Opera Singer Reacts: Megalith | Agnus Dei (Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies OST)

Agnus Dei. Profound. Powerful. This music is incredible. So glad to react to another Ace Combat banger.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:38 Music
07:39 Post Discussion
CREDITS:
Series: Ace Combat
Developer: Namco
Composers: Keiki Kobayashi, Tetsukazu Nakanishi
Publishers: Namco, Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 2

[@PresidentFunnyValentine]

Your comment is spot on. Mobius-1 is, basically, plane Jesus.

[@cnlbenmc]

Well some call him the Doom Slayer of the Skies and considering all the other aces in the Strangreal universe; only He is called "The Grim Reaper" it's not far off.

[@AbdelEmperor]

@@cnlbenmc But then you have the Demon Lord

[@junehalog024]

Jet-sus

[@OOZ662]

@@AbdelEmperor Though they did occasionally specify that as "The Demon Lord of The Round Table".

[@HorizonSniper__]

There's also King of the Skies. Tho I prefer Womanslayer69

[@hms3077]

Fun fact: Megalith Agnus Dei was the debut of Keiki Kobayashi in both Ace Combat series and Namco studio. Kobayashi was a fresh composer at that time, joining Namco because he wanted to write music for Ace Combat series. One day he was told to make this one, and if he could not make this a hit, he would lose his job and stay away from Namco nor Ace Combat forever. Then we all know that he did it, perfectly.

[@Thesnakerox]

Sounds like that early ultimatum was what kicked off Kobayashi's badass composer arc We can't forget the story from AC7, where when the director delayed the game because he wanted Kobayashi to make the most impactful song for it on a tight deadline, all Kobayashi said was "Okay." No complaints, no hesitation, and he proceeded to give us Daredevil.

[@CallofDutyBlackOps28]

"heh; you say like that's a bad thing. Watch this."

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

What an absolute legend. Kobayashi is one of the top 5 greatest musicians ever alongside Hans Zimmer, John Williams, and Jun Maeda.

[@dreasdwolfox3435]

he makes music like he's still on that deadline to this day

[@darkspire91]

There's an alternate version of this song that adds a bit more in the beginning. It's called Rex Tremendae and it's sort of a "prologue" to Agnus Dei. It's only an extra 30 or so seconds, but it really feeds into the "savior of humanity" vibe that the final mission gives off. Check it out if you're curious.

[@justit1074]

yeah i was hoping that he would listen to the version that included this, but i guess this will have to suffice

[@bonnie1020a]

I want to like this comment but it’s at 118 likes so consider this reply a like

[@essexclass8168]

On this topic, Zero also has a short musical prologue called Morgan

[@FOXHOUND1871]

Fun fact: These incipits (the first words of a work) are for pieces taken from two settings of the Catholic Mass. Agnus Dei is from the ordinary Mass and the Rex Tremendae is taken from part of the Dies Irae for the Requiem Mass for funerals and Masses for the dead. Savior of Humanity, indeed since Agnus Dei means "Lamb of God" and Rex Tremendae is a plea to the "Rex tremendae maiestatis" (King of tremendous majesty) for mercy when contemplating death and judgment.

[@kamitorings]

@@FOXHOUND1871 sounds different than the normal RTM sung in church though, there is an orthodox bulgarian version that is just chef's kiss, but very diff. very cool all of them though, amazing works of music.

[@biganimetiddies9477]

“Oh this game probably has a biblical representation, what’s it about?” “Planes”

[@ijustsawthat]

Game Director: We need a music for the last mission, and it needs to be memorable. Music Producer: ok, i got you. *[Sky starts speaking the most bold and intense latin even before any instruments kick in]*

[@D.Nobile]

This is it. This is YOUR THEME as Mobius-1. You began the game as a hopeful pilot and ended as basically the greatest ace in the entire series. The way Yellow Squadron loses it when they see not just one plane with the Mobius symbol, but eight, will always get me. You cut through these notorious ace pilots like butter as you make your way toward the Megalith. This is what THEY hear when YOU show up, not the other way around. It's musical storytelling at its absolute peak.

[@gigaslave]

That boss music is YOURS as you sweep them aside and engage the Megalith.

[@desroth]

You are only partially correct. The Yellows you decimate on your way to the Megalith are not actually the Yellow Squadron nor are they Aces. They are band of essentially officer cadets that took to the skies in one last desperate attempt to keep their failed war alive. 15 rookies took to the skies that day over Megalith, 15 rookies died valiantly fighting for a lost cause against the single greatest pilot the world had ever seen. The fear they had in their final moments never once swayed them from their duty to their country. But they are never remembered as anything other than a speed bump in the path of Mobius 1, those pilots were probably some of the most brave men and women in AC4. They knew that Death was at their doorstep and they never once wavered. Canonically Mobius 1 single handedly hunted them all down and destroyed them without remorse or a second thought. It was heroic, it wasn't valiant. His piloting inside the Megalith and taking it out was the true heroic moment as Erusea sought to pull fragments of Ulysses down on the world once more. But against those 15 Mobius truly cemented himself as the Grim Reaper.

[@D.Nobile]

@@desroth Thanks for the correction. Haven't played AC 4 in a good while.

[@phantomwraith1984]

He's tied with Trigger for third place as the best Ace. Cipher takes second as the Demon Lord, and Nemo takes first as it has the collective flight data of every Ace

[@colonelquesadilla5080]

Ace Combat has absolutely divine soundtracks, often combining orchestral, electronic, and vocal elements in incredibly creative ways. Personal favourites from the series are Blockade from 4, Archange from 7, and Daredevil from 7.

[@AceMobius]

Nice taste mate! But what about The Unsung War?

[@colonelquesadilla5080]

@@AceMobius going to be honest, I never finished AC5- could never get past the rescue mission as a kid and haven’t found time to play it again. On the chance I do play it again, I’d rather listen to that song for the first time in game

[@AceMobius]

@@colonelquesadilla5080 I see, tbh too I had the same prob when I was kid with the "Four Horsemen" mission, aka f*cking radar. I rage quit the game and didn't play it for one all year before beating the mission. Sure you already know that but if you have a good pc and some time, you definitely need to complete this masterpiece at least on a emulator.

[@colonelquesadilla5080]

@@AceMobius the radar one also sucked for sure. I still have the game and my PS2 so there’s no need to emulate, I’m just too absorbed with newer games

[@GSY777]

U can't forget hush right?? RIGHT???

[@Jester456]

Yellow: You're not going to believe this Jean-Louise. All of them have Ribbon Insignias! It certainly hits different without all the missile lock warnings constantly blaring

[@elrisitos9821]

Jean-Louis* "Jean-Louise" is much more a sort of insult than a name in French

[@cnlbenmc]

Well I listened to this plenty outside of the mission (there was a music player in the game) plus a friend of mine got me a copy of 4, 5 and Zero's soundtrack.

[@JpegDog]

@@elrisitos9821 There’s no France in Strangereal so it doesn’t count

[@leschroder7773]

WHAT? Only eruseian fighters are allowed in this airspace

[@OOZ662]

_We'll get those panels open._ _Don't let those pilots die._ As the music, which has since switched to a lonely forlorn horn, fades to silence leaving only the asteroid fragments and your engines.

[@HeartlessGlitch]

I can not understate how much I appreciate that you actually listened to the song without interrupting it every 5 seconds.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Don’t watch my other videos 🫣

[@johnconner9149]

This song plays during the final mission of Ace Combat 04. During the mission you, have to destroy a large Missile base by flying into the launch tunnel before the enemy can launch and destroy the world. Your character basically descends in to “hell” to save the world.

[@shea442able]

Not only that but the environment of the mission has all the different representations of how the world could end, Megalith looks like a cross to represent a religious icon returning, Meteors are falling from the sky to signify a cosmic event, and you have ICBMs launching to signify nuclear war

[@passgo8507]

It’s so much more than just a middle base. It’s the savior of the world. It was built to shoot down an asteroid that was threatening to destroy humanity, the fragments raining down on the neighboring nation and precipitating the war of shattered skies. It was heralded and regarded as humanity’s savior. That’s what made the emotional stakes so high when you’re forced to destroy it, as it’s been turned into a horrible weapon of destruction. It was the savior, turned destroyer, and now you must become the new savior.

[@genericnamehere7602]

@@passgo8507 Same thing with Stonehenge. A shield meant to protect humanity, perverted into a devastating weapon.

[@israeldelarosa5461]

@@passgo8507So that missile base has become a false messiah, the Antichrist?

[@linkmariokirby7373]

A note: In Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies, you play as a single squad fighter with the calling Mobius 1, identified by his ribbon emblem. In this final mission, your supporting fighters are all officially members of the Mobius Squadron, and they *all* have the ribbon. This prompts a panicked line from the first enemies you encounter in the mission, going so far as to break their tactical protocol and use names instead of call signs: "You're not gonna believe this, Jean-Louis! They all have ribbon insignias!"

[@walnzell9328]

Only Japan could make a game about fighter jets a metaphor for the second coming of Christ.

[@SlyAceZeta]

Watching an opera singer who knows Agnus Dei so well react to Megalith is something I never knew I needed in my life. I'm only at 1:16 in the video and I'm already so happy this exists.

[@cac_deadlyrang]

Should’ve waited 2 seconds, Alban. Should’ve waited 2 secs.

[@gelb598]

Oh snap it's the legend himself. If you had to pick your favorite Ace Combat game, what would it be?

[@SlyAceZeta]

@@gelb598 It's a tossup between 04, 7, and Infinity. Definitely Infinity for the best multiplayer, at least.

[@gelb598]

@@SlyAceZeta interesting, I missed the infinity boat unfortunately. Wish I would of played it. I'm torn between 4 and zero being my favorite. If only online multiplayer was a thing back then.

[@SlyAceZeta]

@@gelb598 5, Zero, and X are all up there for me too. X is very underrated and if there's any Ace Combat that actually deserves a remake, it's that one.

[@cipherunknown_]

SPOILERS Ace Combat has a lot of mythology in it. The Scinfaxi is a submarine that you fight in ace combat 5. Scinfaxi is the name of the horse that pulls the chariot that carries with it the sun and the daylight The Hrimfaxi is also a super submarine that you fight in ace combat 5. Hrimfaxi is the name of the horse that pulls the chariot that carries the moon and the moonlit sky. The Alicorn, a submarine who's captain that goes rogue and tries to kill one million people with a nuclear shell in ace combat 7 also has mythology. The Alicorn was a was a black winged unicorn that brought the omen of the apocalypse The protagonist in ace combat 7 is given 3 strikes on the tail of his plane because he was falsely accused of murder, and the more "sin lines" you get on your tail the more henious the crime is. in Christian lore, 3 scratches was a mark that was considered to be the mark of the damned, and an insult to the trinity of the Catholic church The final advanced drones that you have to destroy in ace combat 7 as a final boss have nicknames of HUGIN and MUNIN. Hugin and Munin are Odin's ravens in norse mythology. What's funnier is, the actual name of these drones are ADF-11F Raven.

[@guts-141]

Same goes for Zero The Round Table, the Sword, Morgan and Wizard

[@imperiousrex128]

@@guts-141 Yeah, and since you're the one who "pulled" Tauberg's sword Excalibur, you're Arthur here.

[@ISAFSoldier]

You also forget Galm, translated to Garm with consideration to Japanese phonetics, the Norse guardian hellhound/wolf/dog to their Underworld.

[@gammadown54]

Technalily it is vary possible for a missile on active guidance to strike a friendly target Once a missile is launched is does not use iff and just tracks its lock its vary possible Trigger's missile hit Harling's osprey by mistake if a target the missile was tracking passed behind them However i learned the games trigger just wants you close to the craft, you don't have to be fighting so in that case it would be a wrongful blame This could be similar to the end battle of red October where a torpedo on active guidance hits the sub that fired it

[@SkitariusNoKD]

SPOLER FOR FINAL BOSS AC 7 I like to had a bit to Hugin and Mugin lore; they fly all over the word to gather information for Odin, In game they are the product of all the combat info gathered during the war and they try to give that knowlege to their rest of their kin and that would basically create a machine god capable of waging war endlessly.

[@stryfe7467]

You really are just nailing it with the analysis! The "hero" of the story is definitely a one-man army, and by the end of the game, the enemies facing him are clearly afraid of this monster who has destroyed their only chance at victory not too long ago. I like how you went from not expecting much in Zero, to being excited to listen to this piece. You've got yourself a new sub. This song, Zero, and Blue Skies (Infinity Remix) are my top three favorite songs in Ace Combat, so I'd like to request it! I also think Sol Squadron/Archange and Daredevil will be right up your alley, both kickass songs from Ace Combat 7.

[@MarcoMeatball]

thank you!!!!!! Yes, I know AC won't disappoint especially when I'm blind reacting

[@cnlbenmc]

+@@MarcoMeatball+ Whilst this is probably an unpopular opinion in the AC community; Zero has my least favorite soundtrack of the entire mainline series (this even includes Assault Horizon which has the reputation of "The game that Shall Not be NAMED"). Keep your salsa music out of my Ace Combat; it's offending my Hans Zimmer Sensibilities!

[@Radiogirl1931]

@@cnlbenmc oh get out of here. ZERO is a fantastic song. If you don't like it then your taste is questionable.

[@johnnychopsocky]

Fun note: in the lead-up to the mission where this song plays, your character has been building something of a reputation. Built to the point where one of the first things you hear in the mission are the enemy pilots effectively shitting their pants at the knowledge that you are up there in front of them. In their eyes, you are destiny made manifest, The End of their ambitions made flesh and steel. The Messiah? Not so much. Rather, an archangel with holy instrument in hand. The composer for this (and most of the Ace Combat soundtracks) is Keiki Kobayashi. He also did a guest track for the FF7 Remake: The Valkyrie. A track I will heartily recommend.

[@Bootstothemaximum]

They have all heard the legend of Mobius. So when every single plane showed up with the exact same insignia and he was the leader of the squadron, I believe the phrase "shoulda worn my brown pants" doesn't do it justice.

[@Hadaron]

“You’re never going to believe this! They all have ribbon (Möbius strip) insignias!”

[@GrimpakTheMook]

I think Brick Top from Snatch said it all: "Do you know what "nemesis" means? A righteous infliction of retribution manifested by an appropriate agent." That's Mobius-1

[@boxtank5288]

@@Bootstothemaximum Let's just say the yellows went up in flames EXCEPTIONALLY quickly (Methane plus fire, you do the math)

[@haveiszalfaroqie1628]

Fun fact: the horns ascending is actually part of the game leitmotif, which was something I just realized! In the original title menu track, it sounds like a p generic, but otherwise memorable motif. But listening it here played on horns, with a bit transformation by repeating it twice, really adds a more meaning to it. Kind of mind blowing. Title theme: AC04 -- Stardust

[@wasabi5338]

"Basically just a videogame about planes, so you just gotta make the soundtrack actiony, no need to go too hard." Composer:

[@cipherunknown_]

You should listen to "Archange" from Ace Combat 7. It's like a fight between 2 groups of choir singers, and its very very epic to listen to P.S: If i remember correctly the same exact choir from Megalith Agnus Dei performs in Archange too. Its nice to see the same choir from a 20 year old game return 20 years later

[@raowulfstan3467]

I think either this one or "Alicorn" in one of its iterations would be a great choice with strong vocals and orchestra

[@cipherunknown_]

@@raowulfstan3467 Yeah, Marco should listen to Alicorn and Hero of Comberth Harbour too

[@A_annoying_rodent]

Oh I love the intensity of archange, fitting for the final duel between oseas and erusias boogey aces for the title of king of the skies.

[@orangedream267]

@@cipherunknown_ Hero of Comberth Harbor absolutely. Mostly because I want to see the S A L V A T I O N memes/ spam.

[@cnlbenmc]

+@@cipherunknown_+ Definitely Hero of Comberth Harbor, the in-game version. *Picture IT!*

[@nukelesnick2779]

Gotta do the unsung war now, completing the “holy trinity”. Fun fact, zero has the same lyrics as the unsung war, which are about an in game fairytale/myth about a demon named Razgriz, and how he rains death upon the land, goes to sleep, and is reborn as a hero. You can actually read the whole myth on the ace combat wiki, it’s called “A blue dove for the princess”

[@silvanbarrow86]

Yep. And where Unsung War has a more refined, heroic sound to it, I would say Zero's style is more... primal and chaotic, for lack of a better term, reflecting both the chaotic origins of the moment itself AND cementing the idea of that conflict being essentially THE progenitor of the entire Strangereal setting's mythos.

[@GraHammad]

I'm not sure if anyone already laid out the context of this piece, but if not let me set the scene because it truly elevates the music on offer here... this might run a little long, but I'll do my best. A little over 10 years prior to the events of this mission ("Operation Judgment Day"), a massive 1 mile wide asteroid called Ulysses 1994XF04 was detected and determined to be on a direct collision course with the planet, projected to impact in 5 years; the destruction would be immense. The international community, understandably, dedicated an obscene level of resources to prevent the collision and the resulting damage it would cause. Long story short, it was effective... mostly. The asteroid fragmented days before impact, rather than impacting all in one piece, so the measures that were put in place were intended to prevent most of the destruction by intercepting many of the largest fragments before they could hit the planet - but not all fragments could be prevented from impacting. While millions did die, billions survived; most nations endured, though some better than others. An unprecedented humanitarian crisis followed as several countries economies completely collapsed. The wheels were in motion for what would ultimately spark the war in Ace Combat 04, the uncontrolled migration of millions spread across the globe, particularly on the hard hit continent of Usea, and specifically the Republic of Erusea. Why is all this important? Well immediately after the close of that resulting war (the one in which you turn the tide of the conflict itself through a series of unlikely, but incredibly significant victories), a giant secret missile facility, "Megalith", is brought online by a group of rouge, fanatic enemy officers hellbent of vengeance over their nation's total defeat. It's a super weapon to dwarf even the worst weapons ever created. It's designed specifically to deorbit the countless fragments of Ulysses that never made planet fall, fragments which eventually found themselves in their own stable orbits. It literally weaponizes the greatest natural disaster humanity ever experienced. It might have been too late to win the war, but not too late to punish the victors, a punishment of a potential planet wide armageddon by way of raining rocks down from the sky. You are sent in to destroy this facility before it can be used to enact that vengeance, you are there to literally save the world. As the mission starts and you close in on your target, the sun low on the horizon, fire is now raining down from the sky; Megalith has already begun to deorbit the smaller local fragments - it is as close to the apocalypse as it's ever been. Your wingmen quickly and professionally run through their checklists before the fighting starts... several squadrons of the best remaining enemy fighters are directly in your path. You fight through them while hearing Agnus Dei's triumphant ascending brass segments and awe-inspiring choir cheer you on to your final goal - driven by the constant heartbeat of the electronic percussion. Along with the music, a series of intercepted radio messages permeate the soundscape, some from the planes you are fighting along side/against, and some from a special forces team already on the ground in the facility keeping you updated as they battle through corridors, working to secure you a route to actually hit at Megalith's very few vulnerable areas. Once you can manage it, you need to fly though a series of tight openings, trenches and tunnels to strike at the very heart of the fearsome facility. Before the end, you need to destroy several massive ballistic missiles, each larger than the ones that have already been continuously firing... these are the big ones, the ones that would deorbit the largest and most dangerous fragments. While this piece, and Rex Tremendae immediately preceding it, absolutely stand on their own, the context here - and the sight of meteors falling endlessly in the backdrop - truly makes this something beyond anything else in the series to me. There are certainly other incredible missions, some even more insane in some ways, but for me? Nothing ever truly hits like this final pitched battle against the potential very end of the world itself, the stakes were never higher, and somehow it all kept a feeling of grounded-ness despite being so spectacularly dramatic. That was a long one, but just wanted to thank you for taking a look at this piece (and Zero before it!), truly great reactions. The Ace Combat community is very passionate as you can probably tell, and I must say that if I can recommend any ONE other track (and there are tons of other amazing ones) I would have to recommend you check out Ace Combat 7's "Alicorn", it's chaos in the best way.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Damn thank you for that thoroughness. That’s incredible.

[@DaxVT]

This is why I love Ace combat

[@genericnamehere7602]

Not to mention over the radio, you hear from SF Teams that have infiltrated the facility to open the doors to even give you your shot at saving the world. The fighting inside must have been an unholy level of brutal.

[@andrelopez3321]

So happy to see Ace Combat getting some recognition, please don't sleep on Project Wingman either! Would love to see you react to "Kings" and Jose Pavli's incredible music!

[@Jc88500]

A little sad that you didn’t have Rex Tremendae here, it’s 27 seconds long and is pretty much the intro to the Megalith track. You really can’t have one without the other. Aside from that little thing, this was another great video. I wonder what’s next on your list of ace combat tracks. The Unsung War? Daredevil? Alicorn? Fighter’s Honour? Looking forward to more! Also, if you don’t care about spoilers, I’ll just leave this masterpiece of a cutscene here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXrcqmWNi5KVn5I

[@MarcoMeatball]

Blame whoever uploaded this ost 🤣

[@Jc88500]

@@MarcoMeatball Looks like I was a little late in editing my comment. Damn, you respond fast haha. Anyway, If you don’t care about spoilers, the cutscene these tracks are set to is an absolute masterpiece, and definitely set the tone of the mission: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXrcqmWNi5KVn5I

[@MarcoMeatball]

@@Jc88500 thanks for that! I’m really curious and love the Latin names too. I’ve seen the names of the AC tracks. Not sleeping on these. Another one is filmed but I was a little sleepy so I might refilm.

[@Null_Experis]

oh man, you really have to hear the 30 second prelude to this song, Rex Tremendae. It really sets the mood.

[@acceptablecasualty5319]

I'm not on Patreon, but i would recommend you listen to the entire "Salvation" trilogy of Songs. It's basically three "movements", all underlaid with a great chorus. The order goes: 1. "Awakening" 2. "Alicorn" 3. "The Hero of Comberth Harbor" They are meant to be listened to sequentially, as they underline the three phases of their mission, like the comcept of Programmusik.

[@essexclass8168]

CRISP WHITE SHEETS

[@combativeThinker]

@@essexclass8168 ONE MILLION LIVES

[@asolomoth1066]

DONT YOU SEE?

[@Ikcatcher]

Imagine playing this plane game, everything seems by the numbers and then suddenly it hits you with Agnus Dei in the very final mission and making you feel like you’re the second coming of Christ in a fighter jet

[@ryanpayne7707]

Me: (Beats mission 17) Me: The game's box said it has 18 missions and we just wrapped up the war. Game: (Briefing with no background music) Game: (Inspirational speach) Game: (Rex Tremendae while a meteor shower is going on)

[@theflowerfawn6380]

@@ryanpayne7707 Crazily enough there is music on that briefing. It's called Silent. Very short and powerful piece imo.

[@battlebear7214]

Daredevil Ace Combat 7 next, if you want to continue the AC music! Liberation of Gracemeria is my favorite AC track, but it might be long for a video.

[@-mage-5236]

Agnus Dei is a masterpiece. And combined with the enemies being scared of this one plane-jesus, gives a satisfying feel to it. A few I'd recommend would be The Unsung War (Ace Combat 5), then Daredevil (Ace Combat 7), and then Alicorn (Ace Combat 7 DLC). You know things are about to get serious when the sky speaks Latin. All that said, I love the reaction. It's always nice to see Ace Combat soundtracks getting the attention it deserves. Your comment about the music is amazing to hear as well. So glad my recommendation brought you up.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you for it :)

[@jag1809]

It makes me happy to see someone enjoy/appreciate the amazing library of music Ace Combat had to offer. Literally the way you have expressed your joy/amazement of the music was how i was when i heard it as a kid. The only thing missing for you is the experience of adrenaline pumping as you are trying to beat the final boss with the music in the background really emphasizing the tone of the mission lol, it did a great job making you feel like you were living as the protagonists himself not something many games can do. I would recommend Ace Combat 7's "Daredevil" as the next one i think you will enjoy it.

[@cnlbenmc]

This music takes place in time where the war has already been won, the enemy capitol had been taken, the Government Surrendered and the entire Mobius Squadron is summoned to defeat Fanatical Remnants of the enemy Military occupying a massive Ballistic missile complex who intend to launch them as revenge. This isn't a turning point; it's a final Nail in the Coffin of a Foe that refuses to die even after total defeat.

[@mehrshadmehranfard755]

I'm really happy I just randomly got recommended this channel, your face is expressive & you're not just trying to get it over with, you actually try & analyze the music & put out your thoughts & do a damn good job of it. Just amazing, & I hope you upload more soon:) Oh & It seems you enjoy souls games music a lot, check out some Hollow Knight soundtrack if you want, they're amazing too specially "Haunted foes" track.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you so much! Sometimes I'm grasping at straws but I do try to put effort into each track I hear. Thank you so much for your kind comment.

[@brianburke4989]

I've played this game on and off for the past 20 years and this shit still gives me goosebumps. Oh and Unsung War is another solid track. It's in Latin and sounds divine.

[@t0w0118]

Really love watching you enjoying these tracks. I already gave you these songs to react to but here again: Alicorn and Archange from Ace Combat 7, The Unsung War from Ace Combat 5. Keep going, i really like your reactions ^^

[@FlamingNinja109]

I second this, especially The Unsung War from AC5. Easily one of the most epic and beautiful tracks from the series in my opinion.

[@F4Wildcat]

3:40 if you timed the battle, this was often the part where you just defeated the Yellow squadron. Wich was an intense showdown after so many missions. As you fly away from that battlefield, you know you are slowly flying towards the megalith fortress. You see hundreds of meteors bursting trough the atmosphere. And then that Massive fortress appears. A huge facility that holds massive ICBM's & laser targeting systems

[@beo3627]

woooooo!!! great review, and yeah the blending of liturgical themes/pieces and synths is always pretty interesting and kinda funny/cool inside of the context of super-action-crazy-ohnolookoutagiantlazer-military fantasy plane games. You would never expect it. They dont do it ALL the time but pull it out for story beats or final bossfights. In the end its an interesting conjoining of two elements- religious and warfaring, that arent exactly strangers, but is newly contextualized with electronic drums/synths and "near future" technology. Thanks for the review, already waiting for the next vid

[@DrewHolli]

Mann I just watched three of your videos back to back because of Ace combat! definitely got yourself a sub😁 and I also appreciate how you listen to the entire piece and saving all comments to the end 🎶🎶🎶😎

[@MarcoMeatball]

Hate to break it to you Drew but that’s not how I normally do it 😂😂😂😂😂

[@DrewHolli]

@@MarcoMeatball hahahaha looking forward to more videos 😁🔥

[@lertox00]

Hey Marco! I found your channel a couple days ago because of Fortissax's theme from Elden Ring, i just wanted to say that it's great seeing your passion shine through while talking about this stuff. My friends don't read too much into videogame music, so getting to see your interpretations and insight is truly a gift. Thank you! Hope your channel keeps growing.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you SO much for these kind words ❤️

[@agp11001]

Man, as somebody who quite literally grew up on the Ace Combat series ever since I held the first game in my 12yo hands in 1995, you can't imagine how much I envy you being able experience the soundtracks for the first time. I'd love to forget the whole series existed just to explore them completely anew again.

[@t0w0118]

Really love watching you enjoying these tracks. I already gave you these songs to react to but there again:

[@PaulBirkinJunior]

I was searching for your reaction to this song earlier to the week and was sad you hadn't done it. But now you have! I get chills everytime I hear that opening, it seems like you're quickly going through all my favourite tracks from games. Also, nice buff pikachu.

[@atheontimeconflux9892]

Anchorhead Raid, Liberation of Gracemaria, Archange and The Unsung War are what i'd recommend to you, especially Unsung War, i think you'll love that one.

[@comona]

You got the analysis perfect. Quite incredible how someone such as yourself can use your knowledge to basically predict an entire plot off of one song. Many people have already said some music you might like but I will not suggest the most common ones. The song “the unsung war” from AC5 has the vocals in it that you would enjoy I’m sure. Check it out one day on your own time or for the channel, it’s quite interesting.

[@Ecastro179]

This track is special, I never heard of the Ace Combat series, so when I heard it on a video I had to track it down to hear it fully; it was an experience. Then after seeing the context that it played, it made it even better. This is one of those tracks I will hear once in a while cause it evokes emotions in a way that I never experienced. More importantly, glad to have found this channel, having found these channels where people with experience on music react to it and share their insight on it is good, where I learn more of it. Keep up the good work!

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you so much for this

[@justit1074]

music also got me into ace combat too, tho i have never played the games lmao

[@Yellow13Firestorm]

awesome! you're actually covering some of the other ace combat tracks! I was also reminded of another game in the series and some you could cover there. Ace Combat 2 (remake) Fighter's Honour yeah the final missions tend to go all out.

[@sarahcaito6937]

Thank you of helping me think about Ace Combat songs in a new way. Going to look up all the videos you did on the game and watch them all.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you so much, Sarah! This comment made my day and is why I created this channel!

[@sarahcaito6937]

@@MarcoMeatball I watched all your Ace Combat videos. Then found your Final Fantasy vides. Final Fantasy got me into gaming and this kind of music, Square and Project Aces both pushed what music could mean in a game to higher emotional levels.

[@HP_line_cook]

Ace Combat had absolutely no right to make such amazing bangers!!! I was 5 years old when I got Ace Combat 4 (my Introduction to the franchise) and this song will forever be a part of me!

[@MistakenID032]

Wonderful! So glad you're finding this music many of us Ace Comabt fans have enjoyed for years :) I highly recommend Archange from Ace Combat 7 next.

[@spiderdude2099]

I literally can’t hear this song without thinking of the mashup they did of this song with “somebody that I used to know”

[@nerdsgalore5223]

Thank you for reacting to this one!

[@kwon7901]

omg that's so great I was hoping I would see this

[@Radiogirl1931]

Ok this is amazing. I just suggested it and didn't know you did it haha

[@TexasGreed]

What other game made you a lone wolf and then on the final mission gives you an entire squad just to make the enemy shit their pants? Super dope. The best part about Ace Combat is hearing all the enemy chatter about you. It makes it very immersive.

[@winningsun5994]

I’m really glad I was recommended this channel, Ace Combat music is wonderful so thank you for your work! I’d love to recommend “Maiden Astraea” from the Demons’ Souls Remake, “The Greatest Jubilee” from Bayonetta, or “Le Ali Del Principio” from Baten Kaitos 2. Cheers!

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you!

[@jacobszymczak9323]

Its not the "best" song from the Ace Combat series, but I think you'd enjoy "Chandlier" from Ace Combat 6. Its mostly vocals and is a child choir that's very haunting and fitting for the mission, basically going against a last ditch supercannon that the whole point is to destroy your capital city for revenge after you beat the enemy. But for some other great ones is "Unsung War" from AC5, all three of the "Alicorn" songs from AC7 (these are especially cool as its basically the same song but the tone is drastically different for each with added instrumentals so your analysis on how they change things up for each would be cool) and Kings or some others from Project Wingman as well

[@thecrowbarofirony3703]

Another vote for Chandelier. It's absolutely chilling to listen to, especially if you watch the gameplay of the stage it is set in.

[@busshock]

Came here to recommend Chandelier also. People don't talk about AC6's soundtrack enough, it has some of the best tracks in Ace Combat imo. Anea Landing is one of my personal favorites.

[@One_Piloty_Boy]

Same

[@wardog0086]

It might not be the best, but it's definitely on par with the rest. It's so unique among AC final mission tracks, being more somber and just plain sad.

[@its-amemegatron.9521]

Chandlier? I see you have good taste my dude

[@fokjohnpainkiller]

Unironically mad I didn't have the notifications on for your channel looking forward to this

[@MarcoMeatball]

You were like genshin impact f That 🤣🤣

[@ravagetalon]

I am late to this party, but there is something that just *hits different* about how this particular mission starts. No music, AWACS gives a quick briefing and the new Mobius squadron sounds off. SkyEye then says "All aircraft, Follow Mobius 1!" with the music cueing off on that last word. It sends an absolute chill down my spine every single time.

[@FreedomTrooper89]

I grew up playing Ace Combat, one of my favorite video game series of all times. my favorite Ace Combat is Ace Combat 5, one song I would love for you to react to "The Unsung war" from Ace Combat 5. It's the final mission song and out of all the Ace Combat music, it's my favorite. In fact Zero from Ace Combat Zero was based off of The Unsung War. Glad you're getting into this music and glad you're listening. Looking forward to seeing more reactions

[@MarcoMeatball]

Awesome. Thank you!!

[@uss_04]

Sometimes I see a video or hear a story avout a dramatic air combat campaign and this song plays in my head.

[@DIAMONDBIRD4]

Will always be a fave. Spot on critique!

[@sirornstein]

Kinda forgot I was watching an analysis video and got spooked when you started taking again. got lost in the song and the thinking about the game.

[@MarcoMeatball]

🤣🤣🤣🤣❤️

[@trainknut]

I TOLD you you'd like it! The Unsung War is now a MUST listen, trust me, you'll know why when you hear it. There's a reason most fans rate it at the absolute top, even above Rex Tremende/Agnus Dei and Zero It's the only one of the three that I'd consider an actual full Latin song, the lyrics are clear, loud, and at the forefront of the music for the entire length - with the orchestra playing support rather than the other way around like in Zero and Agnus Dei where the Latin is used more to emphasize the melody, rather than the melody to emphasize the Latin. Also, like you probably heard on the Zero video many times, The Unsung War was the song/track that inspired Zero - with Zero using the same lyrics.

[@alchelor1]

Fantastic reaction and review.

[@XxExtremeSamX]

Excellent choice with this one!

[@ScottKenny1978]

This music is from the final mission in the game. You think that you've won, and then you get hit with this last mission. Some last holdouts of the bad guys have a doomsday weapon that they're going to launch. Your attack on Megalith is coordinated with some ground troops. There's small missiles and lasers flying everywhere, rocks falling from the sky, it's straight up the end of the world. And then the mission starts. "Rex. Rex tremendes magistatis." "Salva me." "Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi" "Dona eis requiem" "Qui tolis peccata mundi" King, king of tremendous majesty. Save me. Lamb of God, who cleanses the world of sin: Grant them eternal rest, Whom cleanses the world of sin. Oh yeah, it's on.

[@fokjohnpainkiller]

This piece plays during the start of the final level of the game. You get a cutscene before you get to play in which you hear the first few seconds of the soundtrack. Unfortunately in the album (and I assume in the game files as well) the piece is split. Megalith and the half minute short intro for it, Rex Tremendae, are separate yet inseparable in function to the experience. This is why Megalith on its own has such a jarring intro.

[@kyran1681]

man, i remember hearing this track for the first time when I was like 12-13 years old. Absolutely blew me away.

[@MrJinglejanglejingle]

Mobius 1... The Ace of Aces The Slayer of Yellow Squadron The Divine Sandstorm above of the Stonehenge Orbital Guns The Destroyer of The Aegis Fleet The Liberator of San Salvacion and Farbanti The Destroyer of The Megalith Installation The Savior of ISAF The God of the Skies that Wears The Ribbon Truly, a one-pilot army. Plane Jesus, himself...

[@SinfulFang]

Ahh the national anthem of Ace Combat, Always a pleasure to hear it and it's always fun to watch someone experience it for the first time.

[@paigesalas8142]

You gotta listen to the original intro with the opera singing at the beginning it gives me the chills this piece is incredible

[@paigesalas8142]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mouloJyNaZtjpLc

[@anhilliator1]

Honestly, one of the awesome things about AC is how it cements just how _legendary_ you are by the end. Usually, by the end, squadrons are able to identify you just from one glance at your plane's emblem - a symbol of hope for your allies, and for enemies... Well, for enemies, by the end, that insignia is burned into their brains as a mark that signals doom - if you see that emblem on the battlefield, chances are, you're probably not gonna be returning home.

[@bottomtext5872]

Ace Combat tracks are brilliant, glad to see more

[@TheEvanDude112]

Ace Combat is one of my favorite game series of all times, despite its dark era. I’m happier seeing get more attention as the years go on more so than I am happy to have actually owned Shattered Skies when I was a small child

[@andrewsroar1802]

Heroes really do exist. We've just seen one...and now he's comin' home. (I'm totally not crying rn) 07

[@4alexgames693]

Fighter's Honor is also a great one, gives you a really heroic feeling!

[@Mhystral]

So glad you got to this series. I am very passionate about the ace combat soundtrack and here is me hoping you see this comment for my personal favorites of the series: 1. Archange from Ace Combat 7 2. Daredevil from Ace Combat 7 3. Zero from Ace Combat Zero 4. The Unsung War from Ace Combat 5 All of these are absolute top of their class and I really hope to see some of them pop up on your channel in the future. Love your energy, keep up what you do!

[@Mhystral]

I just noticed you already have a video up for Zero so I know where I am headed next :)

[@mikejustmike9995]

It is amazing how close Marco's guess was to the actual events and themes of Ace Combat 04, just based on analyzing the impact of the music. Very impressive sir. My hat is off to you.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you. So much.

[@thefoxfrenzy]

Ah, you already did Agnus Dei! I was so addicted to this track back in the day. VGOSTs have always been among my favorites and it all started with, I'd have to say, "Cradle" from Goldeneye 64. Much of Metal Gear, Syphon Filter, Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, and more recently Rising, Ace Combat and Devil May Cry have all significantly twisted my musical preferences to the point I listen almost exclusively to the KZbin channel "MrEpicOSTs". Two Steps From Hell, AudioMachine, Fractal Dreamers, David Chappell and a whole lot from Sybrid Music just to name a few.

[@tuskegeeace2840]

Goose bumps, every time. Every single time.

[@XxguaxinimxX.]

Even though I've heard this music before, it was nice to listen to it again and see your reaction! Also, it's not from Ace Combat, and idk if anyone already have suggested it, but i recommend the Hollow Knight Soundtrack, especially the songs "Pale Court" and "Sealed Vessel"

[@Toasties.]

You should check out the Liberation of Gracemeria from Ace Combat 6! And, BTW, you're spot on with your comments. You're a one man armt, the true hero of the story. Love your work! Keep it up!!

[@ebucehil9757]

You did it you mad man!

[@Linus89]

Ace Combat 4 also contains a part of La Catedral, which has since become one of, if not my favorite classical guitar piece.

[@Shadx27]

That brings me back.

[@redtsar]

My favorite song of AC This song always gives me the fucking chills

[@gavincleland9010]

I just commented that you need to check this out on your other ace combat reaction video xD

[@AdmiralKew]

You're going to love listening to and analyzing Archange from Ace Combat 7!

[@robertwhite7845]

There's also an anime called Gorgon lagaan that has a track called liberate Me From Hell, and it's a mixture of Opera and Hip-Hop, I think it's pretty good

[@CaptinSully]

You WILL love "Archange" and "Sol Squadron" from AC 7 Both have amazing vocals like Agnus Dei... and many other pieces in Ace Combat. I will look forward to your reacts in the future!

[@JCDadalus]

I'm glad another youtuber appreciates the wonder that is the Ace Combat Synth Orchestra Opera Epicness. Wonderful isn't it?

[@ISAFMobius18]

Yay more AC reactions! so cool to see more of these. I hope you listen to Unsung War from AC5, and Daredevil from AC7. i think you'll love them too.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

Dare devil is Overrated Unsung war Might be too But it Is Better XD

[@vernersala]

that AC was the first one of that saga i played, before that, i remember to have played TOP GUN for NES console (when i was 5yrs) and i loved a lot that kind of game so when i discover the AC 4 i got into right away specially with that Agnus Dei song, then AC 5 with The Unsung War song (that i also recommend, track 55), then AC Zero and so on... i enjoyed all of them but the one i like more is the AC Zero, you should play it if you can, it is somehow different from the others they are all good but Zero shines different.

[@chieftainmk_11]

This song is literally played at the start of THE Last mission where you LITERALLY GO INSIDE A FACILITY AND BLOW UP NUKES cause some young enemy generals decided to take control of the facility to Nuke the entire world so you are saving all of humanity while this is playing

[@RollingzokuMR2]

Rex Tremendae is the best part even though its so short.. Either way love that our favorite AC music is getting reviewed by you.

[@TimHawk.]

There are many good recommendations here but somehow I haven't seen anyone here recommend Hush from Ace Combat 7 yet. It's also a great track, similar to this one in a way that it's the "finale song" of the game. It also heavily incorporates the game's and protagonist's leitmotif (which, by the way, is probably the most beautiful and heroic leitmotif I've ever heard). Trying not to say too much - the title directly references the main goal of the battle.

[@AlexDuos]

Holy crap, somebody is reacting to my favorite Ace Combat song? This track doesn't get nearly enough love, not after Zero came out. Thank you!

[@viperlass]

imo I think Kings from Project Wingman is the absolute peak of flight action game music, especially when you look at it in the context of the story as well as the greater OST, which the composer, Jose Pavli, did a fantastic job of tying together.

[@sleepydoodle]

Thanks for the reaction vid! Pretty on point! I wonder if you looked at the specific lyrics to this version of Agnus Dei, if you would have changed your thoughts slightly on the context in which this music plays. The lyrics around the standard Agnus Dei here (e.g. "Lux aeterna...") are from a Requiem Mass, and I believe that these specific lyrics are lifted from Mozart's Requiem. If "Rex Tremendae" comes from any other funeral mass, I haven't found it. (but then again, I did this research many years ago) As a funeral mass I do wonder who it's saying goodbye to, who the object of mourning is. Perhaps your defeated enemy pilot counterpart in the previous mission, the enemy nation itself, or perhaps the remaining holdouts that you're defeating in the final mission where this music plays.

[@oscararturovaldiviaalvarez4852]

i would never know about ace combat without this song, first time i heard it on a top video, and i searched for it, never to come back :3 UwU

[@brendanrisney2449]

Oh man, Ace Combat now? I just found your fire emblem videos and went through a few more of yours, but if you're doing Ace Combat too, you're in for a _good_ time. And so are we.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Ya I’m thrilled :)

[@TallulahSoie]

Really have to hand it to Project Aces for always delivering a few masterpieces with each game.

[@denver7181]

I hope this plays on the second coming