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The people criticizing BoTW's approach to music seem to be missing the point of sound as a whole when it comes to that game's take on Hyrule. The game would not be as magical an experience if there was music playing in every area - it's about the atmosphere, allowing you to lose yourself in that world and experience some of the most impressive sound design in a game yet.
The sparseness, the delicate nature of the piano leading up to the more grandiose moments of sound - all of it is so clearly intentional, imo, and it only lends to the game's strengths / makes those rare moments you get a full-on track playing that much more impactful.
And to those downplaying just how amazing the main theme is... Wow. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.
The sparseness, the delicate nature of the piano leading up to the more grandiose moments of sound - all of it is so clearly intentional, imo, and it only lends to the game's strengths / makes those rare moments you get a full-on track playing that much more impactful.
And to those downplaying just how amazing the main theme is... Wow. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.
sixteen-bit
Member
Link Between Worlds soundtrack is so underrated.
Camper Van Beethoven
Banned
None of this can compare to Ocarina's music.
I think this one deserves a mention as well:
Korok Forest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYgNE7ZyJqM
It's been stuck in my head even when not playing.
This is actually very true. The first time I visited Zora's Domain, I actually didn't realize there was music playing. Headphones are essential, basically.
Depends. All the key scenes have music and high quality music at that!
But during your general travel through the overworld, you will rarely ever hear a cohesive music piece, instead mostly hearing ambient noises. Settlements tend to have theme in the background however.
In my book, the relative scarcity of music is a very, very good thing in the context of the game. While I love the Zelda themes, I've spend hours just on overworld exploration, listening ot the ambient noises on a decent quality sound system, never even once wishing for a background musical piece to be added. Wind on tall grass, leaves, insects, birds, rain, thunderstorms etc. are all worth listening to and dynamic. A repeating theme blaring over all of it in the background for hours on end might ruin the impression thoroughly. As good as the theme might be, you'd spend a hell of a lot more time travelling through BotW's world, listening to the same repeating theme, as the environments are much, much larger than in other Zelda games.
The sound quality of this video seems a bit low, but that was a pretty epic scene well underlined by the theme.
I've always been partial to "Seal of Seven Maidens"
I really liked the Molduga Battle theme in BotW. Shame those fights were super easy and over in a flash
But the GOAT Zelda theme is of course the Milk Bar
But the GOAT Zelda theme is of course the Milk Bar
mdtauk
Member
The effort in that game to bring out an orchestral flare and flourish, despite it all being sampled - was amazing.
I know many will overlook it as being remixes, but Lorule Castle alone makes that soundtrack.
Ruta battle theme sounds a bit like a music from NieR, I love it.
BotW has amazing musics.
Yeeeeeees, love this one too!
BotW has amazing musics.
Yeeeeeees, love this one too!
I like BOTW's music and think it fits the game well, even with the low volume in the mix (It's rarely the focus), but I must admit it suffers the same fate a lot of modern video game & movie soundtracks do and ends up sounding more like atmospherics than catchy tunes with its complex instrumentation/melodies.
But it would be really strange if you played BOTW and it had music that dominates you the way OOT/WW/ETC does, it's just not that kind of experience.
Maybe we'll get a Majora's style semi sequel with a twist on BOTW that lets them go back to a more traditional OST style, after BOTW I have no idea what to expect from Nintendo heh.
TheKingOfSheep
Member
For me the theme of the Oni (is that what the bird tribe is called?) Dungeon stood out. It's really moody, and it conveys a sense of urgency and dread.
R
Rösti
Unconfirmed Member
Fun tidbit: I noticed the intro to Milk Bar sounds quite a bit like the intro to Händerna mot himlen (Hands to the sky) by Swedish artist Petra Marklund. It was released in 2012: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4fB9EXpMTI
My favorite The Legend of Zelda theme music probably is Dark Overworld from BS The Legend of Zelda: Ancient Stone Tablets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DZnjtp4R_0&list=PLC40815674948626E&index=6
Skyward Sword's music is so damn good. Not my favorite Zelda, but dang it's got good music.
I pull this up all the time to listen to: end credits
I pull this up all the time to listen to: end credits
No, this is a narrative people create because the music is more subtle and not super loud and upbeat like past games. It's more piano stuff and full of excellent music.
Some non-spoiler themes:
Horse Riding (day)
Guardian theme
Yoshi
Headmaster of Console Warrior Jugendstrafanstalt
Well, if they just had one overworld theme in a game that is basically an overworld, that would probably be annoying, but they could dynamically switch between different themes alltogether when you get to a new area and also dynamically switch the tone the existing theme is played according to key points of interest. Basically a similar approach as is used in Banjo-Kazooie or Yooka-Laylee, with a complete change of track when going to a different main part of the world. It would have been much appreciated from my side. Also, considering the abysmal voice work in the Geman version, I would have liked to have a mute option for the characters. Especially the female characters so far are offensively bad.
Bloodporne
Member
The Link To the Past soundtrack is etched into my brain with a chisel it seems. Absolutely defines video games for me on some level.
Breath of the Wild has a really mature, interesting approach, musically. It's subtle and the emphasis Joe Hisaishi-esque minimalist jazz-tinged piano gives the game an almost avant garde quality.
I do also love the more obvious John Williams style leitmotifs of Ocarina of Time, but I certainly respect Breath of the Wild's approach.
I do also love the more obvious John Williams style leitmotifs of Ocarina of Time, but I certainly respect Breath of the Wild's approach.
They are all good, but Ruta's themes are my favorite.
One of my favorite tracks that is not one of the classics (Gerudo valley, etc etc)
The Middle Boss theme from Wind Waker:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbXFUsP_-jQ
Everytime I remember Wind Waker, this theme comes to my mind. I also loved how the combat sometimes changed the tune to "sync up" to it.
The Middle Boss theme from Wind Waker:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbXFUsP_-jQ
Everytime I remember Wind Waker, this theme comes to my mind. I also loved how the combat sometimes changed the tune to "sync up" to it.
Vital Tundra
Member
BotW's Hyrule Castle theme is the best version of the songs found in the song in the series. I walked up early in the game to the castle and the music started playing while I was trying to sneak my way around the castle. Fucking epic.
mdtauk
Member
I agree it is so awesome. It is weird though.
A subtle hint to the usual Hyrule Castle theme is there, but it seems to mostly be a mix between Link's Zelda's and Ganon's themes, with a hint of Ballad of the Wind Fish thrown in.
It does work wonderfully for the scene, whether you are sneaking or boldly going in and blasting anything that crosses your path!
There's a lot of good music in this game, though it doesn't really, I don't know, hit you across the face with it. It definitely feels more ambient. Except Hyrule Castle. Because that is just incredible.
One that I like to point out is the Lost Woods theme. It actually made the Lost Woods feel creepy for once, which I love.
One that I like to point out is the Lost Woods theme. It actually made the Lost Woods feel creepy for once, which I love.
Jonneh3003
Banned
Lack of music is part of the overall presentation, Breath of the Wild has the best sound design in the series and it isn't even close. The few traditional tracks it has are great but I wouldn't put many of them in a top 10 for Zelda songs, that isn't really the point of Breath of the Wild's music.
Lost Woods music is fantastic. Definitely a stand out.
Ascenion
Member
Breath of the Wilds score outclasses close to all the other titles simply because it fits its game, the composition is sublime and the implementation is perfect. It never drives the action aside from a few moments, it complements it and accompanies it creating a greater part of the perfect whole. People who like bombast probably won't care for it at all.
TheOnlyMook
Member
Came to post this pretty much exactly. BoTW's score is honestly incredible. It's subtle when it needs to be, and when it ramps up it does it pretty spectacularly. I wouldn't want the music any other way.
Lionheart1827
Member
Funny this thread comes up as I've been listening to the different LoZ soundtracks since Breath came out. Going down memory lane jumping from OoT to Links Awakening, to Wind Waker and Majora's mask.
Coming back to Breath of the Wild's music is hit or miss to me. The music that plays in the overworld is good but they could've added more or variations. Maybe a subdued version of the classic overworld theme. The stable and town themes are great, and the shrine music is fine too(reminds me of the cave and a few dungeon themes from Links Awakening). I absolutely love Hateno Village, it reminds me of something from Baten Kaitos. Also the different main destination themes like Zora's Domain and Rito are great even though they are remade versions from older games.(Goron City is kind of bleh).
The regular battle music is so ass though. Sounds way too goofy with those cheesy sounding horns. I feel like in terms of regular battle themes, Wind Waker still has some of the best.
That BoTW music in the OP, when does that play in the game? Would've been nice to hear more stuff like that in the game.
LttP still takes the cake for me. There's just so many good themes in that one.
Coming back to Breath of the Wild's music is hit or miss to me. The music that plays in the overworld is good but they could've added more or variations. Maybe a subdued version of the classic overworld theme. The stable and town themes are great, and the shrine music is fine too(reminds me of the cave and a few dungeon themes from Links Awakening). I absolutely love Hateno Village, it reminds me of something from Baten Kaitos. Also the different main destination themes like Zora's Domain and Rito are great even though they are remade versions from older games.(Goron City is kind of bleh).
The regular battle music is so ass though. Sounds way too goofy with those cheesy sounding horns. I feel like in terms of regular battle themes, Wind Waker still has some of the best.
That BoTW music in the OP, when does that play in the game? Would've been nice to hear more stuff like that in the game.
LttP still takes the cake for me. There's just so many good themes in that one.
Crazyorloco
Member
BotW's Guardian Battle music is great. I can just hear myself yelling some profanity while playing.
https://youtu.be/QswAAfAhgwA
It stresses the heck out of me. Captures exactly what i'm feeling and sounds good. A lot of the music in BotW matches what you are doing. It works.
I feel the same.
BotW Violin cover. So beautiful
https://youtu.be/wrxdfUZtcv4
Even a Jazz cover sounds great
https://youtu.be/yY_e_sX_q8M
https://youtu.be/QswAAfAhgwA
It stresses the heck out of me. Captures exactly what i'm feeling and sounds good. A lot of the music in BotW matches what you are doing. It works.
I feel the same.
BotW Violin cover. So beautiful
https://youtu.be/wrxdfUZtcv4
Even a Jazz cover sounds great
https://youtu.be/yY_e_sX_q8M
herbchamberz
Member
Seriously... first entering the Lost Woods, they really captured the vibe. Andit actually feels modern and fresh in way too (kind of going with the whole BotW theme).
As a musician, I understand how important the lack of sound is in music. The minimalist tracks, and absence of music as a constant throughout most of the world is important to the setting and helps portray the fallen empire, decline of the kingdom feeling Nintendo wanted to go with. It's genius as you often feel lonely and a part of a decline, but then as the action kicks up, you enter a town, or trigger something big, the music picks back up.
I liken it to a wise and quiet parent. The one who does not speak often but when he or she does, the weight of their words has more weight.
Impulsor
Member
My best gaming experience ever, has been the first time I fought the last boss in Breath of the wild, with the music that plays during that fight.
I was floating, I felt completely transported into the game. I felt like shouting and cheering at Link.
The level of combined EPICNESS in that fight cannot be surpassed by anything before it. The music just elevates it up and above anything else for me.
In truth, the combined trek through Hyrule castle + the boss fight are ultra epic.The hyrule castle theme also gives me the pre epic final fight feels.
I was floating, I felt completely transported into the game. I felt like shouting and cheering at Link.
The level of combined EPICNESS in that fight cannot be surpassed by anything before it. The music just elevates it up and above anything else for me.
In truth, the combined trek through Hyrule castle + the boss fight are ultra epic.The hyrule castle theme also gives me the pre epic final fight feels.
Not yet. For what it's worth, Twilight Princess HD's OST came out around 4 months after the game's release.
Brian_FETO
Banned
I was very late to Ocarina, didn't play until 3DS (had a PS1 growing up, played N64 at friends houses only)
The music truly makes that game. Like it's still one of my favorite games overall but the balance of childlike joy, nostalgia, magic and "epicness" in the soundtrack is just absolute perfection. Makes me wish I'd been able to play it back then, but I don't know I would've been able to appreciate it (would probably have just played up to a certain point and never actually finished, lol)
Saria's song is the GOAT
The music truly makes that game. Like it's still one of my favorite games overall but the balance of childlike joy, nostalgia, magic and "epicness" in the soundtrack is just absolute perfection. Makes me wish I'd been able to play it back then, but I don't know I would've been able to appreciate it (would probably have just played up to a certain point and never actually finished, lol)
Saria's song is the GOAT
This. BotW has some of the best music in the series - period.
Impulsor
Member
Molduga Battle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwyhYmGzKLU
Stone Talus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq4BPpmKetk
MrSaturn99
Member
Yeah, I wonder what happened with that. Blemish on an otherwise amazing song.
Don't forget the Hinox Battle music.