I agree. He has trouble deciding on an emotion, but when you played the game you get a totally different feeling. The ending theme version : goosebumps, chills, tears every time you listen to it.
How about, "What did it cost?" It's like the total embodiment of that meme. Also very much a mix of multiple emotions but, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." is another fitting theme to it.
"Listen to my story. This... may be our last chance." This line is something I cant really separate from this song, and its impression on me when I first started the game is the reason why FFX is one of my all-time favorite Final Fantasy games.
@@ChaosLegionaire I feel like that's kind of the point. The opening scene in Zanarkand takes place a bit after he discovered the truth of his own existence. He's struggling to understand his place in everything, because him and his Zanarkand aren't "real", just dreams of the Faith. Auron tells him "This is your story" at the beginning of the game when he leaves Zanarkand. I always saw this as a reassurance. Auron knows what's going on. He knows Tidus's Zanarkand is basically a massive Aeon. But by telling him "This is your story", he's telling hims that he is real and that his actions do matter, without actually telling him the truth of the situation. So Tidus telling himself "This is MY story" is him telling himself "Yes, I may be a dream of the Faith. But I am real. My actions have meaning and weight. I am important."
I have never played that game and it still works on me. I am very emotionally susceptible to music as compared to storytelling or visuals. But its also just so fking goooooood
when you say you cant tell if its happy or sad or in the middle... this is exactly what the game does to you. The song was meant to give that feeling and its so awesome to see you feel that without playing the game. Really shows how Nobuo is able to make you feel what he wants you to feel.
only feels i get from this song is the feeling of knowing that there's going to be an unskipable cutscene, featuring bad voice acting and characters i want to see die horrible deaths, not dying horrible deaths.
Final Fantasy X is honestly one of my favorite games of all time, with To Zanarkand being one of the reasons I took up playing violin. I had never heard The Skies Above before, didn't know it existed, and... I feel like I've transcended my mortal being. This is a heck of a Christmas present to me personally.
This song only brings tears and memory,s for me, 1 of my friends loved ff games and wen he died this was 1 of the songs that we played at his funeral, we miss you Harro van Dalen even after 13 years we still miss you
FFX was my favourite video game of all time before Nier Automata came out, which was then superseded by my love for FFXIV (I really can't escape SE's clutches). I love everything about FFX, even it's flaws. It was the first game I ever played on my PS2 and was easily the biggest influence for me getting into the idea that video game stories can be truly beautiful as a kid. The OST has a very special place in my heart too, which is why I requested it.
I really need to try Nier... ffx was my favorite game before ffxiv, and those lvl 80 raids, with that amazing music... this just pushes me to try it even more. When I'm tired of ffxiv ig :p
Yeeees! Final Fantasy X is my favorite game/story of all time. I personally think it's one of the best, if not the best story, out of all the FF games. So happy you reacted to this one!
This song, quite recently, won Best Song in an official Square Enix vote in Japan, followed by XIV's The Twinning. The fanbase really loves this song, me not so much included xD
To Zanarkand, and the version that plays at the end of the game, has a special place in my heart. I originally beat FF10 on New Years Eve way back in 2002. And every year, I load up my old save on my PS2 and beat the final bosses again and watch the ending cutscenes. It's become a yearly ritual, and every time the ending version of the song plays, especially at the end of the song when the cutscene gets to "that' point, I always feel sad, and happy.
Definitely a must play Jesse!! It definitely came from a time where i feel storytelling was at its finest. Hearing this song brings a tear to my eye everytime and you wont know until you play the game.
A lot of people myself included would say 10 is the best “modern” FF story and has great gameplay as well, I’d highly recommend playing it at some point 22:29
My uncle past away in March of last year and final fantasy was his favourite game series and this song was on in his funeral and ever since I listened to it it reminded me of him so I think I’m gonna play all of them too like he did
To Zanarkand is the first track to play. As soon as the game starts you see a scene with the main characters sitting around a campfire with this playing over the top (hence the opening line in The Skies Above ‘Sparks from the fire reach up to the sky’). As it ends the main character implores you/them to “Listen to my story”. You then play the game to reach the point he is telling it from. Zanarkand is where the game and his story begin.
3:25 The word you were probably looking for here was "closure." Also, with this song in particular, it's actually somewhat difficult to spoil. It's definitely a lot more impactful with context, but part of that context is that the game has been telling you it's coming since the title screen, which is one of places the song is played. Knowing about the moment ahead of time is an intended part of the experience. The game basically goes out of it's way to tell you the second the tutorial is over. Up to you if you want any more information or not.
i always describe it as, facing reality, while trying to not let it bring you down. as if discovering a terminal illness, or battling depression. its accepting your fate, while trying to make the best of it.
Somewhere between sorrow and content is a very precise description of how you feel at this point in the game when it plays. I always tear up and smile when I hear Zanarakand. Merry Christmas Auditorium fam!
I've been listening to this specific song for over 20 years and in the last years I'm using it every damned night to help me sleep, playing it with Alexa to use the music to cover the tinnitus in my ear. I really suggest you to listen to the orchestral version from Distant World concerts. A bit of context for you: The piano version of To Zanarkand plays at the beginning of the game, in a "let me tell you my story" kinda scene, and again when the gameplay actually reaches that same point after a giant flashback. As you said, the orchestral version plays in the ending of the game. The scene in the piano version is a somber one: The city of Zanarkand was the protagonist's home and it's now in ruins, destroyed by a world-destroying monster: Sin. The characters have set out on a journey to defeat Sin, and when this scene occurs they've reached the conclusion that they're likely the only ones with a chance, but at the same time the method they planned to use to defeat Sin is flawed, and regardless of the outcome they're probably going to die. They ponder this, camped just outside the ruins of Zanarkand before setting out for their last travel.
Hearing To Zanarkand played live (whether on a solo piano or orchestrated) always tears me up. I think you nailed the mixed emotion it evokes: sadness, melancholia, and contentment.
This theme, oh this theme. When I was younger and played this game and I heard this song early on into the game I thought it was a nice melancholic song. Then when I heard it again close to the end it just made me cry, and it still gets me to tear up every time I hear it. Its a big mix of the melancholic feel of the song, the context of where it plays in the game, everything you've seen up until there. Its one of those songs that just hits *perfect* for the moment its used for.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on "To Zanarkand" which is my favorite theme so far (from my favorite FF). Listening to that beautiful song again really brings back some memories... It definitely hits very hard while going through it in-game. "Please listen to Tidus story... it may be their last chance."
FFX is Hironobu Sakaguchi's ultimate legacy in my mind. The characters and themes are incredibly strong and I would personally vote it as the best singleplayer FF to date. Highly recommend playing this one ASAP.
Hearing that ending theme gave me physical pain in my chest. I'm playing that cutscene along with the music in my head and its making me cry like a baby ;_;
FF10 came out around Christmas and was the first game I played on my PS2 when I got mine that year. So yeah. I still see it as a Christmas track too. I think Silent Night is public domain…. But I could be wrong. And no spoilers, but, if you play 10, you this is the first thing you hear after you hit New Game. It’s the opening narration of the game. I won’t spoil what Zanarkand is, but 10 is a fantastic game. It’s a road trip story that’s all about the journey and less the destination.
I came across a story involving "To Zanarkand" based off a Destructoid interview. So by the early 2000s, Uematsu was pretty well-established and known as a composer. He'd made more connections with performers, and he began working on a piece for a flautist friend to use as a solo piece. However, the piece was way too melancholy or sad for the venue, so the composition was shelved. A few years later, SE came to Uematsu with FFX, highlighting that the tone of the game was going to be much more melancholy than FFIX, FFVII, etc. Uematsu thought for a bit, then pulled out the flute composition-in-progress and said, "Something like this?" Flute composition was reworked into a solo piano piece, a couple more modifications were made, and it was given a name "To Zanarkand" I honestly can hear, given the melody, how it's something that would have been set up for a flute.
Coming in a year and half late to say i have also always have had a christmas song play in my head during this song, glad to see i am not the only one. For me it is silent night, specifically the section of it that say "holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace"
You absolutely nailed the feeling of the solo piano. The ending version to me is bittersweet, triumphant, acceptace, loss, sadness, heartbreak, all at the same time.
FFX was my first FF game and boy does it hold a special place in my heart almost 4 years later, even though FF7 is now my favorite FF game. If you ever play it, you are in for an unforgettable experience
I'M FIGHTING! Yeah, I know this is 9 months later but please, please play ffx. Experience it and you can understand how emotionally moving practically every song is at the exact moment it needs to be. ff6 was my first, and favorite... But 10 just... was so emotional and I remember every single story event, even after not playing it for... Hell, a decade. Listening to this and reading the comments made me buy ffx/x-2 HD on steam. I have it installed, but am afraid to start because I KNOW once I do I'll put in 80 hours and ignore everything else.
Yeah you’re pretty right. The song is about sorrow, but finding resolve in spite of it. The characters in the story are essentially on a journey that ultimately is meant to end in sacrifice for the greater good. It’s a long and exhaustive journey, and the characters experience so much along the way-family trauma, betrayal, fears, hope, love, etc. it’s a fantastic story, and the music makes is truly a wonderful experience
Merry Christmas to you and thank you for reviewing another masterpiece. FFX was my favorite final fantasy until FF14 came along, literally the reason why I started the series and I could never forget all the feels this song evokes. It's definitely worth a play, its a nice intro to the world of FF.
This is the game responsible for getting me into video games. My favorite game of all time...To Zanarkand never gets old. A classic! Literally the first game to make me cry (in a good way).
I've always thought "To Zanarkand" sounds like "Silent Night", at least in one musical passage. Regardless, I'm so glad you got to react and enjoy this composition. It's one of the most beautiful songs in the FF music catalogue. I get goosebumps whenever I hear the original version. I always get the image that I'm soaring through the clouds.
I'm glad you checked out the original, definitely very nostalgic and beautiful, I love the melody and the solo piano for this piece. This is a very beloved piece; I went to a Distant Worlds concert a couple of months ago and this was the first song they played in the encore, and there was a hushed gasp from the audience. Amazing time. Just while we're on solo piano piece, I can't help but mention A Funeral of Flowers (Thunder) from Fire Emblem Three Houses. An absolutely exquisite piece, very intricate and beautiful, would really love to see anyone react to that. Cheers Jesse
I never played far enough in FFX to get the emotional connection with From Zanarkand, but I do have one to The Skies Above. It was the title song for the second Black Mages album and it totally blew me away when it played during my first listen. Going from the melancholic piano to guitar riff and immediately into operatic vocals completely amazed me and awakened a new appreciation of music.
No spoilers on the chance you play this game (which I highly encourage, its soundtrack isn't quite as good as VII or VIII but I think it's the best in the series as a video game), but when you said it feels like a mix between sorrow and completion, that is 100 percent on target for what it's trying to invoke.
Exactly what I was thinking. He said its a mix between sorrow and (right there I was like happiness or satisfaction) and then he said completion and I'm like, yep, exactly that. This game is the pinnacle of highs and lows all leading to the greater goal.
this song rips my heart out and makes me smile at the same time. got a harsh green sleeves vibe too.. also the 3rd one was a fan metal cover i believe, but my love of dream theater makes me respect all keyboard solos.
FFX really is a great game, especially if you enjoy a story. If you play & finish the game, you can't really help but have a permanent emotional connection with this song. The first part is literally in the opening, and obviously have the ending version to which this game has an ending everyone who plays will always remember. I mean, they wouldn't make different Remastered versions for both the PS3 & PS4 if it wasn't a game people didn't want to play to this day.
I'm replaying it on the Switch. I remember playing the original back on the PS2. I've either got better or the remaster is easier. I kicked Omegas arse with Animas overdrive. Just need to dodge some butterflies and I have all Celestial weapons.
the theme is all about understanding reality, and accepting it, while trying not to let it bring you down. kinda like facing depression or a terminal ilness. it is about sorrow, but also about trying to make the best with the time you have left. that's why it is sad and a sorrowful, but also has bits of tranquility and lightness.
Black Mages do have two more songs with lyrics. Otherworld, which is the final boss theme from FFX - ironically, the original actually sounds more metal than the Black Mages version. The other one is Darkness and Starlight, which is the entire opera sequence from FFVI. If you watch the live version, they actually have people on stage acting out the opera.
i know u are a newcomer to FF, but i can confidently say FFX is the first game i recommend to everybody. one of the best in the series! 100% u should play it, the music, gameplay, story, characters, its one of the best final fantasy games
I do ultimately agree, although I do partly like the game less than I maybe should because I miss the big, open world map, with stuff like airships you can fly around in... Arguably that does maybe make 10 a better game to start with though... FF10 is probably harder to get lost in lol. It's also easier to figure out where you were going to as well... Some games you can take a break, then have no idea where to go when you come back... FF10 is mostly a straight line though... Potentially both a negative and positive... But yeah, nothing you say is wrong as such... Dark Yojimbo is a real pain in the butt though... >_>;;
To Zanarkand is such an incredible piece of music that somehow is even better in the live version with other instruments added. Listening to the original version in this video made me cry and the remix from the ending made me cry. 6:00 when that hits, the wave of emotions just hits me as 6:36. I’ve actually never heard The Skies Above.
I was surprised to see you react to this one just because it is so different. So glad you liked it for the same reason, didn't I know you're a solo piano fan! I was obviously bawling my eyes out here just listening to it because of the context. :D Anyway, shall go to bed each night now, hoping and praying you will end up playing the game. That would make my life, in a non-creepy way, I think.
FFX is definitely my favorite entry in the series, other than XIV. I've heard To Zanarkand so many times since I was a teenager, but the second version made me incredibly emotional thinking about the journey, which the end reminds you of. Could feel the tears welling up. FFX (X is a Roman numeral like all the games have) is such a well-done story, I remember the first time in many years I had originally played it, I would notice several little moments in the game people wouldn't understand the first time through. It's also just a really good turn-based game with a pretty in-depth combat system. The Skies Above I've loved since I first discovered The Black Mages, back when MySpace was still a thing. I don't remember the lyrics but I could make out some of them in the operatic vocals to get the feelings of the main character.
Man what are the odds I was just thinking about this song because of a comment I made on another video ! Long story short I saw Distant Worlds and they played this very song live and a man proposed to his wife and man when I say there was magic in the air I believed in magic that night ! Although FF7 is my favorite game FF10 holds a special place in my heart and mind. I thank you Jesse for reacting and giving your thoughts on this stuff. These games have touched alot of people and the music has touched many more...Thank you and Merry Christmas Jesse ! I look forward to looking at your FF8 playthrough and thoughts on that music ! I know your channel isn't primarily gaming but I appreciate you playing the games !
There is one way to perfectly summarize FFX as a story "depression the video game" and this track immediately brings on a torrent of powerful emotions from the very first key that is played. Takes me back to a time and a place that is for sure and I even recently (in the last few years) replayed this and still love the story despite how much it hurts you. Highly recommend you play this game.
I have probably around 100+ "Favorite Final Fantasy song", but if I did have to actually choose one for the top spot, this is it for me. It's so beautiful, and it fits perfectly into the game, not only the place(s) it's played, but the overall feeling I have of the game. I think people probably didn't suggest the original, because it's fairly short, I am very glad you did it first though! I would absolutely love to watch you play FFX! It's my favorite FF soundtrack (shared with FFVIII), and the game is also one of my favorites, probably only behind FFVII!
The black mages the sky's above is a hidden song in the game you can unlock and they are also the official Square supported band and the composer Nobuo Uematsu is the keybordest and creater of the music for the band as well
I'll go with bullet points this time: ● FFX (it's "ten", just roll with it) is my favorite, hands down. ● Yes, Zanarkand is a place, that's not a spoiler. The BM version is called that because of what the lyrics say, don't get confused by that. ● If you're unsure as to what you should feel, then the song's fulfilled its purpose. Let's just say FFX has a lot of bittersweet in it and leave it at that. ● Speaking of unsure feelings, the ending version you listened to is kinda weird, because it's not the whole ending theme, it's just the To Zanarkand bit cut out and looped a bit, and I'm simultaneously sad and glad for it. Sad, because the ending theme is gorgeous in its intended form and I've decided long ago that I want it played at my funeral, and glad because you still get to experience it proper in the future, if you decide to play this game. ● Play the game, obviously =P ● I guess the footage may look strange in a way, especially if there are NPCs in it, since they tend to have very basic, looping animations, something that clashes with the vastly upgraded (compared to 7 and 8) PS2 graphics. They have weird clothes, too. ● As for piano stuff, there are official piano OSTs for at least FF4-10. These are proffesionally arranged for mid-high skill level and are absolutely beautiful. If you've seen Advent Children, then you've heard the incredible piano version of FFVII's battle theme during Tifa's fight with Loz in the Church. That comes from the piano OST. Happy holidays, love your content! =)
FFX is still my all time favorite FF game and To Zanarkand kills my soul everytime. Also makes me wanna play through it yet again too. You know what, I might just go do that here soon lol.
The Ending Theme makes me tear up everytime I listen to it. And I heard it the first time before finishing the game, I had no context, it's just so beautiful!!!
"I don't know how I feel" is the perfect description for how the song feels, even moreso with the context of the story (which I won't spoil, of course).
Hi! This might have been said before: Did you do music theory? You're not just awesome at this, you're real, as well! Have you had the pleasure of playing the FF series? At least the mainline content, even just breezing through the story rhythm? If you haven't, you should. It's an awesome experience, immersing yourself in worlds and plots developed with Nobuo that self-taught sonofagun genius. Literal black mage. And a younger genius, Soken. Something about the music of FF. Awesome content!
Hey Jesse, since you're a fan of piano solos and final fantasy music I was wondering if you knew about the final fantasy piano collections albums. Since ff4, square/square enix have released an album for each game with around 10 songs from the game performed on piano. For example, the ff7 album has piano versions of cosmo canyon, those who fight, jenova and one wing angel.
I've played many FF games.. all the way to 15. FFX remains my favorite because of the storyline and music. It's definitely worth playing for the story and getting the full emotional feel of the soundtrack especially To Zanarkand.
My personal favorite from Phillip Wesley is "Lamentations of the Heart". You should try listening to "Fear not this Night" from GW2 if you haven't already, Asja Kadric sounds like an angel
Merry Christmas! asdfhkdsahfkjsadf it is MY REQUEST *points to the screen* I am so happy that I requested the skies above, it is an experience and your reaction is simply GOLD x,D I dunno I stumbled over the Black Mages when I was a teen, and that was the first song that exposed me to them and it kinda influenced my whole taste in musik. A friend of mine actually managed to watch the Black Mages live and am still envious years after. FFX is not the best FF ever, but I found it enjoyable. It was the first FF on the PS2 and for that it looked GREAT.
If you like this, check out Philip Wesley;
th-cam.com/video/RSATB6x6j8Y/w-d-xo.html
Love Philip Wesley - Light and Shadow and Dark Night of the Soul
I used to listen to Philip Wesley all the time. One of my favorite pianists, hands down.
It's been an year... Have you played the game yet?
"Having trouble deciding on an emotion"
Game is very melancholy and bittersweet. I think the song nails that.
I agree. He has trouble deciding on an emotion, but when you played the game you get a totally different feeling. The ending theme version : goosebumps, chills, tears every time you listen to it.
How about, "What did it cost?" It's like the total embodiment of that meme. Also very much a mix of multiple emotions but, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." is another fitting theme to it.
Life isnt fair... and this game helped solidify that for me at a damn young age
"It's somewhere between sorrow and content; completion."
Man, the nail has never been hit on the head so hard.
So good that the nail is just one. Absolutely on point. ^^
As soon as he said it, I was thinking "You have no idea how correct you are" lol
"Listen to my story. This... may be our last chance."
This line is something I cant really separate from this song, and its impression on me when I first started the game is the reason why FFX is one of my all-time favorite Final Fantasy games.
But it's not even his story. Really it's Yuna's. XD
@@ChaosLegionaire I feel like that's kind of the point. The opening scene in Zanarkand takes place a bit after he discovered the truth of his own existence. He's struggling to understand his place in everything, because him and his Zanarkand aren't "real", just dreams of the Faith.
Auron tells him "This is your story" at the beginning of the game when he leaves Zanarkand. I always saw this as a reassurance. Auron knows what's going on. He knows Tidus's Zanarkand is basically a massive Aeon. But by telling him "This is your story", he's telling hims that he is real and that his actions do matter, without actually telling him the truth of the situation.
So Tidus telling himself "This is MY story" is him telling himself "Yes, I may be a dream of the Faith. But I am real. My actions have meaning and weight. I am important."
If you play this game, this song will hit a lot harder in context than without.
10000% true.
yes it does song hits totally different after playing the game
Totally hit me right in the feels when the ending version started playing...
True. Still hits hard.
Like every 10 track
I feel like I've been conditioned to just start tearing up whenever To Zanarkand starts playing
God, me too. It really combines the feelings of longing and loss so beautifully.
Yeah me too accompanied by a very tight chest. I guess that's just how good the whole setting was.
I have never played that game and it still works on me.
I am very emotionally susceptible to music as compared to storytelling or visuals.
But its also just so fking goooooood
god from the moment the piano opens, this song hits me in the feels. This game is such a heartbreak...
when you say you cant tell if its happy or sad or in the middle... this is exactly what the game does to you. The song was meant to give that feeling and its so awesome to see you feel that without playing the game. Really shows how Nobuo is able to make you feel what he wants you to feel.
only feels i get from this song is the feeling of knowing that there's going to be an unskipable cutscene, featuring bad voice acting and characters i want to see die horrible deaths, not dying horrible deaths.
@@windhelmguard5295 Why you here then...
@@windhelmguard5295 Force a laugh, see how you sound… You not understanding the scene is the real issue.
It's been 10 years since I played and when that ending theme came up, I automatically just teared up wtf 😭 😢
me too
I have goosebumps everytime
Final Fantasy X is honestly one of my favorite games of all time, with To Zanarkand being one of the reasons I took up playing violin.
I had never heard The Skies Above before, didn't know it existed, and... I feel like I've transcended my mortal being. This is a heck of a Christmas present to me personally.
Skies end plays only once at the very ending of the game
This song only brings tears and memory,s for me, 1 of my friends loved ff games and wen he died this was 1 of the songs that we played at his funeral, we miss you Harro van Dalen even after 13 years we still miss you
"It's like sorrow mixed with content, completion" how does he do it
FFX was my favourite video game of all time before Nier Automata came out, which was then superseded by my love for FFXIV (I really can't escape SE's clutches). I love everything about FFX, even it's flaws. It was the first game I ever played on my PS2 and was easily the biggest influence for me getting into the idea that video game stories can be truly beautiful as a kid. The OST has a very special place in my heart too, which is why I requested it.
This progression with SE games is so relatable, hahaha
SE really knows how to captivate its players both in story and music production
ff14 , ff10 and nier. What a man of culture , what are you gonna say next? That you love hollow knight? Based taste.
I really need to try Nier... ffx was my favorite game before ffxiv, and those lvl 80 raids, with that amazing music... this just pushes me to try it even more. When I'm tired of ffxiv ig :p
As a person with a tattoo of yangus on him I understand 95% of my favorite games ever are by se
Yeeees! Final Fantasy X is my favorite game/story of all time. I personally think it's one of the best, if not the best story, out of all the FF games. So happy you reacted to this one!
By far the best voiceacting.
12 comes close in Voice Acting imo.
Well relatively close.
This song, quite recently, won Best Song in an official Square Enix vote in Japan, followed by XIV's The Twinning. The fanbase really loves this song, me not so much included xD
To be fair, X is Japan's favourite so it's not that surprising.
@@budakbaongsiah
Favorite ff game or soundtrack?
@@NeithLeonhart
Game? 9. Soundtrack? 9.
To Zanarkand, and the version that plays at the end of the game, has a special place in my heart. I originally beat FF10 on New Years Eve way back in 2002. And every year, I load up my old save on my PS2 and beat the final bosses again and watch the ending cutscenes. It's become a yearly ritual, and every time the ending version of the song plays, especially at the end of the song when the cutscene gets to "that' point, I always feel sad, and happy.
As a major FFX fan, seeing an upload like this on Christmas day is a pretty awesome present and I cannot thank you enough
Definitely a must play Jesse!! It definitely came from a time where i feel storytelling was at its finest. Hearing this song brings a tear to my eye everytime and you wont know until you play the game.
A lot of people myself included would say 10 is the best “modern” FF story and has great gameplay as well, I’d highly recommend playing it at some point 22:29
It's actually the translator for the FF X game that sings the vocals for the Skies Above version.
The Black Mages was Uematsu's private band.
My uncle past away in March of last year and final fantasy was his favourite game series and this song was on in his funeral and ever since I listened to it it reminded me of him so I think I’m gonna play all of them too like he did
Have you done so?
To Zanarkand is the first track to play. As soon as the game starts you see a scene with the main characters sitting around a campfire with this playing over the top (hence the opening line in The Skies Above ‘Sparks from the fire reach up to the sky’). As it ends the main character implores you/them to “Listen to my story”. You then play the game to reach the point he is telling it from. Zanarkand is where the game and his story begin.
3:25 The word you were probably looking for here was "closure."
Also, with this song in particular, it's actually somewhat difficult to spoil. It's definitely a lot more impactful with context, but part of that context is that the game has been telling you it's coming since the title screen, which is one of places the song is played. Knowing about the moment ahead of time is an intended part of the experience. The game basically goes out of it's way to tell you the second the tutorial is over. Up to you if you want any more information or not.
i always describe it as, facing reality, while trying to not let it bring you down. as if discovering a terminal illness, or battling depression. its accepting your fate, while trying to make the best of it.
Man, just the first new notes still make me tear up again everytime.
Somewhere between sorrow and content is a very precise description of how you feel at this point in the game when it plays. I always tear up and smile when I hear Zanarakand.
Merry Christmas Auditorium fam!
i remember seeing a live a live version of the Black Mages. Nubuo plays the whole key part he is like in a cell with keyboards
This theme captures the game's whole vibe. Reverential and melancholic with just a hint of the peace of a task finished near the end.
I've been listening to this specific song for over 20 years and in the last years I'm using it every damned night to help me sleep, playing it with Alexa to use the music to cover the tinnitus in my ear. I really suggest you to listen to the orchestral version from Distant World concerts.
A bit of context for you: The piano version of To Zanarkand plays at the beginning of the game, in a "let me tell you my story" kinda scene, and again when the gameplay actually reaches that same point after a giant flashback. As you said, the orchestral version plays in the ending of the game. The scene in the piano version is a somber one: The city of Zanarkand was the protagonist's home and it's now in ruins, destroyed by a world-destroying monster: Sin. The characters have set out on a journey to defeat Sin, and when this scene occurs they've reached the conclusion that they're likely the only ones with a chance, but at the same time the method they planned to use to defeat Sin is flawed, and regardless of the outcome they're probably going to die. They ponder this, camped just outside the ruins of Zanarkand before setting out for their last travel.
Hearing To Zanarkand played live (whether on a solo piano or orchestrated) always tears me up. I think you nailed the mixed emotion it evokes: sadness, melancholia, and contentment.
The feeling or emotion I get is "I don't want to let go." With the second version, it's the grand finale.
This theme, oh this theme.
When I was younger and played this game and I heard this song early on into the game I thought it was a nice melancholic song. Then when I heard it again close to the end it just made me cry, and it still gets me to tear up every time I hear it. Its a big mix of the melancholic feel of the song, the context of where it plays in the game, everything you've seen up until there. Its one of those songs that just hits *perfect* for the moment its used for.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on "To Zanarkand" which is my favorite theme so far (from my favorite FF).
Listening to that beautiful song again really brings back some memories... It definitely hits very hard while going through it in-game.
"Please listen to Tidus story... it may be their last chance."
FFX is Hironobu Sakaguchi's ultimate legacy in my mind. The characters and themes are incredibly strong and I would personally vote it as the best singleplayer FF to date. Highly recommend playing this one ASAP.
but sakaguchi wasn't on the dev team for 10
Most annoying endgame in an ff tho
@@RunePlaysGames
He was.
He was not in FFX-2 however.
Sakaguchi was not heavily involved in the development of X, he was working on IX in Honolulu around the same time that X was being developed in Japan.
Hearing that ending theme gave me physical pain in my chest. I'm playing that cutscene along with the music in my head and its making me cry like a baby ;_;
The loop at 07:03 isn't supposed to be there. Sounds unnatural and out of place after knowing this song for so long.
FF10 came out around Christmas and was the first game I played on my PS2 when I got mine that year. So yeah. I still see it as a Christmas track too.
I think Silent Night is public domain…. But I could be wrong.
And no spoilers, but, if you play 10, you this is the first thing you hear after you hit New Game. It’s the opening narration of the game. I won’t spoil what Zanarkand is, but 10 is a fantastic game. It’s a road trip story that’s all about the journey and less the destination.
Hard to believe this came out about 20 years ago, even now the emotions it hits hard
I came across a story involving "To Zanarkand" based off a Destructoid interview.
So by the early 2000s, Uematsu was pretty well-established and known as a composer. He'd made more connections with performers, and he began working on a piece for a flautist friend to use as a solo piece. However, the piece was way too melancholy or sad for the venue, so the composition was shelved.
A few years later, SE came to Uematsu with FFX, highlighting that the tone of the game was going to be much more melancholy than FFIX, FFVII, etc. Uematsu thought for a bit, then pulled out the flute composition-in-progress and said, "Something like this?" Flute composition was reworked into a solo piano piece, a couple more modifications were made, and it was given a name "To Zanarkand"
I honestly can hear, given the melody, how it's something that would have been set up for a flute.
Coming in a year and half late to say i have also always have had a christmas song play in my head during this song, glad to see i am not the only one. For me it is silent night, specifically the section of it that say "holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace"
Melancholy. That's the one word I'd use for this one.
If I recall right, Otherworld from FFX is also sang by the black mages and it has vocals as well.
You absolutely nailed the feeling of the solo piano. The ending version to me is bittersweet, triumphant, acceptace, loss, sadness, heartbreak, all at the same time.
I've played this game so many times. Such a good story, and great world building.
FFX was my first FF game and boy does it hold a special place in my heart almost 4 years later, even though FF7 is now my favorite FF game. If you ever play it, you are in for an unforgettable experience
I'M FIGHTING!
Yeah, I know this is 9 months later but please, please play ffx. Experience it and you can understand how emotionally moving practically every song is at the exact moment it needs to be. ff6 was my first, and favorite... But 10 just... was so emotional and I remember every single story event, even after not playing it for... Hell, a decade.
Listening to this and reading the comments made me buy ffx/x-2 HD on steam. I have it installed, but am afraid to start because I KNOW once I do I'll put in 80 hours and ignore everything else.
Yeah you’re pretty right. The song is about sorrow, but finding resolve in spite of it. The characters in the story are essentially on a journey that ultimately is meant to end in sacrifice for the greater good. It’s a long and exhaustive journey, and the characters experience so much along the way-family trauma, betrayal, fears, hope, love, etc. it’s a fantastic story, and the music makes is truly a wonderful experience
I'm crying only because I think of the context of the song and how emotional ffX is
The main themes of FFX are hope and loss, which the single piano conveys VERY well.
Merry Christmas to you and thank you for reviewing another masterpiece. FFX was my favorite final fantasy until FF14 came along, literally the reason why I started the series and I could never forget all the feels this song evokes. It's definitely worth a play, its a nice intro to the world of FF.
This song gives me the 2nd strongest emotional reaction right behind Nier Automata's Weight of the World.
Most beautiful piano piece imo
This is the game responsible for getting me into video games. My favorite game of all time...To Zanarkand never gets old. A classic!
Literally the first game to make me cry (in a good way).
I've always thought "To Zanarkand" sounds like "Silent Night", at least in one musical passage.
Regardless, I'm so glad you got to react and enjoy this composition. It's one of the most beautiful songs in the FF music catalogue. I get goosebumps whenever I hear the original version. I always get the image that I'm soaring through the clouds.
One of THE best games I've ever played.
It will stick with you forever.
The solo piano is in c so this song is actually really friendly for beginners :D. Very popular piece that sounds wonderful ❤️
Just stumbled across your channel because of my love for Final Fantasy.
Have a like.
I'm glad you checked out the original, definitely very nostalgic and beautiful, I love the melody and the solo piano for this piece. This is a very beloved piece; I went to a Distant Worlds concert a couple of months ago and this was the first song they played in the encore, and there was a hushed gasp from the audience. Amazing time.
Just while we're on solo piano piece, I can't help but mention A Funeral of Flowers (Thunder) from Fire Emblem Three Houses. An absolutely exquisite piece, very intricate and beautiful, would really love to see anyone react to that. Cheers Jesse
This song always made me think of Silent Night and because I loved the game - it also filled me with dread/melancholy bc I know the story lol
I never played far enough in FFX to get the emotional connection with From Zanarkand, but I do have one to The Skies Above. It was the title song for the second Black Mages album and it totally blew me away when it played during my first listen. Going from the melancholic piano to guitar riff and immediately into operatic vocals completely amazed me and awakened a new appreciation of music.
Fucking Amazing!! Thank you so much Jesse all those whose suggested it.
No spoilers on the chance you play this game (which I highly encourage, its soundtrack isn't quite as good as VII or VIII but I think it's the best in the series as a video game), but when you said it feels like a mix between sorrow and completion, that is 100 percent on target for what it's trying to invoke.
Exactly what I was thinking. He said its a mix between sorrow and (right there I was like happiness or satisfaction) and then he said completion and I'm like, yep, exactly that. This game is the pinnacle of highs and lows all leading to the greater goal.
Melancholy.
@@beurtalvarez its the same song, different versions. he is saying that there are less good amount of songs compared to vii and viii
@@beurtalvarez ah, sorry i got the word soundtrack mixed with song
but yes i do agree that vii and viii have the better soundtracks
This is one of my favourites from the whole series. What a game. You probably get a lot of recommendations to stream this but it really is a good one.
What a nice Christmas surprise. 🙂
I signed my wedding register to “To Zanarkand”! So lovely to see you react to this one ^_^
this song rips my heart out and makes me smile at the same time. got a harsh green sleeves vibe too.. also the 3rd one was a fan metal cover i believe, but my love of dream theater makes me respect all keyboard solos.
FFX really is a great game, especially if you enjoy a story. If you play & finish the game, you can't really help but have a permanent emotional connection with this song. The first part is literally in the opening, and obviously have the ending version to which this game has an ending everyone who plays will always remember.
I mean, they wouldn't make different Remastered versions for both the PS3 & PS4 if it wasn't a game people didn't want to play to this day.
I'm replaying it on the Switch. I remember playing the original back on the PS2. I've either got better or the remaster is easier. I kicked Omegas arse with Animas overdrive. Just need to dodge some butterflies and I have all Celestial weapons.
This song is a train, and it will run you through when you play the game.
the theme is all about understanding reality, and accepting it, while trying not to let it bring you down. kinda like facing depression or a terminal ilness. it is about sorrow, but also about trying to make the best with the time you have left. that's why it is sad and a sorrowful, but also has bits of tranquility and lightness.
Black Mages do have two more songs with lyrics. Otherworld, which is the final boss theme from FFX - ironically, the original actually sounds more metal than the Black Mages version. The other one is Darkness and Starlight, which is the entire opera sequence from FFVI. If you watch the live version, they actually have people on stage acting out the opera.
Dang I couldn't have imagined a vocal song from this!
i know u are a newcomer to FF, but i can confidently say FFX is the first game i recommend to everybody. one of the best in the series! 100% u should play it, the music, gameplay, story, characters, its one of the best final fantasy games
I do ultimately agree, although I do partly like the game less than I maybe should because I miss the big, open world map, with stuff like airships you can fly around in... Arguably that does maybe make 10 a better game to start with though... FF10 is probably harder to get lost in lol. It's also easier to figure out where you were going to as well... Some games you can take a break, then have no idea where to go when you come back... FF10 is mostly a straight line though... Potentially both a negative and positive...
But yeah, nothing you say is wrong as such... Dark Yojimbo is a real pain in the butt though... >_>;;
@@KitsyX exactly! Thats why its the best game for a FF newcomer!
To Zanarkand is such an incredible piece of music that somehow is even better in the live version with other instruments added. Listening to the original version in this video made me cry and the remix from the ending made me cry. 6:00 when that hits, the wave of emotions just hits me as 6:36. I’ve actually never heard The Skies Above.
I was surprised to see you react to this one just because it is so different. So glad you liked it for the same reason, didn't I know you're a solo piano fan! I was obviously bawling my eyes out here just listening to it because of the context. :D
Anyway, shall go to bed each night now, hoping and praying you will end up playing the game. That would make my life, in a non-creepy way, I think.
FFX is definitely my favorite entry in the series, other than XIV. I've heard To Zanarkand so many times since I was a teenager, but the second version made me incredibly emotional thinking about the journey, which the end reminds you of. Could feel the tears welling up. FFX (X is a Roman numeral like all the games have) is such a well-done story, I remember the first time in many years I had originally played it, I would notice several little moments in the game people wouldn't understand the first time through. It's also just a really good turn-based game with a pretty in-depth combat system. The Skies Above I've loved since I first discovered The Black Mages, back when MySpace was still a thing. I don't remember the lyrics but I could make out some of them in the operatic vocals to get the feelings of the main character.
I can't help but immediately get a bit teary eyed when I hear The Skies Above. I've been conditioned!
Man what are the odds I was just thinking about this song because of a comment I made on another video ! Long story short I saw Distant Worlds and they played this very song live and a man proposed to his wife and man when I say there was magic in the air I believed in magic that night ! Although FF7 is my favorite game FF10 holds a special place in my heart and mind. I thank you Jesse for reacting and giving your thoughts on this stuff. These games have touched alot of people and the music has touched many more...Thank you and Merry Christmas Jesse ! I look forward to looking at your FF8 playthrough and thoughts on that music ! I know your channel isn't primarily gaming but I appreciate you playing the games !
There is one way to perfectly summarize FFX as a story "depression the video game" and this track immediately brings on a torrent of powerful emotions from the very first key that is played. Takes me back to a time and a place that is for sure and I even recently (in the last few years) replayed this and still love the story despite how much it hurts you. Highly recommend you play this game.
There is always special type of good pain whenever I hear this piano piece. Its been decades and yup its still there.
There's a Live Video of The Black Mages playing this and it's unsurprisingly phenomenal.^^
You definitely need to play this game. One of the greatest games ever made imo.
Christmas Hat Jesse!? *I'm THERE!*
Has a similar melody to "Silent Night".
Noticed this when I played the game
"somewhere between sorrow and content, completion" yes
my favoriite game of all time
it has one of the best OST
Ohh the tears... All the tears. The alternate version with that thumbnail just killed me 😭
I have probably around 100+ "Favorite Final Fantasy song", but if I did have to actually choose one for the top spot, this is it for me. It's so beautiful, and it fits perfectly into the game, not only the place(s) it's played, but the overall feeling I have of the game.
I think people probably didn't suggest the original, because it's fairly short, I am very glad you did it first though!
I would absolutely love to watch you play FFX! It's my favorite FF soundtrack (shared with FFVIII), and the game is also one of my favorites, probably only behind FFVII!
The black mages the sky's above is a hidden song in the game you can unlock and they are also the official Square supported band and the composer Nobuo Uematsu is the keybordest and creater of the music for the band as well
That guy is a really famous Opera singer in Japan. 🤘
excited to see you reaction to my long anticipated request! Not sure what "skies above" is though!
I'll go with bullet points this time:
● FFX (it's "ten", just roll with it) is my favorite, hands down.
● Yes, Zanarkand is a place, that's not a spoiler. The BM version is called that because of what the lyrics say, don't get confused by that.
● If you're unsure as to what you should feel, then the song's fulfilled its purpose. Let's just say FFX has a lot of bittersweet in it and leave it at that.
● Speaking of unsure feelings, the ending version you listened to is kinda weird, because it's not the whole ending theme, it's just the To Zanarkand bit cut out and looped a bit, and I'm simultaneously sad and glad for it. Sad, because the ending theme is gorgeous in its intended form and I've decided long ago that I want it played at my funeral, and glad because you still get to experience it proper in the future, if you decide to play this game.
● Play the game, obviously =P
● I guess the footage may look strange in a way, especially if there are NPCs in it, since they tend to have very basic, looping animations, something that clashes with the vastly upgraded (compared to 7 and 8) PS2 graphics. They have weird clothes, too.
● As for piano stuff, there are official piano OSTs for at least FF4-10. These are proffesionally arranged for mid-high skill level and are absolutely beautiful. If you've seen Advent Children, then you've heard the incredible piano version of FFVII's battle theme during Tifa's fight with Loz in the Church. That comes from the piano OST.
Happy holidays, love your content! =)
the funeral stuff is so obvious I'm kinda ashamed I didn't think about it before. I might steal thatvidea from you, if you don't mind
@@beurtalvarez What's the point of art if not to be shared? Go for it.
FFX is still my all time favorite FF game and To Zanarkand kills my soul everytime. Also makes me wanna play through it yet again too.
You know what, I might just go do that here soon lol.
The Ending Theme makes me tear up everytime I listen to it. And I heard it the first time before finishing the game, I had no context, it's just so beautiful!!!
I'm watching this a year from post. I just gotta say, I hope you played it, man. Everyone deserves to feel that heartache.
"I don't know how I feel" is the perfect description for how the song feels, even moreso with the context of the story (which I won't spoil, of course).
I love these songs. Happy New Year to you Jesse
Hi! This might have been said before:
Did you do music theory? You're not just awesome at this, you're real, as well!
Have you had the pleasure of playing the FF series? At least the mainline content, even just breezing through the story rhythm? If you haven't, you should. It's an awesome experience, immersing yourself in worlds and plots developed with Nobuo that self-taught sonofagun genius. Literal black mage. And a younger genius, Soken. Something about the music of FF.
Awesome content!
Hey Jesse, since you're a fan of piano solos and final fantasy music I was wondering if you knew about the final fantasy piano collections albums. Since ff4, square/square enix have released an album for each game with around 10 songs from the game performed on piano. For example, the ff7 album has piano versions of cosmo canyon, those who fight, jenova and one wing angel.
I've played many FF games.. all the way to 15. FFX remains my favorite because of the storyline and music. It's definitely worth playing for the story and getting the full emotional feel of the soundtrack especially To Zanarkand.
Also, the best orchestral version of this track is Tour De Japon's live version =)
My personal favorite from Phillip Wesley is "Lamentations of the Heart". You should try listening to "Fear not this Night" from GW2 if you haven't already, Asja Kadric sounds like an angel
Merry Christmas!
asdfhkdsahfkjsadf it is MY REQUEST *points to the screen*
I am so happy that I requested the skies above, it is an experience and your reaction is simply GOLD x,D
I dunno I stumbled over the Black Mages when I was a teen, and that was the first song that exposed me to them and it kinda influenced my whole taste in musik.
A friend of mine actually managed to watch the Black Mages live and am still envious years after.
FFX is not the best FF ever, but I found it enjoyable. It was the first FF on the PS2 and for that it looked GREAT.
I 100% recommend playing the game, it has an interesting and deep story, to zanarkand is my absolute favourite track in the game