Opera Singer Ranks every Proof of a Hero

There are few pieces that rally us to fight on and win like Proof of a Hero from Monster Hunter. It is the ultimate track to empower us, make us jump up out of our seats, and win the day. There are so many versions though! Which one is the best?!
#videogamemusic
Here's a monster you definitely need proof of a hero for:
• Opera Singer Reacts: F...
If you love video game music and how it helps us more deeply connect to the games we love, consider subscribing and/or joining my Patreon, let's discuss and uncover the beauty of VGM together!
/ marcomeatball
Chapters:
0:00 - Ranking every Proof of a Hero
0:24 - Monster Hunter (the OG)
8:25 - Monster Hunter Tri
15:51 - Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
18:31 - Monster Hunter XX
32:15 - Monster Hunter World
38:55 - Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
40:49 - Monster Hunter Rise
48:28 - Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
56:50 - Why Proof of a Hero is so Amazing
#music
Who am I?
Hi, I'm Marco Meatball, a former pro opera singer, turned voice actor, turned KZbinr. I grew up loving video games and video game music after first discovering them when I was 7 years old. Since then, I have lived and breathed all things video games. This channel is all about video game music and the beauty of modern composition, how it allows us to connect more deeply with the games we love, and how we can better learn to understand ourselves through it and the experiences it provides.
Find me here:
linktr.ee/marcodmeatball
#videogames
About Monster Hunter
Monster Hunter (モンスターハンター, Monsutā Hantā) is a Japanese media franchise centered on a series of fantasy-themed action role-playing video games that started with the game Monster Hunter for the PlayStation 2, released in 2004. Titles have been released across a variety of platforms, including personal computers, home consoles, portable consoles, and mobile devices. The series is developed and published by Capcom.
The games are primarily action role-playing games. The player takes the role of a Hunter, slaying or trapping large monsters across various landscapes as part of quests given to them by locals, with some quests involving the gathering of a certain item or items, which may put the Hunter at risk of facing various monsters. As part of its core gameplay loop, players use loot gained from slaying monsters, gathering resources, and quest rewards to craft improved weapons, armor, and other items that allow them to face more powerful monsters. All main series titles feature multiplayer (usually up to four players cooperatively), but can also be played single player.
As of February 22, 2023, the game series has sold 90 million units worldwide, and is Capcom's second best-selling series following Resident Evil. The early games in the series principally sold well in Japan and other Asian countries, popularized by the series' use of ad hoc multiplayer features on portable consoles. Monster Hunter has been critically well received in Western markets, but had generally languished in sales, in part due to the game's steep learning curve. However, with Monster Hunter: World (2018), Capcom aimed to attract a global audience using the power of advanced home gaming consoles and computers and released the title simultaneously worldwide. World became the best-selling Monster Hunter game within three days of its release, and became Capcom's single best-selling video game of all time with 21 million sales as of July 5, 2022, including more than 70% outside of Japan.
Monster Hunter Games Include:
2004 Monster Hunter
2005 Monster Hunter G/Monster Hunter Freedom
2006 Monster Hunter 2/Monster Hunter i
2007 Monster Hunter Frontier Online / Monster Hunter Frontier Z/Monster Hunter Freedom 2
2008 Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
2009 Monster Hunter Tri
2010 Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village/Monster Hunter Portable 3rd
2011 Monster Hunter Dynamic Hunting/Monster Hunter 3: Ultimate
2012
2013 Monster Hunter 4/Monster Hunter Frontier G
2014 Monster Hunter 4: Ultimate
2015 Monster Hunter Explore/Monster Hunter Generations
2016 Monster Hunter Stories
2017 Monster Hunter Generations: Ultimate
2018 Monster Hunter: World
2019 Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
2020
2021 Monster Hunter Rise/Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
2022 Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
2023 Monster Hunter Now

[@MarcoMeatball]

Which version is your favorite of Proof of a hero? I'd love to know! (I'm playing MH: Rise on Twitch basically every day btw www.twitch.tv/marcomeatball)

[@chloeburbank7552]

the OG one for me

[@_lost_paradise5089]

All of them:) And maybe mostly 5th Gen... just in general:)

[@dylanj950]

Sunbreak's version is pretty wicked, but nothing beats the OG

[@shadowstrider13]

Definitely XX, I get tears in my eyes when listening to that theme.

[@tristan1392]

Hey @MarcoMeatball! I always love your perspective and insights into all the music you analyse. I wonder what you say to Vode An. It seems to be right up your alley.

[@davidperdue7541]

I couldn't agree more about XX. That game was the big celebration of everything that was before World came out and I think they perfectly captured that feeling in their version of Proof of a Hero. You can feel the whole world cheering you on with that one.

[@celeste5932]

When you get into the Third Phase of the Athal-Ka fight and it start.... Stuff of legends that few videogame can achieve..... Still have shivers thinking of it to this day...

[@thenonexistinghero]

@@celeste5932 I don't remember the calm parts in the battle though. Think it might be a version that plays as the credits roll.

[@We_Have_Dragons]

Yes. No one likes it more than I do.

[@brambl3014]

XX version can't get enough praise

[@kuntjo5592]

You can actually hear a bit of valstrax's theme in XX's proof of a hero which I think is really cool

[@mikhah4828]

When monsters encounter us, we hear their themes, but when they recognize our strength, they hear Proof of a Hero.

[@shlombox]

Low key this comment made me emotional

[@mathiasdargel6108]

push

[@TheCubifyer]

Low rank jagras moments before it gets obliterated with master rank gear.

[@Mr.devol_]

same hunter. same. Grabbing my longsword right now @@shlombox

[@pooftiger]

Except for Khezu. On both counts. He can't smell music. We don't hear his, he don't hear ours.

[@shelter42Ayre]

When I hit the dragonator on Fatalis in Iceborne and that theme kicked in. My spirits soared. One of the most powerful moments in my gaming history.

[@RetroTSSoS]

Same here, spent a week trying to beat him and when I finally did it was like nothing else, finally achieving the theme and slaying fatalis

[@jsnagn3410]

I remember my first Fatalis run in the first release with two randoms. No one was really OP when people can't usually beat fatalis with pre-endgame build. I was doing a Free-Meal&Wide-Range combo and we were down in one last cart & running out of time, barely making it despite two of my allied hunters are very skilled in dodging with unlimited demon mode with me eating rations every 10 secs. Our dragonator destroyed its chest & horns at the same time and OHH BOII.. I still get chills everytime even after 2 years.. man solid experience

[@genecook3571]

I feel ya brother! Ill never forget that because me and my band of friends had been cracking at him for a while and when Proof of Hero played bro i had a literal rush of adrenaline. As a Hunting Horn main i yelled to my team the final buff...LETS GOOOOOOO!!!!

[@salamaderryuusuke2568]

It was the best moment at the time, tbh. That theme kicked in like a truck

[@Teshiification]

Never reached that moment, i wasnt able to kill Alatreon in MHW till now :')

[@Speediermantis1]

Sunbreak’s Proof of a Hero in context is so great because it plays during the climax of the Giasmagorm fight so the minor key parts and organ make it feel like the music itself is fighting back against the overwhelming power of the Archdemon. You can even hear Giasmagorm's theme trying to cut back in at 55:18 before getting drowned out by the heroic horns.

[@RubyRoseITA]

Same thing as Fatalis fight, but i really think the fatalis one is more powerful.

[@DeezNutzzzzzzzzzzz]

@@RubyRoseITAagreed, it was more impactful for some reason in iceborne

[@crono6874]

​@DeezNutzzzzzzzzzzz I mean Fatalis is the biggest threat in the MH series

[@RubyRoseITA]

@@crono6874 crimson fatalis and white fatalis would like to say hello

[@crono6874]

@RubyRoseITA Well yeah but they're still Fatalis. 😅 But I get your point.

[@aroseydragon2873]

Fun fact: MH XX was a game+expansion(sorta) that was made to celebrate 10 years of monster hunter, so it entirely makes sense that it’s proof of a hero is so whimsical and has moments that evoke feelings of fond memories: that’s exactly the point of this game. Bonus: in a couple years the series will be 20 years old

[@reklov6638]

"couple years" literraly 6 months

[@mallow2902]

Funny how Cross/Generations was meant to celebrate 10 years of Monster Hunter, but the first version of the game missed the ten year anniversary by a year. 4G/4 Ultimate came out in 2014, whereas Cross/Generations came out in 2015, Double Cross in Japan in 2016, the Switch version in Japan in 2017, and Generations Ultimate in the west in 2018, months after World no less.

[@Xzeros]

The first time I heard Proof of a hero against Ahtal Ka in MHGU I felt all the previous generations of hunters backing me up...

[@Attaxalotl]

Not even a couple years, Monster Hunter for the PS2 came out March 11, 2004. 20 years ago on monday!

[@majorasmask5523]

Don’t forget how Proof was integrated into ‘For the Emperor’s Amusement’, which is Safi’jiiva’s theme.

[@dullahaut329]

"March for the Heroes", Lao Shan Lung's 2nd phase theme, borrows the melody for a bit even before you strike it with the Dragonator. Lends it that perfect feel of desperation over the percussion feeling like the hunter's frantic footsteps.

[@masonstewart6232]

Honestly, Safijiiva version is probably my favorite iteration due to its heightened energy and bombastic-ness

[@Cappi101]

29:02 I find it super interesting that you felt like this was describing a sort of love! Monster Hunter X was originally released as an anniversary title meant to celebrate the series as a whole. The jump from this game to World marked a significant shift in the series' game design, so this version of Proof of a Hero feels to me like some sort of grand, heartfelt send off to this period in the series.

[@MarcoMeatball]

wow!

[@crimsonstride5457]

That's exactly what I was thinking

[@vitriolicAmaranth]

People keep saying this (that the jump to World was this big shift) but it was really the jump _to_ X/Generations that marked that shift. World's open maps, instant gathering and turf wars are an extension of the shift of MH from skill-heavy ARPGs that simulate protecting a village (or in 4U's case several villages) against giant creatures to pure spectacles. It's hard for me to even consider X/XX the same generation as 4U; They're barely the same franchise.

[@julielandherr4686]

I like Rise's in relation to the ethos of the game. The game is the Monster Hunter game that is the most about the other people in the village there with you. They have names, and roles, and actual interactions with you. I feel like that's part of why the Rise Proof Of A Hero has such prominent voices in it. It's the human instrument, literally. Ibushi and Narwa's themes have lyrical-like elements to them because of this game, and their relation to the twins, Hinoa and Minoto. The Rampage theme has pervasive chanting throughout it as well, because the whole village is there, pushing the same push, fighting the same fight, in step with each other. This isn't Monster Hunter: World, this is Monster Hunter: People. It's not about the environment, it's not about the village, it's about YOUR village, YOUR home, Kamura. It's not just the setting, it's the core. As is said early on in the game, you're all family there. You don't talk to "The Handler," you talk to Hinoa, because that's her name, that's who she is, not what she is. She's somebody you know. You don't report back to "The Commander," you report back to Fugen.You aren't worried about some calamity spreading, you're worried about it befalling Kamura. That's what the prominent voices are for. They're not just you, they're not just your hunting party, they're not just to pump you up, they're there to remind you of who you're fighting for, and that they're supporting you in the endeavor. Fugen. Utsushi. Hojo. Minoto. Hinoa. Hamon. Yomogi. Iori. They all have made you stronger in various ways, so you can get through this, to this point, and come out the other side of it, victorious, for them. The base underlying lots of that Proof is the same one behind the Rampage, the chorus and the percussion. It's that same thesis, protecting Kamura, but this time, you're taking the fight to the source, no longer just on the defense, striking out to put a stop to it all, on the attack, and that's where the normal grandiose nature of Proof Of A Hero gets to play along. Sunbreak also has a bit of nice thematic shift to it as well, because of those organs and tension. It's not just the hunter's theme anymore. Those are the elements of your specific foe here. Those are Gaismagorm, trying to claw that theme away from you and make it its own, like it did to The Citadel of the Kingdom all those years ago, that it may do again to the Elgado Outpost, or even the Kingdom at large. Like Fiorayne says in the quest: That's no monster, it's a demon. This is a very personal fight between those two. The Kingdom and its demon. This has happened before, and this encounter will decide the outcome of it this time. I just wish there was MORE Gaismagorm in it.

[@0g00n8]

That is such a great breakdown and thank you, you made me like Rise/Sunbreak even more now

[@mandalorianmanic9525]

If you think I'm gonna spend an hour listening to a bearded man rate and break down every Proof of a Hero ever, you're crazy. Crazy correct.

[@MarcoMeatball]

So it has been an hour - how was it. 🤣

[@baconboi4482]

Crazy? I was crazy once

[@emmanuelrojas154]

Here I am at work doing conductor hand movements and everyone is like what are u doing. Lol making my day 10000% better.

[@GabrielParr]

x2 speed

[@mandalorianmanic9525]

​@@MarcoMeatballIt was good enough that I really forgot about my comment, and had to check on it when I came back for my second hour-long viewing. 😅

[@Revonlieke]

Tri's opening theme clearly represents both the landscape of the world, but also about diving underwater and coming back up from there and it keeps doing that throughout the piece. It's very much like crashing waves struggling in the world in the midst of the chaos of battle and you don't know if you're rooting for the flagship monster Lagiacrus, or the hero.

[@aio976]

Moga Village was ordered evacuated, but the Hunter decided to confront the monster(Ceadeus) causing the earthquakes directly, so a theme of waves and introspection could also refer to the close ties to the ocean and the risk of losing your life and very livelihood--being a licensed hunter--in a dire gamble to save the village.

[@badasstoad9419]

@@aio976This is another reason why MHTri is my favorite. It didn’t try to be as flashy with it’s story as MH4, it had a simple MH-style story. And yet in it’s simplicity, it had probably the best ending out of them all. The Hunter straight up *disobeys* the Guild’s orders, and goes to fight Ceadeus on their own. Even if that meant losing their title as a Hunter. This bravery and determination, and love to protect what matters most to them… moves the entire Village to do the same and stand by the Hunter’s side. ❤ This… Is the most authentic Monster Hunter has ever been with it’s story. “I am a Hunter in just a small Village. But this Village *is WHY I am a Hunter!* “ And in that show of bravery and loyalty, the Guild accepted and congratulated the Hunter and their Village despite ignoring their orders. MHTri’s Hunter is a true Hero. ❤

[@slayeroffurries1115]

MH1's Proof of a Hero is powerful enough to make a hunter come back from the dead fr Edit: I love the contrast between the calm and the explosiveness of MHXX's Proof of a Hero, cause it really highlights the loop between the bombastic, adrenaline ridden hunt and the calm, restfull atmosphere of the village. It really conveys that feeling of coming home after a rough day Edit 2: MHW Iceborne's Proof of a Hero is taken directly from MH1's Proof of a Hero.

[@lts_Hazard]

Let's be real: Iceborne's true "Proof of a Hero" is "Nay the Honor is All Ours"

[@christophersmith9074]

@@lts_Hazard yeah that makes sense

[@Aaron-od9ul]

@@lts_Hazard There's even a mod for that so it plays at the end of the IB Fatalis fight. ;)

[@bomaindra9459]

OMG. Proof of a Hero allways bring back memories, have been playing this series over decades.

[@itsturniptime3699]

XX or GU in the west is my favourite, personally. It is tied to the final phase of the Ahtal Ka fight, the “final boss” of the game and the last monsters added before transitioning into the fifth Gen with World. GU was a celebration of the entire series and it’s history, and Ahtal Ka is this giant golden mantis that sometimes controls a fortress sized mech in the shape of a dragon and also fights you with golden thread tied to girders and a water wheel. She embodies both the deathly danger, gratifying scale, and occasional silliness of all monsters before her as a literal golden trophy for the generation to finish on. A triumph for the franchise to unite all hunters before stepping into a new future.

[@capnplaidbeard]

I remember hearing someone point out to me about that fight, that Ahtal Ka is even better than that as a final boss. All these other monsters are strong on their own, and the human hunters need weapons, need armor, need *tools* to fight back. The hunters are weak on their own, but with smart use of everything at their disposal, they can win. And Ahtal Ka, as weak as she is, cannot fight on her own. Much like the hunter, she too has to use whatever tools and weapons she can get her hands (claws?) on, trying to level the playing field... until she, like the hunter, is left with naught but a single weapon, one on one. ... Although technically, you fight her as a group... but the rest of it still stands!

[@shadowstrider13]

Some people might disagree with me on this but from what I’ve seen the Wycadamy Hunters are the strongest hunters of the world of monster Hunter so I feel giving them the XX theme is super deserving as well as the fact it’s their anniversary game.

[@apexzora4423]

Yeah bro xx/gu hunters are built different

[@chatillon5869]

Frontier hunters be like-💀

[@dahlia3944]

​@@chatillon5869they're a different breed 💀💀

[@athos9293]

​​@@dahlia3944Nah man, i'm a Frontier player that started with World, and can say that you guys talk a little too high about the game's difficulty.

[@adonicetrig8908]

⁠@@athos9293bruh shiten unknown or musou eruzerion are worse than anything in mainline, don’t get me started on road or farming for evo ravi gear, guiding lands is a breeze in comparison.

[@Force-Multiplier]

Iceborne Fatalis i have never been half this excited during a boss im never gonna forget the feeling when that song kicked in

[@danxol9588]

My favourite one has to be Rise's, not only because of the spin it has over the other versions, but also because of the whole situation in which it starts blasting, a really epic moment where the song pushes you to fight among thunder and tempest

[@DustedArchivist]

Sunbreaks Poah was incredibly unique to any other MH to date, I say this because In every theme thus far Poah instills courage into every hunter. That imminent and unavoidable triumph over a monster that, If left unchecked, would bring devastation. But with sunbreak its almost flipped, the monster has the upper hand, its powerful, it has nothing other than hatred for all living things and although you've tackled some challenging monsters this one, well this one is near insurmountable. Yet as the song goes you can hear and feel that balance of power and control shift to the hunter as you dodge and weave attacks landing blow after blow and watching more and more as the monster begins to show sighs of faltering. I believe this version is the most impactful because it truly shows the power that some monsters we face truly have and the great deal of effort hunters put in to take on such powerful forces of nature.

[@Viovel]

"This feels like you're looking evil in the eyes and feels like you're seeing the devil itself" That is in fact exactly what Sunbreaks PoaH is meant to convey.

[@MajinMattPlays]

Many have said it, but the XX Version is the best version in mainline MH, because you can feel that it's a piece to celebrate everything the series has been up to that point, listening to it at the wrong time of night always brings some tears to my eyes, since while triumphant it feels nostalgic, and I've felt that way since the first time I heard it, long before I played any Pre-World MH Games. You can feel the love and pride the developers feel, but it's also a somewhat bittersweet send off before things change forever. What I always love about this knowledge is that, for me, the song sounds like you're making history, not through some grand thing, but through your heroism, strength, and courage. The pull back section where things calm for a while makes this feeling even stronger to me. I would recommend at some point giving the Monster Hunter Frontier Z version of Proof of A Hero a listen, as it has many of the same ideas going into it as XX, but its tone is entirely different, and it's my personal favorite version of the theme. It was the final version of Proof of A Hero for Frontier, and it's glorious.

[@gamerkingdom1442]

WHAT A PHENOMENAL IDEA!!!! Anything to help hearing my favorite theme song of GAMING! Personally, love the intense battle version of Gen Ult, specifically played in the final phase of AHTLA-KA!

[@billybob-ts2rt]

That's also my favorite version

[@Xzeros]

In that instant..., I felt all the previous generations hunters supporting my back...

[@Revonlieke]

For me og Proof of a hero 1st part represents the 1st area of the game and it's even played on the cutscene when the camera pans around the area and it gives you that Azim Steppe / Calm Lands type of feeling of endless plateaus of cliffs and fields. Then the 2nd part when the drums start to kick in, it's clearly rpresenting wild life running in those fields either way from something or towards something and it's a tribal hunt. And finally we have a triumph, which clearly defines us as a hunter stuck in a wonderful world of monsters not just trying to survive, but to overcome and go somewhere beyond.

[@captaincronchy1187]

Proof of a Hero is one of those songs that has so many memories attached to it. brings a tear to my eye every time i listen to it in any rendition

[@datonederpguy1005]

As an og Monster Hunter player, every time proof of a hero starts playing, i get stupid nostalgic. I started playing this franchise when i was in the 4th grade, and i didn't have anyone to play it with since this franchise was super obscure here in the states. Every time i hear a new rendition of it in a newer installment in the franchise, it always brings back those great memories when i was just a whelpling. So glad more people get to enjoy this awesome musical score, and lets hope we get a new installment in the franchise in this years Tokyo Game show! Happy Hunting and great vid Marco!

[@badasstoad9419]

You can imagine me, being a Hunter since Gen1, and hearing the OG Proof of Hero play on Iceborne’s Fatalis. I cried…. I felt feelings that I haven’t felt since the days I was on my PSP. I thought I never would again. But something called out to me, something that I felt years ago. Something that awakened an unwavering strength and feeling of duty in me, to accomplish and protect something. I never expected I’d feel those feelings again. And wasn’t sure if I would ever would again either. In that moment, my heart filled with intense hope and Determination, I thought to myself: “One last time. Like good old times.” And I jumped down from the Dragonator, pulled out my weapon, and fought just like I did years ago in Minegarde’s Fortress. Thank you for all these memories… Monster Hunter. ❤❤❤ What I wouldn’t give to feel and experience it all again from the very beginning. 🥲

[@cicadeus7741]

Felt this! I've been playing since I was 9 and tri released, POAH takes me back to sitting on the living room floor way past bedtime, and finally beating ludroth, my first challenge. And to a few years later, beating brachydios after so much grinding and no wiki guides. Bless this series

[@Arcavi0us]

As much as I love Tri's rendition, nothing beats the sheer force of will that the Iceborne Fatalis Proof of a Hero inspires in me. Truly is the hunter's boss theme

[@inkedmyths2038]

Sunbreak's version is my favorite! I'm a big fan of the gothic vibes of Sunbreak in general, and how that's reflected in the music. When you describe it as feeling like "pure evil" and "like you're facing down the devil itself", it's because, well, you basically are. Gaismagorm is the Archdemon of the Abyss, crawling out of the depths in a sinister red glow. The transition between its theme and its version of Proof of a Hero is spectacularly done in a way I'm not sure any other fight quite nails. All that said, I'll hand it to you with where you ranked XX, since it's my second favorite and an absolutely stunning rendition.

[@TheDrakeagle]

the key thing between the original and tris version is that the original is an introduction, Tri's is a celebration right at the end. it is your reward right at the very end (either the credits or the final phase of jhen morhan) and the slower bits really feel like a reflection of your journey to get there. both are so so good and its awesome how the same piece works sooo damn well in both situations

[@CMDR_BananenKeks]

The OG Proof of a Hero is actually like you analysed an introduction. It plays in your first quest upon entering the first area.

[@Fbleh]

You really should do this with the single games' signature themes as well (like Driven By the Stars for World and To One With Life from Tri), they are pretty unique and I feel like some of them are even better than Proof of a Hero

[@MarcoMeatball]

Okay!

[@ripptact9358]

@@MarcoMeatball ❤, no more no less

[@ntmetroid]

Yes! Or the town themes. I can throw the Seliana Theme on repeat and just chill out for hours.

[@randomnpc445]

The theme for MHTri and the theme for MHW are two of my absolute favorite pieces of music for the entire series. They make me want to cry every time I hear them, absolutely beautiful.

[@brambl3014]

@@MarcoMeatball and spin off version as well I love Online and Stories' Proof of Hero

[@RayA2ooreq]

The Iceborne Fatalis Proof of a Hero was actually from the 1st game. It's the battle theme version which plays on Lao Shan Lungs final phase. The first Proof of a Hero you listened in this video is the main and trailer version.

[@peridrawland5955]

Oooh- my god, I *actually* had never heard the FULL version of XX's Proof of a Hero!! I had only heard the short loop we can hear in the final battle, I was *blown away.* I can't believe I've lived without knowing the full GLORY of that theme!!

[@lts_Hazard]

Same here. It hit my like a freight train coming at me at mach 4.

[@Mignuts]

My man couldnt even put anything in the bottom tiers, had to start adding S's. Legendary. These are masterpieces. All of them. Literally tearing up hearing all these again.

[@GumshoeClassic]

XX/GU is by far my favorite game and rendition of POAH in the series, it gives me goosebumps every time. MH, especially the "older" titles hold a very special place in my heart, and this specific part is the pinnacle to me. Hell, the credits theme of XX genuinely made me cry, despite it being an upbeat party song accompanied by a supremely goofy cutscene. It felt so final, such a heartfelt goodbye to that era of Monster Hunter.

[@blackout1518]

Man ahtel ka was already such a great finale than the entire cast of the game broke out into a shrek musical sequence. I died when the scientist whipped out an electric guitar

[@GumshoeClassic]

@@blackout1518 The best part is the one hunter who just sucks at dancing and constantly flubbs the routine.

[@JordanJostar]

The slower parts of xx make me think in the middle of a hard fight you briefly remember the peace you are fighting for and it remotivates you. Defiantly best when fighting Ahtal-ka.

[@OwlOnFire]

Missed the Kamura theme leitmotif in the Rise rendition :P excellent video all round, I love Proof of a Hero dearly.

[@aereonexapprentice7205]

How fitting that this got uploaded during the Arknights x Monster Hunter Collab, watching this video after grinding strategies to bring down a Rathalos in a tower defense games makes me feel like right at home lol.

[@Nekomancer1983]

Properly more timed with the release of Monster Hunter Now for mobile, which also coincides (intentionally) with the crossover promotion on Arkknight.

[@thecruzer5856]

6:53 as much as how iconic the proof of a hero theme is i legit can't get over how beautiful this part is, ive been playing MH for so long and listen to many version of this song, but still this particular part of the OG will never fail to made me tear up. the emotion is really powerful man and man, how much tear of joy drool from my eyes when this song made a comeback when i hit Fatalis with the dragonator in iceborne, Thankyou Capcom for this such beautiful series of a game

[@LodestarLogado]

An early birthday present? Incredible, thank you Marco! My Favourite Track in Gaming. So pumped to hear your thoughts on these. Also, I finally got into Ace Combat thanks to your musical deconstructions and I’m so happy that I did, it’s been amazing so far.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Wait my birthday is 9/18 YES

[@dragden851]

Awww the original. I started playing monster hunter on my ps2 back with the OG game and it not only gave me chills but tears of joy. Its such an imapctful thing for me and i adore it. :)

[@endstorm4862]

Since Monster Hunter XX is a celebration game, it feels like its version of proof of a hero is more like a "Proof Of The Heroes That Has Been With Us All This Time"

[@allanvelasquez6101]

Definitely a great video, I recommend you making a tier list of the songs of each flagship monster of the franchise, it would be pretty epic to see! :^)

[@Jorgon01]

It’s amusing to me that MH XX had one of the best themes and it was the game I played the least. Since I know you love tension so much Marco you should take a listen to Annihilation from Remnant 2. It just grabs you and doesn’t let go for a minute.

[@MarcoMeatball]

On the list!

[@Good_Hot_Chocolate]

How did I not see all your monster hunter vids drop...??? I need to binge all these!

[@emmanuelrojas154]

Yo the way you broke down the OG POAH almost brought me to tears. Gods, such a great composition.

[@jackgilroy9903]

I literally watched your first Proof of a Hero video yesterday after reinstalling Rise on my Switch. So happy about this coincidence!

[@skylarcrylar8686]

Ah man. The first one is so nostalgic to me because that's where it all started, doing "The Claw" on my PSP and playing almost every title in the franchise after it. I love Proof of a hero

[@SuqqHead]

I always get goosebumps listening to Proof of a Hero. Have been playing MH since I was a kid on PSP and can't wait to keep on going 💪

[@Jashyboi]

Hello from one month in the future!! Can’t agree more with the total ranking setup; i started with Tri so when i heard the original Proof of a Hero i was surprised it had more…bombasticism? Than Tri’s rendition. Then XX made me cry. Still does. Sunbreak’s plays during the final phase of the fight against Gaismagorm, the Archdemon of the Abyss. Basically the game’s version of an actual demon. That suspense and fear present through the whole track fully represents what it would be like to try to hold ground against such a hellish monstrosity. Every rendition is glorious in its own right, and you highlight those individual glories so well here. Sorry for the long post but i just had to say this is a wonderful trip sown memory lane and i cant thank you enough for it.

[@ankydarkness]

Loved this video! Love your vibe! Subbed and liked.

[@CageNightwind]

The new Pokemon GO like Mobile game "Monster Hunter NOW" has a fun little jazzy version of Proof of a Hero playing in the shop screen. It put a big smile on my face when I heard it.

[@geminiproject704]

All the good Proof of a Hero renditions have the fanfare, the respite, and the victory lap.

[@Pinkkittymew]

I feel like this video is genuinely going to help me with my music analysis hw

[@lumberfoot8512]

I think what makes Iceborne's version so much better is the fact it plays when you use the dragonator on Fatalis. Very few times I have felt the high of proof of a hero playing, while fighting against an almost dead Fatalis, you feel like best hunter group in the world.

[@KriticSoul]

It does the same when you use the dragonator against Lao-Shan-Lung in MHGU-MHXX But it doesn't sound the MHXX ver, it sounds the original one

[@danielr5817]

This was fantastic Marco thank you for this. I totally agree with you with the Monster Hunter World section, while it was the first one I ever heard since it was the first Monster Hunter game I played. However the Iceborne one; that hit so hard especially in that last part of playing Fatalis. That gives you that "hoooooly crap we can do this!!!" feeling.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ntmetroid]

Tri was my first monster hunter game, and that version of proof of a hero is super nostalgic. Such vivid memories flashing through my mind listening through it. It is probably my favorite for that reason.

[@Bigredcandle1]

Never has a single video given me goosebumps 8 times. Absolutely adore proof of a hero

[@LFTDPrince]

I love the way you reacted to MHXX/Generations theme. This piece was the culmination of everything hunters have faced from 1st gen to 4th. As a love letter to the series, this version oyd Proof of a Hero sits high on my list as one that celebrates the series and as grand as the 5th gen themes were, this one sings to you, it collects every generation much like how the game collected every generation from the first MonHun to the 4th gen. While I'm glad the series continues, if this was a swan song... what a fitting swan song it would have been. But given how the series would evolve going forward, this track absolutely acts as a swan song for old gen hunters. I've loved watching the series grow in 5th gen, but as a third fleet hunter I will always love the XX Proof of a Hero.

[@samlikeswatchinganime9531]

Where for every other installment its Proof of a Hero, I feel like XX's displays the Pride of a Hunter. Everyone already said that XX was the culmination of four generations of MH, this was the grandest celebration that they could've ever given this special franchise. The piece cheers you on in your hunts and hunts to come, but that slow part... It feels like it looks back on every single installment and a thank you as if to tell you "Look how far we've come! But also, we wouldn't be here if weren't for YOU". I adore XX's rendition so much, maaaaan.

[@yogiefebriady3073]

As an OG MonHun player on PS2, I think the OG Proof of Hero relies a lot in the story telling, since it doesn't necessarily put you straight to the main part of the music. It was divided into 4 parts. 1. The music starts, showing us a picture of a peaceful prairie where a herd of Aptonoths drinking from a water source, zoomed out, they are unaware that there are a group of Velocipreys hiding in near them. 2. The velocipreys sets up their target, a chase happened as their prey ran away, the alpha tries to protect them from the hungry raptors on their tail, but despite everything... and they managed to capture and kill the youngest and the slowest of the Aptonoths. 3. Suddenly, a shadowy figure looms above them. It's a RATHALOS! The proof of hero main theme kicks in. He manages to scare away the Velocipreys, and flies away with a hunt he stole, the music fades. 4. Nope, the story doesn't end, Rathalos arrived a hillside near a group of hunters sets up camp, they have been studying Rathalos' disruptive hunt behavior and plans to hunt it down. As they launched a surprise attack, unfortunately their weapons are not sharp enough to deal damage to this goliath of a monster, hence the music starts to waver, with a hint of survival feel as they ran a way to a certain mound where apparently... THE LAST HUNTER FRIEND THEY HAVE SETS UP A TRAP. As the rookie hunters jumped, their veteran friend shoots up the Large Bomb with his Heavy Bowgun that he sets up earlier, plausibly damaging Rathalos as the music ends with a hopeful tone. (English not my first language, apologies for the misspoken words)

[@meglo03]

Watching this video I was reminded when I tuned in for a Nintendo Direct because it was just something to put on while I worked and knowing nothing about what was going to be presented, when the Rise Proof of a Hero dropped, I was hit so hard because it was different with the vocals at the beginning but it was so iconic I was floored. Best announcement for a game I'd ever seen.

[@aroseydragon2873]

The best way I can describe sunbreak’s version is the feeling of being trapped in a nightmare and fighting against the entities in your mind.

[@zachprins326]

Proof of a Hero from 4 will always remind me of the Superman Returns theme with the opening; the slow brass building them going right into the motif. So many Proof of a Hero themes have an intro, then the games take on the typical Proof of a hero motif.

[@rubhan94]

23:00 I want to say it sounds like they are being reluctant or hesitant therefore adding the space, but then they find that hidden power to persevere in the answers. I also love how the bells rings in the final moments at the end.

[@ToastyFruitcake]

On your call to listen closer to the harmony in MHtri's track, I heard the 'to one with life' melody woven in there for the first time- I'm so unbelievebly stoked, that's my favourite MH track and I'd never even realised it was in there!

[@YXotl]

Mh Tri's soundtrack was imo a really good milestone in the series, lots of memorable tracks and a lot more brass and French horn in general. To this day Moonquake/Ceadeus and Everlasting words make me nearly cry everytime its so emotional.

[@comaloma]

People have probably said already but the 1st one is the music from the 1st games intro, and theres also the theme from the jungle map in it as well which is what plays before the main thing kicks in

[@aureliaromero8383]

I think sunbreaks is my absolute favorite with XX close behind. Its so fitting they gave a monster with the title "Archdemon of the Abyss" such a grim proof of a hero. I cant wait to see how they experiment more going forward with the series

[@solaireofastora5999]

Proof of the Hero is a Call to Action. A call to action for the hunt, for science, FOR THST GODDAMN RUBY I'M NOT GETTING SDTER 59 TRIES

[@celeste5932]

The XX Athal-Ka Proof of the Hero fight is totally SSS Tier.....great choice there. Its my favorite. I absolutely love the Sunbreak theme mixed with gothic / Cstlevaniaesque horror element into it. Great list Marco ♥ Happy birthday as well

[@KenjTheSnek]

I actually use the XX proof of a hero as my alarm in the morning, so I have a very big attachment to it. Generations Ultimate (the english title for the game) was the first MH game I actually fully went through to immerse myself into ALL of the mechanics, so it holds a special place in my heart, especially so since it was the first release I fully experienced the hype for its release, feeling the whole hype for all the new mechanics and all the QoL features. After World's reveal, this was looked back upon as something definitely meant to be a full celebration of EVERY generation of the game and a big thank you to the players who brought the game to the point it's at now. It is so good for an anniversary game.

[@luhcsgrimm8857]

Ive got to say, after double cross' bousterious, bombastic performance... world is dissappinting. The brass is so mellowed out that the climax of the motif just doesnt feel the same

[@demon691]

Bro... I was to sugest this type of thing and BOOM, you give it!

[@nazgaurhunter200]

my favorite always be the first monster hunter version on the intro cinematic, when the hunters attacks rathalos and the music totally change boooom totally awesome i have beenn playing MH since 2006 and play all monster hunters

[@IvoryMadness.]

Almost 1 hour of heroic music! Great vídeo!

[@LA-by6tl]

I love every one to be fair but the rise theme when that 4/4 drum hits, that shit is fucking epic

[@fatalisspawn8217]

if he did the village themes, I think would be awesome since each one has a unique style and tone, and you seem like the perfect person to go over them even if it's just an excuse to hear the pokke pokke theme.

[@stormy2446]

I think the XX/GU version will always be my favorite. The first version of Proof of a Hero you listen to is actually from the opening cinematic from the first game in '04!

[@wolk6129]

the thing about OG proof of a hero is the sensation it gave the player in the first game,those very first seconds is actually a tune that plays every single time you enter Forest & Hills (the first map of the game and franchise) so it is meant to be like a "door" to a whole new world opening for you,the player with the CUTSCENE from the first game however the song makes perfect sense,it is a introduction to the world of MonsterHunter,about something that feels natural,grounded in a way yet fantastical and dangerous at the same time,i'd go as far as to say it is the best introduction EVER to a fantasy world,everything just clicks AND won't ever leave your head if play enough of it

[@dylanj950]

The first one seems to have way more percussion in the beginning than how I remembered it, I never heard that version but it's a nice change. Have you taken a look at all of the Magala themes? I think it'd be really cool to see you pick apart Gore Magala and Shagaru Magala's excellent themes, and see how they combine in Chaotic Gore Magala's' theme For context, Gore and Shagaru are basically the big bad guys from Monster Hunter 4 and Ultimate and they carry and spread the Frenzy Virus, which enrages and strengthens any monster that it infects. Gore is a juvenile form of Shagaru, it is blind, covered in pitch-black scales, and its wings are covered in black fur that spread Frenzy via the dander from said wings. Shagaru is the adult form which has golden/white scales, can see, and has much better control over its Frenzy virus. Just really awesome monsters. Chaotic Gore is a Gore Magala whose molting into an adult got interrupted, usually by a Shagaru trying to erase any competition it could have in its territory.

[@billybob-ts2rt]

I second this request

[@BloodTrinity]

You gotta add in the gnarly part that Shagaru Magala also reproduces through the frenzy virus where their offsprings live in the hosts body until it bursts out of them as a Gore Magala

[@BlazeReborn2]

Proof of a Hero is a powerful song for any hunter. But when the OG played during the Fatalis fight in World, I knew...there's no beating the classics.

[@ericklugo9442]

fun fact about the theme and i dont know if it was said in a previous comment but most of these themes are used both in the intro of their respective games and when the climatic battle takes places but we only hear the half of it each time (the first half in the intro and the second half against the final boss) really nice detail for those themes

[@hoondo9210]

Enthusiasts who enjoy Monster Hunter have experienced all the works, but the one that created the most Monster Hunter users was Monster Hunter World, and for those who enjoyed the entire World Series, the one that impressed them the most was probably Iceborne's Proof of a Hero. I still can't forget the scene where Fatalis, who seemed so impossible to defeat, fell for an instant, showing an opening, and when this music burst out, my friends who had given up on everything rushed in once again. D:

[@rahg3154]

Keep in mind that when the hunter and the monster look at each other, their music plays, this is due to the moment of tension, the music that is played is the intentions, the determination that the monster has towards you. What happens with proof a hero, you are the one who transmits the music to the monster, when their eyes meet you transmit your determination that you will win. and this is reflected in combat?? If the monster starts to get desperate because you overcome it and it starts to be more erratic. But in Sunbreak the Monster is different, he does not allow your determination to overcome him, that is why the music turns off and does not finish taking off.

[@the_Periador]

for me the tri version sounded like a comeback. "Welcome back hero to this new and wonderful arena" is what the song was immediatly telling me

[@soulezwan266]

the og always be in a special place in my heart... it the opening before you even play it, with each part its add a new element to part of the world.

[@nekomancer4641]

I remember the OG version of PoH was incepted as the BGM for the opening cinematic. So a lot of it's composition are matched up with the visuals in that trailer.

[@pacha2759]

Listening to Sunbreak's proof of a hero right after Gaismagorm's theme during the final fight is one of the most satisfying moments i've had playing Monster Hunter

[@rupertkhan2]

Thanks for this ❤

[@orangerightgold7512]

your Hunter in Monster Hunter Tri was specifically dispatched by the guild to that village to help them with the monster situation so its almost as if the theme is heralding your arrival and you eventually becoming the hero of that village.

[@ToastyFruitcake]

Looking at it's use as the main series theme, it's interesting to see its different uses throughout the games. Youve covered pretty much the variety here, with its use in intro cutscenes (the track you picked for the original game, MHXX), ending cutscenes/credits (tri), and use in final phase boss fights/promotional material (the rest). If you havent already had a look, all the intro cutscene tracks tend to be the most interesting versions and even differ between games with the same number designation (for example MHXX's choir for the addition of valstrax)!

[@Exenos12]

Monster hunter generation XX is MY monster Hunter with proof of a hero being so important to me, with the bells being a favorite in all music the XX theme blew me away the first time i heard it, it brings to mind an almost reverent feel to it when the XX theme plays. and i Love it!

[@CyberValeth]

The original, still now 20 years later still gives that chill and brings tears. Tri did a revamp of the series and the story you're kind of already a hero by the time this starts in one of the final battles. The guild lass there literally goes "You're one of us, Mogies never say die!" Literally they're hyping you up, and the reminding of "you're protecting your home now, make us proud." 4 Ultimate is a full homage to the original, and takes the core and just puts it right there for you to enjoy. XX was another anniversary title and seeking to step it up a notch, 4th gen really started playing with the story a bit more with things, where it transitions fully to multiplayer and the higher rank. The series was being taken more seriously at this point and was where Capcom decided to go pull out all the stops which leads right to World and Iceborne. With the fight it's those pauses where it's like your character gets that second wind, to push beyond your limits and go for the victory a now or ever final push. And some of those moments are in that before the big push is you looking at your journey, the quests you took, people you met and helped. And now in that brief moment the hero after his looking back, gets that big surge and goes all out out in the big final clash of titans as it were to his victory. World does play for the plot in how your fight goes on through. Iceborne however does change a little bit in that in how Fatalis' transitions adds to the fear that we saw a more Lore accurate version. Nothing beats that feeling of hearing proof of a hero the moment that dragonator goes off, and you're already on adrenaline for an intense fight. Rise and Sunbreak did well as well, just didn't get the final fights because I had stopped playing before the updates.

[@SirGeoGio13]

I would like to point out that your point about the opening 15 seconds mirrors the Hero's Journey story structure. It always starts from a place of peace before the Call to Adventure forces the Hero to Act.

[@thedivinepotato518]

Hearing that first Proof of a hero takes me all the way back to 2007 when I first asked my dad to pick up this game with the cool dragon on it and then going up to his house to play it, little did I know how much of a journey that would take me on.

[@jenishs684]

Rise's Proof of a Hero starts with chanting because the main focus of the base Rise is to counter the Rampage and the entire village stands with you when you do so. In a way, it is their rallying chant. Also just the Japanese touch because of the location of where the game takes place. Sunbreak takes it to more "european" sounds with the themes of hunting down Malzeno (the dracula) and then Gaismagorm (the devil) and it shows not only visually with the new location but also with how organ adds to it.

[@rustybucket164]

Listening to them you can tell the sound scape of the technology has improve over the years.

[@Sapheiorus]

The XX version gets me hyped for battle more than any other and I agree with the statements made for it; it's also my favorite rendition of the theme. Safiji'iva's version (sorry to see it wasn't considered a version here) is VERY appropriate to the moment, though, and I feel the hype from that one as well.

[@cillacowz2668]

honestly Sunbreak's proof of a hero was the first time I was scared of a monster, I felt like I was truly fighting a demon. The fact that it is so powerful an foreboding that it has infected even Our theme song is a terrifying thought. the moment those trumpets came on I could feel my ego boost, finally we were gaining ground on this thing and I felt hope, but reserved hope

[@joereed8872]

Funny, I just watched your first reaction video to proof of a hero yesterday

[@MarcoMeatball]

Hi!

[@joereed8872]

@MarcoMeatball btw, idk if you have already reacted to it yet. based on your tier list here, you should definitely listen to the ceadeus theme. Specifically, part 2, but part 1 is the build-up, so probably both.

[@vampirepriest03]

i love how they used it on rise/sunbreak.. it goes with what is happening in the battle with the power of friendship