Opera Singer Reacts: The Liberation of Gracemeria (Ace Combat 6) 

Keiki Kobayashi made me almost break my expensive mic at 08:43

The super long build up at the start was for all the NPC units to report in. Those are NPC units which you have assisted and they in turn had helped you when you called on them for air support. It's really gratifying and moving to have them report in one by one - Warlock, Quox, Marigold, Steel Gunners, Red Baron etc.

Having the context to this track is honestly important to appreciate the track. Gracemaria is the capital city of the country you’re fighting for. You get kicked out of it by the enemy at the start of the game. After hours of fighting your way back from the other side of the continent, you finally make it back to liberate Gracemaria, with all your allies you picked up along the way.

I think you’d enjoy “Chandelier” from the same game. It’s an entirely vocal piece in English sung by a small children’s choir.

What really hit me about this theme made me feel bad for Garuda 2(Shamrock), he was so excited to see his family, only to find out that they all died. Just that moment alone makes you think about what war can really do to you and your loved ones.

A big feature of those “self reflective” moments in Ace Combat is they’re often less about that moment in the mission and more about reflecting on your experience throughout the game as a whole. In Daredevil for example, the main motif of it is something that you’ve heard over and over by then, in different forms in different missions, all the way from Charge Assault in mission #1.

Ah, my favorite song. The song that makes me patriotic for a country that doesn't actually exist. Glory to Gracemeria!

6:08 Ace combat 6's mission structure is unique in the series as in one mission there are two or more operations occurring at once and you only need to complete of few to win or move on to the next stage of the mission. It is possible to fail an operation but still be able to complete the mission, this somber part I feel reflects that perfectly.

This piece is also great because the main melody/leitmotif is the same as the piece used in the beginning of the game called "Invasion of Gracemaria" during which the player is tasked with defending the city before ultimately retreating, so the two pieces act as thematic bookends.

Such a good reaction. Also this is an incredible mission, it has everything; air to air, air to ground, you fight warships too, and the second part of the mission you fight a Super Fighter Jet, literally everything Ace Combat has to offer. And yes, you are liberating the capital from your home that was invaded during the first mission and your forces had no choice but to retreat, hoping for someday to get it back :) that's why it sounds so heroic!

Hell yeah more Ace Combat. Can't wait for you to react to Anchor head Raid and Alicorn submarine theme.

Yes! Liberation of Gracemeria! "We're taking Gracemeria back!"

Hardcore AC6 buff here, in my opinion Ace Combat 6 is the most underrated game in the series, sure the cutscene story is cringy compared to the other games but the actual narrative of the conflict in the missions as you play them is just as good as any other AC game and unlike other games you can actually direct the actions of not only your wingman but the entire Emmerian air force. Hence the confidence in this track, and the sense of teamwork, Gracemeria is the capital of Emmeria, and beyond that it's also the home to not only the player character and the characters in the story but also Shamrock, your wingman who has family in the city. I'd recommend listening to this track's companion piece, the *Invasion* of Gracemeria which is a lower key track that uses the same motifs but with a lot more subtlety. Both missions take place in the same city; first you defend it from the Estovokian invaders at the beginning of the war, and later you liberate the city from it's occupiers and return Gracemeria to its rightful Emmerian control near the end of the game. With virtually every mission in between building towards that goal of liberating Gracemeria and the whole of the Anean continent from the fascist occupiers... As you fight eastward back towards your home you deal crippling blows to their military while simultaneously reorganizing with your own forces, with every unit you save taking part in the liberation and playing at least some kind of role in the battle. This track is already one of the best in the series without the context, but with the context its downright bone-chilling and inspiring. I'd also recommend Wartime Evacuation, Ace Combat 6 Main Theme(that's actually the name of the track) and Chandelier which all feature the *other* main motif of the game besides the Gracemeria theme. Then there's A Brand New Day, which is the end credits theme and besides Chandelier, the only vocal piece in the game... I highly recommend, especially if you can find the live version from the 25th anniversary symphony.(there's a reason Kobayashi chose it as the closing piece for the whole show)

Never played Ace Combat but I love how it shows (like you said) the hope and confidence of the pilots but also the ultimate sense of freedom from flying and all the cool air maneuvers they can do! Absolutely loved to hear this track

I recommend "Coronation" from Project Wingman. It plays directly after "Kings" (listen to Kings if you haven't yet) and is playing as you gain a boss health bar and boss blare.

I was gifted Ace Combat 7 during the Steam Summer Sale, and can I just say I've been having a blast?! It's one thing to listen to and enjoy the tracks on their own, but listening to them during the mission just elevates them to an entirely new plane (no pun intended) of existence.

This ost brings me back almost ten years, with my little Xbox 360, and how CHARGED I was with this ost and the AWACS' speech at the start of the mission. the Aces really make you feel like a living legends! Comunque, grazie per aver portato questa canzone!

That brass motif that kicks in at 3:50 is sort of the anthem of the protagonist military force and shows up all throughout the game; Kobayashi loves doing that.

"We've got the radio station back! This place is our symbol of freedom!"

Despite Ace Combat 6 having a bit of a mediocre story compared to the previous titles, the OST is still high quality. Keiki Kobayashi really does magic with music.

*"May the Golden King smile upon us..."*

I remember when I played this mission and the lead up of the whole game to, as you might guess, Liberate Gracemaria, and you really feel the sense of justice as you take back the city. This game features lots of consistent allies you fly with in most of the missions so it feels really personal with everyone there at once taking the offensive.

More Ace combat ost?! Heck yeah.

Oh man I’ve been waiting for you to cover this one! Longest buildup ever but every second is worth it, and the middle part is just sublime. This song is what comes to mind when I think of Ace Combat 6- perfectly captures the feeling of coming back to liberate the homeland lost right at the beginning of the game. Makes you feel like every step along the way has been worth it. Loved watching this reaction and looking forward to more Ace Combat tonight!

Various comments about the in-game context surrounding this song. - A previous commenter already brought up the multi-operation system, where a majority of them have to be completed in order to complete the mission. The liberation of the capital is the last of the missions with this system in place, and it shares the largest size with a few others at six simultaneous objectives (of which four need to succeed). - Tying in with the different operations, you can choose to enter the mission space from different starting points depending on which operations you want to prioritize. Since this is a fully combined arms assault involving land, air, and sea vessels, you can either fly in starting from the city outskirts or over the water heading straight for the port. The latter is the most popular option for various gameplay reasons, but it's also thematically significant because the first mission of the game begins with you flying right over the King's Bridge to engage the then-unknown enemy. - Speaking of recurring themes, some have already pointed out that the main melody of this song appeared in the first mission as well. However, it has also come up during other missions like Bartolomeo Fortress (the first major victory for the Emmerian forces after being nearly wiped out) or Weapons of Mass Destruction (the operation that caused the capital's liberation to be delayed else it be destroyed via scorched earth policy). - While this song plays for the majority of the mission, it isn't the only one. The mission finale is accompanied by a piece called "Malebolge," while the enemy's best ace pilot takes on the entirety of the Emmerian forces by himself in a suicidal frenzy to cover the retreat of his allies. - And if that wasn't a sign that things weren't quite over, there are actually two more missions to compelte after the capital is freed and the war is supposedly over. I won't spoil what happens in them (here), but someone has already brought up the song "Chandelier."

It is definitely worth comparing the main part of this theme of that to the song Invasion of Gracemeria, where there it has a much more somber, weaker feel, while here it comes in with a far more energetic and powerful tone. Another banger from Keiki Kobayashi and another great reaction of yours. Hopefully you'll do some of the non-mainline Ace Combat games, as while they might not be blessed with Kobayashi's work, they still have some very solid pieces in them.

You got this spot on. Its one of my favorite pieces and games due to the music when you do the missions. It truly captivates you and zones you into the task at hand.

Your feeling of the song inspiring protection is actually pretty spot on. In the game, your countrymen call their fighter pilots "Angels"

Never actually played this one, but it's a great track. Maybe I should figure out how to get my hands on it and play it. Loved the reaction, Marco. Keep up the great work!

Ace combat 6 has always had a special place in my heart that no game will ever top. I know every voice line, listened to every song countless of times, replayed the game gods knows how many more. This game kept my spirits high when it was low so much in fact i currently have 2 Ac6 tattoos dedicating just how important and influential this game has been to me. I will never ever stop loving this game and hope im not alone in this.

Friday Flight days are the best! I imagine the song as a backdrop to a combined arms advance by ground forces and air. The air with the pin point strikes on the ground, and the free and beauty of the planes in the sky.

Marco, i adore your AC reactions. Great work

Bro my childhood is flooding back, I can remember pacing my room as the briefing was going hyping myself up, and locking in while the music was playing, I had been working at the game every day for a bit and this one moment, liberating the capital city of your country after being beaten back with a surprise attack, and clawing your way forward the whole game, was just SO ungodly satisfying, and the music just so perfectly recreates those emotions that kid me was feeling

Oh hey, it's the undeniable Best Track from Ace Combat 6! To keep the Keiki Kobayashi train going, I would like to recommend 'White Devil' and 'Release' from the most-maligned of the Ace Combats: Assault Horizon. A game where some Very Bad Design Decisions were made, but thankfully the soundtrack is still killer.

Part of why I think this piece works so well is how it works in the context of Ace Combat 6’s campaign. Unlike most every other mainline entry in the series, AC6’s introductory mission, “Invasion of Gracemeria”, has you actually fighting a losing battle as your country’s capitol is rapidly overrun by Estovakian forces. This comes to a head twelve missions later, with the “Liberation of Gracemeria”. It’s a slow-building but ultimately triumphant piece as you systematically push back Estovakia’s forces front by front until finally it comes time to face off with Pasternak. For all intents and purposes, this is the “end” of the Emmeria-Estovakia war, and the music in this mission as well as mission 15 reflects that.

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The moment of that first drop in this song, when those horns (I think?) come in, it just feels like such a relief, its so reassuring, like whatever was going on is now just gonna be okay, and I love that.

So glad that seeing you react to this masterpiece. I was originally going to request it, but lo and behold, you already did it right as I turned on my PC tis morning. In case you don't know, nearly every Ace Combat game always use their signature music (ex: Daredevil, Zero, Liberation of Gracemeria) of each games in their promotional trailer, which is what makes the trailer filled with so excitement and when you played the game it makes the moment where the music is playing very memorable In the context of this music, this one is played on 13th (out of 15) mission where you have to retake your capital city, Gracemeria from Estovakian forces who captured it at the start of the game. You're being driven out of it, along with your allies in retreat during the first mission, and now after regrouping and mustering the strength, you fight back through your own country, liberating the land that was taken before until finally you reach the climax to retake your capital, which is where this music play, where you and your allies launched an all-out assault to reclaim what's lost

If you’re doing Ace Combat 6 I suggest you check out Chandelier. Imo it’s a bit of an underrated Final Ace Combat Boss theme between the Final Ace Combat Boss themes we have, perhaps because of its break in the trend of “epic battle song”.

You definitely need to check Ace Combat 6's "Chandelier" as well. Very somber vocals

Yay I'm glad you got around to this. Such a great build up and beat drop

I love the mission to take back Gracemeria. All of the game, representing months in universe, you have been working to make your way back home to the capital after a strategic withdrawal by the Emmerian military command. the music represents the overwhelming effort of all the allies you helped on the road to Gracemeria combining their efforts in a three pronged ground assault supported by a full navy fleet and as many squadrons as they could throw at it to drive the enemy out of the capital. it is a swelling wave that is about to sweep over the city and everyone knows it.

Holy! I didn't know you would react to AC songs before the Ace Combat S Symphony, but as expected, you subvert all expectations as a music reactor! Bravo!

I just posted a comment on your Megalith video asking about this! Guess I have no ither choice than to say: You've just earned a new subscription, my man!!

You could use this song while liberating a city.

Awesome! It's great to see you enjoying the magic Keiki Kobayashi works, from you not expecting much from some plane game to a wide smile on your face. And here's me, still requesting to listen to "Blue Skies (Infinity Remix)", a song from Ace Combat Infinity. It could have been the last song in the Ace Combat series, but I'm so glad it wasn't. I think you would enjoy it if you liked all the other Ace Combat tracks you listened to. Edit: Which you already did, by listening to the Ace Combat 25th Anniversary Concert. Thanks again :)

Legitimately one of the best Ace Combat tracks out there, and so fitting to the mission it is tied to. All of that build up along the way, and then that musical release with those heroic vibes going strong the whole way though. Just an amazing track. So glad you enjoyed it!

I love seeing new people discover this great music from this great saga, and if I can recommend you there are 2 songs, which may interest you, these being alicorn (ace combat 7) and chandelier from this same game (ac6) although the latter is a little different from the other songs in the saga.

Marco listened Liberation of Gracemeria multiple times he grew chad beard from the intro.

If you are liking this ones, there is a sugestion. "Randezvous" From Ace Combat 5. Is "classical" music, but with a tone of rush to it. It plays when you are ambushed in the middle of a suposed safe zone, and everyone starts to jump in their seats as you try desperately to defend your formation. Awsome track.

I am loving these OST reactions of one of my favorite series. Everyone has recommended the holy major songs of Megalith, Unsung War, Daredevil and Zero to which your reactions were amazing and what I expected as a first time listener of these masterpieces. If possible, might I recommend "Near the Border" from ACZ? This is the Credits song right after the epic battle you just had with Pixy. It is more of a reflection song for Cipher, looking back on what has transpired. The things he's done, the Aces he's fought, his time with his wingman. The flamenco guitar and vocals used are more solem and downtempo compared to what you just listened to. As the song progresses, there's a part when the song becomes almost melancholic, the guitar starts to speak by itself as if Cipher is the one playing it. It is such an amazing endcap to an amazing soundtrack.

That first swell with the leitmotif moves me every time i hear it. Genuine tears. The hope for the future, that things can change. Its there.

"May The Golden King Smile Upon Us"

For 16 years i'm still listen this OST. The best of bests 👏👏👏👏👏👏

AC6 was my introduction to the series, and Liberation of Gracemeria, and by extension, the track Fires of Liberation just... those are the themes of the series to me. The opening movie to AC6 when you first boot the game has Liberation of Gracemeria playing, and the build up is framed with clips from the cutscenes, bits of dialogue from the missions, and snippets of gameplay, it's like a movie trailer, and it ends with the opening line and cutscene to the mission Liberation of Gracemeria plays over, this massive formation of fighters getting into position, and then the AWACS Ghost Eye comes in over the comms. "All planes! We're going to take back Gracemeria today!"

Playing this mission with this music was an emotional trip, to say the least. The slow start when your flights and ground troops report in. You are finally retaking your capital in one epic three-stage mission.

Sounds like you've got to stream an Ace Combat game next!

Ace Combat 6 has one of my favorite video game soundtracks of all time! I used to play it all the time on the Xbox 360 with a joystick and throttle controller.

Thank you for giving such a great review for one of my favourite video game series. Actually, the genius behind this is Keiki Kobayashi, he also make music for other games like Soul Calibur (which is also one of my favourite video game series).

Somehow the music always seems to line up with the action. That soaring, majestic score playing while you're in a looping dogfight against swarms of planes while you're covering the Steel Gunners assault on the airfield, then the "Ghost Eye" AWACS calls out "Warlock Battalion is down to about 30% of their forces, give them some cover." So you pull a high-G turn and strafe across an F-4's path, then climb as you look around. This operation is going well, so you hit the afterburners and set your course for Warlock's position. As you fly across the war-torn city, the sombre, reflective horns play, and you see your flagship, the Marigold, sailing under the collapsed bridge across the harbour entrance. You see the smoke rising from the city, and you can't help but think back over the path that lead you here. Then up ahead you see the countless markers of enemy tanks, artillery, helicopters and aircraft. The drums take over in the music and the battle begins again. You see the beleaguered Warlock battalion, and beyond that Quox battalion faring not much better. To the right you select a target cluster, and your wingman fires four missiles. To the left you select another cluster, and fire four of your own. The drums of war pound as your jet screeches in at Mach 2, and two more missiles down a pair of helicopters hovering near Warlock. You pull into a steep climb as the strings return, reaching past the clouds in seconds, only to swing around and unleash another barrage of missiles at the occupying forces while nosediving straight toward the ground. You pull up at the last second, and bank sharply to cut your flight in between two skyscrapers, in a move that realistically should have shattered every window in the financial district. The music pauses for a split second, and that's when you realize you haven't taken a breath in about a minute. At least, that's my experience. :D

I've been waiting a long time for you to hear this number.

As another commenter pointed out, context is important for this one. When this track reaches 5:12, for me, it feels like the pilots are silently saying "Don't worry, we've come back. And this time, we aren't going anywhere."

Your channel is amazing, I could replay your video and listen to these amazing songs from my favorite game all day!!!!

The live version of this one made me hold my tears. It's just absolutely incredible.

This makes me so want to play the game again, love all their soundtracks back in the days

Thank you so much for listening to these ace combat musics This is my favorite videogame series for so many reasons, one of the main factors is the amazing soundtrack, it's just something out of this world A lot of people judge without playing or listening to it first, just because it's a flying plane game Like i said, thank you so much for giving these songs the recognition it deserves Also, I'd like to recommend to you Magic Spear I from AC7

I'm so glad you got to listen to this song! Another great song is from Ace Combat: Assault Horizon called Mrs. Krista Yoslav

I am here once again to say you gotta check out Alicorn from Ace Combat 7. But also Glad to see you loved this track so much! It's a really fun one with that nice slow build up, then the heroic crescendo!

2:26 When the strings come in here the sense of anticipation reminds me of listening to Chappy convincing me that the plane I'm in is like a suit of armour, like an Iron Eagle if you will. 3:48 Is probably my favourite part, most likely due to how all hell breaks loose in the trailer for the game at this point.

Would be worth checking out the project wingman live anniversary orchestra, it's really good.

I do like it when you stop and give your thoughts in the middle of the song, but I definitely understand not wanting to. Usually when I’m interrupted while listening to songs (like Ace Combat) I just have to start from the beginning again.

自身の力が及ばない状況でも決して絶望せず、静かに耐え、打開に向けて歩みを止めず、やがて時が来るのを待つ。 曲の進行に併せて増えていく音は、まるで同じ志を持った者たちが集まっていくかの様だ。 勇気の曲と言える。

Man when I was still a kid I remember playing this on the Xbox. Back then, I thought flying planes and jets we're the coolest thing ever and I remember when I got to this part of the campaign all I could imagine in my head was being the Ace pilot for a fallen nation, coming back to reclaim our home, with the sun rising behind me and my wingman, with all our allies behind me and seeing our home in flames but saying to myself, "I've come to take back what's ours." Man what I would do to come back to the stage of my childhood and feeling like a full on hero.

i have been hearing this song all across the internet and i NEVER KNEW it was from ace combat. i just finished my first playthrough of 7 (my first time in strangereal) and now knowing this i will absolutely hunt down 4-6 and play them

Since your loving Ace combat so much, maybe you could give the Project Wingman ost some love?

After following your holy Trinity experience, i'm definitely waiting for AC6, it may be underrated, but this song has like hardest buildup than Daredevil, I guess since this is for liberation feels

You should definitely react to “Chandelier” and “A Brand new day” from Ace Combat 6. All vocals and no orchestra

I think if of the climactic/penultimate tracks of the series, Liberation of Gracemeria probably has my favorite melody.

We all heard this piece in the trailer for the game, almost every trailer got the main theme, and it fit so good, they got really good trailer editors, you should seen them too

The metal cover of this song is also amazing

Next : "Awakening" , from the Ace Combat 7 DLC missions ... that one is also a banger ;)

To me this is the most heroic song in gaming, alongside Peace Walker from Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. I know it does not have vocals or crazy, complex compositions - but the simple melody being sung with multiple instruments, in multiple "styles" (im not a musician, I do not know the right term) feels soo good.

Always loved Ace Combat's soundtrack since I was a teen and I still listen to it from time to time. You should check out Project Wingman's soundtrack too. Specifically, Kings or the Anniversary Orchestra.

I really hope someone someday sends you Zero from Granblue Fantasy. Would be great to see you react to it.

You have returned to Liberate your conquered capital with all of the allies you have pulled together throughout the war. That climax is a beautiful hit when you're fighting this battle, whether that be attacking the enemy fleet in harbor (my first stop), dogfighting the aircraft and jammers over the city, or clearing the way for the ground pounders.

Since Chandelier and Wartime Evacuation have already been mentioned and instrumental tracks are valid suggestions, "Selumna Peak," also from AC6, is one of my favorite Ace Combat tracks. Sounds pretty calm, the leitmotif is there for a bit and all this is set above a snow-capped mountain range.

Please react to Fighter's Honor next, that one is also really good and often gets overlooked.

"Time to dance with the Angels!" "May the Golden King smile upon us!" Knocked to the edge of defeat, the pride of the Fleet sunk in the first hours, the skies cleared, the door kicked off its hinges, and most of the top leaders dead or captured, a country whose military is splintered and struggling as their capital falls in what seems like an instant... And a pair of winged heroes soar in from above. With a Talisman promising victory and a Shamrock for good luck, the divided forces reunite and advance together, to reclaim their home under the motto of a family who felt the impact of the war firsthand. Reduced to a small number of outposts that are slowing falling, Victory and Good Fortune suddenly turn the tide and as they advanced, they are joined by others. They are headed into the danger, and others follow. They brave their way through, changing the tide. Even going to their rescue after destroying Weapons of Mass Destruction. Then, after each outpost is united. Each base back in friendly hands. Each city retaken. Each mile of road traversed, the enemy has built and barred the gates and the heroes lead a charge that breaks the doors down and breach the walls. Until the Golden King smiles from atop his Armored Steed as the Dancing Angels fly overhead.

If it's your last dance, it may as well be with the angels.

Listening to Ace Combat tracks is one of the few times I get to feel an actual emotion, it's great

I recently discovered on my timeline. I’ve been loving your insights and reactions to many of the games I’ve played. I don’t mean to derail from the Ace Combat (because I LOVE this series). I’ve bought old consoles and disks just to play these games again. I am surprised no one has suggested Metal Gear Solid music. Titles such as “The Best Is Yet To Come”, “Sins Of The Father” or “Heavens Divide” Edit to add “Snake Eater”

"All planes: We're going to take back Gracemeria today."

Ace Combat 6 trailer still gives me goosebumps.

Time to dance with the angels has come.

I got only one more that really gets me from the series-Avalon. This occurs just before zero, a group of shocked soldiers from every country have united to take over a massively fortified missile base to wipe away governments and borders. You fly through the valley hearing ally after ally fall until… the song starts, and over the radio you hear “two planes made it though! It’s galm!” Your Allies entrust the future to you as they fly distraction, the enemy begins their propaganda speech, and the timer starts counting down…

I find it kinda funny how the Ace Combat timeline starts in 14th century Emmeria like where the fuck that come from did Aurelius II have Di Vinci’s Flying Machine or something lmao

My other suggestions for AC music is Drag Racer and Sol Squadron from AC7. They're kinda short so maybe a double video

Since were on the ac6 train. We could also do chandelier!

Ace Combat 6 has a really distinct soundtrack. People will be dying for Invasion of Gracemeria and Chandelier reactions and I'm not saying I'm not one of them but :P. AC6 is one of my favourite mainline Ace Combat titles so I'm really excited to see more coverage on it! Another franchise you should absolutely check out is Valkyria Chronicles, namely the track Beautiful Gallia from the first game! There's a handful of tracks I can imagine that would slip through the radar of suggestions but I would absolutely adore your take on: The main theme surprisingly enough, it really sets how different in tone the Ace Combat 6 soundtrack is going to be at times and intoduces the leitmotifs; Siege on Silvat features powerful percussion combined excellently with long flowing strings in a high-tension rescue mission; Selumna Peak is my favourite Ace Combat 6 track, it's incredible how smooth the pitch is ever-changing and the way it twinkles to an end is just beautiful and perfect for the snow-capped mountain environment the player is in; On The Field Of Emmeria is another incredible track that wouldn't spring to mind for many, it has that AC6 trademark slow rise but it plateaus out then suddenly explodes in a flurry of notes. Last but not least: A Brand New Day, the perfect song about looking forward to the future. Sung and performed beautifully, this would be the one I'd most love to see your take of. Fun trivia: There's a lot of AC6 tracks that have pieces of/sound very similiar to pieces from prior games or would be used in future games. An example of the latter is AC6's recurring leitmotif shows up very obviously in Ace Combat Assault Horizon's "Dogfight" track