How Rhythm Drives The Music Of Ace Combat 

Me: *Not knowing a single thing about music theory* *Nods in agreement*

This video basically feels like a well-deserved love letter to Keiki Kobayashi and everyone else who worked on the music in the Ace Combat series.

"There are songs like you in every generation, and I've written every last one of them." -Keiki Kobayashi, probably

11:47 You know he's got mad respecc for the composition when he transcribed almost an entire minute of music and just let it play uninterrupted

As an Ace Combat fan, I want to say thank you for bringing some attention to the series.

Ace Combat Music getting some recognition hell yeah gamer 👏

You forgot to talk about how the missile warning sound provides even more rhythmic dissonance in Daredevil- Oh. Wait, that's NOT part of the song?

Focus on my beloved AC and its music aside, I have to commend you on your presentaiton. I could not be any more of a layman in music and all the formal terms flew over my head, but the underlying concepts came across clearly regardless. That is a tough sell. Fantastic.

It is perfectly reasonable to play Ace Combat just for the music. Ace Combat 4's soundtrack is absolutely incredible.

Fun fact about AC7's Daredevil track (the one he let play way longer then he normally lets things go): It was completely scrapped and remade, rushed last minute to fit the fights timing and events. And it's one of the best pieces in AC7, and one of my favorites in the series entirely. The people behind Ace Combat are amazing.

Me: Ace Combat's music is good 8-bit Music Theory: Ace Combat's music is SCIENTIFICALLY BRILLIANT!

Ace Combat's soundtrack is damn near unparallelled in gaming.

You won't believe this Jean-Louis! All of them have cross rhythm insignias!

"There are musicians like you in every generation, and I've felled them all." - Mihaly A. Shilage

How it feels to be an Ace Combat fan: ... ... ... ... "THERE ARE DOZENS OF US!"

Ever since i was 18 i listen to ace combat in my car, am 33 now still awesome thats why i dont want it to die, other games be like 3 songs and done just bcuz its a 10/10 game but AC is 7/10 so nobody buys it.... They dont know that they are missing bout 50 great songs from AC that never dies

Thank you so much for taking on my patreon suggestion! AC's soundtrack is incredible and I'm glad you're helping it gain some more recognition! Nice touch adding some of my other suggestions to the beginning and end of the vid. Briefing 2 and Blockade are incredible tracks too! Also you didn't realize it, but Aug 19, 2019 is a huge day in AC7 history as the Stonehenge Defensive occured.

That Sly Cooper/Katy Perry/Flame meme is what I needed today, thank you

Soundtrack list: 0:04 - Briefing 2 - Ace Combat 5: Unsung War (Ace Combat 5: Squadron Leader in EU) 0:59 - Briefing 1 - Ace Combat 5: Unsung War 2:26 - Liberation of Gracemeria - Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation 5:28 - Zero - Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War 8:39 - First Flight - Ace Combat 5: Unsung War 10:33 - Daredevil - Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown 12:41 - Blockade - Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies (Ace Combat 4: Distant Thunder in EU)

I feel like you could do a 2 hour video on the music of Ace Combat. You’ve literally just scratched the surface.

He talked about "Zero"! I think this may be the best boss song in video games period.

"That's how you build a tune!" >Expecting the video to end >Throws Blockade going balls deep into one of the best tunes of Ace Combat right at the end No chill, 10/10 video, Ace combat is love, it is life!

"So, Have you find rhythm to drive music yet? Buddy."

At this point, probably going to get lost in the comments, but one other part of Daredevil from AC7 that I found amazing regarding rhythm was the lead in to the climax section of the song, when all of the percussion and pads drop out, the strings do their build up, and then dead silence for a moment. The solo female vocal that leads into the climax does a wonderful syncopation just adds *that* little bit of extra tension to give so much more oomph when the rest of the arrangement kicks in a measure later! That and the way it fits into the actual mission with the shield on the arsenal bird permanently dropping made this moment in AC7 truly epic

The real soundtrack to AC6 is [Missle lock] MEEP MEEP MEEP MEEP MEEP MEEP MEEP MEEP MEEP MEEP

WHAT I wasn't expecting this Thank you for releasing a music theory video and recognizing Ace Combat. I always saw Ace Combat as something unrecognized in the popular media. I love your channel and I love this game franchise. Thank you

Ace Combat Zero has beautiful flamenco guitar in tracks like: "Zero, and Epilogue" I love the track "magic spear" from Ace Combat 7

I legitimaly shed a tear went i played mission 19 Daredevil on AC7... damn, it matchs went the shields of the Arsenal bird wears down, Keiki Kobayashi is a beast.

12:04 I want an entire damn 8 bit-music theory thesis on that Edim7, oof. This video was sick.

I wasn't aware of Ace Combat or it's music... But damn if that ain't some epic stuff right there! Music like that really gets your blood pumping. I can imagine the hype you get when you start a mission and a track like that starts. Glorious.

4:00 - C∆9(#11,b9) ... "I have no idea what's happening." Top shelf editing.

Ace Combat is such an underrated series, and it's soundtracks are always spectacular. Thank you so much for giving them more of the recognition they deserve!

“Those who survive a long time [[making RU-vid videos]] start to think they’re invincible...” “...I bet you do too, buddy.”

YES YOU TALKED ABOUT ZERO

nobody: plane game sound tracks: *epic synth solo*

Listening to all this it's finally becoming clear to me what exactly it is that makes Ace Combat music sound so unique and recognisable to me. It's all these intricate rhythms, this driving beat, with on top of it these long, soaring notes, usually either horns or choir. I love it so much.

Zero is one of the best pieces of music in video game history.

ace combat AND 8bitmuscitheory? OMG mu heart

Ace Combat 7’s choir sections are probably my favorite parts of the game, the transcription at 11:47 is just an example of AC games at their best

Thank you for the Ace Combat love!! I did some voice over for the most recent Ace Combat, and I was very taken aback by how lovely the music is. My character is part of Sol Squadron, and their theme never fails to pump me up. Great analysis!! Cheers!

Friend: Yo thats some powerfull music, from what game it is? A rpg or something? Me: Plane game

I've been WAITING for this! Ace Combat may be my favorite soundtrack of all time - absolutely classic and criminally unknown in the larger gaming sphere.

One of the things I find most impressive with Ace Combats soundtrack is how good it is over time. Like Ace combat 4, 5, Zero, 6, and 7 all have extraordinarily good complete soundtracks for the entire game and each are almost totally different from each game, like different style or focus. That is the sign of a truly great composer and series that it can be that consistently good without basically "repeating the magic" of the previous soundtrack

AC5 I have fantastic memories. I'm a Navy Brat, my dad served in the navy for 26 years as a aviation mechanic, so he has a knack for anything to do with fighter jets, helicopters, etc... back when Ps2 was the thing, I remember him bringing AC5 home and he was just consistently playing it over and over enjoying it. And my 7 year old self would watch with eyes glued on the screen and the music being ENGRAVED into my mind... god the music... so amazing. Because of that, to this day, AC5 will ALWAYS be my favorite in the series- music, gameplay, and especially the friggin music!

At 4:02 when stanky chord voicing comes up, "I have no idea what's happening". Thats most of the time how i feel when i watch music theory videos.

I like it when bands such as Vulfpeck have multiple guys using one small part a what would be put together one whole drum set. You got one guy jamming with the hi-hat and another on the bass drum and snare. It makes it so that you can have one idea going on and layer it. I didn’t think about the layering idea until this video, but it gives me even more appreciation. A good example of this is in the song “Dean Town”.

Once you get familar with the controls and learn more air maneuvers and then hearing the music in the background, it's one of the best gaming moments.

Oh man, I wish he talked about Ace Combat X 's soundtrack.

I'm super happy to see this! Ace Combat soundtracks are super underrated. They build up an epic feeling like no other.

Oh my god... Words can't explain the incredible feeling it is, after many replays, understanding each time a little bit more of the composition. Your explanations are simply amazing and clear, appealing to the well trained and even the untrained ear. Damn this feels amazing

I wouldn't usually write a sappy comment like this, but Ace Combat Zero is a game that meant and still means a lot to me. Thanks for covering this topic.

oh my god i never expected you to make an ace combat video good shit dude

Area B7R: * "ZERO" starts playing * Random Pilots passing through B7R: Hehe, I'm in danger! *Cipher is watching.*

The soundtrack of this whole franchise is underrated as hell if you ask me...

Recognition of Ace Combat’s AMAZING soundtracks aside, I thought it was really cool how you were able to break the music down into a science, showing what makes the songs so unique and fun to listen to. While I’m no expert on music, and I don’t understand most of the terms used, it was interesting to see how the beats come together to make amazing rhythms in the soundtrack. Awesome job on the video, and thank you for giving this highly underrated soundtrack some spotlight!

I need to play Ace Combat just because of the music.

I heard Zero recently, and I wasn't familiar with those soundtracks before either but man are they good. I was kinda surprised to see that shortly after I discovered them, you suddenly put up a video on them.

I have no idea about what you said but I still have tears in my eyes because Ace Combat's music is so good.

Having Ace Combat as one of my all time favourite soundtracks, this was quite a treat. Now can't wait for you to tackle Aion's soundtrack. It surely deserves it's whole X-parts series.

It legit gets your heart racing. It's a fact that music does so, this changes the way you play naturally the same way as having music while driving does. I love the visual of the notes you do.

I find this fascinating. I enjoy "Liberation of Gracemaria," but that build-up always seemed more interesting than its horns' melody was worth. The melody was this slow tune made of sustained whole notes, yet somehow felt incredibly exciting and engaging. I honestly hadn't thought of looking at the rhythm of the strings. Honestly, I appreciate this piece even more now because the music reflects the pilot's situation. The flight is (for the moment) stable and level, like the double whole note melody, but inside below the surface, the pilot is feeling his own heart pounding with excitement. Brilliant.

Seeing this pop up in reccomendations almost brought a tear to my eye. Still need to play AC7

Ok... But have you heard 444? A mother-f'in masterpiece.

so happy seeing you break down Ace Combat's amazing soundtrack, a fantastic game series with some of my favorite 'final boss' themes

I've only listened to a few Ace Combat songs (after absolutely falling in love with Megalith Agnus Dei) but I think they're really cool. It's also always nice when these videos deal with a soundtrack I've actually heard before xP

This was one of the most fascinating things I’ve seen on RU-vid in a long time! I’m a huge ace combat fan and always adored the soundtracks...you totally did them a lot of justice and broke them down to music theory in a way that let me appreciate them in ways I never thought about! Thank you!

It’s nice to see Ace Combat’s music get a highlight. It’s damn good. I’m surprised though that you don’t have a Fire Emblem video on your channel. What they’ve done musically is nothing short of grand.

So in laymans terms Ace Combats OST is F*****g amazing (i have played and beat every ace combat game except the air combat)

Holy Ace Combat is one of my all time favorite franchises ever. Thank you for showing it some love. I just have one question that went unanswered. How does the missile lock on alert fit into these songs?

Bruh, could we get an acknowledgement for "Archange" in AC:7 Skies Unknown?

Absolutely love this, always a huge fan of ac especially for the music, everytime you introduced a new rhythm i knew excatly what song you were going to mention, the music is so distinct and I'm happy you helped me understand it more!

Could we get a complete breakdown of The Liberation if Gracemeria?

Jets just screamed by overhead during this video. Nice planning.

Thank you (and that Patreon dude) for giving this game's OST the recognition it so rightfully deserved! I'm glad to finally understand why it was so addicting! Amazing series.

You're not gonna believe this, Jean-Louis. 8-bit Muisc Theory reviewed Ace Combat Music! This didn't just turn my rough day around, this made my week!!! I'm so happy that you were able to take such an amazing, depth analysis of my favorite game series music. I can only hope one day you'll return to Ace Combat the cover more of the amazing tracks and themes present in the series, but for now I'm extremely content. I was just a man when 8-bit music theory reviewed ace combat... But I remember that made my week... And in turn how I learned to greater appreciate musical art...

I love where you are taking your channel at the moment!

I love Ace Combat. Played this series all the way back in Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere. Zero is probably not just one of my favorite AC tracks, but one of my favorite tracks of all time, easily in the top 5. I find it interesting how the tracks get more frantic and more complex the further into the game you get, and how the music mirrors the action and stages of a fight on screen. It's not just good beats, it's beats that correspond to the game itself. Which is fantastic game design. Thanks for the video! It was AWESOME.

Ace Combat 5 is my favorite game of all time. Thank you so much for making a video for me to completely nerd out about!

I LOVE hearing your passion for this come through. This is why I watch your channel. Great video!

Thank you to both 8 bit music theory and the patron for requesting this. I have been waiting for an analysis of ace combat's soundtracks since 2004. There is truly moving music in this niche yet incredible series and I am glad to see it being appreciated.

I don't know how popular some of the tracks are in AC7, but I loved Archange, it made it feel like such a heart-pounding showdown against a truly unstoppable foe. I need to get around to purchasing the games I haven't played, namely Zero and 4 sadly.

Thanks for talking about this gem of a series. Ace Combat 3 also has some great songs, but since its the future, the ost is all cool electronic beats and rhythms.

Man, this channel is lit. Most of music theory channel i found doesn’t really touch much about rhythm, and how it related to the composition. Finding this channel really completes the missing parts that I’m looking for. Even though you only do video games musics, you still teach more than other music theory channel I’ve been. Keep up the good work!

Was recommended this by a friend as a long time Ace Combat fan and you did not disappoint. Now I know why I enjoy these tracks so much. :)

How Rhythm Drives The Music Of Ace Combat? Me: Yes.

Ace Combat music is the greatest music of all time. I have been a long time Ace Combat fan and I am glad to see an AC music piece analyzed!

I love all of your groove videos so much! It's the often neglected half of music. Thanks

YES! I was hoping you would do this, one of the best group of soundtracks for a series ever

11:55 "This Dm Fakeout Is Sick" is the best musical notation I've seen. Why aren't you writing the scores?

AC7's "Daredevil" may be one of the best pieces of BGM ever composed. 'Nuff said.

I dont know if this is a newer addition but the longer music examples is really nice. Not being familiar with the music means you get a much nicer feel for the context of the piece. Thanks man!

Thank you for covering Ace Combat! This series has, for the longest time, been pumping out absolutely stellar music to go along with the action it puts the player through. It was awesome seeing the music broken down and explained as to why it often feels so rousing.

Holy hell a video on one of my favourite series I've been a fan of since the first game came out that most people glanced over (until AC7 got quite a big following) *edit* Also many of my favourite OSTs where it's not just rhythmic interest but also phenomenal scripting like 8-bit explained in the Kid Icarus video. The best example of this is the briefing before the final mission in AC7 (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Fq0EXCI2A58.html) where the song starts off calm taking a sorrowful dive when your AWACS explains that if you lose everything will go to absolute shit for the future, bit later when the briefing transitions into the hangar section (which is normally a different song!) it gains a kickass drum section making you feel so immersed and transforming the exact same melody that was first perceived as despair and adversity into something hopeful and empowering.

You've explained rhythm better than any teacher or music theory youtuber I've ever learned from. Thank you for that! I'll definitely be using this new knowledge in the future!

This was awesome man! It's so great to see a franchise that's brought me so much enjoyment and inspiration get some well-deserved recognition. Thank you so much for this.

Thank you for that wonderful explanation. Keiki Kobayashi is amazing and you did an amazing job explaining the beat and rythym of it all

"Tresillo sandwich" Good to hear from you, Long Caster ;)

This guy needs to be released **IN SOLITARY!**

thank you so much for covering this series and its amazing music. amazing video, subbing for sure.

I've been waiting for this for years. I never thought it would happen, but I'm glad you took a look at this series' music. Thank you.