"Musical Main Characters" in Tears of the Kingdom

Single handedly made me want to play my alto sax again

Scruffy you are a joy

Musical main characters






IN TEARS OF THE KINGDOM! (This is a cdotcom reference by the way…)

idk if it’s because i’m incredibly biased due to being a woodwind musician, but totk has got to be one of my favorite soundtracks from zelda because of its wind instrument usage, especially in my favorite area in the game-the sky. the saxophone in this soundtrack used to represent link is absolutely amazing, especially in the main theme and the final boss music.

As an alto sax player, I LOVE that you can hear the clacking of the keys in the background 🥲

not gonna lie, i kind of prefer the more lonelly atmosphere of BOTW. Maybe it is because I loved treversing the lonely, barren landscapes of BOTW.

I gotta say scruffy, you’re very inspiring. These videos you make are something incredible.

What IIII lovee~
It would be really cool if we ever got a breakdown on what makes Persona 5 (Shoji Meguro's) music so catchy and unique!

Your vidoes are the only ones I've ever put both earbuds in for. Its a wonderful experience.

Hi, scruffy! Long-time listener, first time caller… So, how come you never did a video about Patapon?

I love how calming your videos are! And I learn a lot about music ❤

those weird claps are also very characteristic to TotK's score!

they can be heard, for example:
- on game-session startups
- in the interlude of the main theme
- in the end of Sidon's theme

please remind me of more examples!

I know this video is mostly focused on the (mostly) spoiler-free explorations of TotK, but I eagerly await more spoiler-y content!

Thanks for doing this analysis. I personally found the TOTK soundtrack underwhelming compared to BOTW, but this gave it more depth

I was in band in high school, and I used to play percussion. That said, the alto saxophone is one of the most beautiful instruments out there.

That trailer is iconic

A game that comes to mind is sky children of light

As an alto sax player I am so happy to see the gorgeous application of the instrument in the soundtrack

You didn't gotta jumpscare us with the b note

I never considered that technique for faux reversed audio! definitely going to give it a try now

I can't believe I didn't even think about about the saxophone, I just got so fixated on the flute lol

TOTK has a very strong "you are not alone" vibe throughout the game.

i love the analyzations of music in video games especially from scruffy, he explains them so clearly and it’s really fun to watch because of the visuals as well

As an alto saxophonist (albeit, one out of practice), it gave me incredible joy to hear my own instrument both throughout the final trailer, AND in the game itself — it's a perfect choice for such a loud and proud new game, yet is mostly blended more softly throughout its featured pieces! I ought to learn how to actually play the sax's solo in the final trailer...

fantastic video

Hey Scruffy,
I don't know if you take recommendations from the comments or not, but I have one: How about analyzing Hi-Fi Rush?
Essentially a rhythm game and a fighting game rolled into one. I would like to know how your composition chops and musical know-how dissects that game.
Lots of things to chew on: timing (everywhere), composition, music choices (and how combat adapts), rhythm of each character and boss you meet, the Strong Attack parry system, and how game mechanics are timed. Even the cutscenes are timed in such a way they start on beat!
Considering your credentials, I think that game might be up your alley.

If not that, what about No Straight Roads? How each boss fits its style of music well (Especially Yinu).

Please do outlast!!

What about the Erhu?!

Are you goona make the pikmin fangame ?

Unrelated to this video, but can you please make more horror game videos?

please make a video about the depths pleasseee😭😭🙏🙏🙏

He should do Pikmin 4 model trivia next

thank you for the minor panic attack with that guardian theme jumpscare

I've been thinking that, where the soundtrack for BotW is lonely and a bit somber, TotK is much more curious, and a bit playful. It's a great reflection on those who have played both, wondering what's new in this version of Hyrule.

A lot of "older zelda fans" heavily critic the games without thinking about it. "it's not how i like it so it's bad" not realizing different can be good and is arguably necessary in many cases, like the OST. They argue the music is weak in Botw/Totk, which if they were just giving it an actual try and thought would realize that makes zero sense. it may not be the same but it is not weak by any stretch. This video i hope finds them somehow and calms their rage, genuinely wish they would actually think about it.

Wow, the quality here is amazing

The echoed + reverbed claps were really identifiable throughout the trailers and gameplay (I think always having to do with ancient technology and abilities and the like). It's a very simple and iconic sound.

<3

I knew what was going to happen the moment Scruffy mentioned the "higher end" of the spectrum on piano; and I kept building tension as he started mentioning a certain passage. And even then, with FULL awareness of what he was doing, I still jumped a little when he played that note. Just goes to show you how powerful music can be.

I found how each instrument was tied to a certain scenario. I think the best example of this is the final boss and how the saxophone begins when you are in the skies.

Hi Scruffy! I think you would have an AMAZING episode to do on Outer Wilds, which has character/event motif central to its core and themes.

I'm shocked you haven't mentioned the debts and it's music and sounds, or, more accurately, the lack of either. Yet again the depths are worth their own video