The 13th Struggle - KH Music Compilation & Evolution

Compilation of The 13th Struggle boss theme throughout the Kingdom Hearts series
- Novayon Links -
Twitch | / novayon
Highlights | / novayonii
Discord | / discord
Coded OST: KHWaterBlock/stat...
- Timestamps -
00:00 The 13th Struggle CoM
00:59 The 13th Struggle Re:CoM
01:58 The 13th Struggle KH2
03:23 The 13th Struggle Coded
04:48 The 13th Struggle 2.5 Remix
06:14 The 13th Struggle - Larxene - KH3 Re Mind
08:30 The 13th Struggle - Luxord - KH3 Re Mind
12:30 The 13th Struggle - Luxord - DM Mix KH3 Re Mind
- Notes -
The 13th Struggle is one of the best boss themes in the Kingdom Hearts series. Originally used as the battle theme for Castle Oblivion members of Organization 13, it's had a few different versions over the years.
I placed the Re:CoM version before KH2 because I wanted to show how KH2 added a bridge not present in the two Chain of Memories tracks. This bridge features the Organization theme and ties the song more closely with "Another Side", which many Organization XIII tracks reference. In Chain of Memories the song "Graceful Assassin" for Marluxia's first boss included more of Another Side. This video is specifically focused on The 13th Struggle however.
Coded interestingly has a use of The 13th Struggle for the Data-Roxas boss. This was changed to Roxas' theme in Re:coded and so there is no variant of Struggle there. Obviously the screenshot is from the Re:coded movie since I wasn't gonna be able to get an original mobile coded screenshot.
2.5 Remix has in my opinion the best 13th Struggle, a very powerful version. KH3 Re Mind added two new remixes of the theme for the data bosses. Larxene's (arranged by Natsumi Kameoka) mostly follows the original but with a more chaotic feel to match her nature.
Luxord's (arranged by Yuko Komiyama) goes in a different direction and adds new melodies. It works really well for the gamey feel of his fight. His song restarts the loop at 11:29 but I let it play out a little longer to better integrate the DM Mix. This part sadly isn't on the soundtrack but it's an excellent remix by itself.
Music Composed by Yoko Shimomura
"The 13th Struggle - Larxene -" arranged by Natsumi Kameoka
"The 13th Struggle - Luxord -" arranged by Yuko Komiyama

[@superpippo93x]

...I never realized it before, but yeah, this epic theme had it first rendition... on the GBA... That. That feels impossible.

[@BrandonKellogg22]

It feels like most good video game music debuted on the GBA nowadays

[@essential67]

Ngl that does feel impossible Edit: dont get it twisted its still a banger

[@muddyscot]

I love the massive difference between the themes for KH3 Larxene and Luxord. Chaotic and Energetic versus Clean and Orderly. It fits very well.

[@HavikXIII]

Jonathan Barouch uploaded a really cool musical and thematic breakdown of 13th Struggle, I highly recommend it to everybody. Videos called "'13th Struggle' is a great boss track" or something like that

[@TheAmazingThisGuy]

"The 13th Struggle Is A Perfect Boss Theme" is the title you're thinking of

[@tazzmaniandevilboy42]

Original KH2 version is nostalgic, Data-Luxord is my personal favourite

[@micahsmemories7801]

Luxord’s DM mix is sooo good like I feel like I’m in actually struggling when everything when silent and then the strings started playing and I had to choose the right cards 😭

[@BrandonKellogg22]

I was so happy when the 13th Struggle was put in Kingdom Hearts 2. Playing CoM on the GBA I loved that music and really hoped it wasn't the end. Man did I have chills when Axel showed up and it started playing.

[@DrTyranitar]

I'm absolutely loving this video series, cant wait for the video on themes for Twilight Town!

[@satiatedghost9216]

Thank you 🙏 this track is more satisfying and invokes way more feels than the 13th dilemma

[@Vinylmelody1517]

Agreed though 13th dilemma ( Saix) from kh3 remind goes hard.

[@PWLfr]

I like how Luxord's version has a new part we don't recognise, hinting at his probable new role in future games, same as Xigbar

[@dannywolfpero]

This a reviving important core memories.

[@Sliverthearcher]

Two! 🔑

[@MunchyGordita]

2.5 version was fantastic

[@NickyLaurienzo]

CHAIN OF MEMORIES GBA GANG!!!

[@TFSned]

I think Data Larxene's is my favourite, but I haven't gotten around to doing Data Luxord so that might grow on me. It always seemed strange to me that Marluxia's fights in KHII Final Mix don't use his theme. I think it was written for Re:COM, but since they were bundled together then it should have been ready for them to use it.

[@Leet-iz2fz]

I would love to hear the extra part they added in KH2 in the original GBA soundfont.

[@pikachufrankie]

The ReCOM version of this song hits different

[@qwertyexp]

13th "Sturggle" 2.5 Remix

[@EmperorOfApathy]

For some reason, the 13th struggle sounds a lot more cohesive on the gba sound font. On later versions, it sounds progressively more epic, but it fits gba much better.

[@aricente]

Surprised it wasn't used in days

[@moon3117]

Talk about a glow up

[@LingeringWont]

Sad shame the Rechain is underrated, such a great track sadly overshadowed by the KH2 versions

[@m.m.2341]

The piano section that was added in KH2 really improves the track. The CoM versions, while good in their own right, sound bland without it.