Finally bloodborne 😃 Sadly the first part „Ludwig the accursed“ is missing it’s the first part of the bos and with this part the second part feels even more powerful.
@@thekaelixchamber they have tried different approaches to their formula... some appeal to some more then the others... i just love eldritch stuff.. .and im a heccin goth girl sooo.. victorian fashion souls?... YES
@@yunobeat Yessirr! Its just so tragic that Bloodborne is stuck at no anti-aliasing which hurt my eyes, and 30 fps which made me dizzy. 😭 my first experience was not great but if you could get used to the graphics the game is the most fun thing you've ever played.
They're a truly bizarre concoction of genius ideas and formulaic basic shit. Also, the first dark souls has peculiar orchestration (harpsichord and throat singing for Nito) and a completely out of tune orchestra (mainly the choir)
The problem with the souls games is that while it is big, dark and epic. It's only big, dark, and epic that's it. There's nothing that is more simple and quiet to balance it out, so the soundtrack as a whole is kinda one note and bland
As fun as it is to see someones "holy crap this is hard" reaction, I don't think a fromsoft game is where you want to start. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think it would be better if you enjoyed your first twitch game instead of getting frustrated early on. Your first fromsoft game will always be the hardest one, and the learning curve takes a while to adjust to, especially for someone that hasn't played games in general for a while. Maybe start with DOOM or a more chill RPG game.
@@Bmetalful agreed. There's really cool games that don't rely on being hard. Disco Elysium is really cool for example. And a very different experience. Almost a bit of audiobook experience. I'm sure lots of people can recommend enjoyable games here.
@@Bmetalful Yeah I have to agree. Especially for people who are middle aged and haven't gamed in a long time, there is a massive learning curve. Fromsoft is better for experienced people.
@@Bmetalful I agree 100% I played all the from soft games to death but absolutely can not recommend it to someone new to gaming. It requires precise movement of both the character and to be able to use the camera. I recommend like what you said doom on game journalist mode is a good way get used to game controls.
Ahhh, we finally made it to Bloodborne! Technically this is the second half of a boss theme, with the first half being Ludwig the Accursed; they're meant to be a duo as thematically the boss evolves in the second stage. I mentioned it on another video, but would highly recommend Cleric Beast and Hail the Nightmare, though every track is fantastic. There's also an extremely impressive live performance of an arrangement of songs done by the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra!
Adding to this, Hail The Nightmare is one of the simplest songs on Bloodborne's full OST and yet might be its most haunting. If I'm not mistaken it's the only song that plays outside of any boss fight. On top of that it has a dynamic characteristic in which the music is actually part of the game's environment. In game you will notice most prominently when stepping outside from a certain cathedral that the song's chanting becomes a bit louder.
@@Burningsok5happens when you get snatched by a kidnapper and sent to a jail in the unseen village . As the music plays, The player starts to realize there’s something much darker going on in the world than previously thought
@@Burningsok5 yeah hail the nightmare is really creepy. I played bloodborne a bit even though i sadly spoiled myself most of it and when i got to the Hypogean Gaol that music almost made me shit myself
in the first phase ludwig acts like a mindless beast using only his jaws and other parts of his body to attack you while howling and screaming at you. when he gets to half health, a cutscene plays where he falls over and the sword on his back falls in front of him. he grabs the blade and stands up straight, and attacks like a knight in the second phase, as if he's regained his humanity. this theme reflects the change.
In the second phase, from my perspective, it seems to Ludwig salutes you. Standing upright with Moonlight in front of him, legs close together. Hunter's greeting to another Hunter, and possibly giving himself a proper send off
this track follows directly on from 'ludwig the accursed', reflecting the enemy's changing mental over the course of the battle with the player character. it's worth listening to both tracks back to back when you have a chance to get the full effect.
Yep this is the second part of the boos fight and it is worth reacting to the change in tone of the track from the "Ludwig the Accursed" to this one "Ludwig, the Holy Blade".
Also, for music nerds... Ludwig...like Beethoven...and the sword that he uses when he turn into "Ludwig, the Holy Blade" as opposed to how he fight when he is "The Accursed", is called Moonlight...like the famous Sonata from Beethoven.
@@micheleduritto only issue is moonlight sword was in a older game dark souls from the moonlight butterfly a well flying butterfly that uses moon attacks, though they might have named him ludwig just to make that connection haha
@@Fairenough642 the Moonlight Sword is in every From Software game...ever....like the Moonlight is present even in Armored Core (a game about mech) and Tenchu...and its origin stem from King's Field, the very first From Software game...and so , in every game they try to have a fun new way to introduce the Moonlight Sword...and in Bloodborne they used Ludwig...... If you don't believe me about the Beethoven thing, even the music was purposefully resembling somewhat the famous Beethoven Sonata, 3/4 tempo, and a sort of old fashioned valzery kinda feel to it, in stark contrast with the first phase.
You mentioned something about the fade out at the end. Something I recommend you to consider is that game music is different than normal music. The composers have to make it in a way that it can loop because the actions of the player make the music change, so they are basically loops that can consistently change. After they finish that some mixers make the OST version so that it can be like a normal song. Some put more effort into it than others.
Or, to put it simply, you can't predict how long a boss battle will take every individual player so it really is the only option to make a smoothly looped soundtrack that quietly transitions into its next part when the players reach a new phase.
This piece is actually the second part of one boss fight, with ‘Ludwig the Accursed’ being the first half and running straight into this one. I don’t think there’s a single bad track on Bloodborne’s OST, definitely worth looking further into. It’s always great to hear your insight.
@@bartoszbartosiewicz1123 I wouldn't go so far as it "loses its meaning" but it definitely has less of an impact with how bestial the first half is, and how both are scary in their own way
@@ArtofCrimms If you look from the perspective of the music piece telling a story it imo makes less sense by itself, like it's a really nice piece but what really makes it pop is the change from the first part.
@@bartoszbartosiewicz1123 I agree it tells alot of narrative over the transformation. But also each structure of this song has a very incredible meaning behind it.
I didn't play the game but for me this one is such an incredible piece of music. It feels like a dance, that you really don't want to be a part of, but on the other hand you are somehow pulled toward it.
That actually fits in where the music is used (Spoilers for Bloodborne) This boss, Ludwig, found a secret sword made of Moonlight, the sword was somehow sentient and could communicate to its wielder, guiding him. Ludwig became a legendary warrior while using this sword, but it also consumed his mind, turning him into a giant grotesque beast over time. This music pops in when we as the player is fighting Ludwig (now a beast), the sword shows it’s light to him again, and he regains some of his humanity, he goes from moaning and charging all over the place to elegantly fight with his sword again, which feels like a dance between him and the sword, tho he knows the sword corrupts his mind, he still feels attracted to it.
@@Antichupius slight edit to this (that I may be entirely wrong about) but Ludwig’s descent into beasthood would have been from consuming the old blood, not from the sword itself. We know that as beats got stronger the hunters has to consume more of the old blood to be able to fight on equal footing. This of course pushed them closer to beasthood, and with Ludwig being one of the most devout members of the healing church as well as the first Hunter of the church, his transformation was one of the most grotesque. Can’t remember the item description that hints at that, but it’s somewhere in the early game lol
The boss who belongs to this music is sort of a paladin styled warrior who founded a church but has since become completely malformed and bestial. In the second phase of this fight he seems to remember a bit of his humanity and fights you with his sword like a man rather than a beast. I feel like the music really captures his creepiness, tragedy, and fallen greatness.
I love how he swayed with the music but you can see that he was disturbed and uncomfortable, just vibing with the music. Truly the power of the Old Hunters creeping over him lol
Bloodborne is definitely one of the best games of FromSoftware and man, Ludwig is totally one of the most awesome bosses of all games, the lore, the concepts, the visuals, the music... give me goosebumps just to remember
I think the best example of the "anxiety inducing strings" that I ever heard was from Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers' soundtrack, "Breach Of The Deeping Wall," during the sequence where the orc torch-bearer runs toward the bomb that has been set in the culvert beneath the wall of Helms Deep.
Hearing this preformed live is like one of my bucket list desires. Sadly I'm not sure if anyone is actually performing. But I know that this choir live would blow my mind
This is the only channel I can legitimately watch reactions. It's a a mixture of a composer who knows what he's doing, but doesn't over explain. And a man who doesn't know the feelings that is about to hit him. These games are legitimately built of the abstract of not knowing, to see a that even the music can be a boss to some people, hearing a feeling it for the first time. If the composer knows the game and music it hurts the reaction and feeling, seeing a first time reaction is what matters, it's the first time feeling the fear and sheer overwhelming nature of the boss and the themes that contrast they're triumphs and tragedies, *THAT* is what matters.
Ludwig going from a mindless beast to this proud righteous knight who dances this waltz with you in the game is done so beautifully and the music is a huge factor. Great video
I would love it if you did another reaction with both ‘Ludwig the Accursed' and 'Ludwig, the Holy Blade' soundtracks together; its a most developed piece that way imo
I believe the battle against Ludwig is one of From Software's greatest achievements and thematically one of the greatest moments of all time in videogames. Once the church's strongest knight, Ludwig succumbed to madness and was reduced to a horse-like abomination, left to suffer in his own insanity within a festering mire of death. In the first part of the fight you encounter the monster, and the fight is accompanied by a chaotic cacophony of music as Ludwig screams and charges around on all fours like a wild beast. After defeating him in this form, a spark reignites within Ludwig as he rediscovers who he once was and what he fought for, symbolized by the sudden appearance of his "true mentor and guiding moonlight", the Moonlight Sword (which is an important recurring item throughout the majority of From Software's games and arguably the symbol of the company itself!) Ludwig stands upright, sword in hand. You now face off against the greatest knight who ever lived, reborn, in a true final duel and waltz of death scored by the track you just heard.
I would recommend the Father Gascoigne theme from bloodborne, for your interest. Feels like you're running down a dark alley, feeling like anytime you're gonna run into a dead end, or "they" are about to catch up to you.
If you ever do a slow burn of Dark Souls Music, you should include Gwen Lord Of Cinder from DS 1 and Soul Of Cinder from DS 3 as they have musical call backs to eachother. Plus, Lord Of Cinder is such a melancholic piano track. Just piano, and it's beautiful.
The waltz comparison is very on point because a key feature of the games from this development studio is rhythm in combat. Many boss encounters behave more like a dance than a life or death fight against overwhelming odds, and the music often keys you into how a boss will behave if you've got the ear to catch it. As others have pointed out, this is the second track for the same boss, Ludwig, who reclaims a small bit of clarity and his former might after you beat his first phase and he reunites with his holy weapon. It's the final throes of consciousness and desperation from a broken creature.
If I had to guess, the reason they use that waltz-like timing in the track is because it's set to the tune of the player fighting a monstrosity. The player is performing a death waltz with Ludwig, the aforementioned monstrosity and namesake of the track. Thank you for your take on this piece. I hope to see your reaction on other pieces like Nameless Song from Dark Souls 1 or Moon's Tear from Theophany's Majora's Mask remix album. See you next time.
Bloodborne is probably my favorite soundtrack in not only gaming but in entertainment media. I would love to see your reaction to “The First Hunter” song next!
Dude, I love that you're reacting to even one track from Bloodborne, this track in particular being so incredibly thick with emotion, truly one of the best in the game. Bloodborne OST will always be special to me because of how goddamn hard it hits, especially when you're at your lowest of lows. Bloodborne gets it, and that's why we love the game so much. So incredibly thick with atmosphere and feeling, a veritable masterpiece. My favorite quote in the whole game comes directly after this boss fight. "Shrouded by night, but with steady stride. Colored by blood, but always clear of mind." Those lines hit me right in my gut and immediately became my personal mantra against depression. After beating Ludwig the first time and going up the stairs to hear that, I had to stop playing and take a moment for myself because I was about to break down and didn't know why. The Ludwig tracks just before that moment really set me up for it emotionally. To me, Bloodborne is one of the most beautiful pieces of art, and always will be. Thanks for doing this.
As you said around 11:18this music plays not at the start of a boss battle but only once you have made it to phase 2 / 50% of the bosses health bar accompanying new move set and more epic on screen visuals from phase 1. The music on some of these boss encounters drew me to these games, and almost make me hesitate ending the encounters with how epic they are. New sub here. Lovely channel. Keep it up and I wish u an epic first play through of a fromsoftware title. You definitely won’t forget the journey :)
Fromsoft puts out tons of amazing music in all their games but there's just something about Bloodborne, god I love it. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower is just so amazing, and the clever transition in the phases of the fight make it hit extra hard.
Any good boss battle is like a dance, there's a lot of tension, back and forth, it's beautiful and visceral and leaves you feeling amazed and satisfied at the end. I love the moments that feel very heroic in the second half of Ludwig's theme. You really get an idea of how legendary he was in his time.
I think one thing that's difficult with reacting to video game soundtracks is that it's intended to be part of a larger experience. For example this song is for the second phase of the fight. Halfway through Ludwig transforms and the song transforms with him. The story, the art design, the music, the sound effects, the gameplay, they're all woven together. But you have to draw the line somewhere!
I love Bloodborne but, uh, it takes a lot of patience. Also the willingness to die many, many, _many_ times. Otherwise, it's pretty incredible especially if you have a fondness for the "Victorian England turned into a nightmare" vibe it's got going on.
I really recommend watching someone do the boss fight with the music. The environment and characters really bring the OST to life. Also the Abyss Watchers and Lord of Cinder from Dark Souls 3 are my suggestions for next time. Awesome work man!
you NEED to check out the Risk Of Rain 2 OST, easily my favorite one, the composer manages such an amazing blend of classical concepts with modern VGM sounds. Best ones are "The Rain Formerly Known As Purple" "Once In a Lullaby" and "Antarctic Oscillation" in my opinion.
Glad to see you want to go into the Souls series. Ludwig is, probably, my favorite boss ever. The character, his lore, the music, the battle, even his final moments, everything combines perfectly and the music explains it, from its melody to its lyrics
"The game is probably dark, dark colors and stuff like that". Oh hell yeah. The music told you that? Fudge yeah bro. Very gray and dark blue with occasional brightness as red or orange or pink. Save for one snowy area that is white with still, admittedly, dark blue skies and interiors. Very visually dark
Yep, it really sticks with you when you are playing the game. Luswig is a very hard boss fight, and when i listen to this song i sway, not because of the waltz but because of my memory dodging his gigantic sword to the beats of this incredible song. Yes it absolutely sticks with you.
Hey I'm a spanish speaker so sorry for my bad english. The video is awesome but I came to comments to tell you that on soulsborne OSTs when music fades away on half of the track it always means that the boss has a second fase and the theme usually changes a bit. Great video and keep going!
I don't know why it gives me so much joy to watch a person I never met listen to some of my favorite video game music pieces and hear him talk about why they are cool... I also don't know why TH-cam took it's damn time to show me this channel only in 2023!!
Can't wait to see you play some of these games and to catch you live! Btw not sure if it was intentional but *I think you missed a good 4 minuites of the track.* The ost you listened to ''the holy blade'' doesn't start with the big bombastic music but follows on from the end of ''Ludwgig the Accursed'' theme/ its climax. This change of theme also it fits in with the boss lore/ thematically. When u first fight him you may think of him as nothing more than a hiddious monstrocity, another monster (if not one of the hardest you've faced), which your character (who's a hunter of sorts) must kill. However it is only when he loses half his health that things go to sh***. You enter a cutscene in which Ludwig regains his sanity, stops fighting like a mindless beast and draws his moonlight greatsword (revealing he was not just human but was once a hunter like you). The cutscene ends and you are greeted by ludwig taking up a knights/ sword stance. Above his healthbar his name has changed, revealing he is Ludwig The Holy Blade an old hunter, one of the great legendary heros in Bloodborne.
Also, I just wanna point out that that's not the full version of the song. The composition is made in 2 parts. The reason why I say so is because it has a specific transition that I really love. But, it's your decision to cover it. Love your work. Keep at it! (You already covered the transition but it is most memorable through the full version of the song)
Ludwig’s theme is basically my most favorite song ever. The game came out in 2015, and this song *still* makes my heart race and gives me skin tinglies every time I hear it.
"Bloodborne - Suite Live with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra" on youtube is insane! You will love this and have a million things to talk about I have no doubt! Love your channel and seeing it grow!
Yay! I'm glad you did decide to check this one out! I will echo other's suggestions to listen to the first half of the fight's music: Ludwig the Accursed, and then to listen to this one again in succession. The change in music represents a change in the enemy's mental state, and it is a really cool thing to experience. And if you do plan on playing any games by Fromsoft (such as Bloodbourne, any Dark Souls, or Elden Ring) don't be afraid to do a bit of research if you are getting stuck!!! I know going into an experience blind is a great way to be introduced to many forms of media, but the Fromsoft games tend to be a little obtuse. Initially, there are many aspects of their games that simply aren't clear or intuitive to figure out. Once you get through one, you can pick out the patterns more easily in the next one you try. But it can be a barrier to fun for some players their first time around.
The way you describe the timing of the explosive sounds is on point. They drove the song that way on purpose for when he unleashes his true power (as if in tandem) at you on his second phase that felt like you were being smote by a god with that glorious moonlight blade of his.
this is one of my all time favorite video games OSTs and im so happy to see it covered here Im really impressed by how you grasped some of the core aspects and feelings of this game mentioning that its a really dark game and how it incites this dark and purgatory feeling within the listener. for those who are interested and dont know much about Bloodborne, have my poorly phrased summarization: this piece is the second one that plays during a 2 phased boss fight. the enemy you fight is Ludwig, a pioneer of the beast hunt and one of, if not the most legendary hunter in the history of Bloodborne. you find him after the hunting, killing and blood has transformed him into nothing but a heinous beast that doesnt remember his past and who he once was. after finishing the 1st phase of the fight he sees his old legendary Weapon which always played a big role in his life and profession. he becomes aware of who he was and that he has become one of the beasts the used to hunt. from there on the fight goes into the 2nd phase in which he continues to fight not as a brainless beast but as Ludwig the Holy Blade and ofc the masterpiece named after him starts playing. this ost becomes all the more meaningful and emotional when you listen to it whilst fighting this tragic and legendary character within the world and lore of Bloodborne.
Excellent choice to start things off. Bloodborne is easily one of my all time favorite games, so very happy to see more exposure these many years later
In your words, your expressions, your reactions, there’s undeniable genuineness, love and understanding of your craft and of the art. One of the only reaction videos I’ve ever thoroughly enjoyed.
I love that you specifically mentioned the underlying string melody that comes in during the chorus, it's dissonance elevates the intensity so perfectly
Please do gehrman the first hunter from bloodborne as well if you get around to more bloodborne. One of my favorites in the soulsbourne series of games
6:30 spot on observation. it is KNOWN for being incredibly, and I mean INCREDIBLY dark and gothic. One of the main aspects of the arena this takes place in is the mountain of corpses and blood everywhere. Blood is a powerful thing in this universe, so it’s kinda everywhere. Hence “BLOODborne”
I always turn into a conductor when playing this masterpiece. The music combined with the boss fights is like a beautiful dance of death and destruction. Sometimes I might even close my eyes while fighting because I am so familiar with the music that I can tell where the boss is based on purely the music.
I’m so glad even after so long Bloodborne is still getting the love it deserves! Good on ya! (Also I love how you actually provide input and explanation to the music inbetween pauses than just saying something along the lines of “that’s cool” than continuing in silence lol.
Bloodborne is one of the best pieces of art I have seen in modern gaming. The music is designed to be scarcely used, and highly effective when they are used. Going from place to place, you never hear a peep until you encounter the boss of an area. It, like many Fromsoft games, use music to deliver a certain mood or feeling that the player is intended to feel, and very rarely misses the mark. I'm really happy I found your channel! You're an absolute delight to listen to, and I appreciate your positive energy and how excited you are to explore the music these games have to offer!
Awesome reaction video. And then imagine the melody guides the player through the boss fight, cueing how the player should move and react to the different attacks. This interaction through gameplay carried by the music makes videogames so special and memorable.
I don't know if anyone else would find this interesting, but personally I would love to see you watch a short clip of the games featuring the soundtrack that you're reacting to. I feel like it would give you even more to talk about with how the soundtrack interacts with the tone(s) of the games visual style and presentation. Specifically in Bloodborne's case: Ludwig is renowned as one of the BEST boss fights in all of From Software's games because of how every piece of artistry, ESPECIALLY the soundtracks weaves together into an oppressive, tense, mighty experience.
I spent about 4 hours just fighting Ludwig and basking in this song. I was so familiar with his first stage that it was almost like a choreographed dance. And then I would die in the opening moments of stage two.
Great work. I always find it refreshing, watching someone speak about a subject in which they're passionate and knowledgeable. I'll never understand people who just don't care about music. How could it not move you? Anyhow, until next time ✌️
The case when you literally regret people deprived of musical hearing! The original chaos of Ludwig's animal nature is structured and ordered by the violin and voices in the climax! A magnificent reflection of the transformation of chaos into harmony and expression of the moon blade!
Im so glad i stumbled across this channel. My favorite OST song is the song for Slave Knight Gael from Dark Souls 3. The music matches the fight so beautifully
Don't forget to join me on my NEW Twitch profile for live reactions and old man gamming assitance👴www.twitch.tv/keyofgeebz
I can't seem to find you on twitch
@@jonnenne www.twitch.tv/keyofgeebz Here you go. 😎
Finally bloodborne 😃
Sadly the first part „Ludwig the accursed“ is missing it’s the first part of the bos and with this part the second part feels even more powerful.
My friend awesome video as always,check out hunt showdown ost if you want.I would love your reaction to it.Happy new year
@@nebs1098765421 and ludwig's screams are also essential for the atmosphere
THAT FUNNY HORSE JUST PICKED UP A SWORD!
AND HE'S GOOD WITH IT
"Maybe I'll start with some Bloodborne"
So you have chosen death.
Hahhaha, right? From what I hear it might not be the best gateway experience to learning to play video games :)
@@rpgeebzmusicarcade but its (IN MY OPINION WARNING WARNING OPINION) the greatest game of all time c:
@@yunobeatOpinion? You mean fact?
jk, as much as I absolutely LOVE this game, DS3 seems like Fromsoft's magnum opus, second is Elden Ring.
@@thekaelixchamber they have tried different approaches to their formula... some appeal to some more then the others... i just love eldritch stuff.. .and im a heccin goth girl sooo.. victorian fashion souls?... YES
@@yunobeat Yessirr! Its just so tragic that Bloodborne is stuck at no anti-aliasing which hurt my eyes, and 30 fps which made me dizzy. 😭 my first experience was not great but if you could get used to the graphics the game is the most fun thing you've ever played.
A reactor who actually provides something to his reactions. don't apologize for "over" explaining. That just makes the content better.
Yeah, that's what makes me watch him instead if just listening to the music, it's for the reactor
In general, composers on YT are good to listen to. They know their job. Who can analyze a song better than them?
Exactly this. It's why Corridor Crew's reaction videos are extremely popular. Because they actually explain the things they react to
I think quite a few reactors lately do this and there's absolutely nothing wrong with it! At least the quality ones I've seen, anyways.
check out atlas benighted or marco meatball then.
Dark Souls and Bloodborne (same people) have some phenomenal orchestration. Such MASSIVE sound.
Don’t forget Elden Ring
They're a truly bizarre concoction of genius ideas and formulaic basic shit. Also, the first dark souls has peculiar orchestration (harpsichord and throat singing for Nito) and a completely out of tune orchestra (mainly the choir)
A shame bloodborne is an exclusive
"Dark Souls III The Fire Fades Edition - 03 Prologue"
The problem with the souls games is that while it is big, dark and epic. It's only big, dark, and epic that's it. There's nothing that is more simple and quiet to balance it out, so the soundtrack as a whole is kinda one note and bland
Bloodbourne and other games by From Software are considered hard games. Just be aware failing is part of the experience, if you were to try these.
As fun as it is to see someones "holy crap this is hard" reaction, I don't think a fromsoft game is where you want to start. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think it would be better if you enjoyed your first twitch game instead of getting frustrated early on. Your first fromsoft game will always be the hardest one, and the learning curve takes a while to adjust to, especially for someone that hasn't played games in general for a while.
Maybe start with DOOM or a more chill RPG game.
@@Bmetalful agreed. There's really cool games that don't rely on being hard. Disco Elysium is really cool for example. And a very different experience. Almost a bit of audiobook experience. I'm sure lots of people can recommend enjoyable games here.
Came to say this.
@@Bmetalful Yeah I have to agree. Especially for people who are middle aged and haven't gamed in a long time, there is a massive learning curve. Fromsoft is better for experienced people.
@@Bmetalful I agree 100% I played all the from soft games to death but absolutely can not recommend it to someone new to gaming. It requires precise movement of both the character and to be able to use the camera. I recommend like what you said doom on game journalist mode is a good way get used to game controls.
Ahhh, we finally made it to Bloodborne! Technically this is the second half of a boss theme, with the first half being Ludwig the Accursed; they're meant to be a duo as thematically the boss evolves in the second stage. I mentioned it on another video, but would highly recommend Cleric Beast and Hail the Nightmare, though every track is fantastic. There's also an extremely impressive live performance of an arrangement of songs done by the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra!
Adding to this, Hail The Nightmare is one of the simplest songs on Bloodborne's full OST and yet might be its most haunting. If I'm not mistaken it's the only song that plays outside of any boss fight. On top of that it has a dynamic characteristic in which the music is actually part of the game's environment. In game you will notice most prominently when stepping outside from a certain cathedral that the song's chanting becomes a bit louder.
Yeah someone fucked up here, you can't just play the second half.
@@Burningsok5happens when you get snatched by a kidnapper and sent to a jail in the unseen village . As the music plays, The player starts to realize there’s something much darker going on in the world than previously thought
@@Burningsok5 yeah hail the nightmare is really creepy. I played bloodborne a bit even though i sadly spoiled myself most of it and when i got to the Hypogean Gaol that music almost made me shit myself
Hail the nightmare is a fantastic piece of music. It has an alternate, alpha(?) version that wasn't used that is much creepier inho, too.
in the first phase ludwig acts like a mindless beast using only his jaws and other parts of his body to attack you while howling and screaming at you. when he gets to half health, a cutscene plays where he falls over and the sword on his back falls in front of him. he grabs the blade and stands up straight, and attacks like a knight in the second phase, as if he's regained his humanity. this theme reflects the change.
in the cutscene he even puts the sword up against his face, covering the beast like half of his face, only showing the human side
I always saw it as the beast part was actually his horse that you were fighting. It's not until Ludwig sees his sword that he kind of reawakens.
First and second phase should have been 2 separate health bars imo.
@@shadowmeister4456 Maybe even 3 phases
In the second phase, from my perspective, it seems to Ludwig salutes you. Standing upright with Moonlight in front of him, legs close together. Hunter's greeting to another Hunter, and possibly giving himself a proper send off
Nothing beats the tension when you have no blood vials and you are both on low health and this song is blaring in the background
this is where you suddenly start dodging all the shit 😂
@@thevendetta9726couldn’t be me😂 I always panic dodge and mistime it
this track follows directly on from 'ludwig the accursed', reflecting the enemy's changing mental over the course of the battle with the player character. it's worth listening to both tracks back to back when you have a chance to get the full effect.
Yep this is the second part of the boos fight and it is worth reacting to the change in tone of the track from the "Ludwig the Accursed" to this one "Ludwig, the Holy Blade".
Also, for music nerds... Ludwig...like Beethoven...and the sword that he uses when he turn into "Ludwig, the Holy Blade" as opposed to how he fight when he is "The Accursed", is called Moonlight...like the famous Sonata from Beethoven.
@@micheleduritto Speed Over Beethoven confirmed.
@@micheleduritto only issue is moonlight sword was in a older game dark souls from the moonlight butterfly a well flying butterfly that uses moon attacks, though they might have named him ludwig just to make that connection haha
@@Fairenough642 the Moonlight Sword is in every From Software game...ever....like the Moonlight is present even in Armored Core (a game about mech) and Tenchu...and its origin stem from King's Field, the very first From Software game...and so , in every game they try to have a fun new way to introduce the Moonlight Sword...and in Bloodborne they used Ludwig......
If you don't believe me about the Beethoven thing, even the music was purposefully resembling somewhat the famous Beethoven Sonata, 3/4 tempo, and a sort of old fashioned valzery kinda feel to it, in stark contrast with the first phase.
You mentioned something about the fade out at the end. Something I recommend you to consider is that game music is different than normal music. The composers have to make it in a way that it can loop because the actions of the player make the music change, so they are basically loops that can consistently change. After they finish that some mixers make the OST version so that it can be like a normal song. Some put more effort into it than others.
Or, to put it simply, you can't predict how long a boss battle will take every individual player so it really is the only option to make a smoothly looped soundtrack that quietly transitions into its next part when the players reach a new phase.
This piece is actually the second part of one boss fight, with ‘Ludwig the Accursed’ being the first half and running straight into this one.
I don’t think there’s a single bad track on Bloodborne’s OST, definitely worth looking further into. It’s always great to hear your insight.
Yeah, makes more sense to listen to the full score, otherwise this part alone kinda feels like there's no build-up and such.
@@AuronTyranitar For sure, loses it's meaning with how the music progresses with Ludwig himself turning from a beast to a concious being.
@@bartoszbartosiewicz1123 I wouldn't go so far as it "loses its meaning" but it definitely has less of an impact with how bestial the first half is, and how both are scary in their own way
@@ArtofCrimms If you look from the perspective of the music piece telling a story it imo makes less sense by itself, like it's a really nice piece but what really makes it pop is the change from the first part.
@@bartoszbartosiewicz1123 I agree it tells alot of narrative over the transformation. But also each structure of this song has a very incredible meaning behind it.
I didn't play the game but for me this one is such an incredible piece of music. It feels like a dance, that you really don't want to be a part of, but on the other hand you are somehow pulled toward it.
"A dance that you really don't want to be part of" God damn dude thanks I'm stealing and putting this in a novel now
That actually fits in where the music is used
(Spoilers for Bloodborne)
This boss, Ludwig, found a secret sword made of Moonlight, the sword was somehow sentient and could communicate to its wielder, guiding him. Ludwig became a legendary warrior while using this sword, but it also consumed his mind, turning him into a giant grotesque beast over time.
This music pops in when we as the player is fighting Ludwig (now a beast), the sword shows it’s light to him again, and he regains some of his humanity, he goes from moaning and charging all over the place to elegantly fight with his sword again, which feels like a dance between him and the sword, tho he knows the sword corrupts his mind, he still feels attracted to it.
A dance would be accurate for most of Bloodborne's hunter bosses. Both moving in and out of range to swing their weapons and get the upper hand.
@@Antichupius slight edit to this (that I may be entirely wrong about) but Ludwig’s descent into beasthood would have been from consuming the old blood, not from the sword itself. We know that as beats got stronger the hunters has to consume more of the old blood to be able to fight on equal footing. This of course pushed them closer to beasthood, and with Ludwig being one of the most devout members of the healing church as well as the first Hunter of the church, his transformation was one of the most grotesque. Can’t remember the item description that hints at that, but it’s somewhere in the early game lol
@@dustinwheeler4265yep this is it! You got it right
Start playing video games with Bloodborne? Good lord. A brave man.
Even cooler is the fact Ludwig attacks in the same beat as the hook so you do have that "dance" with him as you mentioned during the boss fight
That is one of my favorite parts of his fight. It isnt just a fight, its a dance with death.
2:464
*sips tea with great stress*
The boss who belongs to this music is sort of a paladin styled warrior who founded a church but has since become completely malformed and bestial. In the second phase of this fight he seems to remember a bit of his humanity and fights you with his sword like a man rather than a beast. I feel like the music really captures his creepiness, tragedy, and fallen greatness.
Well said.
I think the song is actually glorifying and uplifting, Ludwig achieved the impossible and overcame the beast within.
Pretty sure Ludwig didn't found the healing church or any church for that matter he was just first of the healing church hunters.
@@theultimatetactician1712 it was Laurence who founded the church, Ludwig is just the very first church hunter
@@syamimfikri8083 yh I know, I was correcting op.
I love how he swayed with the music but you can see that he was disturbed and uncomfortable, just vibing with the music. Truly the power of the Old Hunters creeping over him lol
I wish he did both tracks. The transition to this track blew my mind and still gives chills.
Oh, yes. This is most certainly the greatest waltz in modern gaming history.
Bloodborne is definitely one of the best games of FromSoftware and man, Ludwig is totally one of the most awesome bosses of all games, the lore, the concepts, the visuals, the music... give me goosebumps just to remember
You get any oldtimer pro like this one to listen and you can see exactly why it's a whole other level of soudntrack. Pros recognize each other.
"You guys are gonna teach me how to play video games!"
"I think I'll start with Bloodborne." 😬
I think the best example of the "anxiety inducing strings" that I ever heard was from Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers' soundtrack, "Breach Of The Deeping Wall," during the sequence where the orc torch-bearer runs toward the bomb that has been set in the culvert beneath the wall of Helms Deep.
Hearing this preformed live is like one of my bucket list desires. Sadly I'm not sure if anyone is actually performing.
But I know that this choir live would blow my mind
This is the only channel I can legitimately watch reactions. It's a a mixture of a composer who knows what he's doing, but doesn't over explain. And a man who doesn't know the feelings that is about to hit him.
These games are legitimately built of the abstract of not knowing, to see a that even the music can be a boss to some people, hearing a feeling it for the first time. If the composer knows the game and music it hurts the reaction and feeling, seeing a first time reaction is what matters, it's the first time feeling the fear and sheer overwhelming nature of the boss and the themes that contrast they're triumphs and tragedies, *THAT* is what matters.
Ludwig going from a mindless beast to this proud righteous knight who dances this waltz with you in the game is done so beautifully and the music is a huge factor. Great video
I would love it if you did another reaction with both ‘Ludwig the Accursed' and 'Ludwig, the Holy Blade' soundtracks together; its a most developed piece that way imo
I believe the battle against Ludwig is one of From Software's greatest achievements and thematically one of the greatest moments of all time in videogames. Once the church's strongest knight, Ludwig succumbed to madness and was reduced to a horse-like abomination, left to suffer in his own insanity within a festering mire of death. In the first part of the fight you encounter the monster, and the fight is accompanied by a chaotic cacophony of music as Ludwig screams and charges around on all fours like a wild beast. After defeating him in this form, a spark reignites within Ludwig as he rediscovers who he once was and what he fought for, symbolized by the sudden appearance of his "true mentor and guiding moonlight", the Moonlight Sword (which is an important recurring item throughout the majority of From Software's games and arguably the symbol of the company itself!) Ludwig stands upright, sword in hand. You now face off against the greatest knight who ever lived, reborn, in a true final duel and waltz of death scored by the track you just heard.
I would recommend the Father Gascoigne theme from bloodborne, for your interest. Feels like you're running down a dark alley, feeling like anytime you're gonna run into a dead end, or "they" are about to catch up to you.
If you ever do a slow burn of Dark Souls Music, you should include Gwen Lord Of Cinder from DS 1 and Soul Of Cinder from DS 3 as they have musical call backs to eachother. Plus, Lord Of Cinder is such a melancholic piano track. Just piano, and it's beautiful.
Soul of Cinder was a gutpunch of emotion. When those simple notes started playing... yeesh, that was good.
When Ludwig comes to his senses and this piece of art starts playing. God this gives me goosebumps.
The waltz comparison is very on point because a key feature of the games from this development studio is rhythm in combat. Many boss encounters behave more like a dance than a life or death fight against overwhelming odds, and the music often keys you into how a boss will behave if you've got the ear to catch it. As others have pointed out, this is the second track for the same boss, Ludwig, who reclaims a small bit of clarity and his former might after you beat his first phase and he reunites with his holy weapon. It's the final throes of consciousness and desperation from a broken creature.
If I had to guess, the reason they use that waltz-like timing in the track is because it's set to the tune of the player fighting a monstrosity. The player is performing a death waltz with Ludwig, the aforementioned monstrosity and namesake of the track. Thank you for your take on this piece. I hope to see your reaction on other pieces like Nameless Song from Dark Souls 1 or Moon's Tear from Theophany's Majora's Mask remix album. See you next time.
One could also say that Ludwig is dancing on the edge of his bestial madness.
Oh by the way this is the second phase of the boss not his entire them this plays directly after the first one
I will always ask for a Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower from Bloodborne once the seal on the game has been broken lol
Bloodborne is probably my favorite soundtrack in not only gaming but in entertainment media. I would love to see your reaction to “The First Hunter” song next!
Dude, I love that you're reacting to even one track from Bloodborne, this track in particular being so incredibly thick with emotion, truly one of the best in the game. Bloodborne OST will always be special to me because of how goddamn hard it hits, especially when you're at your lowest of lows. Bloodborne gets it, and that's why we love the game so much. So incredibly thick with atmosphere and feeling, a veritable masterpiece.
My favorite quote in the whole game comes directly after this boss fight.
"Shrouded by night, but with steady stride.
Colored by blood, but always clear of mind."
Those lines hit me right in my gut and immediately became my personal mantra against depression. After beating Ludwig the first time and going up the stairs to hear that, I had to stop playing and take a moment for myself because I was about to break down and didn't know why. The Ludwig tracks just before that moment really set me up for it emotionally.
To me, Bloodborne is one of the most beautiful pieces of art, and always will be. Thanks for doing this.
As you said around 11:18this music plays not at the start of a boss battle but only once you have made it to phase 2 / 50% of the bosses health bar accompanying new move set and more epic on screen visuals from phase 1. The music on some of these boss encounters drew me to these games, and almost make me hesitate ending the encounters with how epic they are. New sub here. Lovely channel. Keep it up and I wish u an epic first play through of a fromsoftware title. You definitely won’t forget the journey :)
Your first game should be whatever you are interested in playing
Fromsoft puts out tons of amazing music in all their games but there's just something about Bloodborne, god I love it. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower is just so amazing, and the clever transition in the phases of the fight make it hit extra hard.
Lady Maria! 😍😍😍
Any good boss battle is like a dance, there's a lot of tension, back and forth, it's beautiful and visceral and leaves you feeling amazed and satisfied at the end. I love the moments that feel very heroic in the second half of Ludwig's theme. You really get an idea of how legendary he was in his time.
This song is such genius that the beat perfectly aligns with Ludwigs atacks.
I think one thing that's difficult with reacting to video game soundtracks is that it's intended to be part of a larger experience. For example this song is for the second phase of the fight. Halfway through Ludwig transforms and the song transforms with him. The story, the art design, the music, the sound effects, the gameplay, they're all woven together. But you have to draw the line somewhere!
He really said he might start video games and play Bloodborne first what a legend
I mosh when this plays and it still gives me goosebumps listening to it, hell even the cut scene still gives me chills when i do play bloodborne
Thank you for actually reacting and explaining your thoughts and such, it actually makes content where you arent just stealing others content.
I love Bloodborne but, uh, it takes a lot of patience. Also the willingness to die many, many, _many_ times. Otherwise, it's pretty incredible especially if you have a fondness for the "Victorian England turned into a nightmare" vibe it's got going on.
Now listen to Gehrman, The First Hunter and Father Gascoigne's theme. Those are my favorite Bloodborne soundtrack. 🤩😆
Absolutely adore your enthusiasm and ability to explain musically why it might make people feel a certain way. Earned a subscribe from me for sure!
I really recommend watching someone do the boss fight with the music. The environment and characters really bring the OST to life. Also the Abyss Watchers and Lord of Cinder from Dark Souls 3 are my suggestions for next time. Awesome work man!
you NEED to check out the Risk Of Rain 2 OST, easily my favorite one, the composer manages such an amazing blend of classical concepts with modern VGM sounds. Best ones are "The Rain Formerly Known As Purple" "Once In a Lullaby" and "Antarctic Oscillation" in my opinion.
Glad to see you want to go into the Souls series. Ludwig is, probably, my favorite boss ever. The character, his lore, the music, the battle, even his final moments, everything combines perfectly and the music explains it, from its melody to its lyrics
Ludwig and midir are my fav bosses in the seres very fun and challenging with amazing music.
OOOOOH YESSSSS THIS IS MY FAV OST
This made my cry and idk why lmao
"The game is probably dark, dark colors and stuff like that". Oh hell yeah. The music told you that? Fudge yeah bro. Very gray and dark blue with occasional brightness as red or orange or pink. Save for one snowy area that is white with still, admittedly, dark blue skies and interiors. Very visually dark
Easily one of my favorite bosses in gaming history. Such an iconic fight.
Yep, it really sticks with you when you are playing the game. Luswig is a very hard boss fight, and when i listen to this song i sway, not because of the waltz but because of my memory dodging his gigantic sword to the beats of this incredible song. Yes it absolutely sticks with you.
Hey I'm a spanish speaker so sorry for my bad english. The video is awesome but I came to comments to tell you that on soulsborne OSTs when music fades away on half of the track it always means that the boss has a second fase and the theme usually changes a bit. Great video and keep going!
I don't know why it gives me so much joy to watch a person I never met listen to some of my favorite video game music pieces and hear him talk about why they are cool... I also don't know why TH-cam took it's damn time to show me this channel only in 2023!!
Can't wait to see you play some of these games and to catch you live! Btw not sure if it was intentional but *I think you missed a good 4 minuites of the track.* The ost you listened to ''the holy blade'' doesn't start with the big bombastic music but follows on from the end of ''Ludwgig the Accursed'' theme/ its climax. This change of theme also it fits in with the boss lore/ thematically.
When u first fight him you may think of him as nothing more than a hiddious monstrocity, another monster (if not one of the hardest you've faced), which your character (who's a hunter of sorts) must kill. However it is only when he loses half his health that things go to sh***. You enter a cutscene in which Ludwig regains his sanity, stops fighting like a mindless beast and draws his moonlight greatsword (revealing he was not just human but was once a hunter like you). The cutscene ends and you are greeted by ludwig taking up a knights/ sword stance. Above his healthbar his name has changed, revealing he is Ludwig The Holy Blade an old hunter, one of the great legendary heros in Bloodborne.
Also, I just wanna point out that that's not the full version of the song. The composition is made in 2 parts. The reason why I say so is because it has a specific transition that I really love. But, it's your decision to cover it. Love your work. Keep at it! (You already covered the transition but it is most memorable through the full version of the song)
Ludwig’s theme is basically my most favorite song ever. The game came out in 2015, and this song *still* makes my heart race and gives me skin tinglies every time I hear it.
rule #1 of existence: people that wear his type of hat, and especially if they have a grey beard, are always awesome. No exceptions.
"Bloodborne - Suite Live with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra" on youtube is insane! You will love this and have a million things to talk about I have no doubt! Love your channel and seeing it grow!
Yay! I'm glad you did decide to check this one out! I will echo other's suggestions to listen to the first half of the fight's music: Ludwig the Accursed, and then to listen to this one again in succession. The change in music represents a change in the enemy's mental state, and it is a really cool thing to experience.
And if you do plan on playing any games by Fromsoft (such as Bloodbourne, any Dark Souls, or Elden Ring) don't be afraid to do a bit of research if you are getting stuck!!! I know going into an experience blind is a great way to be introduced to many forms of media, but the Fromsoft games tend to be a little obtuse. Initially, there are many aspects of their games that simply aren't clear or intuitive to figure out. Once you get through one, you can pick out the patterns more easily in the next one you try. But it can be a barrier to fun for some players their first time around.
The way you describe the timing of the explosive sounds is on point. They drove the song that way on purpose for when he unleashes his true power (as if in tandem) at you on his second phase that felt like you were being smote by a god with that glorious moonlight blade of his.
I find it impressive how he can break down these songs in a presentational way for us to understand the songs better. Love it.
This is the best surprise of this year! Hell, probably the best surprise of last year too!
One of my fav from Bloodborne, really captures the evil dark madness themes so well, feels like a twirling descent into madness. Incredibly memorable.
I love how the “runs” in the chorus of the theme are timed in the game to match the timing of his massive sword swings
this is one of my all time favorite video games OSTs and im so happy to see it covered here
Im really impressed by how you grasped some of the core aspects and feelings of this game mentioning that its a really dark game and how it incites this dark and purgatory feeling within the listener.
for those who are interested and dont know much about Bloodborne, have my poorly phrased summarization: this piece is the second one that plays during a 2 phased boss fight. the enemy you fight is Ludwig, a pioneer of the beast hunt and one of, if not the most legendary hunter in the history of Bloodborne. you find him after the hunting, killing and blood has transformed him into nothing but a heinous beast that doesnt remember his past and who he once was. after finishing the 1st phase of the fight he sees his old legendary Weapon which always played a big role in his life and profession. he becomes aware of who he was and that he has become one of the beasts the used to hunt. from there on the fight goes into the 2nd phase in which he continues to fight not as a brainless beast but as Ludwig the Holy Blade and ofc the masterpiece named after him starts playing.
this ost becomes all the more meaningful and emotional when you listen to it whilst fighting this tragic and legendary character within the world and lore of Bloodborne.
One music itself made him alerted and "nervous". that's the masterpiece))]
Excellent choice to start things off. Bloodborne is easily one of my all time favorite games, so very happy to see more exposure these many years later
You can tell when the goosebumps hit in the beginning
I'd suggest listening to this track with its complimenting peice
I was playing bloodborne right now holy cow LETS GOOOOO
You MUST have taught band or something. You have such a talent of making me pay attention to what you're hearing with no words spoken!
I legitimately can't listen to this without my mind filing in Ludwigs sfx, such a great song.
Oh. Ive been waiting for this!
In your words, your expressions, your reactions, there’s undeniable genuineness, love and understanding of your craft and of the art. One of the only reaction videos I’ve ever thoroughly enjoyed.
One of my favourite games and songs. Gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it.
I love that you specifically mentioned the underlying string melody that comes in during the chorus, it's dissonance elevates the intensity so perfectly
What a way to kick off 2023! The track in its entirety is amazing! The game Bloodborne is one of the best soulsborne games by FAR
"Aah, you were at my side all along. My true mentor... my guiding moonlight.."
Please do gehrman the first hunter from bloodborne as well if you get around to more bloodborne. One of my favorites in the soulsbourne series of games
6:30 spot on observation. it is KNOWN for being incredibly, and I mean INCREDIBLY dark and gothic. One of the main aspects of the arena this takes place in is the mountain of corpses and blood everywhere. Blood is a powerful thing in this universe, so it’s kinda everywhere. Hence “BLOODborne”
Ludwig was named after beethovin
Beethoven was named after Ludwig the Holy Blade 😂
I always turn into a conductor when playing this masterpiece. The music combined with the boss fights is like a beautiful dance of death and destruction. Sometimes I might even close my eyes while fighting because I am so familiar with the music that I can tell where the boss is based on purely the music.
I’m so glad even after so long Bloodborne is still getting the love it deserves! Good on ya! (Also I love how you actually provide input and explanation to the music inbetween pauses than just saying something along the lines of “that’s cool” than continuing in silence lol.
Bloodborne is one of the best pieces of art I have seen in modern gaming. The music is designed to be scarcely used, and highly effective when they are used. Going from place to place, you never hear a peep until you encounter the boss of an area. It, like many Fromsoft games, use music to deliver a certain mood or feeling that the player is intended to feel, and very rarely misses the mark.
I'm really happy I found your channel! You're an absolute delight to listen to, and I appreciate your positive energy and how excited you are to explore the music these games have to offer!
Amazing react! Make sure to react to Gerhman The First Hunter OST aswell!
Aw man, gotta listen to the full piece! Ludwig, The Accursed/Ludwig, The Holy Blade. The transition between the two pieces is pure perfection
Awesome reaction video. And then imagine the melody guides the player through the boss fight, cueing how the player should move and react to the different attacks. This interaction through gameplay carried by the music makes videogames so special and memorable.
I don't know if anyone else would find this interesting, but personally I would love to see you watch a short clip of the games featuring the soundtrack that you're reacting to. I feel like it would give you even more to talk about with how the soundtrack interacts with the tone(s) of the games visual style and presentation.
Specifically in Bloodborne's case: Ludwig is renowned as one of the BEST boss fights in all of From Software's games because of how every piece of artistry, ESPECIALLY the soundtracks weaves together into an oppressive, tense, mighty experience.
Yeeeees! I requested this I believe on the 2016 Doom soundtrack and I’m so happy you’re reacting to this masterpiece!
That main chorus is pure perfection, goosebumps every time
I spent about 4 hours just fighting Ludwig and basking in this song. I was so familiar with his first stage that it was almost like a choreographed dance. And then I would die in the opening moments of stage two.
Great work. I always find it refreshing, watching someone speak about a subject in which they're passionate and knowledgeable. I'll never understand people who just don't care about music. How could it not move you? Anyhow, until next time ✌️
The case when you literally regret people deprived of musical hearing! The original chaos of Ludwig's animal nature is structured and ordered by the violin and voices in the climax! A magnificent reflection of the transformation of chaos into harmony and expression of the moon blade!
Im so glad i stumbled across this channel. My favorite OST song is the song for Slave Knight Gael from Dark Souls 3. The music matches the fight so beautifully