You guys often ask me what I think of this track or that as a music composer, specially when it comes to MH, so this video is a response to that. If y'all like this one I'll do more :) And don't forget to hop into my chill MH covers playlist. A lot of the discussed tracks are covered over there: th-cam.com/video/0r0SF_01vzg/w-d-xo.html
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was my first monster hunter game, i played MHGenU on 3DS, then transfered the data on my Switch, now i play MHRise, but i don't have a PS4, if i had, i would also have played MHWorld and MHWIceborn! I loved the sound of the bells in Cathar theme, Val Habar's victorious festival song and Yukumo's japanese themed soundtrack with the trio: Shamisen, Shakuachi and Koto, i also love the sound of the violin in Bherna's theme as well! I really love the Celtic, medieval and cultural soundtracks of Monster Hunter games, the call for a dangerous adventure along with some peaceful villages that need our help!
I’ve been watching a lot of your videos lately and I’m a fan. I’m also a massive monster hunter fan. Not sure if you were aware, or if you just figured they were so similar you only needed to do one, but both astera and seliana have a day and night version to their themes. I’m only a little butthurt that Seliana didn’t get S. The Iceborne soundtrack in general is absolutely incredible.
Astera is appropriate for the theme of MHW, it's an outpost, run by a general and a military basically and you're there to work, do research and kill things. It isn't really a village too.
pokke village is the best.. When I fight dual rajang, white fatalis and lose... returning to village actually soothe and relaxed me. I just let the village theme run for a few minutes and the rage and dissapointment dissipated. For real.
The reason for why Astera doesn't sound like other village themes, is because it's not a village. It's a camp, or a research FOB of the expedition. You can hear the movement of people working in the music just after the soft intro. Contrary to the setting of most other MH games you're not a resident hunter in a remote village, you're an explorer on an expedition, and everyone around you is as well. It's a theme of "Workplace" rather than "Home".
this is honestly why I like Astera's theme, you hear the hammers of the forge in the heavier beats, and the bustle of the scholars and other workers throughout the piece. It has that feeling of arriving at base camp knowing that you have a lot of work to do but you have a satisfaction knowing what it may become in the future and the hope to help in shaping that future.
I was thinking the same thing. You've got this big coordinated effort from people all over the place so the connecting line between everyone is the passion for the mission.
Hearing the Moga Village Theme almost makes me cry. It was also my first Monster Hunter Game which I started playing 12 years ago. So many memories. My favourites are Moga Village, Pokke Village and Cathar Village of the Swaying Winds :)
Seliana is an S tier to me. I love how the flute is a lonely sounding instrument, but is followed up with the string instruments to give a sense of an individual working together with a collective. The coldness is being enveloped by warmth. Also, the night theme for Seliana is beautiful too and works as kind of a nice opposite to the day theme, with more major chords and warmer instruments, as if to represent the warmth of staying by the fireplace in a cold winter night. Replacing a harsh flute with a warm, friendly accordion, like you're sitting by a lone musician who's playing for you. The flute also makes an appearance but it's not the star player anymore, but playing as a part of the background, as if to say that yeah it is cold out there, but it's warm in here.
I will always be a hunter of Seliana, world was the monster hunter that got me hooked, but iceborn is what kept me around and I'm so glad that I decided to play this game because it introduced me to this amazing series. Happy hunting everyone
Part of me always felt that the slight melancholy you feel when hearing the Kokoto theme is due to the backstory of the Kokoto Chief, who used to be known as the Hero of Kokoto. He tragically lost his fiancee in his final fight as a hunter against a Lao Shan Lung. This loss also brought about the jinx among hunters that a hunting party should have no more than 4 people, since the Kokoto Hero party had 5 people in that final fight.
I recently discovered this channel, and as a longtime Monster Hunter fan (who also started with 3U) and a musician, I think you did a great job with this video. Can't wait to enjoy Rise's soundtrack with you
Interesting thing about Kokoto is that once you beat the main story you get a more upbeat and cheerful variation on the same piece for the rest of the game. th-cam.com/video/_y0pmthPRiI/w-d-xo.html
Excellent analysis! I never noticed the nine meter in Yukumo, but it helps explain why it always stuck out to me as the most unorthodox of the portable villages' themes. Also, just realized that MHGU uses part of Bherna's theme for its quest clear theme. Great way to open the new year.
I'm so happy Pokke Village got S, I mean everyone would agree, its so memorable and mellow, and gave a slow relax feeling Like the game telling you, to enjoy here in the village after you've done, or will take another quest, the gathering hall music is more of fun, because you can play with friends that somehow will gave you fun moment to remeber one day
I'm not sure why, but I always really liked the dundorma theme. I never even played the game it originated from, but I spent a ton of time there in MH4U and the melody really resonated with me. Out of all the themes that go for bustling hub rather than a quiet village vibe it's probably my favorite
Yeah, same, spent so many hours there in MH4U fishing to farm money lol. I excluded Dundorma from the list because it is originally a online hub theme.
Pokke Village has a theme that made me feel like "Oh, I'm home, this is my home." I stopped playing MHW for a bit, went back to play MHFU and I teared up a little, call me a crybaby or whatever, Monster Hunter's nostalgic feel never fails to melt my heart.
Good list, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Rise's soundtrack when it comes out. Not sure if you know but just in case, there was an interview a few days earlier where they explained what the overall sound and feel of Rise's music will be like, and they said that it will go for a more punchy and catchy style in contrast to World's multi-layered, orchestral compositions. Every piece will also have vocals in it, even the personal themes of old monsters will be remixed with chorus.
Yeah, I saw that interview. I'm very intrigued by their decision about the vocals. I wonder if it's just a stylistic choice or if it has a deeper meaning based on the story or some other in-game element.
Moga Village is the most memorable of all the villages OST’s to me. It’s the most playtime spent to any Monster Hunter game and I’ve played them all. I love the series as a whole
My tier list: S+: Yukumo, Bherna and Pokke village themes S: Kokoto, Val Habar, Cathar A: Harth, Moga, Port Tanzia B: Seliana, Jumbo C: Astera My compressed tier list: S: everything but Astera B: Astera I feel like astera is the least monster hunter of them all(?). I feel the same about a lot of world's soundtrack. Except for B-52 theme. His theme is pure monster hunter. Thanks for the video, was interesting to hear everything in it.
Oh wow, Seliana at B? That is surprising but I can understand and imagine the reason why. Nice tier list! Regarding Tanzia, I refrained from including online hub/gathering hall themes otherwise the video could have been 1 hour+ long. Jumbo I didn't include because MH2 never released for us here so I feel not many people know about it. And I agree about Astera. But despite what I said about MHW music, I still think the music was fantastic. I expect MH Rise's music direction to be a blend of old school MH with MHW. Thank you!
@@DaviVasc seliana might move up a bit in future. Have not played iceborne that much. Can't connect with it, might grow on me later (bherna was a love from the first second though). And have no memories with it as of now. Decided to include all town/village themes that i can remember, so Tanzia is there. Yukumo and Bherna hub themes would be S+ as well. Played MH dos as a kid, so it is there. I loved how smith lady run from the top of the village to the bottom to sell/forge you armor/weapons. As for astera - it feels like an elevator BG music that tells you "Let's go for the hunt! No, seriously, get out of here or there would be another MMO crossover and you will hear it's theme instead. Move along and have a nice day! Somewhere else". I guess that's what they were going for, still not a fan of it (huge words. Like astera theme, learned to play on guitar, just not a fan and not something i will listen to ever). World's music is good, and i adore b-52, Hazak and new Narga themes. But sometimes it feels a bit bland (like new Jho and Teo themes. I have not heard Teo theme before playing world, had a teo hunt in world last time, had like 40 teo hunts in world and 4 in other games, still can't remember how the new theme sounds compared to the old one), like everything meshes together, like what you think of when you hear about orchestral movie (and old anime dubs) OSTs And thanks
@@GrayFoxHound9 my favorite music in world has got to be the private room bgm. As for monster themes i never really pay attention to them. But i do know and apreashiates how music sets the mood and enhances the experience. But im really bad at multitasking so i have to focus on the monster.
I started with 4U and hearing Val Habar’s theme gave me so much nostalgia of walking into the hub and talking to other people. Love the videos man keep it up.
Out of those Kokoto is my favourite because of nostalgia with MH1 being my first. Although I never really got a feeling of sadness about the theme or "dread". Although it doesn't surprise me that you picked up on that because a lot of MH1 music for the zones BGM's has fear tones for each map.
Kokoto is great. The melancholic elements are definitely subtle and it's a bittersweet vibe because there are some joyful/triumphant moments mixed in as well, similarly to Pokke, although Pokke feels generally a bit more positive than Kokoto.
@@DaviVasc Btw you could also rank the online hall music for each generation as well. MH Tri's Loc Lac has to be one of my favourites and it was sad when the servers shut down however you can hear this music in your house in Iceborne if you got one of the track packs in the PS or Xbox store. th-cam.com/video/Bh3vWZTtDbA/w-d-xo.html
I was actually going to talk about online hubs in this video too but ended up not doing so that the video wouldn't get extremely long. But yeah, I would love to talk about the online hub themes too. Off the top of my head Port Tanzia and Hunters Hub from Generations are some of my favorites
Really cool video, nice work. I would love to see a similar one but ranking the Battle themes from all the Flagship monsters. (Problem would be that some of them have more than 1 theme like the Bloodbath Diablos and others have remastered versions like Glavenus)
Dude, I would love to do this. Thank you for suggesting it as it helps me realize that there are other people out there that care about this music as much as I do. I don't think the theme variations would be a problem. Some of the village themes I talked about in this video have variations too (Moga and Astera have night and day variations). I just choose one of the variations and talk about that one only. Otherwise the video gets too long and boring.
Very nice analysis on the songs, really interesting to hear your opinions on these tracks. My list would probably look like this: S: Moga, Pokke, Yukumo A: Bherna, Cathar, Kokoto B: Astera, Seliana C: Cheeko Sands, Harth, Val Habar Yukumo is my favorite overall, always love me that Japanese vibe, I hope the one for Kamura will be as good. Most of 4U's themes never really stuck with me, probably because I haven't played that one as much, but Cathar sounds great, I should probably come back to the game sometime. About Seliana, while I think it's a fitting theme, my top track from Iceborne is definitely the room theme (The Comforts of Home), it's such a calm and pleasant tune that perfectly captures the feel of coming in from the cold, I'd put that one in S tier instantly.
Nice list! I think at this point it's pretty much guaranteed that Kamura theme will be somewhat similar to Yukumo, considering how japanese inspired Rise is.
Pokke village easily my favourite village theme. Not only mhfu2 was my first ever mh game but also because it makes me feel at home. Pokke Village theme brings my mind peace especially when I needed it the most. It's literally my lullaby 😌😌😌
I love Kokoto village's theme. The word I would use to describe it is somber. It feels daunting, but also strangely safe. Like you can rest there, but only for a brief moment. Bherna, I absolutely love. It's just a song that screams "home". Despite this, Bherna village is a pretty terrifying place for me. I've been in places identical to it in real life, and the heights make me feel incredibly uneasy. The fact that the song can still make me feel at ease speaks volumes. Pokke is what I would call my home. The track, in one word, is "comfort". The village always waits for you to get back from a tough quest, and despite it's cold, envelops you in a warm embrace and always makes you feel at home. Yukumo is beautiful. It always feels like a place you can come back to, and find yourself amazed at it, and at home. Moga is strangely dissonant, but always brings you back. It's a place for you to rest, but it feels endangered. Fragile. Cathar feels foreign. You explained it perfectly.
@@DaviVasc mountain villages across the world are arranged similarly! Bherna is based on the Swiss alps, but I've stayed at a very similar place in the Andes, Chile. There's something terrifying about the vastness and openness that surrounds you when you're up there. Foods perish quickly and water is scarce, so foods like the cheese they eat in bherna and the brews they drink are perfect for places like that. At night, Bherna would probably be absolutely cold and unwelcoming. Blimps seem to be the only way in and out of it too, so traveling by day is likely a necessity. It's absolutely beautiful but horrifyingly vast. Also, thank you for making this! I absolutely love this channel and what you do.
Everything you said in this video was spot on! I understand what you mean about Seliana base theme, it is a very large arrangement. I think the night version is the perfect counter to that and a more "Monster Hunter'y version.
@@DaviVasc indeed it was, but i did played on the 1st game on ps2 back in the days.. but nothing more compare to psp MH series... then i stop when MH jumps into Nintendo platform, after that back on Sony on MHW, and now Rise on switch.. hahaha haven own switch yet...
Oi Davi. Feliz Ano Novo! This was such an informative video and it was really interesting hearing you speak about each piece of music. I agree with your comment on Astera sounding like awakening; you can imagine the dawn chorus of birds here. I really like the Kokoto theme which almost has a Celtic sound to me. Thank you for taking so much time to make this amazing video :)
Thanks Anne. Yeah, you're spot on about Kokoto. I actually mentioned the celtic influences in it but had to cut it because the video was already too long.
Oh man this was an awesome video, you explained my exact feelings and emotions I have for each theme and what each village conveys. And thanks for explaining the musical elements for us who have no idea about music lol.
I get really happy when I receive comments like this from non-musicians because its exactly what I'm going for, to make it interesting for everyone regardless of levle of musical knowledge. Thanks!
Yeah, the night version is great too. Unfortunately because of the video length I just had to choose one version and go with it. Thank you for watching btw!
In MH2 there was Jumbo Village, which apparently had a bunch of different variations of it's themes (day/night, a theme for different ingame seasons, even a different theme with story progression like Harth for example). I never played it myself, but I bet they're all very interesting! Here's the most commonly cited version for Jumbo th-cam.com/video/dMpm4wngZVk/w-d-xo.html
It's crazy how many MH players there are in this world that are also musicians. You probably wouldn't assume there is a significant number of people who fall under that classification, but having seen many myself and personally being a musician and MH player, I can tell you there are a lot more of them than you might initially realize. An observation I found to be interesting. Also, say what you want, but Astera and Val Habar's themes along with Harth and Seliana's themes are in my opinion the absolute best in the series.
This music is near and dear to me and it's awesome to hear analysis like this! I haven't seen this type of content made for MH before either. Loved the breakdowns!
Kokoto is an easy S-Tier for me. I started with the very first game, where they thought analogue sticks were a good attack input. It just feels like home to me. It's nostalgic, and although parts of it are lonely, it makes me feel warm, welcome and safe. As soon as it became available for the music box in your house in World, I put it on. Hearing it when I walk into my room in-game is just incredibly relaxing.
@@DaviVasc Strictly speaking it wasn't (there was a bigger guild hall attached to it for G rank quests but Dundorma itself still functioned as a solo-hub for all of the expansion story content that was added in 4U) but then again, I guess you could argue that Dundorma strictly speaking doesn't count as a village since it's actually a fortified city specifically built to repell elder dragons (as opposed to just a place where people are trying to live without getting eaten).
World I think is a bold new beginning for the capcom dev team so in my eyes it’s appropriate for them to have gone full orchestral with the village themes. 🤩 by the way, I’m learning so much about music from your channel. You’re awesome.
Queria era que tu falasse português, mas teu inglês é perfeito mano, parabéns. Aliás, sou um super fã de Monster Hunter há 12 anos, e não podia deixar esse vídeo passar
Whenever I'm in Seliana it feels really cold, and it has this feeling that the monsters there are really powerful. Like there's a drag, to make you think first before you put up a quest.
As a fiver who did a backtracking to MHP3rd, 4U and GU, I'd say Yukumo, Bherna and Pokke as S tiers. But Astera and Seliana have a special place in my heart.
You and your comment section are smart cookies. Riddle me this. Why do I cry when I listen to monster Hunter music and some other happy songs? For MH it could be nostalgia but wouldn't I be happy to hear it? Prof of a hero, everytime I fight a big Monster and this tune kicks in I have a frog in my throat. Other songs. Why the fuck get I sad when I hear Spice from Food Wars? I didn't even looked up the translated lyrics but everytime I listen to it i get melancholic.
I think would be cool to do a video like this ranking all the main themes from the various entries. Proof of a Hero would be included since, aside from being the series main theme, it's also the main theme from the first game
MHP2 (freedom) was my first MH game and Pokke village theme has definitely been one of my favorite, along with the Japanese style P3rd theme. Also for the series’ 10th anniversary they released a soundtrack with an official remix of the Pokke village theme, which is god tier IMO. I totally agree with you on the 1st village theme, it’s not a happy one but I think the kind of loneliness and suspense really fits a first installment in the series.
Pokke village theme is my favorite because something about the fact that in this cold and harsh place in the mountains there’s this welcoming and comfy home speaks to me. The hot springs, the caring villagers, everything about the village feels like home. The sad tone is almost like an advice: no matter how sad or injured you are, you can always stay here and rest, because we’re a family. All the characters in Pokke village were unique and very loving characters. They cared more about you as a person than as a hunter. Btw please do a gathering hall/pub theme tier list would be much appreciated
I still love that Seliana flute that starts around 23:30. For some reason I always found it really comforting to whistle or hum along to that section. It's just the right length, it has a nice cadance, and the notes are so easy to hit even if you're not a great whistler.
The Kokoto Village Theme is close to being one of my most favorite concepts, guess that tells a lot about my self haha. Songs I come up with on my Guitar especially resembles that as well. Man I love that song so much. Moga Village would be the second favorite of mine, it feels soothing but also somewhat being far away alone on a island.
Pokke village is peak nostalgia, hearing it zips me back 10 years instantly lol. Also Kamura is 100% straight to S tier now that we have that one as well.
Absolutely great list. Also, I always felt Val Habar is Astera's theme done right. Both are busy, bustling, and have that feeling of "conquering" to it like you said. But Val Habar feels much more light-hearted and doesn't have trumpets blaring in your face the entire time. It feels like I can kick back and relax in Val Habar, but Astera just feels like "work work work" with no time for relaxation. Maybe it's the instrumentation, maybe it's the rhythm of the music, it's just how I always felt about the songs. Astera is the only song in the series I'd personally put in a C or D tier. Especially when the game forcibly tears you away from beautiful tunes of Seliana.
I have to argue here that while the Seliana day theme you have on here does sound dramatic, the Seliana NIGHT theme is a perfect village theme. The Seliana base is that, a base of operations for the guild on a new frontier, not a homey village so its day theme is dramatic and has a steady rhythm in the back similar to Astera. (One that feels like a marching beat to me so like people working) The night theme is much more in line instrumentally with other village themes and brings the feeling of hunters and guild members coming home to celebrate and rest after a long day of keeping the place running or hunting. It has so much character to it and honestly the night theme in particular is my absolute favorite.
These are all fair observations. Unfortunately I had to cut alternative versions of the same theme, otherwise the video would be too long. Thank you for watching btw!
What a lot of people don't pick up on is that the first monster hunter takes place not long after the Great Dragon War, which ended in Fatalis destroying much of civilization. The village from that game kinda has a subtle undertone of worry, for the hunters are untested, and people are barely hanging on with vengeful monsters either seeing them as prey, intruders on territory, or wanting their pound of flesh for the atrocities of the ancient kingdom.
And Jumbo Village on Monster Hunter Dos? Day cycle: th-cam.com/video/dMpm4wngZVk/w-d-xo.html Winter Cycle: th-cam.com/video/cUB84OkJD00/w-d-xo.html Kokoto Vilage on Monster Hunter Dos Day Cycle: th-cam.com/video/P2FlfZyjerE/w-d-xo.html NIght cycle: th-cam.com/video/GK_ynJdL4nQ/w-d-xo.html What you opinion?
Haha I knew my Yukumo placement would raise some eyebrows. To me it feels like it builds up to a singable climax like Bherna, but then surprises you with that exotic 9 beat meter. But of course, it's an amazing track. All MH music is S tier when compared to other video game music tbh.
Pokke village will always be absolute best. They fucking nailed it on this one and it has never been matched since. Despite me having huge nostalgia for the Moga village
First time I see this channel. Having a blast going through all these tracks. Personally I don't know if I'd place Moga or Val Habar themes in S but I'd have to think really hard on where to put them. I'm guessing Dundorma, Minegarde, Loc Lac and Tanzia didn't make the cut because they're towns/cities and not villages? Really wish Jumbo theme was here - that thing is something else.
The one you mentioned were omitted for being online hubs. I'll leave online hubs for a separate video. Jumbo was excluded because MH2 didn't come out in the west, but now I kinda regret excluding it. Would have been fun to introduce it to MH fans who never knew about it.
Came just for Moga Village. Wish you had done the night time version too but that was only in Tri not Tri ultimate so perhaps you were not aware of it. I liked it over the day version, it would put me to sleep half the time
![“อ.เบียร์ คนตื่นธรรม” มาตามคำเรียกร้อง แหกศาสตร์ฮวงจุ้ย เตือนสติอย่างมงาย | แฉ 7 พ.ย. 67 [1/3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5fc4S3xBNfc/mqdefault.jpg)
You guys often ask me what I think of this track or that as a music composer, specially when it comes to MH, so this video is a response to that. If y'all like this one I'll do more :)
And don't forget to hop into my chill MH covers playlist. A lot of the discussed tracks are covered over there: th-cam.com/video/0r0SF_01vzg/w-d-xo.html
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was my first monster hunter game, i played MHGenU on 3DS, then transfered the data on my Switch, now i play MHRise, but i don't have a PS4, if i had, i would also have played MHWorld and MHWIceborn!
I loved the sound of the bells in Cathar theme, Val Habar's victorious festival song and Yukumo's japanese themed soundtrack with the trio: Shamisen, Shakuachi and Koto, i also love the sound of the violin in Bherna's theme as well!
I really love the Celtic, medieval and cultural soundtracks of Monster Hunter games, the call for a dangerous adventure along with some peaceful villages that need our help!
I get the feel that you are a monster hunter fan. ey?
You're good with music but not good at rating...
I’ve been watching a lot of your videos lately and I’m a fan. I’m also a massive monster hunter fan. Not sure if you were aware, or if you just figured they were so similar you only needed to do one, but both astera and seliana have a day and night version to their themes. I’m only a little butthurt that Seliana didn’t get S. The Iceborne soundtrack in general is absolutely incredible.
Astera is appropriate for the theme of MHW, it's an outpost, run by a general and a military basically and you're there to work, do research and kill things. It isn't really a village too.
pokke village is the best.. When I fight dual rajang, white fatalis and lose... returning to village actually soothe and relaxed me. I just let the village theme run for a few minutes and the rage and dissapointment dissipated. For real.
Jumbo village > pokke
@@alzzz1-14 keep dreaming
@@alzzz1-14 Pokke village is the best. Melodic and emotional.
BHERNA
The reason for why Astera doesn't sound like other village themes, is because it's not a village. It's a camp, or a research FOB of the expedition. You can hear the movement of people working in the music just after the soft intro.
Contrary to the setting of most other MH games you're not a resident hunter in a remote village, you're an explorer on an expedition, and everyone around you is as well. It's a theme of "Workplace" rather than "Home".
this is honestly why I like Astera's theme, you hear the hammers of the forge in the heavier beats, and the bustle of the scholars and other workers throughout the piece. It has that feeling of arriving at base camp knowing that you have a lot of work to do but you have a satisfaction knowing what it may become in the future and the hope to help in shaping that future.
I was thinking the same thing. You've got this big coordinated effort from people all over the place so the connecting line between everyone is the passion for the mission.
True, I get the same vibe with Harth.
Hearing the Moga Village Theme almost makes me cry. It was also my first Monster Hunter Game which I started playing 12 years ago. So many memories.
My favourites are Moga Village, Pokke Village and Cathar Village of the Swaying Winds :)
Aye, Tri was my first too, though I went and played Freedom unite once I got as far as I could. No internet access on the console back then on my end.
I just started the video and the Pokke Village theme better be S Tier
EDIT: Nice :)
:D
hahahahahah I had the same thought mate!
No way exactly what I thought too xD
Seliana is an S tier to me. I love how the flute is a lonely sounding instrument, but is followed up with the string instruments to give a sense of an individual working together with a collective. The coldness is being enveloped by warmth.
Also, the night theme for Seliana is beautiful too and works as kind of a nice opposite to the day theme, with more major chords and warmer instruments, as if to represent the warmth of staying by the fireplace in a cold winter night. Replacing a harsh flute with a warm, friendly accordion, like you're sitting by a lone musician who's playing for you. The flute also makes an appearance but it's not the star player anymore, but playing as a part of the background, as if to say that yeah it is cold out there, but it's warm in here.
Thank you for your Opinion, Gunlance from the Monster Hunter Series
@@DripTitan6988 thank you, formerly good titanfall 2 weapon Mozambique
I will always be a hunter of Seliana, world was the monster hunter that got me hooked, but iceborn is what kept me around and I'm so glad that I decided to play this game because it introduced me to this amazing series. Happy hunting everyone
Part of me always felt that the slight melancholy you feel when hearing the Kokoto theme is due to the backstory of the Kokoto Chief, who used to be known as the Hero of Kokoto. He tragically lost his fiancee in his final fight as a hunter against a Lao Shan Lung. This loss also brought about the jinx among hunters that a hunting party should have no more than 4 people, since the Kokoto Hero party had 5 people in that final fight.
Oh, I didn't know about this. Thank you for sharing.
me and my brother likes to think that's also why MH never has 5 in its title.
I absolutely love how Monster Hunter World Iceborne’s Fatalis theme has a reference to kokoto village
Ah, I didn't remember that about the Fatalis theme, gotta listen to it again some time
Pokke and yukumo will always have a special place in my heart, goosebumps and tears galore
Yukumo is the perfect village honestly. Everything is close by homely unique and absolutely stunning
Moga has a special place in my heart, because Tri was my first MH game.
A man of culture, a true monster hunter veteran
I recently discovered this channel, and as a longtime Monster Hunter fan (who also started with 3U) and a musician, I think you did a great job with this video. Can't wait to enjoy Rise's soundtrack with you
Thanks man. I look forward to enjoying Rise's OST with you as well. I'm dying to finally listen to Kamura village theme
Interesting thing about Kokoto is that once you beat the main story you get a more upbeat and cheerful variation on the same piece for the rest of the game.
th-cam.com/video/_y0pmthPRiI/w-d-xo.html
Oh shit, this is awesome! I didn't know that since I never player the first MH. Thank you for sharing.
Excellent analysis! I never noticed the nine meter in Yukumo, but it helps explain why it always stuck out to me as the most unorthodox of the portable villages' themes.
Also, just realized that MHGU uses part of Bherna's theme for its quest clear theme. Great way to open the new year.
Thank you! Yeah, it's kind of a MH tradition that the quest clear themes always draw from that entry's main theme or main village theme, very cool.
I'm so happy Pokke Village got S, I mean everyone would agree, its so memorable and mellow, and gave a slow relax feeling
Like the game telling you, to enjoy here in the village after you've done, or will take another quest, the gathering hall music is more of fun, because you can play with friends that somehow will gave you fun moment to remeber one day
I mostly agree with your tier list with my number one being Cathar where I literally stop to play just for listen the music.
Been there
@@DaviVasc Monster Hunter 4 is the best MH for me we will see if Rise can beat him
I'm not sure why, but I always really liked the dundorma theme. I never even played the game it originated from, but I spent a ton of time there in MH4U and the melody really resonated with me. Out of all the themes that go for bustling hub rather than a quiet village vibe it's probably my favorite
Yeah, same, spent so many hours there in MH4U fishing to farm money lol. I excluded Dundorma from the list because it is originally a online hub theme.
had so many goosebumbs watching this video and listening to every nostalgic theme
So many good ones!
I love both Astera and Seliana's theme so much. MHW was my first MH and I was so invested in that game and it's expansion. I miss those days of World.
just play rise lol
Pokke Village has a theme that made me feel like "Oh, I'm home, this is my home." I stopped playing MHW for a bit, went back to play MHFU and I teared up a little, call me a crybaby or whatever, Monster Hunter's nostalgic feel never fails to melt my heart.
Good list, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Rise's soundtrack when it comes out.
Not sure if you know but just in case, there was an interview a few days earlier where they explained what the overall sound and feel of Rise's music will be like, and they said that it will go for a more punchy and catchy style in contrast to World's multi-layered, orchestral compositions. Every piece will also have vocals in it, even the personal themes of old monsters will be remixed with chorus.
Yeah, I saw that interview. I'm very intrigued by their decision about the vocals. I wonder if it's just a stylistic choice or if it has a deeper meaning based on the story or some other in-game element.
When the player first goes to Harth, it is very solemn, and when the hunter fixes the village's problem, it gets really happy and energetic
That is true! I had forgotten about that.
Moga Village is the most memorable of all the villages OST’s to me. It’s the most playtime spent to any Monster Hunter game and I’ve played them all. I love the series as a whole
My tier list:
S+: Yukumo, Bherna and Pokke village themes
S: Kokoto, Val Habar, Cathar
A: Harth, Moga, Port Tanzia
B: Seliana, Jumbo
C: Astera
My compressed tier list:
S: everything but Astera
B: Astera
I feel like astera is the least monster hunter of them all(?). I feel the same about a lot of world's soundtrack. Except for B-52 theme. His theme is pure monster hunter.
Thanks for the video, was interesting to hear everything in it.
Oh wow, Seliana at B? That is surprising but I can understand and imagine the reason why. Nice tier list!
Regarding Tanzia, I refrained from including online hub/gathering hall themes otherwise the video could have been 1 hour+ long. Jumbo I didn't include because MH2 never released for us here so I feel not many people know about it.
And I agree about Astera. But despite what I said about MHW music, I still think the music was fantastic. I expect MH Rise's music direction to be a blend of old school MH with MHW.
Thank you!
@@DaviVasc seliana might move up a bit in future. Have not played iceborne that much. Can't connect with it, might grow on me later (bherna was a love from the first second though). And have no memories with it as of now.
Decided to include all town/village themes that i can remember, so Tanzia is there. Yukumo and Bherna hub themes would be S+ as well.
Played MH dos as a kid, so it is there. I loved how smith lady run from the top of the village to the bottom to sell/forge you armor/weapons.
As for astera - it feels like an elevator BG music that tells you "Let's go for the hunt! No, seriously, get out of here or there would be another MMO crossover and you will hear it's theme instead. Move along and have a nice day! Somewhere else". I guess that's what they were going for, still not a fan of it (huge words. Like astera theme, learned to play on guitar, just not a fan and not something i will listen to ever). World's music is good, and i adore b-52, Hazak and new Narga themes. But sometimes it feels a bit bland (like new Jho and Teo themes. I have not heard Teo theme before playing world, had a teo hunt in world last time, had like 40 teo hunts in world and 4 in other games, still can't remember how the new theme sounds compared to the old one), like everything meshes together, like what you think of when you hear about orchestral movie (and old anime dubs) OSTs
And thanks
@@GrayFoxHound9 my favorite music in world has got to be the private room bgm. As for monster themes i never really pay attention to them. But i do know and apreashiates how music sets the mood and enhances the experience. But im really bad at multitasking so i have to focus on the monster.
Kokoto made me so damn nostalgic...I still remember starting up Monster Hunter on my PSP for the first time...I played every MH game since...
I started with 4U and hearing Val Habar’s theme gave me so much nostalgia of walking into the hub and talking to other people. Love the videos man keep it up.
Out of those Kokoto is my favourite because of nostalgia with MH1 being my first. Although I never really got a feeling of sadness about the theme or "dread". Although it doesn't surprise me that you picked up on that because a lot of MH1 music for the zones BGM's has fear tones for each map.
Kokoto is great. The melancholic elements are definitely subtle and it's a bittersweet vibe because there are some joyful/triumphant moments mixed in as well, similarly to Pokke, although Pokke feels generally a bit more positive than Kokoto.
@@DaviVasc Btw you could also rank the online hall music for each generation as well. MH Tri's Loc Lac has to be one of my favourites and it was sad when the servers shut down however you can hear this music in your house in Iceborne if you got one of the track packs in the PS or Xbox store. th-cam.com/video/Bh3vWZTtDbA/w-d-xo.html
I was actually going to talk about online hubs in this video too but ended up not doing so that the video wouldn't get extremely long. But yeah, I would love to talk about the online hub themes too. Off the top of my head Port Tanzia and Hunters Hub from Generations are some of my favorites
Kinda feeling lonely when I'm weak and afraid when I face that first Rathalos encounter one-on-one that I can't slay just yet.
Really cool video, nice work.
I would love to see a similar one but ranking the Battle themes from all the Flagship monsters. (Problem would be that some of them have more than 1 theme like the Bloodbath Diablos and others have remastered versions like Glavenus)
Dude, I would love to do this. Thank you for suggesting it as it helps me realize that there are other people out there that care about this music as much as I do.
I don't think the theme variations would be a problem. Some of the village themes I talked about in this video have variations too (Moga and Astera have night and day variations). I just choose one of the variations and talk about that one only. Otherwise the video gets too long and boring.
Very nice analysis on the songs, really interesting to hear your opinions on these tracks.
My list would probably look like this:
S: Moga, Pokke, Yukumo
A: Bherna, Cathar, Kokoto
B: Astera, Seliana
C: Cheeko Sands, Harth, Val Habar
Yukumo is my favorite overall, always love me that Japanese vibe, I hope the one for Kamura will be as good. Most of 4U's themes never really stuck with me, probably because I haven't played that one as much, but Cathar sounds great, I should probably come back to the game sometime. About Seliana, while I think it's a fitting theme, my top track from Iceborne is definitely the room theme (The Comforts of Home), it's such a calm and pleasant tune that perfectly captures the feel of coming in from the cold, I'd put that one in S tier instantly.
Nice list! I think at this point it's pretty much guaranteed that Kamura theme will be somewhat similar to Yukumo, considering how japanese inspired Rise is.
Pokke village easily my favourite village theme. Not only mhfu2 was my first ever mh game but also because it makes me feel at home.
Pokke Village theme brings my mind peace especially when I needed it the most.
It's literally my lullaby 😌😌😌
I love Kokoto village's theme. The word I would use to describe it is somber. It feels daunting, but also strangely safe. Like you can rest there, but only for a brief moment.
Bherna, I absolutely love. It's just a song that screams "home". Despite this, Bherna village is a pretty terrifying place for me. I've been in places identical to it in real life, and the heights make me feel incredibly uneasy. The fact that the song can still make me feel at ease speaks volumes.
Pokke is what I would call my home. The track, in one word, is "comfort". The village always waits for you to get back from a tough quest, and despite it's cold, envelops you in a warm embrace and always makes you feel at home.
Yukumo is beautiful. It always feels like a place you can come back to, and find yourself amazed at it, and at home.
Moga is strangely dissonant, but always brings you back. It's a place for you to rest, but it feels endangered. Fragile.
Cathar feels foreign. You explained it perfectly.
Whoa, a place like Bherna IRL? I would love to go there. Thanks for watching, by the way!
@@DaviVasc mountain villages across the world are arranged similarly! Bherna is based on the Swiss alps, but I've stayed at a very similar place in the Andes, Chile. There's something terrifying about the vastness and openness that surrounds you when you're up there. Foods perish quickly and water is scarce, so foods like the cheese they eat in bherna and the brews they drink are perfect for places like that.
At night, Bherna would probably be absolutely cold and unwelcoming. Blimps seem to be the only way in and out of it too, so traveling by day is likely a necessity.
It's absolutely beautiful but horrifyingly vast.
Also, thank you for making this! I absolutely love this channel and what you do.
Everything you said in this video was spot on! I understand what you mean about Seliana base theme, it is a very large arrangement. I think the night version is the perfect counter to that and a more "Monster Hunter'y version.
Pokke village always close to my heart, i was born there, raise there.... my childhood..
Man, playing Monster Hunter as a kid must be an incredible experience. I only got into it in my early 20's.
@@DaviVasc indeed it was, but i did played on the 1st game on ps2 back in the days.. but nothing more compare to psp MH series... then i stop when MH jumps into Nintendo platform, after that back on Sony on MHW, and now Rise on switch.. hahaha haven own switch yet...
Oi Davi. Feliz Ano Novo! This was such an informative video and it was really interesting hearing you speak about each piece of music. I agree with your comment on Astera sounding like awakening; you can imagine the dawn chorus of birds here. I really like the Kokoto theme which almost has a Celtic sound to me. Thank you for taking so much time to make this amazing video :)
Thanks Anne. Yeah, you're spot on about Kokoto. I actually mentioned the celtic influences in it but had to cut it because the video was already too long.
@@DaviVasc Great minds think alike :)
Thanks for these videos on monster Hunter! I’ve been hunting since the first release and the breakdown and appreciation of the music is awesome
Much respect for first fleet hunters. Glad you're enjoying these videos.
I got emotional and teary eyed when i heard Pokke village theme... It bring back the best memories of my PSP back in the days.
I feel you. Pokke Village Theme is known to have that effect.
because of nostalgia I would put every single music from mh4u and mhtri, just speechless years later... Nice vid !
Oh man this was an awesome video, you explained my exact feelings and emotions I have for each theme and what each village conveys. And thanks for explaining the musical elements for us who have no idea about music lol.
I get really happy when I receive comments like this from non-musicians because its exactly what I'm going for, to make it interesting for everyone regardless of levle of musical knowledge. Thanks!
Pokke is definitely my favorite, it actually feels like it comforts me after a long hunt.
I think you shouldve considered seliana's night theme. It feels much more homely than the day one
Yeah, the night version is great too. Unfortunately because of the video length I just had to choose one version and go with it. Thank you for watching btw!
In MH2 there was Jumbo Village, which apparently had a bunch of different variations of it's themes (day/night, a theme for different ingame seasons, even a different theme with story progression like Harth for example). I never played it myself, but I bet they're all very interesting! Here's the most commonly cited version for Jumbo
th-cam.com/video/dMpm4wngZVk/w-d-xo.html
I love Jumbo village theme. I didn't talk about it because we didn't get MHDos here in the west.
It's crazy how many MH players there are in this world that are also musicians. You probably wouldn't assume there is a significant number of people who fall under that classification, but having seen many myself and personally being a musician and MH player, I can tell you there are a lot more of them than you might initially realize. An observation I found to be interesting.
Also, say what you want, but Astera and Val Habar's themes along with Harth and Seliana's themes are in my opinion the absolute best in the series.
If you play monster hunter, specially kokoto village,, you will cry when the music plays.. trust me, because im crying right now..
This music is near and dear to me and it's awesome to hear analysis like this! I haven't seen this type of content made for MH before either. Loved the breakdowns!
Thanks man. People have been liking this so much, I'm so happy. I'm recording another one literally right now.
Kokoto is an easy S-Tier for me. I started with the very first game, where they thought analogue sticks were a good attack input. It just feels like home to me. It's nostalgic, and although parts of it are lonely, it makes me feel warm, welcome and safe.
As soon as it became available for the music box in your house in World, I put it on. Hearing it when I walk into my room in-game is just incredibly relaxing.
I would literally spend hours in dundorma and cathar. They are my absolute favorite villages/city.
Dundorma music is great. I didn't include it here because it was an online hub. I'm saving online hubs for a separate video
@@DaviVasc nice thank you for your vids man.
@@DaviVasc Strictly speaking it wasn't (there was a bigger guild hall attached to it for G rank quests but Dundorma itself still functioned as a solo-hub for all of the expansion story content that was added in 4U) but then again, I guess you could argue that Dundorma strictly speaking doesn't count as a village since it's actually a fortified city specifically built to repell elder dragons (as opposed to just a place where people are trying to live without getting eaten).
World I think is a bold new beginning for the capcom dev team so in my eyes it’s appropriate for them to have gone full orchestral with the village themes. 🤩 by the way, I’m learning so much about music from your channel. You’re awesome.
Queria era que tu falasse português, mas teu inglês é perfeito mano, parabéns.
Aliás, sou um super fã de Monster Hunter há 12 anos, e não podia deixar esse vídeo passar
Valeu Igor!
I haven't played World in years. This music makes me want to wipe the dust off of my PS4...
You nailed it with the description of pokke village pokke village has this sad feel to it and I’m glad you mentioned it
Hearing the Pokke Village theme felt like comming back home after a very long time
This video is fantastic bro. Amazing analysis of each song, love the style & way you explain the musicality!!! Couldn’t agree more with your list
Nice, glad you liked it, man!
Whenever I'm in Seliana it feels really cold, and it has this feeling that the monsters there are really powerful. Like there's a drag, to make you think first before you put up a quest.
Every single theme for me is an S tier. I almost cry listening to every one of them, for I have a deep connection with all.
Pokke village is triple S tier in my heart, beautiful
As a fiver who did a backtracking to MHP3rd, 4U and GU, I'd say Yukumo, Bherna and Pokke as S tiers. But Astera and Seliana have a special place in my heart.
You and your comment section are smart cookies.
Riddle me this.
Why do I cry when I listen to monster Hunter music and some other happy songs?
For MH it could be nostalgia but wouldn't I be happy to hear it?
Prof of a hero, everytime I fight a big Monster and this tune kicks in I have a frog in my throat.
Other songs.
Why the fuck get I sad when I hear Spice from Food Wars?
I didn't even looked up the translated lyrics but everytime I listen to it i get melancholic.
After having finally played most of the Monster Hunter games I can finally say that Bherna is my favorite :)
I love this video!! Will you ever do ‘Proof of a hero”? Theres so many variants
I think would be cool to do a video like this ranking all the main themes from the various entries. Proof of a Hero would be included since, aside from being the series main theme, it's also the main theme from the first game
Cant wait for the vids
Pokke Village just sounds like Home
Pokke village hold special place in my heart as MHFU is my first MH lol. Bherna village is great, it sound cozy and it looks fking beautiful
MHP2 (freedom) was my first MH game and Pokke village theme has definitely been one of my favorite, along with the Japanese style P3rd theme. Also for the series’ 10th anniversary they released a soundtrack with an official remix of the Pokke village theme, which is god tier IMO.
I totally agree with you on the 1st village theme, it’s not a happy one but I think the kind of loneliness and suspense really fits a first installment in the series.
I wonder if they'll ever go back to that mix of homelyness and tension. Sometimes I miss it.
Correction mhp2 is freedom 2
Freedom is a psp port of MHG
S-Tier: BHERNA
I can respect that. Bherna has one of the best melodies of the village themes.
Instant nostalgia from waiting in hubs
Seeee yaaaaaa
@@kakyoinnoriaki4154 I could hear that in my brain. Smiling just thinking about it!
Only true Doodles put Bherna on top.
Seliana's theme by far is my favourite, I cant help but whistle the melody when walking around in Seliana, I just love how wintery it sounds
It's such a good melody
Pokke village theme is my favorite because something about the fact that in this cold and harsh place in the mountains there’s this welcoming and comfy home speaks to me. The hot springs, the caring villagers, everything about the village feels like home. The sad tone is almost like an advice: no matter how sad or injured you are, you can always stay here and rest, because we’re a family. All the characters in Pokke village were unique and very loving characters. They cared more about you as a person than as a hunter.
Btw please do a gathering hall/pub theme tier list would be much appreciated
That is a great description of the Pokke theme!
Nice video, you really know your stuff. I learned quite a bit.
Thanks man
Seliana when Shara Ishvalda is making some trouble 😂
Amazing video bro!, keep it up!
I still love that Seliana flute that starts around 23:30.
For some reason I always found it really comforting to whistle or hum along to that section. It's just the right length, it has a nice cadance, and the notes are so easy to hit even if you're not a great whistler.
Oh yeah, Seliana is the ultimate hummable village theme
The Kokoto Village Theme is close to being one of my most favorite concepts, guess that tells a lot about my self haha. Songs I come up with on my Guitar especially resembles that as well. Man I love that song so much.
Moga Village would be the second favorite of mine, it feels soothing but also somewhat being far away alone on a island.
Pokke village is peak nostalgia, hearing it zips me back 10 years instantly lol. Also Kamura is 100% straight to S tier now that we have that one as well.
Absolutely great list.
Also, I always felt Val Habar is Astera's theme done right. Both are busy, bustling, and have that feeling of "conquering" to it like you said. But Val Habar feels much more light-hearted and doesn't have trumpets blaring in your face the entire time. It feels like I can kick back and relax in Val Habar, but Astera just feels like "work work work" with no time for relaxation. Maybe it's the instrumentation, maybe it's the rhythm of the music, it's just how I always felt about the songs. Astera is the only song in the series I'd personally put in a C or D tier. Especially when the game forcibly tears you away from beautiful tunes of Seliana.
Yeah, I love that the Val Habar theme gives you a lot of breaks in between the melodies. Nice profile pic btw! Brachy is my favorite monster.
I have to argue here that while the Seliana day theme you have on here does sound dramatic, the Seliana NIGHT theme is a perfect village theme.
The Seliana base is that, a base of operations for the guild on a new frontier, not a homey village so its day theme is dramatic and has a steady rhythm in the back similar to Astera. (One that feels like a marching beat to me so like people working)
The night theme is much more in line instrumentally with other village themes and brings the feeling of hunters and guild members coming home to celebrate and rest after a long day of keeping the place running or hunting.
It has so much character to it and honestly the night theme in particular is my absolute favorite.
These are all fair observations. Unfortunately I had to cut alternative versions of the same theme, otherwise the video would be too long. Thank you for watching btw!
This video has so much nostalgia for me just hearing all the towns I played in years ago
Nice, it was a nostalgia trip for me as well
I love Poke village theme. Can sleep to that all night long.
Truly a legendary theme
what a great channel! You should rank all the MH main themes.
That is a great idea!
awhhhh sad yukumo, but i'm glad Pokke is on S tier. FYI yukumo theme is now a dlc on Monster Hunter Rise. Great vid!
Yeah, really cool that they added the Yukumo theme to Rise. If they add Moga I'll cry.
What a lot of people don't pick up on is that the first monster hunter takes place not long after the Great Dragon War, which ended in Fatalis destroying much of civilization. The village from that game kinda has a subtle undertone of worry, for the hunters are untested, and people are barely hanging on with vengeful monsters either seeing them as prey, intruders on territory, or wanting their pound of flesh for the atrocities of the ancient kingdom.
And Jumbo Village on Monster Hunter Dos?
Day cycle: th-cam.com/video/dMpm4wngZVk/w-d-xo.html
Winter Cycle: th-cam.com/video/cUB84OkJD00/w-d-xo.html
Kokoto Vilage on Monster Hunter Dos
Day Cycle: th-cam.com/video/P2FlfZyjerE/w-d-xo.html
NIght cycle: th-cam.com/video/GK_ynJdL4nQ/w-d-xo.html
What you opinion?
Mine's probably the same but with Yukon in S because HOW DARE YOU 😂lol. Great video btw
Haha I knew my Yukumo placement would raise some eyebrows. To me it feels like it builds up to a singable climax like Bherna, but then surprises you with that exotic 9 beat meter. But of course, it's an amazing track. All MH music is S tier when compared to other video game music tbh.
Too good for human's ears. New subscriber
Welcome my friend!
I dunno everytime i hear pokke village theme my eyes can resist crying
It's a very powerful song
every single of these theme felt nostalgic i got me tears
In terms of Kokoto Village - for me I found it more "Haunting" but also lonely/melancholy as you mentioned.
All that drama in Seliana day theme hits harder after coming back from fighting Alatreon and Fatalis.
Pokke village will always be absolute best. They fucking nailed it on this one and it has never been matched since. Despite me having huge nostalgia for the Moga village
Moga village will always live on as my first experience on monster hunter
same
Look like you guys never heard the night theme of Jambo Village.
Under The Starlit Night (or Sky)
That one may make you forget all village themes 😏
Pokke Village theme really makes me emotional
I already cry out when astera theme begin.
First time I see this channel. Having a blast going through all these tracks. Personally I don't know if I'd place Moga or Val Habar themes in S but I'd have to think really hard on where to put them. I'm guessing Dundorma, Minegarde, Loc Lac and Tanzia didn't make the cut because they're towns/cities and not villages? Really wish Jumbo theme was here - that thing is something else.
The one you mentioned were omitted for being online hubs. I'll leave online hubs for a separate video. Jumbo was excluded because MH2 didn't come out in the west, but now I kinda regret excluding it. Would have been fun to introduce it to MH fans who never knew about it.
Pokke village, the first monster hunter ost ive ever heard, those were the times
That is a great track to be your first one
I think that trills are common when conveying a "morning" feeling because they sound similar to birds singing in the morning
Great video!
Thank you for watching man
Val Habar and Moga has something special, they always had it
This brings back too much nostalgia
Where's ma boi Dundorma? T_T But really nice video nonetheless. I agree with you on most of the ranking ^^
Dundorma was originally an online hub. I'm saving the online hubs and gathering halls for another video.
POKKE VILLAGE!!!! I have been playing monster hunter games since freedom/freedom unite till the rise/sunbreak. nothing beats pokke village
pokke is the best for me. it just makes me feel like im back home, even though i never played mhfu. that is some powerful music right there.
Absolutely. I never played MHFU either but it does have such a powerful home feeling.
every themes give me feel of home.
Bherna village them just hits different
Came just for Moga Village. Wish you had done the night time version too but that was only in Tri not Tri ultimate so perhaps you were not aware of it. I liked it over the day version, it would put me to sleep half the time