"Gilgamesh must be based on some sort of mythos" ...Several, actually. He is named after the legendary god-king of Sumeria, while his weapon collecting and penchant for bridges are references to Benkei, a legendary warrior monk from the Samurai era.
Also the weapons he collects and uses are references to other myths. One running gag being that he keeps falling for a fake of Excalibur (King Arthur, ofc), named Excalipoor.
And the Buster Sword he pulled out has "fake" written on it. he also pulls out weapons like the gunblade from FF8, brotherhood from FFX, and the Sun Sword from Golden Sun
@@chrys_stone8716 yeah, i think it was ff5 where you could get the excalipoor (i think from stealing from him?) and the tooltip says something along the lines of "Legendary weapon?". i think when you equipped it it maxxed out your attack on the stat screen but in reality it was only one atk power, never missed and was the worst weapon in the game outside of niche uses like throwing it for cap damage and killing the iron squirrel things that had low hp but high dodge
We are living in a magical time where John Williams and Nobuo Uematsu are alive and we are able to listen to their music as they compose them. They did an FF brass ensemble concert series in 2017~ and I got to see nobuo live in Nara. The part where they just invited everyone on stage that had brought instruments or wanted to use the toy tambarines they handed out at the start of the concert was a real treat. Being able to say I've been on stage with the man is something I'll never live down.
@@chaos_omega "Oh god, here comes freakin GREG again with the half dozen swords he ganked from the oblivious. Heard he got them over the course of several years at the lounge chair section of the wave pool at some water park. 'You wouldn't believe what people leave out in the open' he says." 🤣
Here's a list of all the _official_ arrangements of Clash on The Big Bridge: -The original from FFV -The FFV Advance one -The 20th Anniversary version of FFI for the PSP -The FFXII version -The FFXIII-2 version -The "Yuusnan Version" from Lightning Returns -The FFXIV versions: the one Jesse listened to, and the other one called "Battle in the Big Keep" -The FFXV version, arranged by Keiichi Okabe, the composer for Nier:Automata -The Dissidia version for the PSP, which was also used in Final Fantasy Type-0 -The Final Fantasy Record Keeper Version, which has 3 variations (classic, choir, and guitar). A version was used in Dissidia NT, which is a combination of all 3 versions -"Raffaello's Theme" from FF Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon is an arrangement of this theme -The World of Final Fantasy version -There's one from FF Fables: Chocobo Tales -The version from the Japan only Chocobo to Mahou no Ehon: Majo to Shoujo to Go-nin no Yuusha -The version from Itadaki Street (a FF x Dragon Quest crossover monopoly style game, which is Japan only) -the Pixel Remaster version -the version from Chocobo GP Outside of games, there are also arrangements of the theme released: -the FFV Piano Collection -The Black Mages version -the one from Guitar Solo Final Fantasy Official Best Collection -Piano Opera Final Fantasy IV/V/VI -an 8bit version from SQ Chips2 -a Japanese folk song arrangement composed by Sekizima Takeo for the Final Fantasy Tribute album -the Distant Worlds orchestral version -the recorder version by Kuricorder Quartet from the Cure SQ album A total of 29 versions so far. If there's any I didn't list down, feel free to add.
technically FFXIV has two arrangements of the track. The other one is called "Battle in the Big Keep", though that version is more of a straight reference back to the FFV original.
There's two rearrangements by the artist AKHT, B.B. Evolution and B.B. Revenge. The first one was notable since it was the BGM for the Michael Forever flash animation.
Apologies for my mic volume being kinda low, I was rocking out too hard. Just look at my facial expressions instead! FFV - 1:41 FFXII - 4:17 FF 20th Anniversary - 10:22 FFXIII-2 - 14:10 FFXIV - 20:11 Dissidia FF NT - 24:43 The Black Mages - 29:09 FFV, FFXII, FF20th, and The Black Mages were all firsts for the channel! Thanks for the 400 episodes everyone ^_^
The 20th anniversary was a remaster of the original FF1 with additional content which included Gilgamesh making an appearance. They also did a remaster of FF2 but no Gilgamesh in that one
Seeing your reaction to the FFXIII-2 version, I just know your reaction to Tsushima Suite II: Shurai will be off the chain. Also Way of the Ghost. Both from Ghost of Tsushima
A bit of lore about gilgamesh: he is almost always the same gilgamesh in all the ffs he travels all dimensions collecting legendary swords, thats why you see him with cloud's buster sword, he also has ff8 gunblade, ff10 brotherhood, he has ff5 excalipoor and excalibur, etc. also that is why his theme is recurrent in the series other recurrent themes is the chocobo theme, and ff prelude
The best part is that XIII-2 version is the most old sounding a lot of old Japanese instruments but has the Gilgamesh with the most futuristic weapons.
the instrument you're thinking off is called a shamisen, it's amazing what some players can do, sounds like they're playing three different instruments at once at times.
you are so underrated, i normally follow "musicians, composers, singers, etc" on youtube that make videogame or anime music reactions and you are the only one who delivers entirely at least for me, and speaking of anime music reactions you can do some of those to step up your game and oh boy you will be impressed. Keep doing a great job your time is so valuable, this for more to come, cheers!~
26:30 This sequence is actually a mix between Clash on the Big Bridge, and the theme of Lenna, one of the main FFV characters that normally have a sweet and calm ost, but a banger one when mixed with Clash on the big bridge. Insane version !
Actually it's from the main theme of FFV, "Ahead on Our Way." th-cam.com/video/dQkzvOlMT5Q/w-d-xo.html Listen to the part that starts 35 seconds in. Lenna's theme is very similar, but still subtly different. Now that I think on it, Lenna's theme may be a remix of the main theme.
@@nathanmcguffey9267 The FFV main theme has motifs that extend throughout the rest of the game's soundtrack, Lenna's theme is a leitmotif of "Ahead On Our Way", as is Krile/Galuf's theme "The Day Will Come", and even the overworld theme "Four Hearts".
I just heard this version for the first time and that part actually made me tear up. Completely out of nowhere and hit me right in the feels. I love FF5 so much
XIII-2's version is fucking awesome lmao. I did not expect that, never played it before either and I was never a fan of XIII, but that song is an absolute banger. I also hadn't heard 14's. That piano and string section is incredible. I almost wish it went on a bit longer or that there was a full version of it. So smooth.
First of all, happy 400! Here's to another 400! Second of all, I find the character of Gilgamesh in the FF games rather fascinating. Considering the nature of Final Fantasy resetting its worlds and continuity with each game, Gilgamesh is an oddity. Because of shenanigans in FF5 where he first appeared, he was banished outside of time and space, and has since been making cameros in other games. To date, he is the only character - as far as I'm aware of anyway - to appear in multiple mainline entries as the same character. There are many Cid's throughout the games, but there's only 1 Gilgamesh (barring a couple outliers where a game will have their specific Gilgamesh). As for the character himself, he's largely comic relief, being on a neverending journey to find THE STRONGEST OF ALL SWORDS and routinely getting duped in the process. In 14, one character has trouble remembering the name Gilgamesh and thus dubs him Greg. Also Gil gets lonely for his friend Enkidu from 5 and paints a chicken green and starts calling it Enkidu to make him feel less lonely. Gregamesh is a treasure.
Also, a note on the fight in FF12, each phase transition has Gilgamesh pulling a sword out from another FF game, so when you ask "Is that the Buster Sword?" yes. Yes it 100% is.
@@temporalwolf7054 Well, it does have a symbol slapped on it that reads something like “fake” or “replica”. Gilgamesh keeps looking for excaliburs and finding excalipoors.
The fact you listened to The Black Mages version makes me wish you reacted to their rendition of Dancing Mad (unless I missed it in which case my bad). The guitar solo in the final phase is amazing,
I listen to all of The Black Mages albums at least once a week. Can't get enough of them lmao. And Jesse, they're the ones who did the Advent Children version of One Winged Angel!
"Are there many songs that stick through the series?" The Chocobo theme song is probably the most iconic. The base melody is the same, but it's slightly different between ALL FF games. Going from Piano, Samba, Rock, etc. Could be interesting to get your take on the variations, if you ever feel so inclined. :)
The wonderful thing for me is that i knew Clash on the Big Bridge intimately, but this was the first time I'd ever seen you, and it was *wonderful* to get to watch you get to know a song I love--and also introduce me to some versions I hadn't heard! The Oriental MIX is just amazing--how the heck do you beat rock shamisen and shakuhatchi except by way of Nobuo's own prog rock? It was lovely to meet you, and you have a new subscriber.
Fun fact, just earlier this month on the concert of the ffxiv band "The Primals", we had a surprise appearance of Uematsu himself and he played a few songs including a completely new version of this song!
To answer your question about which music keeps returning in the series, the major ones are: Prelude/Crystal Theme (originally from FF1) Main Theme/Final Fantasy (originally from FF1) Victory Fanfare (originally from FF1, in later games it uses the original ditty as a lead-in to other songs) Chocobo Theme (originally from FF2, though expanded upon to what we know it as in 3) Clash on the Big Bridge (originally from FF5) Moogle Theme (originally from FF5) There are individual songs that have been remixed a few times here and there, and of course games like FF14, Dissidia etc. that basically are celebrations of the series as a whole also have arrangements from across the series, but I'd say those 6 I listed are the main set.
Awww snap, my favorite final fantasy battle theme getting the treatment it deserves on this channel. Gilgamesh is a fan favorite character, a dimension hopping, sword collecting goofball who shows up across the series. He originated in FFV, and has since appeared in various forms across the series, always seemingly the same character as the original despite the worlds not being the same. His theme song comes with him, and is hype in all forms. As you saw in the FFXII video, he has the buster sword there; he also has FFX's Tidus' water sword and squall's gunblade if memory serves. In FFVIII he appears to have Sephiroth's Masamune as well. His whole gimmick is stealing swords, though he starts as just a minion for the main villain of FFV. He is hilarious and rules. This is literally a song I could listen to on loop for hours and never get bored of it. I'm excited to get all the way through but I had to drop down here and gush.
one thing i love about gilgamesh is that he goes by the "if you're in rome, do it like the romans" mindset, he adjusts to the tone of the game he appears in, depending on the tone of the game he's in, gilgamesh can be a goof, a certified menace and everything in between.
XII Gilgamesh also has Zidane's dagger, a certain summon's weapon (an indicator that he is The Gilgamesh), two copies of an in-game sword (sun and moon, in reference to concept art of swords from FFV), and a blade based on Dragon Quest for good measure. Those weapons are all counterfeits with clear alterations; the sun/moon thing is a direct reference to why that is.
Gilgamesh doesn't just have multiple arms & swords; he travels across the FF multiverse, steals the respective games' legendary weaponry, and uses them in the later battles. Also fun fact; the Buster Sword he uses in FF12 has the kanji for "fake" scrawled on it.
This special episode was absolutely great, it's always a total pleasure watching you dissecting these timeless masterpieces, I can't think about FF music, or FF in general and not think about you Jesse, you're awesome, thank you and can't wait to watch your future playthroughs ❤️
Congratulations for 400 episodes!! :D Dissidia is great, but my favourite version is from Black Mages, and I do love Shamisen in XIII-2. XIV is always great, so no doubts here :P
happy 400th vid, good choice for it and yes there are other songs that been through the serie allot, the chocobo theme is one of them and 13-2 did an amazing job with it the music of the 13 trilogy indeed really is amazing
this was my first time hearing the dissidia NT version and I lost my goddamn mind. Remember that second section that shows up? That's a short rendition of Lenna's Theme from FFV. I don't know why they put that in, but it was siiiiick.
Idk why I love this so much. Sent literal chills down my spine and actually teared up a little. Something about hearing other stuff from V in more modern music that I wasn't expecting always gets me. Namely this and the Omega theme in XV
So glad you listened to all of these versions, they are absolute bangers! I really hope you do react to and listen to more Black Mages after this one. They aren't game tracks as we know, but considering they're renditions of game tracks maybe you'll listen to more? :D Either way, fantastic video! Happy 400th!
I’m actually shocked at the many who haven’t heard this version. But also understandable due to the rep the 13 games got. But this was one of the absolute bangers for such a pain ( but fun ) fight with um
This track is so emblematic The version from the Pixel Remaster is great as well as the Distant Worlds one And it's kinda funny to listen to the one composed by non other than Keiichi Okabe, NieR composer. It's in FFXV's DLC and it's basically Final Fantasy meeting NieR. About FFXII, Sakimoto composed the soundtrack and it's absolutely insane. FFXII is like a remake of Star Wars Episode IV with the fantasy elements from the series. It's a great game and the soundtrack is fully orchestral. I recommand the arranged version from the remaster of the game, called The Zodiac Age. It sounds less midi than the original soundtrack
Just discovered your channel yesterday. Hoping you have more reactions by The Black Mages hahah man as someone who has played FF games since FF1 in the 80's as well as a prog rock fan, The Black Mages is exactly the perfect marriage of the genres
Great video, dude. Big Bridge is one of my favorites throughout the series. This is the first time I've heard a couple of the arrangements (XIII-2 and Dissidia), so it was fun discovering those along with you. Going to what you said about Uematsu, playing FFVII as a kid sparked my love for video games, but the biggest thing is that Uematsu's score for that game made me REALLY love music. To the point that I, myself, am a musician and now give drum and guitar lessons. Obviously, a lot of musicians outside of video games also spurred me on my road to noise making, but Uematsu is the one who started it all. There is not one of his pieces that I've heard that I did not like, and anytime a new composer is working on an FF title and has to arrange an Uematsu staple, you can tell that every single one of them puts the love and respect it deserves. You absolutely need to watch some live performances of The Black Mages. They are freaking killer, dude. Plus, it's crazy adorable watching Uematsu just absolutely rock up. Keep up the great work, dude!
I revisit this and the Black Mages Dancing Mad videos often, the songs are a prime reason but also especially for those moments in both that catch you off guard in the best of ways. The crying guitar solo in dancing mad, the "that was SEAMLESS" moment here. There's a handfull of songs that get used across the franchise, Battle on the Big Bridge is more of a fanservice recurring one, as they use it specifically when fighting Gilgamesh, who is usually a surprise guest/bonus battle. (Though his muktiple appearances ARE technically canon, despite the "new game, different world" approach of the series). One theme, however has made an appearnce in nearly every game since FF2: The Chocobo theme. If you were going to do another long form multi song video like this again, I would request that it be "Every Chocobo song". Something special about the theme, it has a different style in every game (sometimes multiple in the same game.) Early on it doesn't change much, but FF6 starts a trend of it being much more uniquely genre/styled in each appearance. Every version is titled "*genre/theme* de Chocobo" For example: Mambo De Chocobo Ukelele De Chocobo Techno De Chocobo. So if I saw, some day in the future, a "Chocobo themes" video from you in my notifications, I would be ecstatic.
I'm a bit late to the party, I know, but I thought I'd mention it anyway: The repitition of the music has its reasons. Even though each of the main Final Fantasy titles plays in a different universe, there are only a few version of Gilgamesh out there; far fewer than he has appearances. He essentially is an interdimensonal traveler who abuses his powers to steal powerful weapons, and only a few titles like "FFXV" and "FF Type-0" feature a different character. Eventually, the 'primary' Gilgamesh even became aware of its own existence as a character in a video game. And as for Uematsu: He was part of a band for a while, the "Earthbound Papas". You can find some cool stuff there.
The Black Mages were a special discovery back in the day. I don't recall if it was an official site but I remember finding a website with the songs just straight up available for download in high quality mp3s. It sticks in my memory because that was quite a rare thing to come across in general for any band or artist. Before the evening was done I had called, texted, or MSN Messenger'd all my friends to tell them about it, and the next day at college it was all we could talk about.
Amazing video as always! It's mindblowing that Uematsu composed a song that can be covered in so many different styles and still retain the original theme so well. I know if I hear this theme's title dropped, that version will be a banger regardless of how it's done- because it's just that good. As for Dissidia, it's a crossover fighting game featuring protagonists and villains from across the FF universe and loves to take the original tracks and remix them. While the fighting games of Dissidia have died out, it still lives on in its mobile game Dissidia FF Opera Omnia which has been going strong for 5 years now. I highly recommend Chaos Shrine - arrange - for anyone curious about the music of Dissidia, it's my favorite of the remixes! The Black Mages are, of course, phenomenal so I really hope that you check out their cover of JENOVA some day as that's my absolute favorite and you've now heard its original and remake versions!
I love the XIII-2 version the most. It's like if Uematsu-san let Wagakki Band take the reins and do their own version of this song. Also, the instrument you couldn't identify was a shimisan, which is basically a Japanese banjo.
I’m not sure if this is the Black Mages first appearance on the channel, but they are definitely a group to check out. Uematsu is a member and their FF covers especially Dancing Mad and One Winged Angel are just amazing.
Ahh, Gilgamesh, a fierce warrior, as many arms as a hindu god, obsessively collecting legendary swords like trophies; and inexplicably travels the Final Fantasy multiverse. And yet he is one of the goofiest characters you'll find in the franchise. "Enough banter; Now we fight like MEN! And Women... And women that dress like men."
Not that inexplicable, since he's the one of the only characters to get chucked into the Interdimensional Rift and not only survive, but learn to manipulate it. (Reminder, the Rift is in the Void, which is shown to be manipulatable via Exdeath, and Gilgamesh is not as dumb as he appears; he's a boss with his own free will.) Happened in FF5. And the Interdimensional Rift is BASICALLY the "barrier" between FF games, which is why he pops up in like.. ALL of them. It's not official, but it's pretty implied.
@@InsanityReborn It was a treat to fight him in FF14 since FF5 is my favourite. That entire quest line is goofy as heck. And I've only done the ARR portion of it!
I used to load a save at before the big bridge in FFV and just stay there to listen to the music. Such a good track! The XIII-2 version might be my favorite arrangement of it.
I know this has been out for a couple years but the Dissidia version of Clash on the Big Bridge comes from the free to play mobile game Final Fantasy Record Keeper. The American version of the game is unfortunately discontinued, but the OST for the game is wild and has several great remixes.
Wow, first FF12 song too? I thought for sure someone would have requested the Dalmasca Estersands theme from FF12: Zodiac Age. It's got such a wonderful feeling of adventure that hearing it always puts a smile on my face.
I have a sealed copy of XIII-2. After listening to this, I might have to give it a fair shot. WTH?! That was amazing, epic, and with so much personality 😳😳😳
Warning so you know: It's not in the base game. You have to get the Arena DLC. Gilgamesh breaks the 4th wall at the start of the fight commenting that he's been waiting forever for you to buy that particular DLC.
XIII and XIII-2 are both great games. XIII-2 evolves all of the systems in a great way, and doesn't keep you in Tutorial Mode for such a long time. Bonus points for telling a deeply coherent time travel story.
TO be fair, 13-2 has an amazing soundtrack the entire way thru, just make sure to get the DLC to enjoy this amazing and epic battle that you can access anytime. FYI, its not easy, recommend taking it on later in the game.
Its kinda coming full circle with the Samurai design by including classic Japanese instruments. Something they'd lean into again with FFXIV where they start playing Kabuki / Noh Theatre sound effects for the visual gags.
I'm so glad you finally got to hear The Black Mages! Their renditions are *amazing*. If you can ever squeeze it in, you should listen to their arrangement of J-E-N-O-V-A and Dancing Mad. They're so good.
Nobuo is a deserving composer for the 400 milestone. He really pushed what was possible on those older sound chips while still sounding great. Also, watching the live performances of The Black Mages he exudes passion for the craft. Here's a fun fact about FF12 Gilgamesh, he was voiced by John DiMaggio, the voice of such iconic characters as Bender, Jake the Dog, and Wakka and Kimahri from FFX to tie it up nicely.
Congrats on the 400th video!! Oh my, there is a bass line in the original that I've never noticed in the 14 version before! But on the contrast, I never noticed the piano in the 14 version xD But that 13 version? Holy, I love the traditional instruments. And if I'm not too mistaken, it should be a Shamisen you wanted to talk about :D Oh god, that version immediately became my most favorite O__O Dissidia has an interesting part added that wasn't in the other versions and that one sounds really beautiful, too! I don't think many of the songs stay throughout the series (except Prelude and the Main Theme, yes), maybe they appear in one or two games normally. But I don't actually know because before today, I also only knew of this theme in 5 and 14! :D
"Is that the Buster Sword?!" Yes! Well, sort of! Gilgamesh is kind of a fourth-wall-breaking character with many appearances, but he's always a "master swordsman" and may wield several iconic swords from other games. And you're right, there's not many recurring themes through the series. Clash of the Big Bridge is one, the Chocobo theme is another, Prelude and the FF main theme. Those are the only ones that come to my mind.
There are a few things that get used a few times, if not present in most games. Like the moogle theme. There's also some referential things like FF9 using the Mt. Gulg theme
Well, technically all his swords in 12 are fakes, having subtle differences (the Buster Sword has the kanji for replica on it for instance), which is itself a reference to his original appearance in 5 where he finds the Excalipoor instead of Excalibur.
In FFXII, Gilgamesh is played by voice actor John DiMaggio, also known for his work as Bender from Futurama, Jake from Adventure Time, and Marcus Fenix from Gears of War. He also voiced two characters in FFX, and would return to the series as Heidegger in the FF7 Remake!
Ooooooh yes, the FF XIII-2 ver. is soooo good, it's also a sneak peak at the Amazing Samurai Warriors 4 ost whenever you get to it. There's very little things I love more than Heavy Metal infused with Traditional Japanese/Chinese instruments.
The Black Mages version is such a banger! Dissidia version has a really cool vibe as well, love the sound of the keyboard/synth in the chorus(interlude?) with the vocals mimicking it. Has an uplifting Sonic dance feel to it.
Congratulations on 400 videos! My favorite would change depending on my mood, but I agree with you FFXIII-2 it is the one that stands out the most with the eastern instruments.
There is one song that sticks through the series and it's the Final Fantasy Main Theme, which always plays in outro. You probably heard it at the end of ff7 epilogue. Oh and there is also the prelude song played on a harp usually as well, usually in the game main menus and such. Oh and also, the victory music, chocobo music variants, at least in the uematsu era.
In the ff 13-2 version that instrument you were asking about is unmistakably a shamisen! It's really cool to hear one in a video game, extremely underrated instrument.
The 13-2 soundtrack, to include the one played here, was composed by Masashi Hamauzu the same composer of the banger that is FF7: Remake. He was amazing even before Remake was a thing lol
The Black Mages has so many bangers, it's ridiculous. I recommend Dancing Mad, and Vamo alla flamenco. Especially Dancing Mad. Easily the best version of the song.
The basic gist of Gilgamesh across the FF franchise is that after his initial appearance in FFV, he became a dimension hopping weapon collector with a personality not too dissimilar from Deadpool. Clash on the Big Bridge isn't as much of a mainstay as it is a semifrequently recurring theme; it's not in every game, but it shows up often enough. The series does have actual mainstay tracks that show up in every mainline game with very few exceptions though: Victory Fanfare, the Prelude, the Main Theme, and to a lesser extent the Chocobo Theme.
as far as songs go that get used in multiple final fantasy's are usually the Prelude, "Victory Fanfare" and the chocobo theme. Gilgamesh is a bit different cause he can appear in any game cause of his lore with the Astral Rift, other wise XIV will do their own versions of a previous game's music when it's appropriate, like with "Dancing Mad" cause Kefka was a raid boss
Man FF12 was great, it has one of my favorite combat systems in the series and none of the others really compare to it (except maybe 13 in a way). glad to see it pop up on here
The only track that has more renditions and could make a longer theme is the Chocobo theme. There's more versions of the Chocobo theme, with a few Black Chocobo themes included, than there are mainline Final Fantasy Games. So, part of why this particular track has so many versions is that it first plays when you fight Gilgamesh on Big Bridge in FF5. Near the end of the game, he gets lost in the Interdimensional Rift, and becomes a wanderer. He next shows up in FF8 as a summon after Odin is killed and this blade Zantetsuken flies into the sky and slices a hole in the fabric of reality, which gives Gilgamesh the ability to escape. Since then, the same Gilgamesh from FF5 has consistently wandered around the various FF Universes as a duelist and weapon collector. He has multiple arms and will use around 10 at once, but he often gets conned and carries various fakes. He originally wanted the Excalibur and was distraught upon realizing it was the knock-off Excalipur, which only does 1 damage a hit. Even his knock off weapons, many of which are knock-offs of iconic main character weapons, are still powerful though. Gilgamesh is also very popular because, similar to Deadpool, he breaks the 4th wall, and frequently. In FFXIII-2 he even comments about how he'd been waiting around forever for you to buy the DLC so he could challenge you. Since he wanders all realities, he's become aware he's in a video game. Also, of note, in line with the original Sumerian Legend, he has a best friend named Enkidu. Usually in every world after FF5, he will take a creature and paint it green and name it Enkidu. By FF14, he's gotten desperate enough to use a Chicken as his companion.
Mr. Nobuo Uematsu play keyboard in The Black Mages. And have to reminds you that this is the live performance of a man who said he wasn't a musician or a composer at the start but more of a programer. But he keep come up with these beautiful melodies in all of the early FF chip tune one after another. The list is surprisingly great. Start and end with 2 versions of the original composer. And include many of those covers that made this into different styles. In 12,13,14 and Dissidia were all remix by different talented composers at SE. I'm just not sure about the PSP annivesary version that if this is Mr. Uematsu mix or other composer. The songs have much more versions but the early versions that's made by Mr. Uematsu were more like progressively evolve over time but not drastic change.
Final Fantasy 12 has quite possibly my favorite version of the Final Fantasy Main Theme, the music is great but it's different for sure. Absolutely great themes, very orchestral for sure though.
Other than the chocobo theme and a few other small ones, Gilgamesh's theme and character are one of the longest running reoccurences. He is a multiverse traveller so any game he appears in isn't a reincarnation, it's the same character every time.
The Dissidia version is actually the FF Record Keeper's version, it was then included in Dissida NT afterwards, this track includes the leitmotif of FFV main theme. (One of my favorites FF main themes)
The FF12 version, to me that is, feels like what the original would sound like if the SNES was limited to MIDI songs. It's my personal favorite when I just want to chill out. The Black Mages version is definitely my favorite when I want to get hyped up.
SQUARE used an orchestra for for nearly all their FF music, but that black mages version is amazing as well! and the ff13 instrument was a shamisen and i believe a pan flute.
Hey there! You missed one 😂 Final Fantasy 15: Episode Gladiolus has a version of this as well. That said, this song is in my top 5, and plays on my orchestration shuffle in my house in 14
Clash on the Big Bridge is so good to me lol I always can't wait to hear the versions of future games. Since 12 was the first time I heard it or heard of Gilgamesh (yes and I didn't read the epic yet either.) 13-2 is my favorite version.
Shinigamisparda requested this? Man it's been *ages* since I've seen that name, absolutely makes sense that he requested this :P That being said, I'm so happy that one of the most famous FF songs finally got this treatment, it's definitely iconic for a reason!
Gilgamesh is a recurring beloved character that for lore reasons pops up in future games. And now that there's a new version of his theme coming with FF Stranger in Paradise I cannot wait to hear it
“Enough expository banter! Now we fight like men! And ladies! And ladies who dress like men! For Gilgamesh...it is morphing time!”
first thing I did coming into the comments section was look for exactly this
I was gonna comment this i none else would had and you my friend did not dissapoint. ; )
"For Yojimbo... it is gilgameshing time!"
@@shadowcat1606 Did not see that coming in that fight.
@@Varizen87 Right?
"Gilgamesh must be based on some sort of mythos"
...Several, actually.
He is named after the legendary god-king of Sumeria, while his weapon collecting and penchant for bridges are references to Benkei, a legendary warrior monk from the Samurai era.
Also the weapons he collects and uses are references to other myths. One running gag being that he keeps falling for a fake of Excalibur (King Arthur, ofc), named Excalipoor.
@@Nirual86 i faintly remember in one of the FFs an excalipoor that had awful stats
And the Buster Sword he pulled out has "fake" written on it. he also pulls out weapons like the gunblade from FF8, brotherhood from FFX, and the Sun Sword from Golden Sun
@@chrys_stone8716 yeah, i think it was ff5 where you could get the excalipoor (i think from stealing from him?) and the tooltip says something along the lines of "Legendary weapon?". i think when you equipped it it maxxed out your attack on the stat screen but in reality it was only one atk power, never missed and was the worst weapon in the game outside of niche uses like throwing it for cap damage and killing the iron squirrel things that had low hp but high dodge
@@chrys_stone8716 whenever he uses it for an attack it does literally one point of damage.
"wooh they threw a bridge in here?!" me : why yes, it is the clash on the big bridge after all :D /runs ♥
blocked
We are living in a magical time where John Williams and Nobuo Uematsu are alive and we are able to listen to their music as they compose them. They did an FF brass ensemble concert series in 2017~ and I got to see nobuo live in Nara. The part where they just invited everyone on stage that had brought instruments or wanted to use the toy tambarines they handed out at the start of the concert was a real treat. Being able to say I've been on stage with the man is something I'll never live down.
"Is that the Buster Sword?"
Probably. Greg tends to collect a lot of weapons :)
Or just replicas... :)
GREG 💀
@@peggieschafer485... Gilgregmesh?!
@@chaos_omega "Oh god, here comes freakin GREG again with the half dozen swords he ganked from the oblivious. Heard he got them over the course of several years at the lounge chair section of the wave pool at some water park. 'You wouldn't believe what people leave out in the open' he says." 🤣
I love Greg lol
Here's a list of all the _official_ arrangements of Clash on The Big Bridge:
-The original from FFV
-The FFV Advance one
-The 20th Anniversary version of FFI for the PSP
-The FFXII version
-The FFXIII-2 version
-The "Yuusnan Version" from Lightning Returns
-The FFXIV versions: the one Jesse listened to, and the other one called "Battle in the Big Keep"
-The FFXV version, arranged by Keiichi Okabe, the composer for Nier:Automata
-The Dissidia version for the PSP, which was also used in Final Fantasy Type-0
-The Final Fantasy Record Keeper Version, which has 3 variations (classic, choir, and guitar). A version was used in Dissidia NT, which is a combination of all 3 versions
-"Raffaello's Theme" from FF Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon is an arrangement of this theme
-The World of Final Fantasy version
-There's one from FF Fables: Chocobo Tales
-The version from the Japan only Chocobo to Mahou no Ehon: Majo to Shoujo to Go-nin no Yuusha
-The version from Itadaki Street (a FF x Dragon Quest crossover monopoly style game, which is Japan only)
-the Pixel Remaster version
-the version from Chocobo GP
Outside of games, there are also arrangements of the theme released:
-the FFV Piano Collection
-The Black Mages version
-the one from Guitar Solo Final Fantasy Official Best Collection
-Piano Opera Final Fantasy IV/V/VI
-an 8bit version from SQ Chips2
-a Japanese folk song arrangement composed by Sekizima Takeo for the Final Fantasy Tribute album
-the Distant Worlds orchestral version
-the recorder version by Kuricorder Quartet from the Cure SQ album
A total of 29 versions so far. If there's any I didn't list down, feel free to add.
There is also a recorder version by Kuricorder Quartet on the Cure SQ album!
Project Majestic has another version as well, great fan remix project celebrating FF
Highly recommend listening to them if you get the chance
technically FFXIV has two arrangements of the track. The other one is called "Battle in the Big Keep", though that version is more of a straight reference back to the FFV original.
There's two rearrangements by the artist AKHT, B.B. Evolution and B.B. Revenge. The first one was notable since it was the BGM for the Michael Forever flash animation.
FFRKs tracks are incredibly underrated
Jesse: This could work in any genre.
Soken: Challenge accepted.
Also, Iwata/Sakimoto: accepted.
I have not heard the version from XIII-2 before and WOW. That was incredible
Apologies for my mic volume being kinda low, I was rocking out too hard.
Just look at my facial expressions instead!
FFV - 1:41
FFXII - 4:17
FF 20th Anniversary - 10:22
FFXIII-2 - 14:10
FFXIV - 20:11
Dissidia FF NT - 24:43
The Black Mages - 29:09
FFV, FFXII, FF20th, and The Black Mages were all firsts for the channel!
Thanks for the 400 episodes everyone ^_^
The 20th anniversary was a remaster of the original FF1 with additional content which included Gilgamesh making an appearance. They also did a remaster of FF2 but no Gilgamesh in that one
Seeing your reaction to the FFXIII-2 version, I just know your reaction to Tsushima Suite II: Shurai will be off the chain. Also Way of the Ghost. Both from Ghost of Tsushima
Imo you should pin your comments to the top so we always see your comments
A bit of lore about gilgamesh: he is almost always the same gilgamesh in all the ffs he travels all dimensions collecting legendary swords, thats why you see him with cloud's buster sword, he also has ff8 gunblade, ff10 brotherhood, he has ff5 excalipoor and excalibur, etc. also that is why his theme is recurrent in the series
other recurrent themes is the chocobo theme, and ff prelude
Awww no FFXV Gladio DLC version? :P
The best part is that XIII-2 version is the most old sounding a lot of old Japanese instruments but has the Gilgamesh with the most futuristic weapons.
the instrument you're thinking off is called a shamisen, it's amazing what some players can do, sounds like they're playing three different instruments at once at times.
you are so underrated, i normally follow "musicians, composers, singers, etc" on youtube that make videogame or anime music reactions and you are the only one who delivers entirely at least for me, and speaking of anime music reactions you can do some of those to step up your game and oh boy you will be impressed. Keep doing a great job your time is so valuable, this for more to come, cheers!~
26:30 This sequence is actually a mix between Clash on the Big Bridge, and the theme of Lenna, one of the main FFV characters that normally have a sweet and calm ost, but a banger one when mixed with Clash on the big bridge. Insane version !
Actually it's from the main theme of FFV, "Ahead on Our Way."
th-cam.com/video/dQkzvOlMT5Q/w-d-xo.html
Listen to the part that starts 35 seconds in. Lenna's theme is very similar, but still subtly different. Now that I think on it, Lenna's theme may be a remix of the main theme.
@@nathanmcguffey9267 much like Terras theme and the VI overworld. :)
@@nathanmcguffey9267 The FFV main theme has motifs that extend throughout the rest of the game's soundtrack, Lenna's theme is a leitmotif of "Ahead On Our Way", as is Krile/Galuf's theme "The Day Will Come", and even the overworld theme "Four Hearts".
I just heard this version for the first time and that part actually made me tear up. Completely out of nowhere and hit me right in the feels. I love FF5 so much
XIII-2's version is fucking awesome lmao. I did not expect that, never played it before either and I was never a fan of XIII, but that song is an absolute banger. I also hadn't heard 14's. That piano and string section is incredible. I almost wish it went on a bit longer or that there was a full version of it. So smooth.
First of all, happy 400! Here's to another 400! Second of all, I find the character of Gilgamesh in the FF games rather fascinating. Considering the nature of Final Fantasy resetting its worlds and continuity with each game, Gilgamesh is an oddity. Because of shenanigans in FF5 where he first appeared, he was banished outside of time and space, and has since been making cameros in other games. To date, he is the only character - as far as I'm aware of anyway - to appear in multiple mainline entries as the same character. There are many Cid's throughout the games, but there's only 1 Gilgamesh (barring a couple outliers where a game will have their specific Gilgamesh).
As for the character himself, he's largely comic relief, being on a neverending journey to find THE STRONGEST OF ALL SWORDS and routinely getting duped in the process. In 14, one character has trouble remembering the name Gilgamesh and thus dubs him Greg. Also Gil gets lonely for his friend Enkidu from 5 and paints a chicken green and starts calling it Enkidu to make him feel less lonely. Gregamesh is a treasure.
Also, a note on the fight in FF12, each phase transition has Gilgamesh pulling a sword out from another FF game, so when you ask "Is that the Buster Sword?" yes. Yes it 100% is.
@@temporalwolf7054
Well, it does have a symbol slapped on it that reads something like “fake” or “replica”. Gilgamesh keeps looking for excaliburs and finding excalipoors.
"I've been had! This is far from the strongest of swords!"
I absolutely love the idea of reacting to the evolution of a theme throughout the years. Awesome video, congrats on the channel's milestone.
The fact you listened to The Black Mages version makes me wish you reacted to their rendition of Dancing Mad (unless I missed it in which case my bad). The guitar solo in the final phase is amazing,
100% Agree. I hope Jesse will react to Dancing Mad by the Black Mages. That ending solo always brings me to tears with how amazing it is.
I listen to all of The Black Mages albums at least once a week. Can't get enough of them lmao.
And Jesse, they're the ones who did the Advent Children version of One Winged Angel!
He needs to listen to all black mages songs
"Are there many songs that stick through the series?"
The Chocobo theme song is probably the most iconic. The base melody is the same, but it's slightly different between ALL FF games. Going from Piano, Samba, Rock, etc.
Could be interesting to get your take on the variations, if you ever feel so inclined. :)
there's also the Prelude obviously and the Final Fantasy theme that comes back once in a while
"slightly different"
Techno de Chocobo (Pixel Remaster version): lmao
How could you have forgotten the Victory Fanfare? /j
The wonderful thing for me is that i knew Clash on the Big Bridge intimately, but this was the first time I'd ever seen you, and it was *wonderful* to get to watch you get to know a song I love--and also introduce me to some versions I hadn't heard! The Oriental MIX is just amazing--how the heck do you beat rock shamisen and shakuhatchi except by way of Nobuo's own prog rock? It was lovely to meet you, and you have a new subscriber.
Fun fact, just earlier this month on the concert of the ffxiv band "The Primals", we had a surprise appearance of Uematsu himself and he played a few songs including a completely new version of this song!
Any recordings of it?
@@AklyonX you were able to buy a ticket to watch it but only until the 14th so right now there is no official way of seeing it.
To answer your question about which music keeps returning in the series, the major ones are:
Prelude/Crystal Theme (originally from FF1)
Main Theme/Final Fantasy (originally from FF1)
Victory Fanfare (originally from FF1, in later games it uses the original ditty as a lead-in to other songs)
Chocobo Theme (originally from FF2, though expanded upon to what we know it as in 3)
Clash on the Big Bridge (originally from FF5)
Moogle Theme (originally from FF5)
There are individual songs that have been remixed a few times here and there, and of course games like FF14, Dissidia etc. that basically are celebrations of the series as a whole also have arrangements from across the series, but I'd say those 6 I listed are the main set.
Awww snap, my favorite final fantasy battle theme getting the treatment it deserves on this channel.
Gilgamesh is a fan favorite character, a dimension hopping, sword collecting goofball who shows up across the series. He originated in FFV, and has since appeared in various forms across the series, always seemingly the same character as the original despite the worlds not being the same. His theme song comes with him, and is hype in all forms. As you saw in the FFXII video, he has the buster sword there; he also has FFX's Tidus' water sword and squall's gunblade if memory serves. In FFVIII he appears to have Sephiroth's Masamune as well. His whole gimmick is stealing swords, though he starts as just a minion for the main villain of FFV. He is hilarious and rules.
This is literally a song I could listen to on loop for hours and never get bored of it. I'm excited to get all the way through but I had to drop down here and gush.
one thing i love about gilgamesh is that he goes by the "if you're in rome, do it like the romans" mindset, he adjusts to the tone of the game he appears in, depending on the tone of the game he's in, gilgamesh can be a goof, a certified menace and everything in between.
XII Gilgamesh also has Zidane's dagger, a certain summon's weapon (an indicator that he is The Gilgamesh), two copies of an in-game sword (sun and moon, in reference to concept art of swords from FFV), and a blade based on Dragon Quest for good measure.
Those weapons are all counterfeits with clear alterations; the sun/moon thing is a direct reference to why that is.
Pretty sure ff12 gilgamesh also has masamune
Gilgamesh doesn't just have multiple arms & swords; he travels across the FF multiverse, steals the respective games' legendary weaponry, and uses them in the later battles.
Also fun fact; the Buster Sword he uses in FF12 has the kanji for "fake" scrawled on it.
This needs an additional episode for the Rebirth version.
This special episode was absolutely great, it's always a total pleasure watching you dissecting these timeless masterpieces, I can't think about FF music, or FF in general and not think about you Jesse, you're awesome, thank you and can't wait to watch your future playthroughs ❤️
Congratulations for 400 episodes!! :D
Dissidia is great, but my favourite version is from Black Mages, and I do love Shamisen in XIII-2.
XIV is always great, so no doubts here :P
An hour of god-tier content. You truly never fail to bless us, Uncle.
happy 400th vid, good choice for it and yes there are other songs that been through the serie allot, the chocobo theme is one of them and 13-2 did an amazing job with it the music of the 13 trilogy indeed really is amazing
When I saw the timestamp for "The Black Mages" I knew Jesse was done. They're straight fire.
Your reaction to FXIII-2 was everything i was hoping for! And this is one of your best videos!
I recognize that song in the background at the start of the video. You have excellent taste in music, sir.
this was my first time hearing the dissidia NT version and I lost my goddamn mind. Remember that second section that shows up? That's a short rendition of Lenna's Theme from FFV. I don't know why they put that in, but it was siiiiick.
Idk why I love this so much. Sent literal chills down my spine and actually teared up a little. Something about hearing other stuff from V in more modern music that I wasn't expecting always gets me. Namely this and the Omega theme in XV
So glad you listened to all of these versions, they are absolute bangers! I really hope you do react to and listen to more Black Mages after this one. They aren't game tracks as we know, but considering they're renditions of game tracks maybe you'll listen to more? :D Either way, fantastic video! Happy 400th!
I mean, they are the ones who played Advent: One-winged Angel, so he has indirectly listened to them.
Wow, first time hearing the XIII-2 version. What a sick rendition!
I’m actually shocked at the many who haven’t heard this version. But also understandable due to the rep the 13 games got. But this was one of the absolute bangers for such a pain ( but fun ) fight with um
@@MasterXiggy XIII-2 is awesome. It's big weakness is being the sequel to XIII, which is rather mid.
This track is so emblematic
The version from the Pixel Remaster is great as well as the Distant Worlds one
And it's kinda funny to listen to the one composed by non other than Keiichi Okabe, NieR composer. It's in FFXV's DLC and it's basically Final Fantasy meeting NieR.
About FFXII, Sakimoto composed the soundtrack and it's absolutely insane. FFXII is like a remake of Star Wars Episode IV with the fantasy elements from the series. It's a great game and the soundtrack is fully orchestral. I recommand the arranged version from the remaster of the game, called The Zodiac Age. It sounds less midi than the original soundtrack
Just discovered your channel yesterday. Hoping you have more reactions by The Black Mages hahah man as someone who has played FF games since FF1 in the 80's as well as a prog rock fan, The Black Mages is exactly the perfect marriage of the genres
Heck yeah, congrats on 400. What a song choice.
32:40 - 32:53 "ooo they threw a bridge in here" "actualy this might be an interlude"
not an interlude, just a 'big bridge' :)
Great video, dude. Big Bridge is one of my favorites throughout the series. This is the first time I've heard a couple of the arrangements (XIII-2 and Dissidia), so it was fun discovering those along with you.
Going to what you said about Uematsu, playing FFVII as a kid sparked my love for video games, but the biggest thing is that Uematsu's score for that game made me REALLY love music. To the point that I, myself, am a musician and now give drum and guitar lessons. Obviously, a lot of musicians outside of video games also spurred me on my road to noise making, but Uematsu is the one who started it all. There is not one of his pieces that I've heard that I did not like, and anytime a new composer is working on an FF title and has to arrange an Uematsu staple, you can tell that every single one of them puts the love and respect it deserves.
You absolutely need to watch some live performances of The Black Mages. They are freaking killer, dude. Plus, it's crazy adorable watching Uematsu just absolutely rock up. Keep up the great work, dude!
I revisit this and the Black Mages Dancing Mad videos often, the songs are a prime reason but also especially for those moments in both that catch you off guard in the best of ways.
The crying guitar solo in dancing mad, the "that was SEAMLESS" moment here.
There's a handfull of songs that get used across the franchise, Battle on the Big Bridge is more of a fanservice recurring one, as they use it specifically when fighting Gilgamesh, who is usually a surprise guest/bonus battle. (Though his muktiple appearances ARE technically canon, despite the "new game, different world" approach of the series).
One theme, however has made an appearnce in nearly every game since FF2:
The Chocobo theme.
If you were going to do another long form multi song video like this again, I would request that it be "Every Chocobo song".
Something special about the theme, it has a different style in every game (sometimes multiple in the same game.)
Early on it doesn't change much, but FF6 starts a trend of it being much more uniquely genre/styled in each appearance.
Every version is titled "*genre/theme* de Chocobo"
For example: Mambo De Chocobo
Ukelele De Chocobo
Techno De Chocobo.
So if I saw, some day in the future, a "Chocobo themes" video from you in my notifications, I would be ecstatic.
I'm a bit late to the party, I know, but I thought I'd mention it anyway:
The repitition of the music has its reasons. Even though each of the main Final Fantasy titles plays in a different universe, there are only a few version of Gilgamesh out there; far fewer than he has appearances.
He essentially is an interdimensonal traveler who abuses his powers to steal powerful weapons, and only a few titles like "FFXV" and "FF Type-0" feature a different character.
Eventually, the 'primary' Gilgamesh even became aware of its own existence as a character in a video game.
And as for Uematsu: He was part of a band for a while, the "Earthbound Papas". You can find some cool stuff there.
The Black Mages were a special discovery back in the day. I don't recall if it was an official site but I remember finding a website with the songs just straight up available for download in high quality mp3s. It sticks in my memory because that was quite a rare thing to come across in general for any band or artist. Before the evening was done I had called, texted, or MSN Messenger'd all my friends to tell them about it, and the next day at college it was all we could talk about.
32:16 the exact reaction I expected
Amazing video as always! It's mindblowing that Uematsu composed a song that can be covered in so many different styles and still retain the original theme so well. I know if I hear this theme's title dropped, that version will be a banger regardless of how it's done- because it's just that good.
As for Dissidia, it's a crossover fighting game featuring protagonists and villains from across the FF universe and loves to take the original tracks and remix them. While the fighting games of Dissidia have died out, it still lives on in its mobile game Dissidia FF Opera Omnia which has been going strong for 5 years now. I highly recommend Chaos Shrine - arrange - for anyone curious about the music of Dissidia, it's my favorite of the remixes!
The Black Mages are, of course, phenomenal so I really hope that you check out their cover of JENOVA some day as that's my absolute favorite and you've now heard its original and remake versions!
Jesse: "I was just thinking about how thirteen's going to be hard to top."
Soken: Hold my sake.
I love the XIII-2 version the most. It's like if Uematsu-san let Wagakki Band take the reins and do their own version of this song.
Also, the instrument you couldn't identify was a shimisan, which is basically a Japanese banjo.
I’m not sure if this is the Black Mages first appearance on the channel, but they are definitely a group to check out. Uematsu is a member and their FF covers especially Dancing Mad and One Winged Angel are just amazing.
He did check those
Ahh, Gilgamesh, a fierce warrior, as many arms as a hindu god, obsessively collecting legendary swords like trophies; and inexplicably travels the Final Fantasy multiverse.
And yet he is one of the goofiest characters you'll find in the franchise. "Enough banter; Now we fight like MEN! And Women... And women that dress like men."
Not that inexplicable, since he's the one of the only characters to get chucked into the Interdimensional Rift and not only survive, but learn to manipulate it. (Reminder, the Rift is in the Void, which is shown to be manipulatable via Exdeath, and Gilgamesh is not as dumb as he appears; he's a boss with his own free will.) Happened in FF5.
And the Interdimensional Rift is BASICALLY the "barrier" between FF games, which is why he pops up in like.. ALL of them. It's not official, but it's pretty implied.
@@InsanityReborn It was a treat to fight him in FF14 since FF5 is my favourite. That entire quest line is goofy as heck. And I've only done the ARR portion of it!
I love Enkidu in 14 🐓
I used to load a save at before the big bridge in FFV and just stay there to listen to the music. Such a good track! The XIII-2 version might be my favorite arrangement of it.
The Black Mages, LET'S F ING GOOOOOO!
I know this has been out for a couple years but the Dissidia version of Clash on the Big Bridge comes from the free to play mobile game Final Fantasy Record Keeper. The American version of the game is unfortunately discontinued, but the OST for the game is wild and has several great remixes.
Congrats on 400! I love your content, keep up the fantastic work!
Wow, first FF12 song too? I thought for sure someone would have requested the Dalmasca Estersands theme from FF12: Zodiac Age. It's got such a wonderful feeling of adventure that hearing it always puts a smile on my face.
*During the FF12 version*: "the Buster Sword
...
...wait what?"
I died laughing.
I have a sealed copy of XIII-2. After listening to this, I might have to give it a fair shot. WTH?! That was amazing, epic, and with so much personality 😳😳😳
Warning so you know: It's not in the base game. You have to get the Arena DLC. Gilgamesh breaks the 4th wall at the start of the fight commenting that he's been waiting forever for you to buy that particular DLC.
@@Varizen87 The Steam Version has all DLC unlocked when you finish the game for the first time.
XIII and XIII-2 are both great games. XIII-2 evolves all of the systems in a great way, and doesn't keep you in Tutorial Mode for such a long time. Bonus points for telling a deeply coherent time travel story.
TO be fair, 13-2 has an amazing soundtrack the entire way thru, just make sure to get the DLC to enjoy this amazing and epic battle that you can access anytime. FYI, its not easy, recommend taking it on later in the game.
@@rantingrodent416I never finished XII-2 but I really enjoyed the improvements from the first. Mainly the crystarium not being locked to chapters.
The XIII-2 version is so sick with the eastern instruments and those drum beat drops. Definitely my favorite one!
This is the song that I associate the most with Final Fantasy. It’s just so iconic to me
Your XIII-2 reaction was so on point for me. That song is ultra sick. I lost my mind when I heard it the first time.
sadly they put all that in dlc :(
Its kinda coming full circle with the Samurai design by including classic Japanese instruments. Something they'd lean into again with FFXIV where they start playing Kabuki / Noh Theatre sound effects for the visual gags.
I'm so glad you finally got to hear The Black Mages! Their renditions are *amazing*. If you can ever squeeze it in, you should listen to their arrangement of J-E-N-O-V-A and Dancing Mad. They're so good.
Nobuo is a deserving composer for the 400 milestone. He really pushed what was possible on those older sound chips while still sounding great. Also, watching the live performances of The Black Mages he exudes passion for the craft.
Here's a fun fact about FF12 Gilgamesh, he was voiced by John DiMaggio, the voice of such iconic characters as Bender, Jake the Dog, and Wakka and Kimahri from FFX to tie it up nicely.
He returned for the role for the FF13-2 dlc fight....which he comments on being dlc.
Congrats on the 400th video!!
Oh my, there is a bass line in the original that I've never noticed in the 14 version before! But on the contrast, I never noticed the piano in the 14 version xD
But that 13 version? Holy, I love the traditional instruments. And if I'm not too mistaken, it should be a Shamisen you wanted to talk about :D Oh god, that version immediately became my most favorite O__O
Dissidia has an interesting part added that wasn't in the other versions and that one sounds really beautiful, too!
I don't think many of the songs stay throughout the series (except Prelude and the Main Theme, yes), maybe they appear in one or two games normally. But I don't actually know because before today, I also only knew of this theme in 5 and 14! :D
The extra part in the Dissidia version is a sped up version of Lenna's theme from FFV.
@@givemeabreak432 Oh my, thank you! I should have recognized it since there's a version of it in FF14, and I love it there, too :D
"Is that the Buster Sword?!" Yes! Well, sort of! Gilgamesh is kind of a fourth-wall-breaking character with many appearances, but he's always a "master swordsman" and may wield several iconic swords from other games. And you're right, there's not many recurring themes through the series. Clash of the Big Bridge is one, the Chocobo theme is another, Prelude and the FF main theme. Those are the only ones that come to my mind.
Don't forget the FF Victory theme!
There are a few things that get used a few times, if not present in most games. Like the moogle theme. There's also some referential things like FF9 using the Mt. Gulg theme
Is he fourth wall breaking, or just dimension hopping due to his exile in the eX-Zone ?
@@maxentirunos Both. You can be dimension hopping without breaking the fourth wall
Well, technically all his swords in 12 are fakes, having subtle differences (the Buster Sword has the kanji for replica on it for instance), which is itself a reference to his original appearance in 5 where he finds the Excalipoor instead of Excalibur.
Damn that FFXII-2 version goes to my playlist of epic music right now
In FFXII, Gilgamesh is played by voice actor John DiMaggio, also known for his work as Bender from Futurama, Jake from Adventure Time, and Marcus Fenix from Gears of War. He also voiced two characters in FFX, and would return to the series as Heidegger in the FF7 Remake!
Here's to another 400 Jesse! 🍻
The song I really like from The Black Mages is "Matoya's Cave"
Ooooooh yes, the FF XIII-2 ver. is soooo good, it's also a sneak peak at the Amazing Samurai Warriors 4 ost whenever you get to it. There's very little things I love more than Heavy Metal infused with Traditional Japanese/Chinese instruments.
The Black Mages version is such a banger! Dissidia version has a really cool vibe as well, love the sound of the keyboard/synth in the chorus(interlude?) with the vocals mimicking it. Has an uplifting Sonic dance feel to it.
Congratulations on 400 videos!
My favorite would change depending on my mood, but I agree with you FFXIII-2 it is the one that stands out the most with the eastern instruments.
And now you have the rebirth version!
There is one song that sticks through the series and it's the Final Fantasy Main Theme, which always plays in outro. You probably heard it at the end of ff7 epilogue. Oh and there is also the prelude song played on a harp usually as well, usually in the game main menus and such. Oh and also, the victory music, chocobo music variants, at least in the uematsu era.
I have a feeling Jesse would love Wagakki Band.
FF XII is absolutely amazing, i recommend checking Streets of Rabanastre or Eruyt Village from that one :) Amazing video as usual :)
In the ff 13-2 version that instrument you were asking about is unmistakably a shamisen! It's really cool to hear one in a video game, extremely underrated instrument.
The 13-2 soundtrack, to include the one played here, was composed by Masashi Hamauzu the same composer of the banger that is FF7: Remake. He was amazing even before Remake was a thing lol
The Black Mages has so many bangers, it's ridiculous.
I recommend Dancing Mad, and Vamo alla flamenco. Especially Dancing Mad. Easily the best version of the song.
The basic gist of Gilgamesh across the FF franchise is that after his initial appearance in FFV, he became a dimension hopping weapon collector with a personality not too dissimilar from Deadpool.
Clash on the Big Bridge isn't as much of a mainstay as it is a semifrequently recurring theme; it's not in every game, but it shows up often enough. The series does have actual mainstay tracks that show up in every mainline game with very few exceptions though: Victory Fanfare, the Prelude, the Main Theme, and to a lesser extent the Chocobo Theme.
Hearing this song in 12 was such a wonderful surprise. It felt like seeing an old friend, as bizarre as that sounds.
If you liked the black mages, they did JENOVA and Sttill More Fighting on that same album. They also did OWA for Advent Children. amazing band
as far as songs go that get used in multiple final fantasy's are usually the Prelude, "Victory Fanfare" and the chocobo theme. Gilgamesh is a bit different cause he can appear in any game cause of his lore with the Astral Rift, other wise XIV will do their own versions of a previous game's music when it's appropriate, like with "Dancing Mad" cause Kefka was a raid boss
Man FF12 was great, it has one of my favorite combat systems in the series and none of the others really compare to it (except maybe 13 in a way). glad to see it pop up on here
The only track that has more renditions and could make a longer theme is the Chocobo theme. There's more versions of the Chocobo theme, with a few Black Chocobo themes included, than there are mainline Final Fantasy Games.
So, part of why this particular track has so many versions is that it first plays when you fight Gilgamesh on Big Bridge in FF5. Near the end of the game, he gets lost in the Interdimensional Rift, and becomes a wanderer. He next shows up in FF8 as a summon after Odin is killed and this blade Zantetsuken flies into the sky and slices a hole in the fabric of reality, which gives Gilgamesh the ability to escape. Since then, the same Gilgamesh from FF5 has consistently wandered around the various FF Universes as a duelist and weapon collector. He has multiple arms and will use around 10 at once, but he often gets conned and carries various fakes. He originally wanted the Excalibur and was distraught upon realizing it was the knock-off Excalipur, which only does 1 damage a hit. Even his knock off weapons, many of which are knock-offs of iconic main character weapons, are still powerful though.
Gilgamesh is also very popular because, similar to Deadpool, he breaks the 4th wall, and frequently. In FFXIII-2 he even comments about how he'd been waiting around forever for you to buy the DLC so he could challenge you. Since he wanders all realities, he's become aware he's in a video game.
Also, of note, in line with the original Sumerian Legend, he has a best friend named Enkidu. Usually in every world after FF5, he will take a creature and paint it green and name it Enkidu. By FF14, he's gotten desperate enough to use a Chicken as his companion.
Gilgamesh in ff is an analogies for the warrior monk Benkei and the battle of the bridge on which he regularly fought
Mr. Nobuo Uematsu play keyboard in The Black Mages. And have to reminds you that this is the live performance of a man who said he wasn't a musician or a composer at the start but more of a programer. But he keep come up with these beautiful melodies in all of the early FF chip tune one after another.
The list is surprisingly great. Start and end with 2 versions of the original composer. And include many of those covers that made this into different styles. In 12,13,14 and Dissidia were all remix by different talented composers at SE. I'm just not sure about the PSP annivesary version that if this is Mr. Uematsu mix or other composer. The songs have much more versions but the early versions that's made by Mr. Uematsu were more like progressively evolve over time but not drastic change.
The shamisen solo in 13's rendition is so sick!
The instrument used for the XIII-2 version you were asking for was probably a Shamisen ;)
Final Fantasy 12 has quite possibly my favorite version of the Final Fantasy Main Theme, the music is great but it's different for sure. Absolutely great themes, very orchestral for sure though.
Haha! Shinigamisparda writes some fanfiction I've quite enjoyed. The fact that he requested this on a channel I watch is kind of amazing.
Oh boy, watching those FFXIV White Mages casting Stoneskin.... brought back some memories.
Other than the chocobo theme and a few other small ones, Gilgamesh's theme and character are one of the longest running reoccurences. He is a multiverse traveller so any game he appears in isn't a reincarnation, it's the same character every time.
Love you Jesse, so glad to see you grow.
The Dissidia version is actually the FF Record Keeper's version, it was then included in Dissida NT afterwards, this track includes the leitmotif of FFV main theme. (One of my favorites FF main themes)
The FF12 version, to me that is, feels like what the original would sound like if the SNES was limited to MIDI songs. It's my personal favorite when I just want to chill out. The Black Mages version is definitely my favorite when I want to get hyped up.
Was the FF12 version the first you heard?
Also, it's super clear the SNES version would have been prog metal/rock with maybe some orchestral if the console hadn't been limited.
@@MMasterDE No. FF5 was.
SQUARE used an orchestra for for nearly all their FF music, but that black mages version is amazing as well! and the ff13 instrument was a shamisen and i believe a pan flute.
Hey there! You missed one 😂
Final Fantasy 15: Episode Gladiolus has a version of this as well.
That said, this song is in my top 5, and plays on my orchestration shuffle in my house in 14
Thank you! Such dedication.
Conga rats on 400!!
On XII-2: That first instrument you hear -- a koto, perhaps?
You need to check out more of The Black Mages such as "Blue Blast - Winning the Rainbow"
Clash on the Big Bridge is so good to me lol I always can't wait to hear the versions of future games. Since 12 was the first time I heard it or heard of Gilgamesh (yes and I didn't read the epic yet either.) 13-2 is my favorite version.
Shinigamisparda requested this? Man it's been *ages* since I've seen that name, absolutely makes sense that he requested this :P
That being said, I'm so happy that one of the most famous FF songs finally got this treatment, it's definitely iconic for a reason!
Gilgamesh is a recurring beloved character that for lore reasons pops up in future games. And now that there's a new version of his theme coming with FF Stranger in Paradise I cannot wait to hear it