers" theme, interesting that the song triggered a memory of your father. Shadow of the Colossus has one of the best soundtracks from any video game, IMO. Swift Horse is my favorite composition from the game's score.

[@GiveMeCoffee]

Totally agree, Kou Otani (Haibane Renmei OST, Shadow of the Colossus OST) is a wonderful composer at the level of Austin Wintory and Jessica Curry.

[@rasputin1005]

yes! Swift Horse. Holy shit dude

[@nintendude794]

@@GiveMeCoffee coincidentally, one of Shadow Of The Colossus’ main melodies is virtually identical to Journey’s main theme.

[@PufferFishX]

Shadow of the Colossus's OST rules!! Swift Horse!

[@joycecharbonneau152]

Tidus, the blonde haired guy, story arc is kinda based around the "sin is our father" theme. FTFY.

[@wenderajade]

Final Fantasy X is one of the saddest of the series and this song always hits me right in the gut

[@K1ttenkick3R]

For every gamer who was alive in 1997 One Winged Angel from final fantasy 7 is a must listen. A truly epic piece that serves as the climax of the story.

[@ryanm.2365]

And as great as the original version is, "One Winged Angel Rebirth" is definitely the version to check out now. Soooo good.

[@tylerb1352]

Heck, if Geebz wants to, listen to the various main versions (FF7, Crisis Core, Advent Children, and Remake). The changes and updates over time are so cool!

[@cloudbloom]

I think Geebz would like the Black Mages who do metal renditions of final fantasy songs, it's Nobuo Uematsu's band they are awesome

[@janeenschultz8502]

And then there's Dancing Mad from FF6, the boss finale of the game. So good.

[@gilded_lady]

@Ryan M. Advent One Wing Angel will forever be my favorite. It probably doesn't hurt I was at the world premiere of it!

[@MostlyJoJoMemes]

Saw this live at the Final Fantasy 'Distant Worlds' concert in London just a few months ago - performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra - one of the most surreal live experiences I've ever had, you would love it !~ Thanks for all the great content Geebz, and happy holidays! :)

[@Khozai]

Sounds awesome! I remember seeing this live as a piano solo by nobuo himself in Stockholm!

[@samjonna9488]

If he wants to compare game OST's V orchestral compositions, Distant Worlds renditions are all but the official rearrangements.

[@gdoubleu8045]

I travelled from Scotland down to London for the FFVII Remake concert, 10 hours on a bus jammed in a tiny seat hahah. It was well worth it. One day I'll have to go to a Distance World concert too.

[@soulseekerx]

I was there, such an amazing concert

[@AttackGoose]

I've seen Dear Friends twice now, and they opened with To Zanarkand both times - and both times I immediately started to cry right off the bat. It's fascinating how much emotion can be tied up into music, especially if it is connected to a memory or powerful story.

[@niloofarnavaei3752]

I can't listen to "To Zanarkand" without crying. It's so emotional; both story and music.

[@rallyfan101]

Same, it is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Combined with the game nostalgia I absolutely break down every time. And that's okay.

[@reasonabledictator8993]

"Yuna... I have to go." This game was amazing. Played it when I was a kid and hearing this made me get emotional a bit. I had a rough childhood and that ps2 helped me have an out. FFX particularly had a big impact

[@ireallycantthinkofaname4726]

I loved playing through the game, pray that you're doing good now

[@GeekChic333]

Thanks! It was awesome to hear your take on such a beautiful piece.

[@rpgeebzmusicarcade]

Thank you very much, Natalie :)

[@MartinAlejandroLiguori]

Man... it does not matter how much time has passed since I played this game... I cannot stop myself from crying when I listen to this tune... this game scarred me for life.

[@Napfkuchen]

There is actually a complete live concert called "distant worlds - music from final fantasy" Nobuo Uematsu is an outstanding talent. He delivered over so many years and imo is a huge part of the success of the final fantasy series.

[@Zanian19]

They came to my country a few years ago. I have never bought tickets that fast before. It was such an amazing experience.

[@IchibanKasuga1]

there is one on youtube as well, it's absolutely amazing, here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaTLZX6mqr9_gM0

[@sandev1stan]

I just wanna say thank you so much for your videos, they cheer up so much, and it's always so nice to see you listening and enjoying the music we ask for. you are truly one of the most pleasant and cheerful people I've recently discovered on youtube:)

[@cloudbloom]

Well said! Geebz is a ray of sunlight through the clouds😁

[@lts_Jake]

I think nobuo uematsu deserves a deep dive on this channel. One of the greatest for sure

[@billjarock]

So happy you're checking out this music! As a reference OSTs are the primary source but most early FF music has a chiptune/mini sound track and a modern orchestrated version that shipped with rereleases. The definitive live versions of songs come from DISTANT WORLDS a touring orchestra that arranges and performs all of the hit songs around the world. What you just listened too was a different 3rd party arrangment, it was very good but slightly different. For some fun rock/metal arrangments listen to the composer Nobuo Uematsu's old band called The Black Mages. Amazing music. (His To Zanarkand arrangment is called "The Skies Above"). Finally while Uematsu is a classical legend, do I highly recommend checking out new Final Fantasy music the from Final Fantasy XIV composed by SOKEN. He has done some spectacular tracks that easily accounts for some of the best video game music coming out today.

[@seanheath4492]

Masayoshi Soken (and _his_ band, The Primals) is definitely worth a listen. Personal favorites include Shiva's themes ("Footsteps in the Snow" and "Oblivion"), "Wayward Daughter," "With Hearts Aligned," and "Scream."

[@elponchex]

In addition to the black mages, Marc papeghin has made a full album based on FFX which is a prog rock masterpiece (basically sounds like a dream theater album plus a full live orchestra). Don't miss it!

[@Cloudnerd]

Mr. Geebz, it may be too late, but I highly recommend you or anyone reading this comment to look for the "Tour de Japon" version of "To Zanarkand". Absolutely stunning rendition just as this orchestral version is too. One difference I feel is that the Tour de Japon version has so much energy and movement (don't know if those are correct music terms) and for lack of a better word, it is *so* moving. 💕 Thanks for covering this amazing composer!

[@rpgeebzmusicarcade]

Never too late. Compiling the big video game OST list in I'll definitely drop that on there.

[@Cloudnerd]

@@rpgeebzmusicarcade fantastic! Looking forward to your channel! :)

[@RemyBonnici]

The fact you haven't played the game yet the music can make you emotional enough to tear based on your own story of life says everything about this amazing piece of music. This review was awesome Geebz.

[@ilovemetal1100]

Happy Holidays. Can't wait for u too got into more Final Fantasy OSTs.

[@nanaki3283]

There really isn’t anyone that can compare to Nobuo Uematsu the level of creativity, inspiration, emotion is absolutely insane. One of the best composers in the world!

[@chesberger4474]

I cannot agree more. He is the GOAT.

[@balthezaar100]

I would say check out the works of Motoi Sakuraba, and Yoko Shimamura. Sakuraba composed golden sun, dark souls, the tales of series, the star ocean series, the Mario sports series and many, many others. Shimamura composed for games like parasite eve, kingdom hearts, the Mario and Luigi rpg games, Mario rpg, a bunch of early Capcom titles, and was part of the Xenoblade series as well as many other games.

[@deanfowles3707]

I think the dude who did the first few silent hill games is on the same level of talent, just darker and more use of noise. I should know his name by now but I always forget it

[@Monstermash355]

@@balthezaar100 sakuraba lost himself and composed a lot of crap let's be honest

[@marcosdheleno]

the simple fact the dude created one of the most iconic pieces of video game music to this day, in less than an hour, speaks volume to how talented he is.

[@lethauntic]

I love the fact that you know little to nothing about games and anime, because your reaction to these is so much better. Personally I don't really care if you pronounce any of the stuff wrong, I just like hearing someone who's deeply into music listen to music that you may not have ever come across otherwise. I have a ton of songs I'd love for you to listen to, but I'll keep from being overwhelming.

[@sonicstormer]

Something about Uematsu you might appreciate in particular is that he formed a band called The Black Mages that do progressive/hard rock covers of his video game tracks, including this one, which is great.

[@auracle6184]

To Zanarkand with operatic vocals, no less!

[@elponchex]

There's this guy called Marc papeghin who has made progressive rock medleys for classic final fantasy soundtracks, on a totally different level than the typical "metal version", with incredible arrangements and production values over the top (imagine dream theater accompanied by a full set of real brass and string instruments, playing something like octavarium or a change if seasons). The one for FFX from a couple of years ago is a full 60 minute album. Was the prog album of that year for me, no doubt.

[@ottolehto]

Uematsu is a living legend. He has composed in all kinds of genres of music imaginable, but he excels in two in particular: 1) symphonic and melodic pop/classical music (of which To Zanarkand is a great example), and 2) progressive rock/metal (of which Final Fantasy battle themes and boss themes are good examples). Looking forward to your future reactions, there is a lot of amazing music there! ... And yeah, this piece always hits in the feels. Always a pleasure to see it performed live.

[@cloudparter]

Howl of the Departed from Lost Odyssey is amazing. Ya he is capable of a wide array of styles and genres.

[@youknowwho9247]

There's a slightly less known piece from this game called "suteki da ne" , which is even more emotional than this one. I hope you can get to it even if it's not one of the big ones that everyone always mentions. I think you'd really love it.

[@CaptainTitforce]

Suteki Da Ne was definitely one of the big ones, especially because Rikki was the singer. It was very popular when the game came out :0

[@bonitachika792]

Less known!? Probably the 2nd hottest track after this one

[@pookyslickvoodoo9933]

Anyone who's played ffx KNOWS suteki da ne, there's an entire cutscene with just tidus and yuna in machalania woods where the song plays, and it happens in the middle point of the game. That scene and the song that plays during it is a standout moment from the game that no one forgets.

[@hosekichan]

I really liked someday this dream will end

[@pookyslickvoodoo9933]

@@hosekichan that is my all time favorite track from the game. I would hang around zanarkand just to listen to that track.

[@bunnyblue2]

This was a beautiful performance, and I’m so grateful you listened to it! I do urge you to listen to the version from the Distant Worlds II: More Music from Final Fantasy soundtrack. That arrangement of Zanarkand leaves me in tears every time. I think it does an incredible job of capturing the nostalgia and emotions of the original video game version, while also deepening them in its second half. Nobuo Uematsu has given us many gifts through his music, but this one, personally, is the sweetest of them all. Thanks, again. 🤍

[@Phoenix12157]

This is one of my favorite OST's of all time, from my favorite game of all time. Beautiful piece.

[@Bitimi]

This is one of my favorite pieces of music. Super cool to hear your analysis of it! FYI - I think the penultimate version of this song is from "Distant Worlds II: More Music From Final Fantasy" (which you can find on Spotify)

[@thomasdelaney4898]

As a composer, you may be interested to know that "To Zanarkand" was originally written as a solo flute piece by Uematsu for a family friend, but they decided not to play it because it was too melancholic. I'm not sure if this changes your perspective on the orchestral version at all - I know you talked a bit about the wind instruments in that section!

[@Maser50007]

Oh, my gosh! That’s an interesting perspective! The “Ending Theme” has those wind instruments, and those notes hit me like a truck!

[@lachlanitis2311]

Nobou really is one of the greatest composers ever. To create such an emotional piece with relatively simple sheet music is truly amazing.

[@Butterfliesandzebras]

Well worth doing a deep dive into this composer's music, he is an absolutely genius melody writer. Relatively simple arrangements, and simple ideas, but he just has this knack for beautiful, timeless melodies. He's like the beatles of this sort of music. Everything he touches just works.

[@LordMalice6d9]

I have always preferred compositions that have lots of melody.

[@mohsensoleymanee6620]

You teared up by just listening to it. Imagin being immersed in the story for a week then hearing that

[@candicesnyman7511]

Only a week? Try 2-3 months!

[@jmurray2018]

This sounded beautiful I think the flute gives it a sound of mourning or some kinda haunting sound

[@rpgeebzmusicarcade]

Yes, good call :)

[@ascott615]

​@@rpgeebzmusicarcade Comment is 100% accurate. The scene and the song that represents it in the game is actually at the tail end of the story right before the climax. They are resting before going to Zanarkind. Zanarkind is basically a graveyard, it is a city that was destroyed 1000 years ago and they are going into those ruins. Nobuo writes music to tell the story as much as the gameplay, narration and dialogue does.

[@jmurray2018]

@@ascott615 GD 2 know never played the game but the music makes me wanna step right into into to hear more

[@skipperdani]

@@jmurray2018 It's probably my favorite FF, but it's the last of the "turn-based" era. It was also the first one to have voice acting, and some of it is pretty janky since the English-voice actors are dubbing over animations that were clearly meant for the Japanese dialogue. But it is so worth it for Wakka, because John DiMaggio is a treasure.

[@amdreallyfast]

According to a Destructoid interview in 2008 (Destructoid interview: Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu), Nubuo Uematsu said that he originally wrote "To Zanarkand" for a flutist friend, but he thought it was too gloomy, put it aside, and did something else for her. When FF X started being developed, he pulled it out and reworked it for piano for the game. And for the live concert years later, the flute was brought back in. How lovely :) "Too gloomy" seems fitting given the story (spoilers are ok now; it was released in 2002). The story of FF X is (I think) a branch of "Isekai" drama in manga ("Isekai" ~= "other world", "manga" = Japanese comic books), in which a character is taken from a familiar location and placed into a very different world and has to figure it out. FF X is a branch of this drama in which it is the _same_ world, but far in future. The protagonist was taken from his home city of Zanarkand, and thought that he was somehow magically transported elsewhere in the same world, but soon finds out that he was instead transported in both space _and_ time. Soon after his arrival, he's talking with strangers, trying to figure out what's going on, and someone tells him that the city he keeps asking about was destroyed a very long time ago. Over the course of his travels, he makes friends and joins them in their own travel To Zanakand for their own reasons. When they finally reach Zanarkand, he sees for himself that his home city is in ruins, as shown in the cutscene you watched. That's when this music plays. "Gloomy" fits. The plot gives another reason to be gloomy at this point. They are nearing the end of their journey, the main reason that they traveled to Zanarkand in the first place: the planned sacrifice of someone they know, a sacrifice that seems to be the only way to save the world. In short, the phrase "To Zanarkand" packs a lot of plot implications into a short term, and this music tries to, and in my opinion, succeeds in, capturing the weight of the moment. Personally, I prefer the more original game version because that particular track is ingrained in my memory with that moment in the story. At that moment, I think that a single, lonely instrument felt very appropriate.

[@Dencell]

This is one of those pieces of art that I can consume for a few seconds before I start to tear up. It's even more powerful after playing the game because of all the emotions from the story comes flashing back at you in an instant. It's frankly overwhelming.

[@SouthBeechDemon]

crazy how over 20 years after playing this game, just hearing the music from it brings me to tears. It was amazing to see someone that doesn't even know about the tragedy of the story of FFX get emotional just over the feeling this song gives you. Beautiful music, beautiful reaction.

[@twocityfoodies8476]

To Zanarkand is the single piece of music that got me fully into game soundtracks back in 2001. I remember importing the OST from CDJapan back in high school. I've seen Nobuo Uematsu in concert so many times since and met him many times. I remember marathoning this game over Christmas break 01. The ending literally had me in uncontrollable tears to the point that my mom came to check on me in my room. Then rolled her eyes when she saw it was over a game lol.

[@pyephyoaung7340]

I was wondering am I the only guy crying over video game ending! Lol

[@NinjaLill]

I love the way your eyes are moving. It kinda shows the way you’re taking in the music while watching the game and reflecting. 👌

[@GiveMeCoffee]

Ah, the memories, I've listened to this soundtrack so many times and it still feels so emotional and melancholic, and hearing the character in the intro speaking at that time made it even more overwhelming since FFX was the first one to have voice acting. I'm so glad you enjoyed the concert version, Nobuo Uematsu is one of the best Japanese composers along with Joe Hisaishi. Btw, The Black Mages is a band that made some official rock-tribute collections from Final Fantasy's soundtracks, in particular from their battle themes, which I think you might enjoy.

[@GiveMeCoffee]

Can I suggest a reaction for Dear Esther? This game is a walking simulator where you explore an island in first person camera (the camera being the eyes of the character you control) and hear a narration accompanied by the sublime soundtrack.

[@gnydsmelt2215]

This is one of those songs that always makes me cry. I get so many emotions from the melody and how it is orchestrated. This is truly a masterpiece and one of those songs that will forever affect me on a deep level.

[@Alucia0]

There are only a hand full of OST's that really get me genuinely emotional every time I hear them. This and Dearly Beloved in Kingdom Hearts are 2 that without exception get me crying every single time I hear them. The meaning behind this theme for all of the characters as they sit around the fire over the ruins of Zanarkand, knowing what it means once they go in and for Tidus, seeing and finally realizing that his home really is gone forever...it's so overwhelmingly emotional. Especially with it being the introduction for the game and them coming back many many hours into playing now understanding the scene. It is so overwhelmingly powerful.

[@dpham5585]

So glad you are doing Uematsus work. He has such a wide library you can dedicate an entire channel to his music alone. Let the Battles Begin from FF7/FF7 Remake is one of my favorites.

[@morgan4574]

Bombing mission is one of my faves as a "hook" scene, it's set up so perfectly with the train violently cutting in and out of the scene. My favorite track is JENOVA for the sense of otherworldlyness

[@masterjamington8018]

Ahhh mate, thus song takes me to a special place. Feeling of nostalgia and the melancholic tones you get from the song and knowing the way the story goes......I'm not crying, you are! Cheers for this one 👍

[@Vulkans]

More than that, Nobuo was and still is hugely influencial in regards to what everyone is doing nowadays with big, sweeping videogame soundtracks. The song "Prelude" that is sort of used as the one theme that unifies every Final Fantasy title, as performed during the Distant Worlds concerts, is what I consider the quintessential musical representation of going on a majestic adventure versus a great evil.

[@TheChordorganblues]

Here's hoping Final Fantasy 7 Remake isn't far behind. "One Winged Angel Rebirth" and "Midgar Expressway" are two really intense ones to start with. Or there's a shape shifting song in the opening cinematic called Midgar, Mako City that would be another good starting point. LOVE that soundtrack.

[@kaelhyun2401]

Hollow is another good one From Remake just from how if you know the story how Deep that song goes

[@fearlesscheshirecat1411]

My favorite songs from Remake (and there’s A LOT!!) if I had to pick my top 3 I would pick Collapsed Expressway Corneo Colosseum And then Aerith’s theme from the credits!

[@obchamp]

Final Fantasy has so much amazing music. I will watch every ff one you make!

[@mjbuffalo716]

Uematsu is my favorite composer. I love his work so much, and it covers such a wide breadth of emotion. I’m happy to see the piece moved you and encourage you to keep diving in! Even without the game context, it’s powerful stuff.

[@JoshuaKnab]

Love this song. It's so emotional just hearing it brings tears knowing the story

[@Boyzby]

Uematsu actually has a band-or had, I don't know if they're still a thing-called The Black Mages. There's a version of the song...kind of? It's called The Skies Above uses the song but then suddenly and unexpectedly becomes some kind of metal song with lyrics from the main character's perspective. I love it.

[@kylefiore421]

Dude thank you for checking out Final Fantasy and Nobou Uematsu. He is a absolute legend. I have been lucky to see the live shows several times and it's fantastic. Thanks buddy!! Still here!

[@Vithedel]

There goes my heart again. My first time hearing the live orchestra version too even though i have listened to the piano version for over a decade. I have no idea they have so much more to say and add to the music without the game. Thanks man. Love your channel.

[@sonicstormer]

Ahhh Uematsu. What a treat! Yasunori Matsuda is another excellent composer who does music for games like this. I think you'll dig him. His work in Chrono Trigger or Chrono Cross always top my favorite video game tracks.

[@OniGanon]

Mitsuda.

[@GooseGumlizzard]

Mitsuda isn't as prolific but his soundtracks are just as legendary. Another genius is Yoko Shimomura

[@WoozyGurren]

I had always enjoyed this song but a moment in my life really cemented this as a song that will always make me cry. I was at work when I got the call that my mom who had been fighting cancer for years was in the hospital and going downhill quickly. As I got in my car I put on a playlist of game music, this came on immediately. I wasn't even able to leave my parking space and sat in my car crying until the song was over as if it was telling me something. Unfortunately my mother passed away the next day and I'll always think of that moment when I hear this song.

[@kazunamori943]

The last few notes from the flute sounded so hopeful. I wasn't ready for that bright ending to such a bittersweet song

[@SobrietyandSolace]

Thank you for taking the time to appreciate this piece. It’s the first thing I ever learned to play on any instrument and I learned it by ear.

[@The_Warden]

I am not a very emotional person, and music doesn't usually do much for me, but this song gets me man. FFX was like a keystone game in my life, and this song immediately triggers an intense, almost overwhelming somber feeling, and a bit of a nastolgic happiness aswell. There's not a lot of things in this world that do that for me, but this is one of them.

[@nahuel3433]

Final Fantasy 6 has an Opera in game with a couple of acts and a whole acting bit and all. The game is old enough that the songs are made in chiptune but the Distant Worlds Orchestra which includes the original composer (which I'm pretty sure is the same in this video) has made proper orchestral versions of that Opera (and also added an ending to it because in the original game the Opera gets interrupted) That coupled with the final boss theme "Dancing Mad" may make FF6 Uematsu's musical magnum opus.

[@PabloRojas_01]

It shocked me when i saw you getting emotional, its extremely rare someone of your age enjoying that much with videogames soundtracks. Pd: I really really recommend you to do the same thing of this video (hearing the original soundtrack and then the orquestal version) of Aria di mezzo catere. Its my absolute favourite.

[@Gnome_Pepe]

I now have to watch all your videos just to see my games get even better just by the way you explaining and experiencing it

[@jlog1c]

Nobou is widely praised by many as the greatest video game composer of all time, he's absolute royalty for gamers. You're gonna have a blast here and can't really miss, you could make a whole channel with his work. I would also highly recommend Mitsuda's work, particularly the Chrono Cross soundtrack, which is easily my favorite OST ever. They also have some pieces that they composed together.

[@RevoZtuns]

Nobuo Uematsu. The GOAT video game composer. Blessed to have met the man live at a distant worlds concert.

[@stevesmith-zf8dp]

23 years later, still my favorite...cut scenes still hold up.

[@thegromlin6736]

The best way to describe the emotional impact of To Zanarkand without completely spoiling everything; Zanarkand was a place the main character Tidus (the blonde one) called home, and he can no longer return to it. If you enjoyed this song, I highly recommend you look up "Suteki Da Ne" (Isn't It Beautiful) from the same game. It's my personal favorite, and the violin always gets me. Another thing I thing you might find interesting, given your metal channel; A Japanese heavy metal band called Maximum The Hormone.

[@edulinares7152]

That intro is engraved in my mind ever since I first saw it. Can't believe that's over 20 years ago. Best Final Fantasy theme. One of the only songs I've learned to play on piano.

[@DefenderX]

You should consider reacting to a lot of Uematsu's pieces from the Final Fantasy franchise. Not only is it really good, final fantasy people crave to witness reactions about the music and share their enthusiasm.

[@josephram1843]

Yes the music is a huge part of the Final Fantasy experience. Uematsu is a musical genius.

[@CL4MP]

To Zanarkand is the only video game track that makes me instantly cry

[@rodrigoindiao5192]

2😢

[@NovaZodiak]

FFX is my absolute favorite. Thanks for your reaction :)

[@NovaZodiak]

As for a bit of backstory to this scene in the game: The scene plays towards the last chapter of the game. The blond guy we see here is Tidus. He's basically thrown around the world by an evil, gigantic Monster (Sin) and finds himself in a place thousand years into the future. He tags along with the ever growing crew that we see around the campfire and constantly talks about his hometown Zanarkand and how he'll show them around. Sad thing is, when they arrive at said town, the only thing Tidus finds there are the ruins that were left behind by the destruction of this giant beast called "Sin". Really makes this sad piano piece even sadder. There's even more going on story wise, about religious themes, lost hope and fleeting dreams, but it's too much to explain

[@fatsuperfly]

Nice! New stuff, love your other reactions, gonna love this too! Nobuo, is Probably one of my fave composers, but also love your metal Reactions. Cheers and happy holidays, much Mahalos! 🤙

[@animachainzvideoz5921]

This song almost brings me to tears every time. It's the story in the game, it is so deep and emotional.

[@08Derrock]

I love the final fantasy series and this was one of my favorite tracks from it. Thank you for doing this!

[@cloudbloom]

Another suggestion is Man With A Machine Gun from final fantasy 8! The composer has a metal band called The Black Mages and their rendition of the song is badass. Merry Christmas Geebz and thanks for this reaction!😎🤙 *wow that cello (i think that's what I'm hearing) tone at 9:01 sounds amazing

[@ReedoTV]

You should do more comparisons like this! There are MANY MANY video game tracks that are loved enough that orchestrations have been made.

[@poptya]

Forever my favorite video game.

[@pearltheboomkin1247]

Another fabulous track from the Final Fantasy Series that has huge emotional pull for me.... Melodies of Life from Final Fantasy 9. Loved this reaction, hope to see more!

[@railitto]

"I'm not crying you are" Correct, I am. I can't make it through To Zanarkand without crying. FFX was a formative game for me and Zanarkand will always destroy me. You can enjoy this song even if you've never played the game, but once you've played the game, you'll feel it at a whole new level. It is this build up of hope, like you're talking about and when it resolves into the quiet end...it's the main character's acceptance of the hope even at the cost it comes with

[@dhundley86]

Loved this review of one of my favorite video game songs of all time. I get that same emotion from a great piece of music. Wide range of things from goosebumps to a tear in the eye. Keep up the good work!

[@omegashinra7672]

Ooooh this is my favourite piece of music ever. Gives me goosebumps every single time, and the nostalgia tied into it from me playing FFX as a kid. I really can't put into words just how much this song means to me. Nobou Uematsu is a god damn genius.

[@bryanthegoalie5692]

@4:40 ... well I am in tears.

[@BobBobenstein]

awesome to see you finally doing FF music. Nobuo Uematsu has been my biggest music inspiration since I was 13

[@mikekirby2085]

The moments that this song plays are unlike anything else. The first is the beginning of the game with a group of people, that you as a player dont know in a place you dont know. When it comes back around its after a long journey of growth and discovery. You’re close to those people you didn’t know, and the gravity of the moment you see is overwhelming. The journey is coming to an end and there won’t be a happy ending. There isn’t a trick to save the day and save everyone. That makes it so emotional and powerful while giving the initial scene so much context. A last trip with the family before people are gone.

[@HydraTower]

I love seeing you get antsy when a song is giving you the feels.

[@kalliepetersonkikibright8365]

I was just suggested your channel by KZbin and truly this was the one to hook me. FFX was significant part of my teen years (FFVIII to FFX specifically). It took a lot for me not to get emotional, and I think knowing the backstory of the game and why Zanarkand was so important in the journey of the characters it truly does an incredible job of expressing the complex emotions of the game. I’ll be sure to check out more of your videos soon, even though I don’t know anything but how to enjoy music.

[@Enharmony1625]

Oh man, hope we see Dancing Mad! A true masterpiece, from a true masterpiece of a game, Final Fantasy 6! :)

[@DC11961]

The idea of there being as much beauty in simplicity as there is in complexity is a lesson that I’ve been learning over the past few years and as you mentioned, is incredibly difficult to be able to pull off masterfully. This song is a testament to that right down to its orchestration. I struggle with it in my own arranging of music and when you do manage to pull it of is a great feeling. This song is very special to me because it was one of the first songs I learned how to play on the piano (at least the first part lol) and being able to play at least that part always made me feel like I was some grandiose pianist despite the fact that I’m very much far from that haha but I guess it’s the power of the way the melodies and the harmonies are constructed and the way the arrangement as a whole is executed that makes people feel like that when they’re playing. Anyways that’s enough of my rambling lol thank you so very much for this reaction!

[@davidkisly6741]

Its actually really cool that it elicited a memory of your father, as big point in the game is the main character dealing with his own memories and emotions of his own father.

[@freazer11]

A beautiful piece of art. Loved it, when i played final fantasy x years ago. Still love it. It gives me goosebumps everytime. Tears about to fall

[@countquackula8539]

Omg there are so many FF tracks to listen to. I can't wait. Also, try listening to Chrono Cross - Scars of Time.

[@PrestonGraff]

Best song ever from arguably one of the best games ever made. If it can make a person emotional that's never played that game, imagine what it does for someone that's spent countless hours immersing themselves in that game and the characters. The story of that game I won't spoil to anyone that's never played, but it's very beautiful and very sad. It is the first game that made me cry.

[@mattkrantz231]

This melody will get stuck in my head forever

[@douglassequeira5419]

This is such a beautiful game. All the music in it is beautiful, the imagery blows away any of the next console games and the storyline is among one the best that SE came up with. I put it up there with FF VII. The only drawback is the game is very short compared to the other FF titles. But it is still a beautifully well made game.

[@raimundodiz7561]

I am always emotional when I hear this song, thank you so much for sharing this. For me this approach is the best one for Final Fantasy songs. You should pair it with the Final Fantasy 'Distant Worlds' orchestra concert, they are the best!

[@Beargrim]

Video game music is sometimes used to provide part of the gaming experience. For some games, its standard to mute the music. For all of Nobuo Umatsu's music, its part of the game experience. In Final Fantasy X (FFX), this scene in the video is from the opening of the game, AND you are playing his story that the main character mentioned at the end of the clip there. So when you play the game, you finally reach the place you see here in the opening screen. It turns out this place is the end of the game, and two of the characters know that they have to sacrifice their lives once they get to the place in the background.