FFXIV / FFIV - Forged In Crimson / Battle With The Four Fiends | Reacting To Video Game Music!

[@VerinVerdandi]

Forged in Crimson is actually arranged by Kenichi Maeyamada aka "Hyadain" who is well known for doing remixes and arrangements of classic video game songs. Hyadain did an arrangement of Battle with the Four Fiends, still on youtube, soooo many years ago. When Forged in Crimson released in the new raid, people were thinking that Soken was doing a call back to Hyadain original video but then it was revealed by Soken that Hyadain did work on this AS WELL AS the lyrics were created by Takashi Tokita who was a game developer on FFIV.

[@shirakutenshi]

Tokita wasn't just a dev, he wrote the story of FFIV

[@Cybertech134]

The Hyadain? As in the old Super Mario Hyadain? That's a throwback!

[@LockelyFox]

@@Cybertech134 Yup, THE Hyadain.

[@Antis14CZ]

Is that the guy who made up and sang the lines for all the fiends on OC Remix?

[@VerinVerdandi]

@@Antis14CZ yep!

[@jedor988]

Shoutout to Jesse's perfect guitar riff/cat meow at 6:17

[@JessesAuditorium]

damnit

[@jedor988]

@@JessesAuditorium bro said :3

[@unlimited971]

Hol up. Let me just repass it in 4k. ... 😺📸 Perfectly balanced...

[@DLane814]

So with Forged in Crimson, it was composed by a longstanding fan of the series known on KZbin as Hyadain. There are 2 (and a half?) versions of FFIV's Four Fiends in XIV, and Soken wanted to do something different, to represent the boss Rubicante, embodying fire, specifically. Hyadain had a very famous remix of Four Fiends on youtube waaaaaay back somewhere around 2008 and it became an iconic Weird Al style parody of the original. Forged in Crimson takes that very distinct flavor of the song and pumps it up to 11, to the point where Hyadain's own original was sampled for the string intro in the first five seconds. Was really incredible to see someone who had just been a fan of the series and Nobuo for such a long time get represented in an official capacity in XIV

[@Cyril86]

Too bad it doesn't have Hyadain's lyrics from the old song. That might be a bit distracting though lol.

[@manbearpigsereal]

BALDICANTE I SUMMON THEE

[@mincho0616]

xffing chills brother

[@archaemily]

xddtree

[@Snark_x]

POP OFF KING NOCRINGE

[@russpc9739]

buh

[@zynboy4118]

Hell yeah brother

[@woyogoyo3639]

Jesse: *jamming out to the music* Me: “Wait, THAT’S how the line mechanic works?!

[@notmousse]

Yeah, I swear someone had a time just saying "what if we spun it during battle" for several fights in 6.x!

[@Someone-dv7hw]

@@notmousse helicopter helicopter...

[@rinnnnnnnnnnrinRinOnishi]

​@@notmoussealso shadowbringers

[@Ahlivianne]

​@notmousse All in existence, bends to their will I guess

[@陳威麟-q7o]

The Battle theme have lots of version, but this is one recall the original and fully developed. Nice to see u enjoy it as we do.

[@Icedmindblow]

I love how both Uematsu and and Soken respectively put that slight note of italian choir/medieval melody in their songs as a hommage to the boss names, as they're hailing from Alighieri's "Inferno".

[@celadore]

So glad you finally got to hear the original. arrangements are great but the original mixes were designed for the SNES limitations and risk losing something in the translation. This remix is incredible. It doesn't over layer the melody, it has a kind raw sound that I love. Hilariously, this mix originated as an old KZbin ff4 meme by a fan. Apparently the 14 team enjoyed it enough to contact him and remake the fan-remix (with different lyrics) for official use in 14. EDIT: I can't say for sure about the name but I think it's because there are different versions of this song in FF14 depending on phases or which of the 4 fiends you're fighting.

[@Noobleton1]

I bet another overexcited fan is going to explain what I'm about to write about three times better than me while I write this, but here goes. FF14 pays a lot of homages across the various expansions they've released, and the post-Endwalker story quests that we've been given in the last year has been using the characters and music of FF4; in the latter you fight the four minions of a character called Golbez, the video you watched was the fourth and strongest fiend, Rubicante. The FF14 versions aren't the FF4 characters in the sense that they're the exact characters of FF4, but they're immediately familiar to anyone that's played FF4. We actually hear this song in a different arrangement fighting another of the four fiends in another trial earlier in this quest series. The Forged In Crimson version was actually composed in partnership with a gentleman called Hyadain. He made a funny version of the original Battle with the Four Fiends years ago that you can find on KZbin - I think it's funny enough without the context of having played FF4. Anyway, a lot of fans when first hearing this were saying it was amusing how similar this version sounded to the Hyadain version; then about a month after the fight released it was confirmed Hyadain actually wrote this FF14 composition too. I think I was going to explain somthing else but I've got overstimulated by sharing your joy for this song xD

[@MetroidFission]

This is one of the 3 versions of Battle with the Four Fiends that FF14 has! There's also Battle with the Four Fiends (Buried Memory)* and Voidcast Savior, all with different vibes because they're different fiends' themes. They all used the same song in FF4, so that's why. This one's my favorite FF14 version though, definitely. *Buried Memory is the name of the patch the boss/song came out in. So it's just to differentiate it from the original.

[@thalesn]

That's what I was about to say. I'll just add that Voidcast Savior is only partially composed of Battle with the Four Fiends, with the rest being the main theme from FF4.

[@Deuzen_FIN]

Even the (Buried Memory) is a slight deviation from usual XIV naming conventions - usually remade songs get denoted with the full expansion name (Endwalker) instead of the Patch Name. This unique peculiarity helped some predict that we'd be getting several different remixes of the Four Fiends in subsequent patches.

[@Redblaze27]

They already did a Battle with the Four Fiends version for the game, so Forged in Crimson was to signify its the version specifically for the Rubicante battle. If i'm not mistaken, they got the scenario writer of Final Fantasy IV to write the lyrics to Forged in Crimson, which are basically just about how fearsome the Four Fiends are.

[@RPGMel710]

Ah, Rubicante, the leg-endary fiend and workout warrior. Never skips leg day. The perfect heel. When you fight him in the original is peak gamming.

[@Mythril_YT]

He is definitely naked under that robe though...WHICH MAKES HIM BETTER

[@Tazrael]

"Come, react to my boss theme. But first I shall heal your wounds. Face me at your full strength!"

[@trvorgaming5376]

I love "villains" like that.

[@TempestFox]

fun fact about forged in crimson. The gibberish chanting isnt actually gibberish changing, they’re actual English Lyrics

[@eW91dHViZSBpcyBjZW5zb3JzaGlw]

why wasnt he given the lyric video??? best lyrics in endwalker bar none!

[@Tezasaurus]

I will never get over the ingenuity of 16-bit music. They stuff they managed to wring out of those tiny sound chips is amazing.

[@meridianspark]

I love that you write down your thoughts as you listen. It's something I don't see anywhere else but like something about it seems so...adorably professional. I don't want to call it cute for fear of that being interpreted as something negative, but I hope to learn this practice

[@tickledpickle5671]

The line that hits me the hardest in this song, for whatever reason, is: "You are not the first nor last to seek purgation!"

[@NajaSide]

When you brought up Clash on the Big Bridge possibly being inspired by Battle With the Four Fiends, I thought back and curiously the first time you fight one of the Four Fiends in FF4 actually is on a bridge. There probably isn't actual connection, but it sure is an interesting coincidence!

[@StarfieldDisarray]

When we first got Forged in Crimson I think everyone assumed the lyrics were gibberish because they were hard to make out and we had already gotten a 14 track with an intentionally gibberish choir, but nope! Turns out it actually does have lyrics! As others have pointed out, Forged in Crimson is arranged by Hyadain who made a popular parody arrangement of Battle With The Four Fiends *many* years ago, and the little strings intro to Forged in Crimson is a direct callback to that earlier arrangement. It's really cool. I do honestly think this is one of the best iterations of Four Fiends.

[@Cowboy265]

You'd have a field day with most of IV's music and subsequent remixes. The regular boss theme "Battle 2" is a standout.

[@scotty110]

and the Troia theme as well

[@nachot6592]

Daaaamn. I had never heard this. It is amazing!

[@KironX1]

I just played this boss fight recently as it’s new content and I flipped my shit when I heard the song since FF4 is my favorite. They also have redone the regular FF4 boss theme for the new dungeon boss fights as well.

[@altrxism]

HAD to subscribe after seeing you appreciate this banger with the same big ass smile I had when I first heard it.

[@Vyse195]

I remember when I first I got into this fight the music blew me away. Its one of my favorite trails in the whole game so far.

[@Mo-fk9jd]

I remember wanting to recommend these to you! 14 has 2 more renditions of this exact song to I wonder if we can get a reaction to those as well? Love your content ❤

[@Tazrael]

"The embodiment of Earth, Wind, Water, and FIIIIIIRE!"

[@eW91dHViZSBpcyBjZW5zb3JzaGlw]

IN THE DARKNESS BE THEY FAR CONSUME, NAUGHT GROWS COLD WHERE NOT EER BLOOMS!!!!!

[@陳威麟-q7o]

17:50 14 has a lots of reference of previous titles, because this MMO aims to make a wonderland of all FF fans. And yes, this fight is the last of battle of 4 fiends in 14 story arc. Keep good of the olds and build extra good in new. What a better dream u could have for the titles u like?

[@filipvadas7602]

This track *very quickly* became my favorite theme in FF14, which is high praise. It just *slaps*

[@MJG206]

So much of Endwalker was FFIV themed, including the music, character names and a few of the twists. It was excellent!

[@陳威麟-q7o]

15:20 exactlly. 14 version keep the spirit, and make the real shape brought up. Two artist, one dream come true.

[@Tarrot]

FF4: The Four Fiends are the underbosses of the main antagonist of FF4. They are Scarmiglione, Cagnazzo, Barbariccia, and Rubicante. There are two main Boss themes that appear in FF4, with the Four Fiends + some other bosses getting Battle with the Four Fiends, and the end boss has his own theme music as well. FF14 takes inspiration from the other games and sometimes uses characters from those games in FF14 with their own twist. This is a boss battle against Rubicante, who is the strongest of the Four Fiends.

[@mr.mystere4999]

As to why it has a different name, Forged in Crimson is the 2nd FFXIV remix of Battle with the Four Fiends. The 1st remix has the same name as FF4, and is used in the fight with Barbariccia. The 3rd remix is named Voidcast Savior and it is a cross-fusion of Battle with the Four Fiends and the Main Theme of FF4. The Endwalker Patch MSQ has been a Treasure Trove of FF4 remixes and they're not done! I look forward to seeing your reactions to them should any of them pop up in your queue.

[@unluck4109]

No matter how many times I do this fight I'm still rocking to this song!

[@CMB505]

The lyrics for this song are also brutal as FUCK. "In the Darkness be, by fear, consumed. Hearts turn cold where naught ever blooms." Hyadain and Tokita REALLY knocked it out of the park with this one.

[@wakkaseta8351]

This one was renamed because we already had a different arrangement of Battle with the Four Fiends for a previous boss, this version was made specifically for the fire fiend, and it's technically a remix of a remix since it's made by a fan who had already made a vocal mix of Battle with the Four Fiends years ago.

[@guiltygamerxrd]

Battle with the Four Fiends is one of the best songs in the series and one of the most remixed. Some versions vary quite a bit as you've seen now. If you ever want to check out another really good version of it, I'd recommend the one from Chocobo Dungeon named Leviathan Battle. It keeps the fast paced high energy sound and the tense feeling of fighting a strong opponent, but also sounds maybe a little more light hearted. I dunno how to explain, I'm not a musician but it's good lol. Actually on that note, Chocobo Dungeon in general has a lot of good remixes of other songs from the series.

[@SaphireDragon89]

At this point in the Final Fantasy series... Battle With The Four Fiends probably has the most remixes and remasters of any iconic song in the series; the SNES version, OST, DS, PSP, and Pixel remaster for FFIV, its use in Final Fantasy Dissidia, and now not one, not two, but THREE versions in FFXIV; Battle With The Four Fiends (Endwalker), Forged in Crimson, and Voidcast Savior! They're all just... awesome~

[@irisheartt]

There is another version of Battle with the Four Fiends in FFXIV for an earlier endwalker trial which is a bit closer to the original, and also "Voidcast Savior" from the current patch which uses the same motif.

[@TonberrySage]

I would say the title was changed because “Battle of the Four Fiends” was the battle theme for all of the fiends. This is for one fiend specifically.

[@LowSkillPlays]

Spoilers for FF14 MSQ post-Endwalker: . . . FF14's MSQ has characters from FF4 right now, including the Four Fiends (Barbiriccia, Rubicante, Cagnazzo and Scarmiglione) as well as Golbez one of the villains of FF4. Battle with the Four Fiends is their theme when you fight them in FF4 and its been remixed here in FF14 for the same reason. Rubicante is the enemy in the video. Although they share the same name and appearance they are characterized a bit differently this time around, but its a nice reference similar to Eden from FF8 having its own raid story in FF14.

[@TheBpendleton44]

This is by far my favorite trial song from ew so far with voidcast dais a close 2nd. I love riding my fire cat mount all over the place and vibing

[@castorc6632]

I see a bunch of people have mentioned the Hyadain origin, but it also bears noting the actual enemy you're fighting in the game. There are, of course, "Four Fiends" who serve as major boss fights in both FF4 and FF14. Hyadain's "Forged in Crimson" is used in FF14 as a variation of "Battle With The Four Fiends" specifically for Rubicante. It not only sets him apart from the other three Fiends, but serves to make the fight extra hype when you get to him last and those familiar beats hit but with a more modern, bombastic touch.

[@elinicolas4198]

Hold the phone!! You’re telling me the meme remix got remixed into becoming a part of the official game? Who saw that one coming huh?

[@Banana-cc5rx]

Rubicante is the most well liked fiend, because of how honorable he is. We rarely have villains that way back in the older games. Not surprise he got a full homage, by hyadain no less

[@thalesn]

I'm sure Soken would feel honored even by being compared to Uematsu. Hopefully both of them will continue creating art for many years to come.

[@scotty110]

there's a video of Uematsu and Soken talking about FF music and Uematsu was certainly impressed with how Soken had brought his older work to new audiences, especially in regards to Soken's version of Eternal Winds

[@BaithNa]

​@@scotty110both versions are absolute masterpieces

[@deanospimoniful]

I feel like I miss a lot of the details of the music when I hear it in-game. Nice to just sit and listen for a bit.

[@JediMB]

I'm listening to Hyadain's version of Four Fiends after this video.

[@JediMB]

...And I just learned that this version is *also* Hyadain's version.

[@Rc3651]

I was so focused on the fight when I did this that I kind of glazed over the music. Like it definitely is driving you to action for sure, but listening to it now it's badass! Love that drum section, and the bass is super interesting

[@Kuponobu]

Soken draws heavy inspiration from Nobuo Uematsu and refers to him as sensei, so he would definitely be honored to hear you say that his reflections are great.

[@SuperHexer123]

Yeah right now in 14's plot we are in the HEAVY FF4 arc so we've been facing off against the big bads from 4's gallery. Scar and cagnazo were relegated to dungeon bosses, but honestly are pretty enjoyable fights and use a cleaned up version of the OG 4 battle music. However Barb and Rubicante got full blown trials with remixes of their track and damn Rubicante's version went absolutely hard. And uh spoilers for those bot caught up wity the most recent patch, but we just dealt with Golbez and are now moving to fight Zeromas so I can't wait to see what they do for that track.

[@diamondrust4719]

Once again shades well earned!

[@temporalwolf7054]

So Forged in Crimson is a fascinating case, imo. It actually wasn't done by Soken (at least not entirely) but was worked on by Hyadain (spelling? I'm bad with stuff like that) known for meme remixes of various video game songs that have stuff like Mario and Bowser competing for Peache's affection (with an exasperated Peach) with one of their biggest videos being a remix of Battle With the Archfiends from 4.

[@osurac14vlb]

man nothing does references like FF XIV does, faithful and emotional every time.

[@AHylianWarrior]

I will say that not many others have pointed out (other than the Hyadain thing) is that the FFXIV versions of Nobuo songs are not done by Soken generally. For example, the FF8 songs "Force Your Way", "The Extreme" etc that are in the game are done by Daiki Ishikawa. Your favourite song, Wrath of the Harrier, is done by Takafumi Imamura

[@naif9464]

5:08 *NEURON ACTIVATION*

[@Nutrafin-3D]

I didn't realize the lyrics were in English at first in the xiv version. Should look up a video with them.

[@Aoenias]

"I'd love to help you, Warriors of Light, but I Rubi-Can't."

[@aprilpain99ify]

5:08 Jesse made the exact same face I did when I heard that part 🤣

[@diamondrust4719]

I assume the difference in title is due to the vocals being put in with the choirs. Also I completely agree with your thoughts on the Uematsu/Soken situation. Uematsu remains -the- Final Fantasy composer and Soken, aside from make wonderful original songs, is essentially juet bringing the older themes into how they were likely originally thought to sound like if that makes sense.

[@austinsebben1402]

When the patch trailer came out with the FF4 music I didn’t recognize it myself, but I saw other peoples faces instantly recognize it and start to lose it

[@theclairetwitchproject]

As I've said in comments before, XIV is a themepark MMO. Lots of "OH! I KNOW WHAT THIS IS FROM" references in XIV's own way. Different story, same reference, etc. Usually individual patches/expansions will follow a specific Final Fantasy for references (Exdeath/FF5, Kefka/FF6, Chaos/FF1 from Stormblood's big raids for example), and Endwalker's Trial fights were based on the Four Lords (with some dungeons in Endwalker having them as well), so yes, it's the same song, but all 3 versions that are boss music in XIV have their own touch to them. :P Would love to hear you react to the Golbez one.

[@lockekappa500]

Probably the most memorable boss fight theme from my childhood. God do I miss that game.

[@LordBitememan]

The character in question is Rubicante, and he's probably one of the most underrated baddies in the entire series. In the DS remake he way outshines Golbez in terms of stage presence.

[@christophermonteith2774]

I respect that, man, that took courage ( intentional if you get it)

[@devonbreebaker2345]

just wait until you hear the song for the golbez fight from ff4 and the remake for 14, unmmphfff

[@TheDarkChaplain]

After listening to the Hyadain FFXIV remix, you definitely need to go listen to the old comedic remix he did way back when, even if on your off-time. It's hilarious.

[@strahinjagov]

Rubicante is one of my favourite villains in the series, if you play IV you'll see why.

[@christophermonteith2774]

Yup, up there with his master himself

[@zealous404]

Possibly the best OST for a boss track this expansion imo, I love the pandaemonium sound tracks and also Endcaller but this just hits too differently

[@MythagoWoods]

Just a fun fact about the song. People have already told you who arranged and wrote the lyrics but amusingly that in Forged in Crimson has the fiends you fight as part of the lyrics in the order you fight them in (Earth, Wind, Water, Fire) and in the meme song it's the same (Earth, Water, Wind, Fire), If you want the meme song, with a better sound quality given the age of the original, you can see it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGK1d3WGpLSHq8k .

[@DlosStrongestSoldier]

There's actually 2 versions of the theme in 14, a more straight redo of the 4 fiends theme and then forged in crimson

[@morteaux3662]

From FF IV to Hyadain version with funny lyrics to strong and powerful Forged in Crimson from XIV. Love all of them :D

[@Lore_XiV69]

i jammed so hard and screamed so much, when i heard this on day 01

[@EmilyAster]

Among the four fiends, I think Rubicante is still the sexiest

[@Oroxom3]

There are like 3 remixes of this song in FF 14, since a lot is a FF4 reference

[@TGCidolfus0830]

There is actually a large joke/amazing story about this song known as the four fiends. A parody was made 15+ years ago of the original song by a creator named Hyadain and Soken actuay reached out to them for aiding in the creation of this masterpiece. The original video i could find on youtube was at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5zIhnyOecZne6c and the more well known version by fruity bum bum ( 2.6 million views posted over 15 years ago) at kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWnZq2Rua9Wdj5I needless to say i was laughing incredibly hard during my 1st time encountering this fight as i heard very different lyrics in my head, and now they are cannon to me.

[@Slagomancer]

Endwalker was already such a Final Fantasy 4 love letter, then all this happened.

[@Inhaledcorn]

6:35 Those aren't rock gods. That's actually art Rubicante makes that expresses his inner torment.

[@Kuponobu]

6:18 the closest we’ll ever get to hearing Jesse meow. 😂

[@Kuganurio1994]

Leave it to someone being not focused on actually doing mechanics to notice that the rocks in the background during his fire-mechanics are actually statues :'D Took me and my buddies quite a while to notice since we were otherwise pre-occupied.

[@johnsargent7706]

I would check out the other version of this song that’s also in FF14 - “Battle of the Four Fiends (Buried Memory)”

[@IceRuler]

I believe the reason why FF14 version is called "Forged in Crimson" is because you actually hear "Battle with the Four Fiends" in other parts of the game, but "Forged in Crimson" is the only one where there's singing. Also when watching this with lyrics version, it goes so fast it's nuts. Kudos to whoever sang this.

[@BJGvideos]

I can't even read the lyrics aloud along with the tune fast enough. That's how fast they go in parts

[@DrakeSilvos]

yee this track is awesome

[@LerThiL]

Simply put, the song name changes to differentiate the Fiends, others "fiends" will show in FF XIV and each has its own Battle of the Four Fiends custom theme. I love Forged in Crimson the most tho.

[@IceAgeMikey2]

It still blows my mind that Battle with the four fiends is all in English.

[@n0ctiz456]

I love this song so much

[@Silphiroth]

Battle with the Four Fiends is probably in my Top 10 FF songs of all time. I LOVE every iteration of it in the ffiv game and remasters. In XIV however, we have this song in 3 different versions and all 3 of them were, imo, a letdown. I don't think the first and last version are bad - just not on par with the original. Forged in crimson however - the 2nd iteration in XIV - gives me headaches. I hate it so so much. I cannot prog this fight for long

[@Nikzzza]

Different name as there are multiple "remixes" of four fiends in ffxiv currently. Forged in Crimson is probably the most liked one

[@Teslo_In_FinalFantasy]

FFIV was the first entry on the SNES (Super Famicom) and really allowed Uematsu to let loose a bit. Obviously the sound set is still quite limited, but it’s way more impressive than the three or four channels the NES allowed for, and the improved memory capacity let him write much longer loops.

[@cparle87]

Every time we tell ourselves eoken doesn't have to go that hard. And every time he surpasses himself.

[@_clrke]

Torn from the Heavens is a Soken original and that's a banger

[@eW91dHViZSBpcyBjZW5zb3JzaGlw]

Forged In Crimson lyrics are where the song true worth comes. you got the wrong video. the lyrics are in english and the meaning is badass!

[@josephxp96]

May as at this point try the game out. The free trial goes through the entirety of the 2nd expansion Stormblood with no time limits. Just stick to the MSQ and any quests that are blue (unlocks features) and have a blast.

[@Elban19]

Now go play FF4 😊 FF4 was the first video game I ever played. I was 4 years old and my daycare had a copy of FF2 on SNES 😀

[@GambeTama]

For the record, the opening lyrics of the song go: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fears rise, blades fall His void calls Fires blaze, waters rage Gods above are deaf now to your cries (deaf now to your cries) Earthen scourge, gale winds surge Look within and seek your own salvation Do you claim to have the strength to brave the flames of battle, conquest, death, annihilation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The somehow only manage to get MORE RAW over time, and this is probably the reason why this is my favorite so far of this particular expansion, at least out of the story themes. It has such a religious fanaticism and intensity to it. This is a guy whose confidence is not in his ability to kill you, but that you will simply fail, because no matter what, his boss is THE GUY, and nothing will convince him otherwise, and this tune more than won me over on that. It's so feverous and intense, pun lovingly intended!

[@rabidelfman]

There's a more true to the original version in FF14, when you fight Barbariccia (the trial boss you fight in the patch before this one). It's a more true-to-life version that Soken actually took bits from the original and inserted them into the track, a little homage to the original. I'm a huge FF4 fan, but I think Soken's version (not Forged in Crimson) is better - it just sounds more... full.

[@unlimited971]

It wasn t a matter of if he will love the song. But when

[@kaine6974]

Another "Crimson" in the title! lol

[@RJ-qp9gu]

The crazy part about this song is he remixed it 3 times. Most of the fiends have slightly different beats & vocals are different

[@notmousse]

Dang, you had 777 thumbs up. I need 110 homies to get this to 888.

[@rafaelribeiro3375]

Its a Cape not a wing

[@divinedragoonkain]

it's a different title because a different remix of the original came before this one.