Understanding the Music of Half-Life

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 พ.ค. 2024
  • The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/liamtriforce12201
    Discussing the music of Half-Life, and what the silence in-between songs did for the series, and us.
    Timestamps:
    0:00 Intro
    2:38 Half-Life
    13:12 Half-Life 2
    29:02 The Episodes
    35:12 Half-Life: Alyx
    If you liked this video and want to see more, give it a like and consider subscribing for future updates from yours truly!
    Be sure to check out Last Life, a community and forum for thoughtful video game discussion! www.last-life.net
    Intro by Pico: / icarotkd
    Like my videos a ton? Consider becoming a Patron: / liamtriforce
  • เกม

ความคิดเห็น • 1.3K

  • @LiamTriforce
    @LiamTriforce  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2316

    I will make a video on Black Mesa

  • @VirusOfCheese
    @VirusOfCheese 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2675

    Finally another person that cant shut up about Half Life just like me.

    • @notsotastysandwich8205
      @notsotastysandwich8205 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Yep

    • @filipbartas576
      @filipbartas576 3 ปีที่แล้ว +70

      There’s bunch of us, buddy :)

    • @Ulrich_dArth
      @Ulrich_dArth 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      "So how are his hands? When you're walking down the street holding hands - are they soft?"
      ~ Dale Gribble

    • @kingcalibur413
      @kingcalibur413 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      @Noober617 but are you a mesa?

    • @radu310589
      @radu310589 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      we're like brothers in crowbars :D

  • @spell_whomstve8700
    @spell_whomstve8700 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1016

    24:02 "But you press onward." *backwards longjumping at mach 4*

    • @CossackHD
      @CossackHD 3 ปีที่แล้ว +147

      "Hello guys, DeSinc here"

    • @Ribbons0121R121
      @Ribbons0121R121 3 ปีที่แล้ว +63

      janky valve physics are the best thing to play with ever

    • @mohammednegm4007
      @mohammednegm4007 3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

      You know he did it on purpose

    • @simonsezno3671
      @simonsezno3671 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I was like "Yes, very challenging part of the g-- I guess we're moving on then!"

    • @CursedBystander
      @CursedBystander 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      "Hey guys, DeSinc here, and this is a tutorial on Half Life 2's Anti-citizen one."
      "First you want to preform a backwards longjump into this ramp, airstrafe over the gate, and completely mess it the fu-"
      "First you want to preform a backwards longjump into this ramp, airstrafe over the gate, and you completely skip this level, wait for the loading screen to end, preform a gravity gun jump over the fence-"

  • @pass9786
    @pass9786 3 ปีที่แล้ว +280

    Vague Voices: As you arrive late for work, something doesn't feel right....
    Klaxon Beat: *look at cool suit*

    • @bumofjum
      @bumofjum 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      That’s Half Life 1 for ya. One moment it’s deep, scary, and confusing, then other times it’s
      *YOUR. MOTHER. IS. SHIT.*

    • @tumble8323
      @tumble8323 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      *mister. you. are. going. down.*

  • @bagingi7916
    @bagingi7916 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1317

    Finally, these osts are getting the love they deserve😌

    • @TheDude8008
      @TheDude8008 3 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      ikr? HL1's techno-badassery and HL2's eerieness makes them sound very familiar and innovative at the same time

    • @sulphurous2656
      @sulphurous2656 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      I think that the soundtracks from Half-Life and Portal were already highly regarded amongst people for years, people knew and understood what made them special and what kind of messages they conveyed.

    • @sk-xg7re
      @sk-xg7re 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Man I can't wait for HL3, holy shit

    • @volvo145
      @volvo145 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I have been in my playlist all the time since around 2002 and well they have left two soundtrack since 2005 of course :-) excellent music and opposing force do have some good songs to with a military theme which fits it really well

    • @MegaLol232
      @MegaLol232 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      We love ost, especially in Norway ;)

  • @TheAxeWorld1
    @TheAxeWorld1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +778

    I feel like it's important to note that a lot of the most iconic sounds that Kelly used were directly lifted from a bunch of sample packs. Not to say that selecting the appropriate samples to make something isn't a skill in itself, there's a reason why the Half-Life Soundtracks are some of my absolute favorites. I just found it funny how you pointed at some of them as if Kelly made them himself lol. He of course broke away from the in most of HL2 and the episodes. Episodes 1 and 2 are godly in that regard.

    • @xdank710
      @xdank710 3 ปีที่แล้ว +103

      sample hunting is still another art in itself
      even if one isn’t making the waveforms themselves, putting things together can get rough

    • @unleashthedog
      @unleashthedog 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      @@ErictheSandvich Very interesting, I didn't know that part of the OST wasn't even created in-house, I always thought that the choice for synths was lead by needing a minimal sound team and how cheap it would turn out. I really appreciate your mention of modularity because I always felt the same about that aspect, in fact, I'm not convinced the amount of silence in the games is due to a design choice... at least not on Kelly's part. To know for sure we need a direct account from Kelly and others involved, but I feel Liam is reversing the production pipeline too much, as in music is placed by level designers and its narrative use rests with writers and level designers.

    • @sulphurous2656
      @sulphurous2656 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      @@ErictheSandvich Bailey always reminded me of Mod Tracker artists for this reason. Although it makes me glad that some of these samples others such as myself can get their hands on, and play around with should we choose to dedicate time to doing so. Altered States by Zero-G is a must have for any Half-Life or Portal fan working on their own sound projects.

    • @UltimateTobi
      @UltimateTobi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      The Zelda team did the same with their earlier games, such as A Link To The Past, Ocarina Of Time and Majora's Mask.
      Not sure about older or more recent titles. But it definitely takes skill, IMO, to find, use and properly modify existing sound samples and snippets to suit your music and needs.

    • @atlev
      @atlev 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@ErictheSandvich I think this is what Mike's soundtrack lost. The sample packs were key to so much of HL.

  • @damonnugent1993
    @damonnugent1993 3 ปีที่แล้ว +637

    The Half-Life score makes me so nostalgic, it has such a weird but interesting vibe to it. Very alien, mysterious, ominous, existential, otherworldly. Hard to describe with our limited vocabulary.

  • @thatdudemetro6271
    @thatdudemetro6271 3 ปีที่แล้ว +171

    Half life music has a special feeling since its the right music in the right time, the music around atmospheric areas fits amazingly.

    • @tathnousoxide9707
      @tathnousoxide9707 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Rise and shine, Mr Bailey.
      Rise and shine.
      Not that I wish to imply you haven't been catching up on music trends, and all the tracks in the world would have gone to waste, until...
      Well... lets just say your hour has come again.
      The right song in the wrong place can make all the difference, in the world.
      So, wake up, Mr Bailey, wake up and, _find your jam._

  • @AshyGr33n
    @AshyGr33n 3 ปีที่แล้ว +298

    26:28 The echoes of the howling wind when I crossed the scaffoldings beneath the Highway 17 bridge, and then that harrowing music starts playing....
    That sound has been itched into my soul.

    • @revolutionstudios5052
      @revolutionstudios5052 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      And it helps that the music is actually the same track as the G-Man sequence, minus the Anti-Mass Spectrometer and the Manhacks and the other sounds.

    • @judsongaiden9878
      @judsongaiden9878 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      "etched"

    • @muddlewait8844
      @muddlewait8844 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      That’s THE iconic moment of the game for me. Everything came together when I stepped onto the beams, the train kicked in and the track started. I thought “I was swimming through a sewer a while ago. A few hours later I was shooting my way through a zombie-filled gothic town. Now I’m like 500 feet in the air above an open sea in broad daylight, and it’s the most spooked I’ve felt.”

    • @bananaempijama
      @bananaempijama 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Damn I feel the same way. That moment was perfect. Feel so nostalgic right now

    • @Ribbons0121R121
      @Ribbons0121R121 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      the entire moment sticks out amongst everything else
      theres several moments of any half life game youve played that just seems to stick out to you and you can remember your first experience of it easy, and the impact it left on you
      the moments vary by i think my faveorite is in hl2 right when you get out of the ravenholm mines

  • @JoeyDoesStuff1120
    @JoeyDoesStuff1120 3 ปีที่แล้ว +334

    The music makes me go *recover health*

    • @f11_ofishal
      @f11_ofishal 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

      DOO DOO KTUCK TSSSSS

    • @zigmund767
      @zigmund767 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Minor fracture detected BEEP BEEP seek medical attention

    • @f11_ofishal
      @f11_ofishal 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      DOODOO KTUCK SHHHWUUUMSHWUUMSHWUU- ER AR
      DEE DEE DEE WUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU BURNUR

    • @boxhed95
      @boxhed95 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      > { automatic_medicalSystems.engaged(1); }

    • @mattfromwiisports9414
      @mattfromwiisports9414 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      It makes me feel kinda *HEV charging*

  • @Pigness7
    @Pigness7 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2931

    still beyond pissed alyx wasnt even nominated for goty 2020

    • @svenzockt1646
      @svenzockt1646 3 ปีที่แล้ว +121

      Maybe because its a vr game ?

    • @sulphurous2656
      @sulphurous2656 3 ปีที่แล้ว +387

      Did Alyx even win anything in that celebrity snoozefest? I think I only saw the game nominated once or twice.

    • @numnaut1314
      @numnaut1314 3 ปีที่แล้ว +731

      Eh, who cares. We know it's great, why do we need a bunch of circle jerkers to tell us it's great.

    • @simplysmiley4670
      @simplysmiley4670 3 ปีที่แล้ว +246

      @@numnaut1314 Wise words my man.

    • @karunyagopan
      @karunyagopan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +251

      @@sulphurous2656 Only won the VR GOTY award, but everyone saw that coming a mile away.

  • @samturver2880
    @samturver2880 3 ปีที่แล้ว +256

    Triage at dawn is the theme of my teenage years. I struggled a lot in school and half life 2 (and the orange box) was an escape from life. It is a song that I that reminded me there was a safe haven for me when I was down

    • @dylanb1409
      @dylanb1409 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Same man I used to love it so much

    • @GreedAndSelfishness
      @GreedAndSelfishness 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      Its so weird that the track is so legendary. It's like 30 seconds long and is played in a very random scene, just a wounded rebel. I feel like it couldve been used for a more significant scene.

    • @dylanb1409
      @dylanb1409 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      @@GreedAndSelfishness you might be right but the music for me kind of made the moment significant, it’s the first moment of rest or security you’ve had since ravenholm began. With all the zombie fighting you could have become a bit desensitised to violence, so after the combine shootout having this little moment of humanity to remind you what you’re fighting for, especially with the slightly ambiguous atmosphere of the song, just gave the whole moment a resonance for me

    • @adamadamwoo789
      @adamadamwoo789 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That’s so sweet 🥺

  • @thebreadbringer9522
    @thebreadbringer9522 3 ปีที่แล้ว +303

    Me: about to go to sleep
    Liam: "I am going to stop you right there."

  • @mikaht.j.schindler8629
    @mikaht.j.schindler8629 3 ปีที่แล้ว +424

    Triage at Dawn lovers unite!!

    • @dylanb1409
      @dylanb1409 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Used to have it downloaded on my mp3 player, great atmosphere

    • @jumblezone.4779
      @jumblezone.4779 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Comrade

    • @eur0be4t3r
      @eur0be4t3r 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Wintson’s been hit

    • @MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive
      @MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      If we get make HL3, I want to hear the remix _Path of the Borealis_ be included into the canon when we as we travel to the Borealis.

    • @jamesedleymusic
      @jamesedleymusic 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@eur0be4t3r The finest Winston of our generation.

  • @takkiejakkie5458
    @takkiejakkie5458 3 ปีที่แล้ว +164

    26:30 You're so right on Lab Practicum. It can't be explained though. I've been fascinated by it since 2004 and listen to it at least a couple of times a week. I feel like even trying to describe the "alien" or weird depersonalization experience in words does it great injustice. I've always wondered whether others experienced similarly deep, indescribable feelings in that moment. It's a beautiful yet horrifying piece of ambient that feels like it's revealing something deeper about the nature of consciousness and reality itself.

    •  3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      I compare it to be on the pool alone, totally in silence, not moving just floating looking up to the sky thinking on how small we are to the bast of the universe. thats the feelling it gives me.

    • @AzphrinxOfficial
      @AzphrinxOfficial 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      "Energetic techno tracks tend to back significant battles. Atmospheric synthesizer pieces enhance key plot and exploration moments and reinforce feelings of adventure, isolation, or melancholy to the player." - About Half Life 2 Soundtrack

  • @gezz5904
    @gezz5904 3 ปีที่แล้ว +778

    P L E A S E DO PORTAL AND PORTAL 2. I think those games have the BEST soundtrack designs.

    • @LobsterRoast
      @LobsterRoast 3 ปีที่แล้ว +51

      Thing is Portal was composed by Kelly Bailey and Portal 2 was composed by Mike Morasky so its kinda hard to compare the music..

    • @yourlilbrudder5766
      @yourlilbrudder5766 3 ปีที่แล้ว +51

      I love portal 2’s dynamic soundtrack. I prefer the recordings of Bailey’s portal 1 though

    • @SpaceCatJeffy
      @SpaceCatJeffy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +44

      Portal's 'Self-esteem Fund' is one of my favorite video game songs of all time. It's so haunting, lonely, and mysterious.

    • @damonnugent1993
      @damonnugent1993 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      @@LobsterRoast Actually, Portal 1's OST is a sort of collab between Bailey and Morasky. Though it definitely has more of Bailey's touch.

    • @Chris_W
      @Chris_W 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@LobsterRoast I mean the same is done in this video between the sound of the older games and Alyx. Sounds like it could be fun. They definitely each have incredibly unique soundtracks.

  • @Coffee_Man_Or_Something
    @Coffee_Man_Or_Something 3 ปีที่แล้ว +227

    Extremely well produced documentary video!
    It actually got me into that Half Life mood and here I am now, sitting in my room, wanting to replay Half Life for the 86th time.

    • @mtw7025
      @mtw7025 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Same...

    • @Chris_W
      @Chris_W 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      makes me want to redownload the soundtracks and rock to those awesome HL2+episodes combat tracks.

    • @i-dislike-handles
      @i-dislike-handles 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      86?!?! Those are rookie numbers, we gotta pump those numbers up!

    • @jess648
      @jess648 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Chris_W Vortal Combat is one of my personal favorites

  • @adumwhourtnee585
    @adumwhourtnee585 3 ปีที่แล้ว +98

    14:13 When you try to abuse the physics engine and the game abuses you back

  • @harrisonline
    @harrisonline 3 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    I like to think the HEV suit has these songs built into it, and the AI system just plays them at appropriate times. Great vid btw. :)

    • @UNSCPILOT
      @UNSCPILOT 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Research time well spent

  • @Unpopularpage
    @Unpopularpage 3 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    No piece of media has made me cry, all over the years of my life i have enjoyed and digested media to no end, giving them meaning, after the ending of Half-Life 2 i was in total shock, i was just a 13 year old kid playing it on the orange box, Triage at dawn became my very first favorite videogame song, it gave me hope through some tough years.
    After all this years, after watching a complete playthrough of Alyx (because i don't have vr), and the credits theme started, i was feeling sad, my eyes began to tear up a little, then when the song finished and the Hazard suit spoke, i was full on crying.
    I still don't really understand, the credits song and the subsequent theme keep making me cry, i still have to pinpoint why though.
    Could it be because this song, just like Triage at Dawn did, gives me hope?
    Is it because even after all these years, i'm still immersed in the story just like when i was a little teen?
    No matter what it may be, the point of this is that the song is just amazing.

    • @captainseawolf1
      @captainseawolf1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Triage at Dawn is, by far, my favorite piece from Half Life 2

    • @MeteoraPsycho
      @MeteoraPsycho 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I feel you, I was crying too in the end. It was a weird mix of happiness, stress and confusion

  • @PeterPlayerOne
    @PeterPlayerOne 3 ปีที่แล้ว +62

    I was excited to hear you discuss ambient sounds, as the incredible and subtle ambience of HL 1 and 2 are not recognized enough.

  • @smuwug
    @smuwug 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    11:46 "my final message. change the world. goodbye"

  • @unstablegamer3313
    @unstablegamer3313 3 ปีที่แล้ว +61

    For me Nuclear mission Jam is one of the best soundtracks in all gaming

    • @revolutionstudios5052
      @revolutionstudios5052 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I still can't get Half-Life: Opposing Force's music out of my head.

    • @olucaspc
      @olucaspc 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      that and sector sweep

    • @PatnetEditions
      @PatnetEditions 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I truly love Half-Life, but im sorry, Shadow of the Colossus exists...

    • @revolutionstudios5052
      @revolutionstudios5052 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@PatnetEditions What's that game got to do with anything?

    • @PatnetEditions
      @PatnetEditions 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@revolutionstudios5052 "one of the best soundtracks in all gaming"

  • @AlgaeEater09
    @AlgaeEater09 3 ปีที่แล้ว +51

    The first game's Songs, had sounds that 'ECHO'd. It sounded like you were actually in a huge facility, with dark deep hallways. Water drops. Sounds of pipes. GIANT concrete tunnels. Science experiments. Industrial sounds. Etc.

  • @richardkunc3115
    @richardkunc3115 3 ปีที่แล้ว +224

    Hello Liam. I can't thank you enough for posting this video. I just broke up with my girlfriend because of reasons and seeing a 46 minute video about my favourite game franchise from my favourite TH-cam channel cheered me up alot. Thank you

    • @DATskorge
      @DATskorge 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      hang in there bud, you will be better for it one day.

    • @SoapMcTavish06
      @SoapMcTavish06 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I know that feel bro...

    • @crylune
      @crylune 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      nice sob story

    • @Sournale
      @Sournale 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@crylune gangsta

    • @skoda8666
      @skoda8666 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      There are tons of chicks in this world. Don't mourn your loss as if your mother died.

  • @reterbid6215
    @reterbid6215 3 ปีที่แล้ว +114

    He protec,
    He attac,
    But most importantly,
    When the world needed him. . .
    He came back

    • @false_idol__
      @false_idol__ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Guess he isn't my dad.

    • @kennarajora6532
      @kennarajora6532 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@false_idol__ You haven't seen the twist in Half Life Alyx's ending, have you?

  • @dani2541
    @dani2541 3 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    The Half-Life 1 OST actually makes me shiver. Not kidding. Especially "Nuclear Mission Jam"

    • @sulphurous2656
      @sulphurous2656 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      That's a good thing, be grateful your senses aren't numbed to dopamine or adrenaline and that you are able to immerse yourself into such things in ideal circumstances.

    • @MrLordofgames
      @MrLordofgames 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sulphurous2656 wish I could feel 😂

  • @explorerofgooplanets2516
    @explorerofgooplanets2516 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Someone so accuratly described my thoughts about the onetime living areas of Highway 17 and their inhabitants. Also I was expeting a couple of words about the radio_1 track, the most anxious audio file for me in HL2. But the great video anyway!

  • @sunsetwolf7188
    @sunsetwolf7188 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    "It is a unique atmospheric blend of beauty, and death."
    This is one of my favourite quotes from this video essay (even though i've only watched up to this quote so far - this is just such a cool quote that I felt the need to comment on it). The music (and sometimes lack thereof) in Half-Life really adds a unique atmosphere, and this video essay seems very well thought out and touches on the important points of it! This is quickly becoming a favourite video essay of mine, lovely work :)

  • @blackbeat7418
    @blackbeat7418 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Half Life Alyx, one of the most immersive games ever, thanks to its sound design, plus its VR
    GOTY AUDIO DESIGN AWARD GOES TO TLOU2

    • @dunktastic4232
      @dunktastic4232 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ye dat was sum dum shit

    • @Jotapege2
      @Jotapege2 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      rly? i love so much both, but i preffer half life but i think tlou2 has better ost (sorry) (=

    • @blackbeat7418
      @blackbeat7418 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Jotapege2 nah dude, to each their own, but considering its pretty much revolutionary having audio engineering so advanced in a vr game, i was hoping that HLA won but to be honest i haven't play tlou2, maybe it mops the floor with hla who knows

  • @jameshudson9437
    @jameshudson9437 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Just a doc on sound design for free. No biggie. Underrated channel

    • @herrpez
      @herrpez 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      No. This is a fan gushing uncontrollably.

  • @Kosackk
    @Kosackk 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I remember playing Half Life the first time in Russia when i visited my grandparents during my summervacation in 1999, who had bought their first computer! I sat and played non-stop!

  • @dervish6970
    @dervish6970 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I love these osts, always makes me happy and nostalgic when i hear tracks like Triage at dawn.

  • @bluewave1685
    @bluewave1685 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Particle Ghost is no doubt one of the best video game tracks ever made. It perfectly nails creating an unsettling atmosphere right after Ravenholm. It’s like it’s saying to you, “You’ve just got out of Ravenholm, but did you really think things would be better outside of it?”. Absolutely masterful work by Kelly Bailey

  • @odeamin
    @odeamin 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I've always loved this soundtrack, its energetic, ambient, and fits the theme of these games so well. Its nice to see someone shedding more light on Kelley Baileys work.

  • @CompleteAnimation
    @CompleteAnimation 3 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    I would just like to point out that Black Mesa has amazing music, especially Xen.

    • @Chris_W
      @Chris_W 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Oh yeah. And it could be a great comparison piece about what happens when you give the same setting to different composers. I love that BM has its own identity in the music and doesn't try to copy Bailey's work. While Bailey emphasizes the dread and horror ambience in his soundtracks, the effect Joel Nielsen really had on me with his pieces were that I felt lonely and almost kinda saddened in the alien ridden complex. And amazed in Xen. The Xen soundtrack specifically gives me goosebumps.

    • @isomericgamer6644
      @isomericgamer6644 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Chris_W tbh not really. Earth bound soundtrack sounds alot like half life. Can't say the same for xen though.

    • @yigityllmz
      @yigityllmz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Black mesa xen soundracks: MHHHMMMMMM HHAAAAAAA

    • @isomericgamer6644
      @isomericgamer6644 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@yigityllmz yeah it gets annoying sometimes but hey with some editing we can remove it out of the tracks. Then they'll sound real half life like.

  • @anasshahid224
    @anasshahid224 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Half-Life 2 is one of my all time favorite games, Valve has truly made a a timeless classic, the story is so deep, even after all these years still new things to be found, hidden details that add to the lore, the world building is on another level, being immersed in the world, it truly feels like you are in it, The G-Man such a deep, mysterious character, we don’t know who how is, his motives, the fight against the Combine, the gameplay is top notch, the use of the Gravity Gun, environmental physics, just a masterpiece game, Valve are among the best developers in the industry, really hope they make a part 3 some day 👏👏👏 The soundtrack is amazing 🎶🎧

  • @ExValeFor
    @ExValeFor 3 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    Im definitely going to be upset if you don't talk about LG Orbifold.
    EDIT: I'm not upset

  • @CoolSs
    @CoolSs 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    26:32 my favorite moment in half life 2 .the atmosphere there is just amazing

  • @ephraimtimmerman4476
    @ephraimtimmerman4476 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Literally like 3 days ago I was playing through episode 1 and I noticed that the game adds perfectly crafted music at the perfect time. (Black mesa by the crowbar collective also does this very well)

  • @GBlockbreaker
    @GBlockbreaker 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Half Life 2 was the first game i ever pirated myself, that was roughly 8 years ago by now, i was 14 at the time and the only video games i had played until then besides educational and cereal box games were the Age of Empires and Age of Mythology games so in a sense the Half Life franchise was the second game franchise I've ever experienced
    I actually first found out about it through a youtuber (called Gronkh) playing Black Mesa back in 2012, i wasn't very smart back then so when he said it was a remake for Half Life 1 i thought i could easily jump into Half Life 2 after watching his playthrough, suffice to say i didn't understand jack shit
    However it was very fun to play and I've since then of course gotten a steam account, bought all the Half Life and Portal games (besides Alyx) and played through them a bunch of times, especially Black Mesa and of course Half Life 2

  • @feralhawg867
    @feralhawg867 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Episode 2’s final track is one that can make me cry in a scene where I likely wouldn’t have otherwise. The credits aren’t accompanied by something nice and catchy, it instead makes things feel more empty than if there wasn’t music at all. It reminds me that although the portal is closed, the Combine is not yet defeated. It’s like the victory track after the HL2’s lighthouse battle, except on a much larger scale.
    But above all else, it accentuates the sadness of Eli’s death by allowing the player to reflect on everything that just happened in a way that couldn’t be done by any other moment in the series. The game is over, the only thing you see is the seemingly endless credits that still feel too short, just because you are completely alone with your thoughts, reflecting on these events even as the screen reverts to the main menu.

  • @lildan1796
    @lildan1796 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    As someone who just finished hl2, this video just summarized on how I felt when playing the game

  • @kennarajora6532
    @kennarajora6532 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    20:27, ahhh yes. No Strider is a match for the power of the Backhopping Glitch.

  • @pauliuskaskoks1153
    @pauliuskaskoks1153 3 ปีที่แล้ว +46

    24:01 Instead of “press onward” you should have said “but you initiate an accelerated back hop onward”. XD

  • @ashleyva1461
    @ashleyva1461 3 ปีที่แล้ว +85

    Kinda wish you reviewed Joel Nielsen’s music for Black Mesa, otherwise great video!

    • @simla5
      @simla5 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Me too! I fell in love with The Xen soundtrack!

    • @i.m.evilhomer5084
      @i.m.evilhomer5084 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Same here, I would've loved to Liam's thoughts on Nielsen's work on Black Mesa & how it compares & contrasts the original game's soundtrack.

    • @christiangottsacker6932
      @christiangottsacker6932 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yeah but that's not the og HL. He could do a separate video, but Kelly Bailey deserves this videos love letter.

    • @gorbonfree8245
      @gorbonfree8245 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      don't search up how he made the 'walking on fleshy surfaces' sound

  • @blobbem
    @blobbem 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I just love the UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ of the Half-Life 1 credits tune. It's so 90's it hurts and I love it.

  • @Duderino17
    @Duderino17 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The Half-Life videos to come out of your channel have been fantastic, it's been great to see your content alongside a lot of great Half-Life series retrospective work that's surfaced in the past few years.

  • @gordonneverdies
    @gordonneverdies 3 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    I need friends like this so I can talk about half-life games all day. Lol. I've been trying to beat the original game on hard without dying. I get so excited every time I make it to the lambda complex but my girlfriend doesn't even care: ( Just made it to the end of interloper. God this game is hard AF.

    • @zeynaviegas5043
      @zeynaviegas5043 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      oh man i feel you... there is just so much this game can do to a conversation and yet there's no one I know that can talk to me about it... it is kinda sad.

    • @gordonneverdies
      @gordonneverdies 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@zeynaviegas5043 Oh wow I came a long way since I posted this. I guess I was still working on my HL1 no death run. Trying to get a good recording of Black Mesa now. It's my new favorite.

    • @bodo635
      @bodo635 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This... I don't know any big Half-Life fans irl. :(

    • @Lecrogea
      @Lecrogea 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same man. Really sucks when you're the only one who won't shut up about Half Life

  • @AldenDoble
    @AldenDoble 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I can't believe you had nothing to say about the final battle in episode 2. The music for that scene was incredible!

  • @thealandude9146
    @thealandude9146 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been looking for a video like this for YEARS! Not knowing much about music made it hard for me understand every nooks and cranny about it and finally a video like this is out and it makes me understand everything GREATLY, I love these analysis/documentary type videos about everything behind video games and can definitely help me with how I want my games to be like as some sort of inspiration!

  • @miiklaa
    @miiklaa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The OSTs are a good listen for me at work. Even though I’ve not played HL or HL2 for many years - music still invokes feelings in me, that I thought I’ve already forgotten. Thank you for the video! Great review of a great series!

  • @kpdelaney6460
    @kpdelaney6460 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    8:48 ah so that's where their logo theme comes from. It is pretty nostalgiac for me from playing Portal on the 360 years ago. I also recently played HL2 and the sandbox puzzles where really creative and cool.

  • @Spartan-sz7km
    @Spartan-sz7km 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That guitar riff in half life is so iconic, love it when games ost really build up an identity for the game

  • @doyg2954
    @doyg2954 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is such a well made video, the level of detail is just amazing

  • @prismaux5168
    @prismaux5168 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing video. Love to see someone giving Half-Life's soundtrack the attention, love and deep analysis it deserves. One fun thing I've noticed is tha in CP Violation, the drums sound like a train speeding by, reminiscent of the various locomotives you find towards the start of the chapter.

  • @peshkybee7721
    @peshkybee7721 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The Half Life series is hands down my favorite series of all time. The way the music and ambiance (especially in Alyx) immerse you in the world is unparalleled

  • @matiasbenavidesdigitalvisu9511
    @matiasbenavidesdigitalvisu9511 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Most of this soundtrack was my childhood, amazing how the music can change the entire mood, so suttle and so strong to the entire storyline

  • @mdq.music.
    @mdq.music. 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing video. Soundtrack is astonishing and I remember it even after many years of not playing it

  • @seraphsclaws2997
    @seraphsclaws2997 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I absolutely adore this music series. By far the best I've seen on youtube.

  • @AlaskaOilers
    @AlaskaOilers 3 ปีที่แล้ว +143

    Patrolling the Mojave almost makes you wish for a nuclear winter

    • @Kaiwala
      @Kaiwala 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Worse, it's the damned covenant

    • @cpulord2685
      @cpulord2685 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Go away this is Half life not New vegas

    • @blyatman7244
      @blyatman7244 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@cpulord2685 Patrolling the Mojave almost makes you wish for a nuclear winter

    • @Gogglesofkrome
      @Gogglesofkrome 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@Kaiwala slipspace rupture detected.
      slipspace rupture detected.
      slipspace rupture detected. slipspace rupture detected. slipspace rupture detected. slipspace rupture detected. slipspace rupture detected. slipspace rupture detected. slipspace rupture detected. slipspace rupture detected. slipspace rupture detected.

    • @greengarnish1711
      @greengarnish1711 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Ave true to Caesar

  • @mechmayhem
    @mechmayhem 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was a great watch, wonderful work!

  • @cratemeister
    @cratemeister 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    By far one of the greatest videos on Half-Life I have seen. Subscribed.

  • @AngryShooter
    @AngryShooter 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The bridge music has also always made me reflect about the bigger picture of Half-Life, and it's to me synonymous with my own experience with HL2. Music is something that will always be incredibly subjective, but when multiple people relate to it in a very similar way, you know there's some genius intent behind it.

  • @thenumberfour2432
    @thenumberfour2432 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    wow i was literally just in the process of rewatching the hl retrospective lol

  • @ianmarais9403
    @ianmarais9403 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you!! I've been searching for tge song lab practicum without knowing it's name. Was just so in the mood to listen to it and there you not only have it in your video, you gave the name for it. Wish I could have given more than 1 like.

  • @heidirichter
    @heidirichter 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Did I just spend 46 and a half minutes watching a video about the music of the half-life games?
    Life well spent!
    This was amazing, truly a great work and made me really appreciate the work that went into getting the right feel for the games by using, or not using, music. It made me realise just how much effect the music had on me as I experienced the stories of Half-life.
    Well done!

  • @arathertallglassofwater1864
    @arathertallglassofwater1864 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    FINALLY someone talking about the music in HLA, it was one of the best parts of the game IMO and really stood out from the rest of the series for me

  • @kinder_egg01
    @kinder_egg01 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    i wish black mesa was covered because HOLY CRAB THAT SOUNDTRACK IS AMAZING

    • @rgbforever4561
      @rgbforever4561 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      yea probably to high
      for that very educated mind

  • @eshcroft3942
    @eshcroft3942 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Such an amazing work,well done.

  • @opticalsalt2306
    @opticalsalt2306 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was an amazing video, I think I'm gonna go download and finally play them all, thank you

  • @ileryon4019
    @ileryon4019 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I need a vid talking about the music theory and the sound design behind HL2's music

  • @egustafson
    @egustafson 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I'm really glad someone notices and appreciates the nuances within the half-life series as much as I do. My favorite games, thank you!

  • @mow_cat
    @mow_cat 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i love these kinds of videos because i find even more appreciation for things i love by realizing why i love them

  • @StrudleMaster
    @StrudleMaster 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I don't know how you don't have more subscribers or more views on this video, this was a masterpiece.
    I watched every second of it, which isn't something I always do with long videos like this. Keep up the good work, this video was amazing

  • @generichandle7
    @generichandle7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Half-life music in 2021: Mmm yes an exceptional soundtrack that isn't afraid of experimenting with unordinary instrumentals and themes.
    Half-life music in 2022: One thing I don't know why
    It doesn't even matter how hard you try
    Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme
    To explain in due time
    All I know
    Time is a valuable thing
    Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings
    Watch it count down to the end of the day
    The clock ticks life away
    It's so unreal
    Didn't look out below
    Watch the time go right out the window
    Tryin' to hold on, did-didn't even know
    I wasted it all just to watch you go
    I kept everything inside and even though I tried
    It all fell apart
    What it meant to me will eventually
    Be a memory of a time when I tried so hard
    I tried so hard and got so far
    But in the end it doesn't even matter
    I had to fall to lose it all
    But in the end it doesn't even matter
    One thing, I don't know why
    It doesn't even matter how hard you try
    Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme
    To remind myself how I tried so hard
    In spite of the way you were mockin' me
    Acting like I was part of your property
    Remembering all the times you fought with me
    I'm surprised it got so far
    Things aren't the way they were before
    You wouldn't even recognize me anymore
    Not that you knew me back then
    But it all comes back to me in the end
    You kept everything inside and even though I tried
    It all fell apart
    What it meant to me will eventually
    Be a memory of a time when I tried so hard
    I tried so hard and got so far
    But in the end it doesn't even matter
    I had to fall to lose it all
    But in the end it doesn't even matter
    I've put my trust in you
    Pushed as far as I can go
    For all this
    There's only one thing you should know
    I've put my trust in you
    Pushed as far as I can go
    For all this
    There's only one thing you should know
    I tried so hard and got so far
    But in the end it doesn't even matter
    I had to fall to lose it all
    But in the end it doesn't even matter

  • @shibeguy
    @shibeguy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hunting Party in EP2 is also great, the electric guitar solos+synths sound a bit like the Hunters you're fighting (at least in my opinion)

  • @merkquavious2
    @merkquavious2 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    i just started watching ur vids, i love them man keep going

  • @thiagoribeiro2711
    @thiagoribeiro2711 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'll never forget the final battle at White Forest in Ep. 2. When the final wave of striders came and I began to despair, thinking I'd have to reload due to not having enough ammo nor supplies left to fight the hunters, the guy at the radio gives us some words of motivation as the epic guitar kicks in. With all the hype in the world I drive towards one of the striders, but as soon as I see the hunters I'm like "damn it, but I got no ammo", then as the hype music continued, it clicked "I got no ammo, but I got the car!". I begin to run over the hunters and shoot down the striders, and booooy, was that fun! I loved how the music boosted my morale and gave me one of my best experiences with gaming.
    Amazing vid, Liam~

  • @Cacci_
    @Cacci_ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I'm a little over halfway through, and this is a very good birthday gift

    • @dgbeck
      @dgbeck 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      happy belated birthday

  • @i.m.evilhomer5084
    @i.m.evilhomer5084 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Fantastic video. Although, I was kinda hoping you would also talk about Black Mesa's soundtrack & how it compares & contrasts with the original Half-life, as well as your thoughts on the soundtrack itself.

  • @MvsG18
    @MvsG18 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing vídeo. Just i hace no other words for what i've seen. Incredible work.

  • @MiguelRodrigues0
    @MiguelRodrigues0 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fantastic work and very accurate critique. Hearing this just after playing the game series gives a more introspection about itself. For Alyx though I stopped before getting spoiled. Will come back here after playing the game.

  • @GabeNewellFromOuterSpace
    @GabeNewellFromOuterSpace 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Portal 2 have the most unique soundtrack ever. You should make a video about it too

  • @TheSupremeDuck
    @TheSupremeDuck 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The portal games also have a truly amazing soundtrack. Portal 1's ambient soundtrack really embodies the strange loneliness you feel in the tests, while portal 2 is much more upbeat and complicated to match the more upbeat atmosphere.

  • @AFriendRemembers
    @AFriendRemembers 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love your musical deep dives, but its 1 AM in the morning in the UK and I'm only 25 minutes in :)
    Thanks for doing these, back tomorrow to finish :)

  • @MildManneredBen
    @MildManneredBen 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for this brilliant video, which itself is a great tribute to the incredible music of Half-Life. I had to stop at the Alyx section, as I still have yet to play that portion for myself, but I really enjoyed the first four chapters. Thank you!

  • @mahuba2553
    @mahuba2553 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The musics made the game that was already perfect, a master piece. Half Life is unique and I doubt that anything will be able to ever recreate the feeling of playing Half Life 2 for the first time.

  • @cume6163
    @cume6163 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This game is perfect from start to finish..Theres only a coouple more like it.

  • @Maceyoshiman
    @Maceyoshiman 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love this series of yours. As someone who drives for a living this is perfect on-the-job content for me.

  • @KellyAesop
    @KellyAesop 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    In eighth grade I did a project on Kelly Bailey & Half-Life's audio for my music class. It's safe to say this video is much better than my awkward presentation where I poorly tried to convince my peers that ambience was important. Very well done, Liam.

  • @512TheWolf512
    @512TheWolf512 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    i know this is about Bailey's work specifically, but i think that not mentioning the official expansions or black mesa was wrong

    • @Alonne1
      @Alonne1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yes at least it could have been nice to see an opinion on the differences on the music.

    • @MrSHURIKENCHO
      @MrSHURIKENCHO 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The one thing Black Mesa consistently got wrong - is the music... 90% of the tracks there are forgettable at best or are flat out annoying. The only track I can call awesome with confidence is the Gonarch theme

    • @512TheWolf512
      @512TheWolf512 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@MrSHURIKENCHO this is entirely up to personal taste. I for one completely disagree with you

    • @bickboose9364
      @bickboose9364 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@MrSHURIKENCHO Then you're in a tiny minority of people who dislike Black Mesa's soundtrack.

  • @AB-bg7os
    @AB-bg7os 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I'm disappointed that you didn't mention opposing force

    • @christiangottsacker6932
      @christiangottsacker6932 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Did Kelly bailey do the music for that and blueshift..?

    • @AB-bg7os
      @AB-bg7os 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@gmangrandma but he mentioned half life Alyx and that's also made by a different composer...

    • @christiangottsacker6932
      @christiangottsacker6932 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Maybe we're not talking about black Mesa at all

  • @mahuba2553
    @mahuba2553 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    26:22
    This is very part of this game, I cannot explain how much of a meaning this has for me, this very section of Half Life 2 is my favorite gaming moment, my favorite feeling, my favorite song, everything about this, as you said, not only reflects the game in a way which cannot be explained, but I would go as far as saying this part somehow reflects our lifes, how the bridge we cross can signify the life we live, the fog there being as a constant blur between what you do and what others are doing, and the music, the music is like a reminder of something we look for but dont know what it is exactly, it's the unexplainable.
    It is not a insignificant section of the game. It is not a silly thought, it is true. This very section just states how much of a masterpiece Half Life 2 really is.

  • @JoshFryer
    @JoshFryer 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great vid, homie! A really nice trip down memory lane.

  • @atlev
    @atlev 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I've never heard anyone come close to emulating Kelly Bailey's sound. Morasky did a good job with a couple songs, but none really sound like Bailey's Half-Life.
    Morasky's stuff sounds a lot closer to Portal 2 than Half-Life.

    • @bickboose9364
      @bickboose9364 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's because Morasky also did Portal 2's OSTs.

    • @atlev
      @atlev 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@bickboose9364Yes, and the rest of Valve's OSTs since the second half of Portal.

  • @sstteev
    @sstteev 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    what the h, I just started playing hl2 for the first time in 10ish years and you release this... get out of my head

  • @ryanphillips4123
    @ryanphillips4123 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video was phenomenal! Subbed

  • @7ktTube
    @7ktTube 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    awesome video which takes you on an insane deep dive with a ton of information that makes you appreciate the games genius design even more!
    You just got a new subscriber!

  • @LtSarge
    @LtSarge 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Make more of these music theme vids. And not just games, but anime and movies too. It's a niche topic that's barely touched