The Music of Breath of the Wild | GMTK Extra

[@lachd2261]

People who wanted louder, grander music don’t realise that this wouldn’t have suited this particular game. I think they got it spot on. Nintendo wanted you to focus on the environmental noise and sounds, and the quiet, devastated ruins of Hyrule.

[@Ouromia]

Yeah, it would've got tiresome due to the amount of time the player spends in this large overworld.

[@BigB14]

@@Ouromia I have a hard time buying this angle. In Wind Waker you spend a large amount of, maybe even most of the time on the Great Sea in between places and i don't recall anyone complaining about how tiring or repetitive the theme was. I certainly didn't.

[@jenniferchough]

@@BigB14 in BOTW there is much more dependence on hearing your environment than there ever was in WW, especially when traversing the Great Sea. Also, you don't spend as much time on The Great Sea as you would exploring in BOTW because that's what you're doing 90% of the time in this game. There shouldn't be epic, adventuring music going on in the overworld 1.) because that's not the feel of this ruined, destroyed Hyrule, and 2.) because you need quiet and subtlety to hear Kass play his accordian from a distance away, the korok's pinwheel spinning somewhere or rattling its branch, or the snoring of a Hinox on the adjacent cliff. I love how this game engaged my ears and made me pay attention in other ways that wasn't just visual.

[@2sallads]

@@Ouromia Disagree as i've spent 100's of hours in each area including the over world in all the previous zelda games. Listening to the music continuously.

[@zachcondel7116]

Ok but at least the calamity ganon and molduga themes are hype

[@benluker5676]

I'd like to share a connection I found very intriguing. In Breath of the Wild, Link has been sleeping for a very long time and lost his memory. Places that he goes and people that he meet are new to him, but also somewhat familiar. Similarly, all of the music is new but embedded deep in them are iconic motifs and melodies. Even if it's a new piece of music, it feels like you've heard it somewhere before. So maybe even if you can't quite place what songs are hidden in the music, you can always follow the melody and hum the tune. If I'm right, I think this is _genious_, but maybe I'm looking too into it. What do you guys think?

[@MyLittleCreator]

Sounds like a solid theory but what about the previous games? Haven't they also reused themes from earlier games?

[@fraz0r820]

Better yet... what it sounds like to me... is the ballad of the wind fish... the song that **wakes up** the windfish in Links **Awakening**

[@toastee4022]

MyLittleCreator yeah, but they were reusing songs, not hiding them in other songs. it's much less obvious in botw because you can barely even hear the hidden song.

[@lpsp442]

*genius

[@Terapagos3000]

@@toastee4022 Isn't that what happens here as well tho? Maybe not entirely but it seems like some melodies are just the same with a different approach. So isn't that what happened with previous games too?

[@buibuiopolismayor7329]

I think people forget about exploring in BOTW. If BOTW has a loud over world theme, we wouldn't be able to hear the environment. We wont be able to find Kass from a distance, and we can't locate a stable just by listening for that faint stable tune. We also can't hear screams of help from travellers being attacked from a distance too. I think the way they composed the over world theme is just perfect. Allowing us to really explore and find these places on our own. Really makes the environment alive because we can hear everything happening around us, not being drowned in a bombastic theme that plays on and on.

[@TopHatLucario]

This is exactly it!

[@piggyreet6739]

me too

[@brianchung1544]

That's the thing though. For me music is something to be enjoyed, it adds a auditory component of memory to anything. That's why when we hear certain songs we'll link it to an experience we had while listening to it; be it a break up or just a good time. Most good video games have always had memorable soundtracks. Even the pioneering open world games of Skyrim had memorable music. In BOTW the only music that plays regularly in the wild is enemy music which tbh just gives me anxiety bc then I know I'm being targeted by an enemy. I'm not asking for music to be blasted because the ambient sounds are quite relaxing but that doesn't mean quieter music in the background can't be done. BOTW isn't some nitty gritty realistic survival game. It's a game about adventure and discovery. So having a nice quiet soundtrack for the different biomes you travel would be nice. The people complaining about the lack of music aren't ignoring the ambient sounds but just want something memorable to be in the background, after all traveling these awesome landscapes in relative silence gets pretty dull after a few hours.

[@Mii.2.0]

@@brianchung1544 Not if you ride a horse! ;D

[@aSpectrumofDorky]

Yeah! Without it I wouldn’t of been able to find that stable in Faron in the monsoon I did.

[@kingly456]

Guardian music: A music that'll give you a heart attack Kass' theme: Absolute perfection

[@jb0258]

As soon as I hear the guardian music, it immediately puts me at the edge of my seat

[@geese8326]

jb0258 but the songs a banger if you really listen to it.

[@jamebo9390]

That Tarrey Town music is genius.

[@Kojo220]

Talk about a quest that's full of feels!

[@im_not_a_spy3067]

Tarrey town is genious in general

[@philbarton2832]

One of my favourite quests in any game

[@damienjohn]

Thank you! I'm so tired of the complaints... the music in BotW is understated and incredible. If only people would actually listen.

[@Okagemi]

Actually, when I was playing the game for my first run, I made a point to do all 4 main quests and any side-quests that intrigued me when I came across them, as well as completing my map before taking Ganon on. The main complaint that I gave to my friend was that most of the music I heard was atmospheric. I was hoping for a lot of catchy tunes and such since Breath of the Wild was my first 3D Zelda game (I hopped on the train pretty late, I know). I was initially disappointed, and I even told my friend that the only tunes I could remember were Goron City, Hyrule Castle, and Kass's Theme. I eventually listened to the soundtrack, and I heard so much more music. Mostly cutscene themes were ones that I could claim to not remember because I would only hear them once. But other themes I could not remember because it had been so long since I heard them (For the purposes of my point, things like Sidon's theme will count as "cutscene" themes). After beating the game, I began to explore more and I would find many of these tracks. All the ones I expected to hear were basically hidden by the mechanic of exploration, which is a risk, but brilliant game design in my opinion. The risk is that you're hiding some wonderful tunes from people who may not explore 100% of the map in it's entirety, like I've set out to do. It will result in cases like mine, where I complain about the music because all of the music that I hear is atmospheric. Of course, I'm an analyst of music, and I know the reasons behind it, and I appreciate the various nuances found in all the atmospheric music. But some people aren't like that, and they won't appreciate those sorts of things. Of course, you can't make everybody happy, but I think their complaints are justified.

[@davidbilbo4272]

It’s aggravating when people say this. “ITS ACTUALLY GOOD” No shit. Composed music. Good? No way! People are disappointed with the lack of energy and references in the music. Kakariko village’s music is beloved classic. BOTW shit all over that. Not even a single part of it is similar in any way. I would be ok with this BUT FUCKING DEATH MOUNTAIN’S MUSIC ISN’T BONGO DRUMS OF MANLINESS AND DESTRUCTION. Fuck BoTW’s music. Fun game. Shit story. “Good music” but not memorable.

[@davidbilbo4272]

And this guy’s video itself shows you just how shit it is in comparison to the other older games. Great ambient music? Sure. I won’t remember a single part of BOTW’s ost apart from the Rock boss’s theme. Even that one sucks when it comes to getting me excited.

[@_maestro7168]

David Bilbo well yea, there arent many memorable songs, and that's pretty disappointing. But i don't think an epic and extraordinary song would even fit this game. As he said, its meant to be melancholy, and feel "broken". Even though it wasnt that memorable (apart from the town themes and hyrule castle for me personally), I think it rly fits the game's atmosphere and adds a lot more to it than say, something like the hyrule field theme in oot. The music improves the game's atmosphere and makes the GAME itself more memorable

[@AydarBMSTU]

Joseph Anderson does need to listen

[@SylverstoneKhandr]

Finally, someone who gets the intention behind BOTW's soundtrack. It really pains me that some Zelda fans aren't really enjoying the musical choices being made, but it's really thematic and makes the game stand out in its own way. Also, I'm inclined to say that this is my favorite video of yours, Mark! Great stuff. :D

[@sayzar9474]

George Henry they expected music and got music so i dont see the problem

[@sayzar9474]

George Henry "minimal uninteresting tracks" you must be playing some other game😂 thanks for the laugh at least.

[@sayzar9474]

George Henry i bet you thought long and hard about those insults. You tried tho. Lol. Seems like youve got a knack for getting uptight over little things. They explained why the music is the way it is, and if you complaining about repetitive music while wanting more music that would eventually become repetitive in huge world like this shows you obviously dont understand the direction they went with it. And if you did, and still choose to shit on the musical direction then thats your opinion and your feelings of entitlement that need to be reworked not the music. So yes while you sit here and bitch about things you clearly fail t understand, the age-based jokes makes sense and are applicable to this situation when directed at you. Youre gonna bitch like a child then youre gonna get treated like one, plain and simple. So educate yourself and again: come up with better insults. This whole conversation couldve gone better if you hadn't immediately gone hostile over some music in a videogame 😂

[@sayzar9474]

George Henry your entire rant is nothing but nonsense lol. Youre a hypocrite and youre trying way too hard. Im fueling my ego? Have you read what youre saying? Every point you tried to make is applicable to you lol. And even then this is all just an overly passionate rant about your musical preference. None of what you think takes away from the what the game offers in musical quality. You went into the gane expecting something and it didnt happen, so youre disappointed. And thats understandable but youre ranting and reasoning as well as apparent passion for hating the music nd being a prick about it is ridiculous and laughable. Honestly tone it down with the bullshit and maybe ill take you seriously lol

[@sayzar9474]

If you want a civil discussion, keep commenting. If youre gonna violently rant because "meh opinion iz betur dan urs" then please spare me. And yes this second comment was necessary so try not to get hung up on that.

[@bluecat3338]

“You’re just left with the quiet, atmospheric echoes of exploring a long-dead kingdom.” You could say it’s the... breath of the wild.

[@momsaccount4033]

Get off the stage

[@casperdewith]

Hmm, nice find. I thought it only related to the silent princess that could only grow in the wild.

[@calebfarmer176]

buh-dun-tsss

[@danyswift9814]

I just figuring out, thesilent princess is, a code from link, to make those talkative princess, to keep quite

[@esmooth919]

In addition to that, I find the quiet nature of the game quite relaxing. This game is definitely a great way to just chill out.

[@LaurianeG.]

For trivia, when the Gerudo arrives it is a Dulcimer, when the Goron arrives it's a trombone, and when the Rito comes it's clarinet.

[@Evenmoresteven]

A hammered dulcimer to be exact :)

[@brickvideos4851]

If you listen closely, the Gorons bring in another low bass instrument. I can't place my finger on it but I'm guessing a marimba?

[@piichivy]

does the Zora bring shakers ? thats what it seems but, just making sure ,

[@alinkbetweengames4328]

Brick Videos I'm now entirely sure, but I think its a vibraphone.

[@thehermit8618]

@@piichivy a guitar and shakers going in a very summerly coastal bossa nova feel

[@alondite215]

Surprised there was no special mention of the Lost Woods theme. One of my favorites from the game. I also like how the Hyrule Castle shifts depending on whether you are inside the castle or outside. I really appreciate how the game doesn't just beat you over the head with looped melodies like previous games. It just wouldn't work here. I understand some gamers might want those hum-able melodies to fill each moment of their adventure, but in the end, the game's score is meant to serve the gameplay and tone of the game as a whole, and Breath of the Wild's more subdued score does that perfectly. It also makes the moments when those big melodies come in all the more meaningful, like in Hyrule Castle as the game ramps up to its climax.

[@krenze1164]

6:30 kinda at least

[@krenze1164]

6:30 kinda At least

[@AbbreviatedReviews]

I always just assumed Karariko village went with a very traditional Japanese theme all around since it's sort of hidden away in a valley isolated from the relatively close damage of Ganon, but it doesn't really reflect previous games.

[@victorzenman]

Considering how Sheik is more or less a Ninja, they have been running on that since pretty much Ocarina of Time

[@jellosapiens7261]

I think that's fine though; the new Kakariko theme is beautiful

[@leinternethipster]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rouloJewn7uGoKM 8-Bit Music Theory has a really great video on Kakariko Village's new music (which yes, utilizes a ton of classic traditional Japanese instruments and scales)

[@olivercorrodi3340]

did someone already mention the musical performances on each instrument are STELLAR? that pianist. oh boi. magic fingers.

[@PascalCygan5]

El Chupanibre especially on Horse - Night

[@jenniferchough]

dark beast ganon phase. DAMN. the first time i heard it, my jaw dropped. couldn't stop listening to it and kept thinking it was not humanly possible. my dream is to be at a game music live concert and that piece gets performed. i want to see the pianst burn the keyboard off.

[@Graphomite]

@@jenniferchough That track is absolutely filthy! It made me not want to shoot Ganon down. And, yes, not to understate the orchestra in general, but the pianist in particular is a freaking wiiizard.

[@Terithian]

Oddly enough, the musician credits on the official soundtrack release don't credit a pianist. This leads me to believe that the pianist was one (or more than one) of the composers (Manaka Kataoka, Yasuaki Iwata, and Hajime Wakai) and wasn't credited because it was considered redundant to do so when they're already credited as composers. Considering that Kataoka's works are the most piano-heavy, I feel like she is most likely the main pianist on the game's music.

[@jlag191]

Thank you for making this video. As a musician and piano player, I love this soundtrack so much and I hate that a lot of people online are calling it underwhelming. I feel like the whole game is a masterclass in writing dissonant music, especially with the combination of the two melodies in the Beast Ganon fight. That piano is just doing whatever the hell it wants in that song... I love it

[@blake_ridarion]

True the use of dissonance is quite spectacular! The composer is definitely great and was going for something interesting. I think she was successful in what she was going for. I just don't personally enjoy it that much, in the context of an open-world fantasy adventure game. It is great musicianship, though! It's missing the essential heroic orchestral tracks, and this could be melancholic too.

[@UnbaisedGamer]

I'm not a big fan of dissonance in general, but it can be used extremely well, as Mark shows here. I guess I think it works better for soundtracks (like the movies There Will Be Blood & The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), as Mark shows here.

[@devinhelmgren1806]

I'm with you 100%. The Piano in the Beast Ganon theme is such a wild roller-coaster. *swoons*

[@farissaadat4437]

jlag191, I love the game's impressionist style. So good!

[@LiegerZ0]

I absolutely agree, and I think people will find the pieces they're longing for, the heroism, the hope, the optimistic thrust into the future sitting in the DLC that's going to come. Considering the path the game leads the DLC that is to come won't be one of hopelessness and sorrow and I CANNOT WAIT. BOTW's soundtrack is going to grow and it is something that game developers need to take serious note of, music is as much a storytelling as the writing itself.

[@Metzae]

"I just winked at a microphone." Subscribed.

[@sergeant_ozzy1037]

wow wasn't expecting this. What a nice surprise. On the topic of Rito Village, my face genuinely lit up when I realised it was the Dragon Roost Island theme. Great video as always Mark. Keep up the great work!

[@sergeant_ozzy1037]

Loved Kass' edition as well. As probably my favourite new character, it put a smile on my face when he started playing along.

[@Nintendan95]

Same for me, except for when I noticed the stings playing the main Zelda theme when riding my horse at night. Only noticed it around the 5th time riding but it was such a great feeling when I did.

[@Toxos517]

I really love the mandolin addition to it, gives it almost a Venetian feel. I wonder if they did that on purpose as a roundabout reference to the Great Sea?

[@kevinfredericks2335]

Fun fact! The Dragon Roost island instrumentation is based on Peruvian music. The instrument resembles a charango, a mandolin-like instrument made from an armadillo shell. Peruvian influences can also be seen in the Rito's clothing

[@ShiningSpear]

I got some hardcore nostalgia pangs when I heard that the first time.

[@myahmyah3196]

Good God, I never realised the Tarrey Town music evolved when you brought in more people. Just... wow.

[@Netherfly]

Great video but I was kind of hoping you'd talk about some of the sound design mechanics in the overworld, too. Like... when the soundtrack fades out into silence, it's not doing so at random. It's based on where you are on the map (IE whether there are enemies nearby, or animals, etc.). That's why you'll never hear piano music suddenly transform into battle music, and while you'll always be hunting deer in silence. There are also a bunch of really subtle musical cues for various elements. The most obvious one is the Blood Moon--which you'll start hearing if you're paying attention around 6pm. The soundtrack may not be as impressive by itself, but in terms of sound design... Breath of the Wild is leagues ahead of any other game.

[@NintendoViola]

Arsene Lupin I agree with you on sound design. But I feel like people discredit this game's soundtrack too much. People focus too much on the fact that there isn't a bombastic overworld theme. What it lacks in an overworld theme, it more than makes up for in every other aspect, such as village themes, dungeon themes, unique enemy themes, and cutscene music and character themes.

[@Dean444ful]

NintendoViola I don’t think they were discrediting the soundtrack. It seemed like they were praising it for its subtleties.

[@edgarramirez409]

@@NintendoViola 2 years and I still can't help but love each of the champions's themes (especially Mipha and Daruk for some reason).

[@nickmantsios5005]

Jose Muniz the point here is that the game clearly doesn't need a bombastic overworld theme. It's perfect the way it is. Minimalistic and nature focused. It actually defines the gameplay experience as if it has a life of its own. It's the most unique and renovating music score any game has ever had. But unfortunately the majority of the people actually don't have a clue about music. So they complain because music for them is the retarded Hollywood action movies themes. Their brains simply can't calculate any more information than that. It's sad but it's true...

[@TheAlibabatree]

@@nickmantsios5005 You are 100% correct. Which actually doesnt bother me in and of itself. My issue is that so many of these ignorant people want to voice their ignorant opinions so loudly. Like, i dont know anything about architecture. But, if an architecture expert told me that a building was designed well, i would believe them. I would NOT argue and tell them they were wrong. Its absurd.

[@drakewarrior1013]

I don't know what has happened to me. Maybe it's the relaxed mood in the evening or something. But that Tarrey Town music made me cry... And I did not even play the game myself and found out about the quest just now, in this video. All this quiet, soft and a bit sad tune turning in this lively music full of different instruments, where you can recognize each of those additions you brought there with the hope for them of finding happiness again... It is just so touching to me. ;_;

[@JoshuaConnorMusic]

I think this is probably the most experimental zelda OST to date. Everyone complains that the OST isn't like other Zeldas, but that's what I love, the Zelda OST formula had become rather predictable. This OST experiments with new sounds (love the new electronic effects, and the use of extended rests in the pieces really creates a sense of space), new instruments like sitar and japanese wind instruments, and the weird piano melodies such as the incredible horse riding music with it's bizarre octave jumps (one of my fav tracks), or the diminished runs in the hyrule castle theme, or the bat shit crazy dual improv in the beast ganon fight. Easily the most diverse and ambitious OST in the series, and for that alone it's probably my favourite. 8Bitmusictheory you better get your ass on this game quick.

[@variousthings6470]

8-bit Music Theory has published one video on the game's music so far!

[@JoshuaConnorMusic]

variousthings yeah he posted it just a few hours after I wrote that comment haha

[@JonathanPetersonlisten2EITS]

I agree 100%. This is easily my favorite Zelda soundtrack. My favorite track has to be A King’s Request. It’s melancholic tone hits me right in the feels.

[@dann_craig]

Lurelin village has a nice theme too. Little steal drum and acoustic guitar. It's an easy place to miss since it's not on the main quest line. There are 2 related shrines and one quest where you take back some fishing grounds from monsters, but it's a nice little piece of the map I'm glad I found.

[@benderb.r5041]

I really don't know why but these videos inspire the hell out of me. Although whatever I end up doing has nothing to do with game design. Thank you Mark.

[@FrostSylph]

I'm pretty sad that you didn't mention my favorite callback theme, the ruins of the Temple of Time have the same tune as Ocarina of time, but far slower, and broken up, only occasional bursts of piano. The temple has been shattered, but it's still there, and it's theme reflects that. On my second playthrough I made the personal goal of only going to the temple for my heart and stamina containers, because honestly I just want more reasons to hang out there.

[@Chariflame]

BotW has a stunning soundtrack - it places clever music design before the potentially easier choice of lots of exciting and dramatic tracks. It might not stick out to so many people, but the best soundtrack is often one that blends into what you're doing so well thay you barely even notice it.

[@Dean444ful]

Chariflame yup, exactly. It wasn’t a few hours into the game when I was riding through Hyrule field that I though “this sounds awfully famili- OH SHIT! THAT’S THE MAIN THEME!” Awesome track.

[@pennyfarting]

This 100%. If you want an even better demonstration of why this is so incredibly important, play Dragon Quest XI with the original synth tracks. It's a prime example of a game's soundtrack becoming so intrusive that it actually makes the game actively worse.

[@eyeris4050]

@@pennyfarting that's why I always play with the orchestratal version

[@ultimate9056]

@@pennyfarting 2 years later and this is once again proven by the music pokemon BDSP shipped with, the only time I ever hated a pokemon game's soundtrack and it even had the help of being a remake of a fantastic game

[@tacoknight5027]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention the jaws like music that appeares during the molduga fights. It’s pretty cool how the music shifts from this frightening beat to a stylish rhythm when you find out how to actually hurt the beast. It perfectly mirrors how this new found information now shifts the tide of the battle in your favor.

[@ShadowSkyX]

The music somehow conveys "get on solid ground/higher up". If you fail to get the hint, you'll see _why_ the music plays...and proceed to run away and try to get to higher ground.

[@VNReader]

I really loved BOTW's soundtrack, I always thought I was alone since I see it used as a criticism. It doesn't have to be there every second to be good.

[@Xarkom89]

VN Reader I think it fell flat with battle music though.

[@icantthinkofagoodname7837]

VN Reader Agreed. I'd argue it being there every second would actually be annoying. I mean just look how big the world is. Could you imagine just walking around in this giant area while the music plays on a loop for like the hundredth time. It would get old fast. Reserving the music for specific areas or events, was a great choice.

[@Kelohmello]

Same. It's my favorite OST in the series now. I think BotW has to deal with fighting against nostalgia and it's not a fair battle to it.

[@blake_ridarion]

That was definitely a great choice, the attention to detail and thought that went into implementing the soundtrack is spectacular. Still, there could have been some sweeping, grand orchestral music that evokes adventure. Or melancholic orchestral melodies. Or even piano music. The piano music was often very subtle and eccentric, using dissonance, brilliantly but... only this type of music? I would wish there to be more of the aforementioned kind. And the battle music could have definitely used some punch and gravitas.

[@AdamPrack]

Krait the battle track is probably my favorite battle track in all the series. It doesn't do the cringe-worthy string stuff from Wind Waker, but progresses wonderfully for this long battles against a lot of enemies. It uses some of the best parts from minimalist composers of the mid and late 20th century, stays upbeat, and even works after a hundred hours of playing the game. So everything is always different strokes, but I really appreciate the battle music.

[@SirVoltz]

I love how the music is quiet, it lets me enjoy and take in the environment without being so over the top. It's great aswell when you get to a town and hear the music slowly fade in its beautiful

[@chriswasden3488]

I also feel that the restraint held in most of the music helps to show emotional contrast to the chaotic battles (like accidentally running right into a Hinox for the first time - perfectly underscores my complete terror of this big guy).

[@Vgamer311]

The people online who claim that breath of the wild has no truly great memorable music have obviously never beaten it, as the outdoor hyrule castle theme is terrifically booming and heroic, and gets the player unbelievably pumped for the final battle. When I hear what sounds like shadows of the dark world theme from ALTTP as those triumphant trumpets emphasize the dramatic crescendo I literally get goosebumps.

[@Atlessa]

(I know I'm late, but I only just got into BotW a little while ago and am now in that stage...) It's funny, it seems everyone hears other games represented in that theme. Dark World for you, another user mentioned the ballad of the windfish, I myself definitely noticed Ganon's Theme and Zelda's Lullaby... It's like they took the best motions of all that the series has to offer and remixed it into a kickass final dungeon theme (two, if you count inside and outside as seperate themes). Realls looking forward to what else this composer can come up with. I HOPE she will do more work for Nintendo...

[@gin9410]

@@Atlessa Hyrule Castle theme is amazing like you said it is filled with amazing things from the previous games ost It starts with Ballad of the wind fish, ganon's theme, Zelda's lullaby, main theme and even more, it's fucking amazing and my favorite track of all Zelda

[@empirehypnosis]

Downloadable Comment is a genius title to call a new show.

[@zEliteFleet]

I was thinking the same thing. :D

[@luukdikken1150]

he IS genius

[@Zyjin]

I agree, I never even thought about it, but it rolls off the tongue so nicely...

[@Big_Dai]

Except it doesn't have a comment with downloadables..

[@ArcticAlpaca275]

But downloadable content in a game is extra stuff that the developers either didn't get to add into the original or was stuff they created after the game was released so this is his after thoughts or stuff he didn't get to put into the original video. It's day 2 DLC :P

[@GARU7x]

Wish you talked about the boss battle music, really underappreciated. I love how each one adds a different instrument to fit the area.

[@Andriak2]

I quite enjoy videos about the intricacies of soundtracks.

[@luisguillermojg]

Kristian Welsh Search for Major Third. You'll love it.

[@mgunslinger17]

There are so many musical Easter eggs hidden in the game I feel like there’s always a new one to hear. Just today I realized there’s an allusion to Saria’s Song hidden in the Molduga theme, and it was the Tarrey Town music that brought me here. There also feels like there is a similarity in to to the BOTW Kakariko village melody.

[@DeanDobbs]

Slowly falling in love with channel, Mark. Really enjoyed this one. And that waveform graphic is slick as.

[@Cynt3r]

Dean Dobbs Slowly? For me, it was love at first sight.

[@Anonymous-ce6vd]

Dean Dobbs II

[@gabrielandy9272]

is a amazing channel

[@agentbacardi]

There's also a bit of the Hateno Village theme in the Tarrey Town theme (the descending uilleann pipe bit), presumably representing Bolson Construction! It comes right after the Rito riff and is simultaneous with the Gerudo riff that is mentioned at 8:38 (in the full version, that is). The Tarrey Town theme is sheer GENIUS!!!

[@icantthinkofagoodname7837]

Revali's Theme, Kass Theme, Hyrule Castle, and Mipha's Theme are some great tracks imo

[@hadenplouffe3976]

And don't forget the Vah Ruta battle!

[@icantthinkofagoodname7837]

That one is pretty good as well! There's actually a lot of tracks I like from BotW, those were just the ones that were off the top of my head.

[@Smashologist]

I Can't Think of a Good Name I fucking love the Moldoga(Probably misspelled) Mini-Boss themes​

[@icantthinkofagoodname7837]

Smashologist Funny thing is, I've been to the desert area and haven't encountered one of those yet. Probably should go ahead and fight one of them now.

[@wizzmaw3093]

I Can't Think of a Good Name please don't forget Vah Naboris theme

[@HenrikoMagnifico]

Great video although I'm slightly disappointed that you did not cover some of the lesser known tracks like Paraglider Minigame, Champion's Ballad, Monk Kaz Shozia, Divine Beast battle music (Vah Ruta, Vah Naboris, Vah Medoh), victory music after winning the seal race in Gerudo Desert and of course all the cutscene tracks (silent princess, speaking with the deku tree and more)!

[@SystemFailing]

One thing I'd add about the Tarrey Town music is how it dances around the melody of the Outset Island theme from Wind Waker without ever delving into the melody directly. It's just the best. Also, you played the Night Theme for Rito Village, but the day theme, with the woodwinds and the incredible string crescendo at the end? That is the STUFF right there.

[@Eassstt]

Bang up job. I love how he even talked about the variations between night and day but then tags the wrong version right away :D

[@reoire843]

Great presentation. I think the music in this game is much more subtle than in other Zelda games. Probably because of this, I overlooked a lot of the things you called out. I think this music fits very naturally into the game environment, so much so that one may only be unconsciously aware of it at times.

[@Big_Dai]

Kakariko Village's music is probably based on the Jōmon period their technology is "based" upon. Quite Japanese to my ears. Also, not based on anything else, as we've never had a Sheikah Tribe before. Lovely analysis!

[@sinecosine7493]

Dai 大 The Sheikah have existed since OoT

[@Sealedaway]

Urfie Impa was the only actual Sheikah in Ocarina. Kakariko was mentioned to have been built by the Sheikah tribe, but it was also mentioned that they weren't around anymore. So no, we've never had an entire village of them prior to BotW.

[@sinecosine7493]

Do Not Remove This Seal Oh. I forgot about that. Sorry.

[@Sealedaway]

Suddenly there are seals everywhere in this thread. I approve.

[@sinecosine7493]

Do Not Remove This Seal We need more seals

[@minticore1942]

Imagine hearing a loud, braising, heroic theme every time you're trying to explore in the empty wilderness. Good luck hearing enemy camps, distant music, or subtle environment sounds. Thank god BOTW didn't do that.

[@sidiouth8948]

The Tarrey Town music evolution? Adaptive soundtracks, the first episode of GMTK you ever made. For the moment, we've come full circle

[@GMTK]

Now I must retire from KZbin to keep it perfect.

[@MangaMarjan]

please, no!

[@sjwimmel]

I loved that part. Adaptive soundtracks really showcase how much thought goes into a game's soundtrack. This video gave me a lot of inspiration for the soundtrack of the mobile game I'm trying to make. So uh, please don't retire, I need these videos.

[@zyaicob]

And 8 bit music has just released a video about the interactive music of Pikmin

[@darkridearts]

The soundtrack and overall sound design is genius, honestly

[@DerringerHK]

Really enjoyed this bonus video Mark. Glad you decided to upload it :)

[@9Tensai9]

OMG It's been months since this game came out. Months since I first played it and months since I first saw this and that other BoW video you made but now it all clicks. You said in the other video that the game developers researched minecraft when preparing for bow... well... 1:49 That same thing happens on minecraft too! The music is gone and you are left with only the in game sounds... Wow I've always loved that in minecraft, and I miss that whenever I play certain games. The music fading out brings so much in on these kind of games and when the music finally comes back it's so happy or misterious. Man. I love this.

[@dedicateddark]

Needed an excuse to talk about Zelda after the promise in the last vid ey mate! Well played.

[@gab_gallard]

Lol, I also noticed it haha.

[@gamingchinchilla7323]

I was at a loss as to why this game was so silent and seemingly without the amazing music of the series before it. But you sir... you gave me a whole new appreciation and understanding about it. Thanks for that! I've already subscribed just a few videos back but I must say here that that subscribe was very well worth it. Thanks again!

[@jackalvonstone250]

It's always sunny in Tarrey Town.

[@MrMoon-hy6pn]

besides at night...

[@SechristCircus]

OMG I LOVE how you ended the video in in the same manner of what you were just discussing and let it fit the theme of the music you were talking about, just letting the video kinda fade out. Brilliant. Love your work.

[@NeroyDJ]

You'll eventually find another excuse to talk about this very game again... that's because there's so much to talk about it, this game is a whole new level in videogames industy and it'll be remembered for years to come.

[@intheairex]

That's also the reason to wait a few years like people have done with Zelda games from past...

[@Narv58]

Id have to agree, I love the legend of Zelda series. but I don't feel like open world was the way to go with the Zelda franchise. I also feel like without the nostalgia factor this game doesn't even compete with games like Witcher 3, and Dark Souls. These games have taken time to perfect open world RPG and Nintendo really shouldn't try to compete with companies that have taken time to perfect open world RPG's.

[@NeroyDJ]

Well... if you like a more complex open world RPG and like to spend hour in the menu, maybe you should stick with the "old" ones. But I don't think this Zelda Botw made a "not so good" open world game, on the contrary: on the first try they made a more compeling and well done open world, even better than the Witcher 3, in my opinion (wich I also have on my PS4). This game is special because it's super complex, but doesn't looks like it... I don't know if I made myself clear. xD

[@mlk_713]

Look, this game requires a button press to catch a boomerang... how much more complex does it get? :D While I don't know whether the game has a great deal of "complexity", I do think that, given the tools you have, there is an immense amount of "depth" available. Some examples, drowning enemies by knocking them into water, using electric attacks in the rain for AoE, and shield surfing to move while firing your bow. It really just comes down to how much you want to goof off with and manipulate the game's systems. It kind of reminds me of Mark's video "Depth, Mastery, and Vanquish," but that's just my opinion on this.

[@mlk_713]

I do have to agree with you that things are usually spelled out for your engagements, and I think you make some good points about how there is nothing that requires you to use the more dynamic elements. I feel like there are always a lot of possibilities, but only if you want to sacrifice efficiency, as you outlined in your reply. Regardless, thanks for sharing your viewpoint, it's interesting to hear why you didn't enjoy it as much as I did.

[@ethanschneider8032]

The quality of the content on this channel astounds me. Every video brims with thought. I love it.

[@Erk1234567]

I had two reactions when the horse riding theme played: -This music's amazing! -Long time fans are going to hate it. I think my favorite song is Kass's theme, but only because it came so unexpected after a close run in with a Guardian and hours of the scarce dissonant music on the field. It really stands out

[@Daftotron]

I've noticed that a lot of Zelda fans who are disappointed in this game critique it for things that have nothing to do with gameplay, but rather conventions that were broken instead of adhering to tradition for the sake of it. "The music isn't memorable." "The story isn't given enough focus." "Link doesn't play an instrument in this game." "There's no companion in this game." It's statements like these that make me feel like these fans want Zelda to be more like an animated series or a film than a videogame. But that's the reason why I love this game so much. this is the first game in the series in a long while that knows its a videogame and leaves everything up to the player. It actually feels like I'm exploring a world and learning about rather than going on a tour with cutscenes explaining exactly​ what Link is doing there at the given moment because the story demands it. And speaking of story, cutscenes actually feel like true rewards for exploring areas rather than checkpoints that leave you just wanting to move on to the next dungeon.

[@OCMOOO]

This was brilliantly produced! The depth of your music knowledge was a delight to hear. Can't wait to see more from this mini-series.

[@KylerRamos]

A part of me wishes this game had a more recognizable score in terms of melody but I do appreciate the ambient tones they decided to go with, it fits the game perfectly. I just like some Zelda tunes I can hum or whistle, you feel me homie? My personal fav tracks are Hateno village, Tarrey town, and the korok woods.

[@ThePC007]

The overworld theme in Spirit Tracks is really amazing. Makes me want to blow the train whistle in compliance with the song.

[@Igorcastrochucre]

I was looking for somebody to say that. Spirit tracks' OST is incredible.

[@lylatfox4]

ThePC007 very fun fact, composer for spirit tracks is actually the same for botws

[@AchedSphinx]

I still can't find that soundtrack for when you get a full piece of heart in a dungeon. It's pretty sweet.

[@TheFerdi265]

Kyler Ramos Actually, a lot of the games explorational themes feature staccato piano notes (especially in the Horse themes), which really fit the game and give the score a bit of its own style. Also, the chaotic beginning of the Guardian theme and the robotic second part are one of the big hits in BotWs score

[@agentFonseca]

Man your channel is my new favourite thing on youtube. Can’t get enough of it. You just got yourself a new patreon supporter.

[@Rikmaniax]

I'm glad you made this video. I've seen a lot of people unhappy with the soundtrack but I couldn't help but feel like an epic score would kinda ruin the overall message this game is trying to covey.

[@blake_ridarion]

Hmm. I think a nice compromise could have been achieved. It was just a tad too quiet and subtle too often, in my opinion.

[@Rikmaniax]

Each to their own I guess. But they did use epic tracks where they needed to be. I wouldn't want to listen to a constant loop of loud hyrule field theme as I explore the world for 7 hours straight. I also believe grand themes would be harder to transition between eachother while you're exploring. PLUS, the sound design in this game is fantastic and I'm glad I can hear every little sound effect.

[@lululumpia]

this is HANDS DOWN my favorite video you’ve ever produced. i’m like on my fifth time coming back to rewatch it. fantastic work ❤️

[@jakebaigent7582]

kakariko village's theme IS just a new version of the oot one, it's well disguised but it's definitely the same theme (ultimately). And I also had a moment entering Rito village, that rendition was magic.

[@jamescovenant]

I've studied the music, and can't find a strong connection. Would show me how the New Kakariko is the same theme as the old one?

[@KuraIthys]

I've noticed the connection as well. But you have to listen to it for a while. It's actually very identifiable, but it only shows up every now and then. It absolutely IS kakariko village but with a traditional japanese feel added to it.

[@jamescovenant]

I don't hear it. Can you point out specific times in the track?

[@Thiinka]

The Tarrey Town sidequest had to have put one of the biggest smiles on my faces during my time so far playing this game, to be honest. Wonderful to hear you praising the music for it, since it was such a HUGE part of it. :)

[@GwydionAE]

BotW's score isn't something that I'm incredibly keen to listen to by itself, but it works so, so well within the game. Although that progression of the Tarrey Town music gets me EVERY time. Ugh, love it so much!

[@BillieBryan]

Oh my dog. Both this music and your careful, thought-provoking analysis of it make my heart flutter. Great work, as always.

[@mikeofcetacea]

Kakariko Village's theme in BotW is in honor of the inspiration for the Sheikah -- shinobi and in general, Japanese history. This game is very Japanese in where it draws historical influences.

[@djshirazi5039]

and in the background of that song there is OoT kakariko village's theme

[@Kasparius26]

I'm glad you made that video, I thought the music was great and incredibly subtle, but others have been disappointed in it. You explained so much better than I could what is great about it. My favorite OST from the Zelda series is Wind Waker, so I had a similar moment to yours when I got to Rito Village.

[@viniciuss.r.1755]

I really liked how you subverted your promise not to talk about Zelda anymore. Please keep ignoring this and keep talking about this series.

[@Kaiszer]

I love the Game especially because of the Music, your Video showed me why the Music is so good. All the old ones I remember and the new ones. That was one of the best Video i've seen so far.

[@thegamersscore9171]

I also think this soundtrack is exactly what was needed for the game :-) I discuss this in my videos about generative music for games.

[@Revima]

This was wonderful, thank you. Haven't even played the game that much but this video and the music you show off from the game has me tearing up.

[@AiZm8]

I DID NOT NOTICE THE MAIN THEME IN THE HORSE THEME AND ZELDA'S LULLABY OMG SUBBED

[@GiancarloThomazSenoni]

4:25 Maylania the Great Fairy that revive your horse, at a cost of a Endura Carrot, his music is a mix of the Great Fairy theme and Epona Song( it cost 1.000 Rupee to revive Malaylania).

[@JobvanderZwan]

6:06 I'm pretty sure that's the Ballad of the Wind Fish. The start of it at least

[@jpsalis]

that little electronic noise that plays in the sheikah tower theme (1:39) gets me every time. I don't know why, it's so good.

[@Mercurius19]

I completely agree with you. Although I really really wish the music was more prevalent, I understand why it wasn't. It really set the atmosphere of the game, and that just made it more impactful when there when there was music. The coolest moment in the game so far for me was getting to Hyrule Castle for the first time, and it was mostly because of its epic theme.

[@BartvG88]

I really liked your breakdown of the tarrey town tune. It made me appreciate the game even more. Love your stuff!

[@PregnantOrc]

Is the Hyrule Castle theme a variant of the Ballad of the wind fish? From the sample they seem fairly similar

[@nede4693]

PregnantOrc i noticed that as well

[@Tamiss]

yes Takes a lot of iconic themes and mashes them up together

[@TheOneInYellow]

No no no no NOOOOOOOOOO nooo omg I am crying because you are right!!!!!! ;_; Link's Awakening was my very first TLoZ game, and I knew that when I went to Hyrule Catsle in BotW I recognised a part of it. After I read your comment @PregnantOrc, I went back to the castle and played on both my expensive John Blue JB3 speakers and Meze Audio 99 Classics headphones (via Switch)...and just broke down... Thank you dude

[@BeowulfCav]

The Hyrule Castle theme in this game is breath taking. When I first heard it as I was sneaking in for the memory I felt like I could rush up there and fight Ganon right away. But I had to hold back because I wasn't ready. lol

[@TheOneInYellow]

DoombotBL Ditto dude. I went there the first time for two things: curiosity, and to obtain a very specific, iconic, item. This was about twenty hours after I got off the Great Plateau. Second time was to obtain a memory, around thirty hours after my first visit. Both times I was not just in awe at the ruins and challenges of Hyrule Castle, but was pumped up to fight because of the incredible score. 😍 I was not ready either time to fight, and over a hundred and thirty hours later, still not ready ha ha ha! 🤣 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has also been a major distraction recently too 😉 Though the music of BotW is mostly incidental, purposefully threadbare, and minimalistic, I am a huge fan of this idea and the clever timings of musical cues. 😄

[@ThrashMetalAvenger]

Man the presentation in your videos is so good! The soundwave representation is SUBLIME.

[@captainolimar4367]

Can we talk about the one million variations of Zelda's Lullaby in BotW?

[@Terithian]

One thing I hoped you'd mention about the Tarrey Town music: as you're doing the side quest, every time you find a new person to send to the town, in the short scene where they head out to go there, it plays a portion of the main melody of the Tarrey Town theme. That cohesion really helped make the quest feel special and put the music in the spotlight.

[@Jerma985_fan]

I cried when I first heard the rito village theme

[@RadiantSharaShaymin]

7.8/10 Too much Guardian PTSD. ...I'm kidding. Beautiful soundtrack, lovely explanation video. A really wonderful note missed is during the Molduga fight, how it gets super energetic when you explode that stupid sand fish thing and have a big chance to deal lots of damage. It's like the music itself is excited that you're going to shred the Molduga to nothing :)

[@BeowulfCav]

My only complaint with the music is that they didn't use the music from the story trailer at all in the game. Your video shows just why this game's music is so special but I still wanted that sweeping theatrical score at least once at the very end. Otherwise, why include it in the story trailer at all besides luring me and others into the game of course. *sigh* Such a good game, I might actually play it a second time and I almost never do that with any game. But I keep seeing things I forgot to do or didn't know I could do, or just the fact that I barely rode a horse once I got all the towers. The feeling of finding new things as you rode around on your horse was great. Didn't stop me from trekking around on foot for most of the game though.

[@tadstrange1465]

The trailer music is made specifically to go along with the trailer and would not mesh well with the game

[@TheToneBender]

I just read some comments. I had no idea some people hated the music and wanted it to be grander. I thought it was amazing.

[@albinodino5050]

I think this one had the best soundtrack.

[@arnefriedrich8205]

i have watched this video 3 times now and i still love it. There is so much depth in soundtracks of this kind. If you happen to find another game with a comparable in depth soundtrack i would love to see more videos of that kind. Very well done.

[@pixelmagic182]

Actually if you listen to Korok Woods and Skyward Sword's Faron Woods side by side, you'll find that there are still similarities, and the song also includes a part of Midna's Lament.

[@esmooth919]

2:52, having never played Wind Waker, I _still_ found this song incredibly beautiful...and the baby birds singing along made this song even more endearing

[@John-mp8sm]

Love the videos mate!

[@ThePavlowitsch]

4:40 I heard that all the time cause I never used fast travel. Also when you are in the snow areas and the music silences - that fits perfectly! Sometimes a little bit silence is the best option.

[@PIKMINROCK1]

While Kataoka did compose the majority of Breath of the Wild's soundtrack, a few were done Yasuaki Iwata and series composer, Hajime Wakai. These links have relatively accurate lists of what they composed nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/Manaka_Kataoka nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/Yasuaki_Iwata nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/Hajime_Wakai

[@Moegivesmelife]

Interesting, Yasuaki composed nearly all of the town themes.

[@vesey986]

Finally! I’ve been trying to find this video again for ages. Thank you for giving botw’s music the praise it deserves. I actually love the calming, melancholy tone of the overworld music and it works so well! Also, I can’t understand how people argue that the music is boring and unvarying when we have brilliant music such as that from, rito village, Gordon city, and tarrey town.

[@ThePlysser]

I disagree - In my opinion BoTW has the best soundtrack of all Zelda games.

[@positivelink6961]

It’s the best OST in the context of the game it’s from, but outside of that context it’s a bit on the weak side

[@harshal1153]

Definitely not

[@SecretFoxfire]

Thank you so much for this masterful video (as always), and especially thank you for putting up visualizers for the music. I'm a music lover but I have some auditory processing issues, and I'm an extremely visual thinker - being able to see the music on the screen helps me to actually hear and comprehend it better. Wonderful work. I can't afford a Switch so I haven't played Breath of the Wild, but everything I learn about it makes me more and more impressed. I hope someday I get the chance to experience it firsthand.

[@devotion_impulse890]

Breath of the Wild has a great soundtrack that fits it perfectly. It's definitely not my favorite and only a few songs were memorable, but I couldn't imagine the game with a score similar to that of the other Zelda games. Even if it's not the best, it does its job fantastically.

[@andrew_cunningham]

A videogame soundtrack analysis is a lovely concept that I haven't often seen on youtube. I've found that the difference between a good game and some of my favorite games ever often comes down to how memorable the soundtrack was- and sometimes even underwhelming games can become appealing trough sheer excellence in the audio department (as I found with Bastion). It's too bad how it's usually subtle, intricate, oddball soundtracks like the one discussed in this video that end up flying under the radar- and I don't mean that in a "popular music is cretinous garbage" kind of way, but more towards the point that I've personally written off several game soundtracks as boring or unremarkable while playing, only to grow to love them later on when I gave their music some actual attention (see Hyperlight Drifter for a prime example). By making this video, you have effectively given the Breath of the Wild soundtrack the undivided attention of many thousands of people, and hopefully some of those people can grow to love it where they before might never have noticed or cared. Good bloody job, and please make more of these at some point.

[@lonestarr1490]

I also love Dragon Roost Island's theme. Who doesn't? ;)

[@JaimeDenizard]

Came here to say this.

[@louiesoto7374]

It saddens me when beautiful work is under appreciated. This video was important, thank you

[@200378820]

"Who the Hell is Mark Brown!" - 8-bit music theory That's why I'm here.

[@LucasKelleher]

Oh man, you absolutely nailed what makes Breath of the Wild's soundtrack so impressive. Well done!

[@KlldbyCuriosity]

ngl here, I think this is the best Zelda soundtrack. Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear an angry mob outside

[@ManOfDuck]

I just started watching your videos and they're all amazing. You clearly put a lot of research and effort into these.

[@emiliohernandez7214]

To me the soundtrack is at it's best when it mixes the classical sounding score with glitchy sounds and synths. It goes with the Traditionalism vs. Technology theme that's kind of implied throughout the game. I love it Also the Piano themes when trying to board Vah Ruta and when running through The Lost Woods are my favorite

[@Aerrizzz]

Very nice video. Really enjoyed the analysis of Tarry Town, I didn't realize each newcomer added to the music. I really enjoyed this video, thank you for making it :)