battle bards – Massively Overpowered https://massivelyop.com MMORPG news and opinions Thu, 21 Dec 2023 13:55:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 Catch up on Battle Bards’ MMO music podcast from 2023 https://massivelyop.com/2023/12/29/catch-up-on-battle-bards-mmo-music-podcast-from-2023/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/12/29/catch-up-on-battle-bards-mmo-music-podcast-from-2023/#respond Fri, 29 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=471476 It may not happen every day, but when a new Battle Bards episode drops into your podcast notifications, you know you’re in for a good time. MOP’s Justin (that’s-a me!) and good friend Syl teamed up once a month to record a show covering the often obscure and overlooked field of MMORPG soundtracks. Missed out […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/12/29/catch-up-on-battle-bards-mmo-music-podcast-from-2023/feed/ 0 Battle Bards Episode 230: The music of Palia https://massivelyop.com/2023/12/15/battle-bards-episode-230-the-music-of-palia/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/12/15/battle-bards-episode-230-the-music-of-palia/#respond Fri, 15 Dec 2023 18:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=471471 Ready to get your cozy on? Syp and Syl take you into the relatively new life sim Palia to explore its down-home-on-the-player-farm tunes. Is this a little TOO laid-back and boring, or is there a rural charm to this soundtrack? We’ll be the judge of that. Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/12/15/battle-bards-episode-230-the-music-of-palia/feed/ 0 Battle Bards Episode 229: Caravan Stories Part 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/11/11/battle-bards-episode-229-caravan-stories-part-1/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/11/11/battle-bards-episode-229-caravan-stories-part-1/#comments Sun, 12 Nov 2023 01:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=466281 Come along for a trundling trip through the countryside with Caravan Stories, a 2017-era MMO that charmed Syl so much that she demanded they do a two-part show on its soundtrack! Bring your sympathy for Syp, who has to put up with this nonsense! Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music podcast. […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/11/11/battle-bards-episode-229-caravan-stories-part-1/feed/ 1 Battle Bards Episode 228: Cheery MMO dungeons https://massivelyop.com/2023/09/27/battle-bards-episode-228-cheery-mmo-dungeons/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/09/27/battle-bards-episode-228-cheery-mmo-dungeons/#comments Wed, 27 Sep 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=459491 Not every dungeon has to be a drab and dour affair — a fact that sent the Battle Bards searching for the cheeriest tunes from MMO instances! Join Syp and Syl as they recount a good half-dozen upbeat tracks from online RPG dungeons. If you’ve got to loot… loot with a smile. Battle Bards is the […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/09/27/battle-bards-episode-228-cheery-mmo-dungeons/feed/ 1 Battle Bards Episode 227: NCsounds https://massivelyop.com/2023/09/05/battle-bards-episode-227-ncsounds/ Wed, 06 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=456593 Syl and Syp return to the vast library of NCsoft’s MMO soundtracks, with games like Aion, Lineage, and Blade & Soul to keep our ears happy for decades now. With so much new music coming out of this studio on a regular basis, there’s always something fresh to experience! Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 226: Echoes of MMOs that never were https://massivelyop.com/2023/06/30/battle-bards-episode-226-echoes-of-mmos-that-never-were/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/06/30/battle-bards-episode-226-echoes-of-mmos-that-never-were/#comments Fri, 30 Jun 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=446523 It’s always highly bittersweet when MMO fans sit back and consider the games that never were — the projects that got far along in development but, for various reasons, didn’t cross the finish line. But some left behind a melodic footprint that’s very much worth examining, which is what our intrepid Battle Bards do today! […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/06/30/battle-bards-episode-226-echoes-of-mmos-that-never-were/feed/ 1 Battle Bards Episode 225: Embers Adrift https://massivelyop.com/2023/06/09/battle-bards-episode-225-embers-adrift/ Fri, 09 Jun 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=443418 One of the newer MMOs on the market, Embers Adrift leaned hard into tougher PvE gameplay and the darkest of dark nights. But how does its music support this fantasy game world? Syl and Syp investigate the “living soundtrack” of this hardcore title. Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music podcast. Biweekly […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 224: A return to the music of EverQuest II https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/battle-bards-episode-224-a-return-to-the-music-of-everquest-ii/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/battle-bards-episode-224-a-return-to-the-music-of-everquest-ii/#comments Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436191 It’s been an almost egregiously long time since the Battle Bards turned their attention to the EverQuest II soundtrack — but now that wait is over. Join Syp and Syl as they comb through the expansions for all sorts of delightful musical morsels to enjoy! Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/battle-bards-episode-224-a-return-to-the-music-of-everquest-ii/feed/ 3 Battle Bards Episode 223: Dragonica (aka Dragon Saga) https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/31/battle-bards-episode-223-dragonica-aka-dragon-saga/ Fri, 31 Mar 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=433183 The steely gaze and pointy ears of the Battle Bards turns to 2009’s Dragonica — also known as Dragon Saga — to see what musical treasures might be stashed in this beast’s lair. Syl and Syp descend into this all-too-cute realm to find tracks of whimsy and madness awaiting. Listener beware! Battle Bards is the world’s […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 222: World of Warcraft Dragonflight https://massivelyop.com/2023/03/05/battle-bards-episode-222-world-of-warcraft-dragonflight/ Sun, 05 Mar 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=429033 Will our fascination with giant, skyfaring, flame-belching lizards subside? World of Warcraft bets not, as it’s currently soaring through its Dragonflight expansion. Will the music also ascend to lofty realms or fall to the earth with a dud? You’ll have to listen to the Battle Bards as they figure out the answer to that question! […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 221: LOTRO Before the Shadow https://massivelyop.com/2023/02/03/battle-bards-episode-221-lotro-before-the-shadow/ Fri, 03 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=424929 The power of the One Ring doesn’t just rule them all — it also brings Steff back from retirement! All three Battle Bards are here today to talk about Lord of the Rings Online’s enormous Before the Shadow soundtrack. From Hobbits to swans to everything in between, our radio dial is stuck on Middle-earth for […]]]> The definitive 2022 Battle Bards episode guide https://massivelyop.com/2023/01/01/the-definitive-2022-battle-bards-episode-guide/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/01/01/the-definitive-2022-battle-bards-episode-guide/#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=418830 One of the side projects I work on every month is Battle Bards, the world’s first, best, and (weirdly) only music podcast. It’s a labor of love as my friend Syl and I explored several MMO soundtracks and themes this year, from the ancient Final Fantasy XIV days to the music of in-game shops and […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/01/01/the-definitive-2022-battle-bards-episode-guide/feed/ 1 Battle Bards Episode 220: Guild Wars 2 End of Dragons https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/24/battle-bards-episode-220-guild-wars-2-end-of-dragons/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/24/battle-bards-episode-220-guild-wars-2-end-of-dragons/#comments Sat, 24 Dec 2022 19:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=419925 Whether or not you like dragons, you have to admit that Guild Wars 2 certainly ended them in style! Join Syl and Syp as they rewind to last winter’s End of Dragons and its incredible bounty of soundtrack goodness. Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music podcast. Biweekly episodes alternate between examining […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/12/24/battle-bards-episode-220-guild-wars-2-end-of-dragons/feed/ 1 Battle Bards Episode 218: Peace and quiet https://massivelyop.com/2022/11/26/battle-bards-episode-218-peace-and-quiet/ Sun, 27 Nov 2022 01:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=415713 If anyone’s ever told you to “take a chill pill,” then the Battle Bards have your full dosage in today’s episode. Exploring peaceful and serene tracks from MMORPGs, Syl and Syp find their inner calm — before the inevitable slaughter. Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music podcast. Biweekly episodes alternate between […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 217: Legend of Edda https://massivelyop.com/2022/10/02/battle-bards-episode-217-legend-of-edda/ Sun, 02 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=407437 Chances are you’ve never heard of today’s featured MMO — or its quirky little soundtrack! So why not come along with Syp and Syl to explore Legend of Edda, a now-defunct RPG set in a realm of Greek Mythology? Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music podcast. Biweekly episodes alternate between examining […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 216: FFXIV Before Meteor https://massivelyop.com/2022/09/04/battle-bards-episode-216-ffxiv-before-meteor/ Sun, 04 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=403485 While Final Fantasy XIV players won’t shut up about A Realm Reborn, it’s not often you hear people speaking fondly of the original 1.0 edition. Yet in this episode of Battle Bards, Syp and Syl find something to praise from this era: the Before Meteor soundtrack. Let’s rewind the clock and hear the O.G. Eorzea […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 215: Lineage W https://massivelyop.com/2022/08/20/battle-bards-episode-215-lineage-w/ Sun, 21 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=401460 Maybe you’ve never heard of Lineage W, a 2021 spin-off of NCsoft’s long-running franchise. But after today’s Battle Bards episode, you’ll have heard its sweet tunes! Join Syl and Syp as they explore this fantasy soundtrack to see how it stacks up against its amazing ancestors. Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 214: Thieves and rogues https://massivelyop.com/2022/07/03/battle-bards-episode-214-thieves-and-rogues/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/07/03/battle-bards-episode-214-thieves-and-rogues/#comments Sun, 03 Jul 2022 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=394468 You may never see them coming, but when the Battle Bards strike out of the shadows, you’ll either find your pocket picked, your fluffy best friend kidnapped, or your life’s blood stolen. After all, they learned from the best thieves and rogues in the world! And what kind of music would these robbers identify with? […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/07/03/battle-bards-episode-214-thieves-and-rogues/feed/ 1 Battle Bards Episode 213: Final Fantasy XIV Endwalker https://massivelyop.com/2022/06/04/battle-bards-episode-213-final-fantasy-xiv-endwalker/ Sun, 05 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=390764 The END(walker) of Final Fantasy XIV came, went, and brought us some excellent music along the way! In this episode of the Battle Bards, Syl and Syp joust back and forth over the tunes from FFXIV’s latest expansion. Is it an acquired taste or an instant hit? Let them be the judge! Battle Bards is the […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 212: Elder Scrolls Online Blackwood https://massivelyop.com/2022/04/15/battle-bards-episode-212-elder-scrolls-online-blackwood/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/04/15/battle-bards-episode-212-elder-scrolls-online-blackwood/#comments Fri, 15 Apr 2022 20:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=383381 Now that the Battle Bards have had that expensive knee surgery done to remove all arrows, they’re back in the Elder Scrolls Online universe — namely, to listen through the Blackwood expansion soundtrack! What musical treasures will Tamriel reveal to us this time around? Find out in today’s episode! Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/04/15/battle-bards-episode-212-elder-scrolls-online-blackwood/feed/ 1 Battle Bards Episode 211: Shops and services https://massivelyop.com/2022/03/20/battle-bards-episode-211-shops-and-services/ https://massivelyop.com/2022/03/20/battle-bards-episode-211-shops-and-services/#comments Sun, 20 Mar 2022 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=379268 When the Battle Bards get loaded up with money and jewels in MMOs, they head back into town for a shopping spree! And if they’re shopping, you know they’re listening to whatever muzak is piped into these establishments. Syp and Syl listen to the music of shops and services – and deliver their best to […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2022/03/20/battle-bards-episode-211-shops-and-services/feed/ 1 Battle Bards Episode 210: Warframe https://massivelyop.com/2022/03/06/battle-bards-episode-210-warframe/ Sun, 06 Mar 2022 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=377490 We heard your many requests, and we delivered! The Battle Bards crew is back to explore the final frontier of music in the Warframe soundtrack. From funky ninja fighting tracks to stirring interstellar ballads, Warframe ended up being a fun journey through space, time, and composition. Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 209: Superhero MMOs https://massivelyop.com/2022/01/28/battle-bards-episode-209-superhero-mmos/ Fri, 28 Jan 2022 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=372355 When they’re not saving the world from bad tunes, the Battle Bards stuff themselves into spandex and try out for sixth-tier superhero teams. Because saving the world is en vogue, don’t you know? In today’s episode, the crew takes a tour through the music of superhero MMORPGs past, present, and future! Battle Bards is the world’s […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 208: Valheim https://massivelyop.com/2022/01/09/battle-bards-episode-208-valheim/ Sun, 09 Jan 2022 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=369653 Mighty Vikings and meek bards come together to sing the praises of the soundtrack to 2021’s smash hit Valheim! Syl does her best to sell us all on the game (and perhaps occasionally, its soundtrack) as the threesome hack, slash, and plunder the score to see what spoils might be taken back to the homeland. […]]]> The Battle Bards MMO music podcast: 2021 in review https://massivelyop.com/2021/12/25/the-battle-bards-mmo-music-podcast-2021-in-review/ https://massivelyop.com/2021/12/25/the-battle-bards-mmo-music-podcast-2021-in-review/#comments Sat, 25 Dec 2021 21:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=363331 If you’re among the very select and savvy few who love video game music, MMORPGs, and MMORPG game music, then you are the target audience for Battle Bards. This podcast, which has been going steady since 2013, features a trio of friends (including MOP’s Justin) who examine MMO music according to both games and themes. […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2021/12/25/the-battle-bards-mmo-music-podcast-2021-in-review/feed/ 1 Battle Bards Episode 207: Seeing Red https://massivelyop.com/2021/12/24/battle-bards-episode-207-seeing-red/ Fri, 24 Dec 2021 19:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=368435 Have you ever gotten so mad that you literally saw red? Better yet, have you ever heard the color red when you’ve listened to an MMO’s soundtrack? In this episode, the Battle Bards explore the diversity that exists within this singular blood hue. What does red sound like? Find out in this hour! Battle Bards is […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 206: Warping back to WildStar https://massivelyop.com/2021/12/10/battle-bards-episode-206-warping-back-to-wildstar/ https://massivelyop.com/2021/12/10/battle-bards-episode-206-warping-back-to-wildstar/#comments Fri, 10 Dec 2021 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=366377 It’s been a long, long time since the Battle Bards have ventured down to the surface of Nexus — at least, as a full episode. Now, it’s time to warp back to WildStar! But after having featured this amazing soundtrack so often on the show, are there any good picks left… or just the dregs […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2021/12/10/battle-bards-episode-206-warping-back-to-wildstar/feed/ 3 Battle Bards Episode 205: Love is in the air https://massivelyop.com/2021/11/25/battle-bards-episode-205-love-is-in-the-air/ Thu, 25 Nov 2021 21:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=364197 They might not be the most naturally romantic crew at heart, but the Battle Bards have been known to get, er, swoony when love is professed and crushes confessed. In the spirit of love and romance, Steff, Syl, and Syp explore romantic themes in MMORPG soundtracks to see if they can figure out what the heart really […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 204: New World https://massivelyop.com/2021/11/14/battle-bards-episode-204-new-world/ Sun, 14 Nov 2021 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=362109 The MMORPG smash hit of 2021 is now a soundtrack of far-off lands, dangerous vistas, and bewildering secrets. To navigate this New World, the Battle Bards have disembarked onto the shores of this score to see what wonders they can pillage. Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music podcast. Biweekly episodes alternate […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 203: The music of mobile MMOs https://massivelyop.com/2021/10/31/battle-bards-episode-203-the-music-of-mobile-mmos/ Sun, 31 Oct 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=359928 For this week’s episode, the Battle Bards turn their attention to an oft-neglected realm of MMO music — that of mobile titles. Will Steff walk into a pole while playing Pokemon Go? Will Syl instantly recognize an old musical favorite? Will Syp use the word “cacophony” at least once this hour? You’ll have to listen […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 202: Silkroad Online https://massivelyop.com/2021/10/17/battle-bards-episode-202-silkroad-online/ Sun, 17 Oct 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=357868 Piggybacking on a historical lifeline, Silkroad Online has enjoyed a long run in the MMORPG market. But how is its music? To find this out, the Battle Bards begin a long trek through desert and rainforest to discover the truth of Silkroad’s soundtrack. Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music podcast. Biweekly […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 201: Don’t stand in the fire! https://massivelyop.com/2021/10/03/battle-bards-episode-201-dont-stand-in-the-fire/ https://massivelyop.com/2021/10/03/battle-bards-episode-201-dont-stand-in-the-fire/#comments Sun, 03 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=355884 Have you stood in the fire? Did you start the fire? Are you on fire at this very moment? Then stop, drop, and roll your way to this episode of the Battle Bards, where the crew put out the flames of music tracks from fire zones, volcanoes, and the like! Battle Bards is the world’s first, […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2021/10/03/battle-bards-episode-201-dont-stand-in-the-fire/feed/ 2 Battle Bards Episode 200: Battle Bards Bicentennial! https://massivelyop.com/2021/09/04/battle-bards-episode-200-battle-bards-bicentennial/ https://massivelyop.com/2021/09/04/battle-bards-episode-200-battle-bards-bicentennial/#comments Sun, 05 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=352197 Can you believe it? The Battle Bards have hit 200 amazing episodes! Join Steff, Syl, and Syp as they take a victory lap around the field of MMO music, sharing their personal soundtrack discoveries and listeners’ favorite tracks. It’s a Battle Bards Bicentennial! Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music podcast. Biweekly […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2021/09/04/battle-bards-episode-200-battle-bards-bicentennial/feed/ 2 Battle Bards Episode 199: World of Warcraft tavern tunes https://massivelyop.com/2021/08/15/battle-bards-episode-199-world-of-warcraft-tavern-tunes/ https://massivelyop.com/2021/08/15/battle-bards-episode-199-world-of-warcraft-tavern-tunes/#comments Sun, 15 Aug 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=349751 At the start and end of a long day of adventurin’, the Battle Bards love to kick back with a frosty mug of (ginger) ale or a stein of (root) beer at their favorite taverns. And what watering holes have better music than World of Warcraft, which actually released a full album of it? In […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2021/08/15/battle-bards-episode-199-world-of-warcraft-tavern-tunes/feed/ 1 Battle Bards Episode 198: Final Fantasy XI expansions https://massivelyop.com/2021/07/30/battle-bards-episode-198-final-fantasy-xi-expansions/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=347369 Return with us to the lands of Vana’diel, as the Battle Bards dip into the ocean of Final Fantasy XI expansion music. While Syl might be chiding Syp over his inappropriate attire, at least these amazing tunes can overcome all hostility! Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music podcast. Biweekly episodes alternate […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 197: A royal affair https://massivelyop.com/2021/07/18/battle-bards-episode-197-a-royal-affair/ Sun, 18 Jul 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=344884 Bow to your king and queens of MMO music royalty, for the Battle Bards have donned the crown, taking up the majestic scepter, and issued a proclamation that all sorts of royal music must be heard through the land! Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music podcast. Biweekly episodes alternate between examining […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 196: Project Gorgon https://massivelyop.com/2021/07/02/battle-bards-episode-196-project-gorgon/ Fri, 02 Jul 2021 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=342770 This time around, the Battle Bards cruise into the indie MMO known as Project Gorgon to see what musical landscape is being concocted in this usual realm. From dark dungeon crawls to dusty deserts, it’s a trip around a world of fantasy, mystery, and deliberate old school musical cues! Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 194: No Man’s Sky https://massivelyop.com/2021/06/06/battle-bards-episode-194-no-mans-sky/ https://massivelyop.com/2021/06/06/battle-bards-episode-194-no-mans-sky/#comments Sun, 06 Jun 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=339384 No Man’s Sky is a Cinderella story, a turnaround from a project that failed on its promises to exceeding them. But what about its soundtrack? In this episode, the Battle Bards examine this “experimental” score and grapple with how it fits with space exploration theme. Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2021/06/06/battle-bards-episode-194-no-mans-sky/feed/ 2 Battle Bards Episode 193: Tribal jams https://massivelyop.com/2021/05/21/battle-bards-episode-193-tribal-jams/ Fri, 21 May 2021 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=336862 Strike up a drum, flourish a flute, and howl to the moon — it’s time to get funky with some tribal jams! In this episode of the Battle Bards, the intrepid crew enjoy a wide range of chanty, drummy, and peppy tracks from MMORPGs. Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music podcast. […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 192: Mabinogi https://massivelyop.com/2021/05/09/battle-bards-episode-192-mabinogi/ Sun, 09 May 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=334907 Is Mabonogi a muppet, a Welsh adventure, or a Korean MMORPG? It’s certainly an odd title, but its music is worthy of the Battle Bards’ time. This week, the trio sails through the soundtrack to this anime fantasy sandbox — and gives proper attention, respect, and love to the country of Wales. Battle Bards is the […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 191: Digging up the past https://massivelyop.com/2021/04/23/battle-bards-episode-191-digging-up-the-past/ Fri, 23 Apr 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=332899 Today’s episode of the Battle Bards was phoned in — phoned in with 2800-baud modems from the 1990s, that is! Steff, Syl, and Syp return to the early era of graphical MMOs to see what video game music existed in that time. From the bleeps to the bombastic, this show digs deep into the past […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 190: Genshin Impact https://massivelyop.com/2021/04/02/battle-bards-episode-190-genshin-impact/ Fri, 02 Apr 2021 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=329431 It was the FOMO title of last fall, and now Genshin Impact is in your ears! On this episode of the Battle Bards, Syp, Steff, and the Other One explore the varied and delightfully cheerful soundtrack to this online RPG. Unless you have headphones made of live kittens, it’ll be the most adorable thing you’ll […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 189: Spooky and Magical 3 https://massivelyop.com/2021/03/21/battle-bards-episode-189-spooky-and-magical-3/ Sun, 21 Mar 2021 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=327438 Is that a chill creeping down your spine? Did your ears just perk up at the hint of fae music in the trees? Is Tinkerbell blasting you with a cannon full of musical confetti? Then you must be in a good place to listen to some more spooky and magical music from MMORPGs with the […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 188: World of Warcraft Shadowlands https://massivelyop.com/2021/03/07/battle-bards-episode-188-world-of-warcraft-shadowlands/ https://massivelyop.com/2021/03/07/battle-bards-episode-188-world-of-warcraft-shadowlands/#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2021 19:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=325509 While the Battle Bards tend to agree that World of Warcraft: Shadowlands isn’t as strong of an expansion soundtrack compared to the last few, it’s still WoW, and it still has some gems worth uncovering. Join Syl, Steff, and Syp as they journey into the afterlife and see what the freshly dead listen to in […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2021/03/07/battle-bards-episode-188-world-of-warcraft-shadowlands/feed/ 1 Battle Bards Episode 187: Sewers and swamps https://massivelyop.com/2021/02/20/battle-bards-episode-187-sewers-and-swamps/ https://massivelyop.com/2021/02/20/battle-bards-episode-187-sewers-and-swamps/#comments Sun, 21 Feb 2021 01:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=323113 Oh yeah, this is destined to be our most-downloaded show ever, because the Battle Bards are bringing the THRILLS of sewer systems and the EXCITEMENT of swamps right to your eardrums! Decaying organic matter and waste disposal are always fun times in the music department! Syp, Steff, and Syl comb through their MMO soundtrack archives […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2021/02/20/battle-bards-episode-187-sewers-and-swamps/feed/ 1 Battle Bards Episode 186: Lineage https://massivelyop.com/2021/02/07/battle-bards-episode-186-lineage/ Sun, 07 Feb 2021 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=321181 While Lineage II is one of the absolute favorite soundtracks of the Battle Bards, the first game in this series has been shamefully overlooked on the show. No longer! In today’s episode, Syl, Steff, and Syp dig into this rather lovely and expressive score for an MMO that’s been around longer than some of their […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 185: Taking Flight https://massivelyop.com/2021/01/24/battle-bards-episode-185-taking-flight/ Sun, 24 Jan 2021 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=319245 Flying has always been both beloved and controversial in MMORPGs, but no matter what your stance on it, at least you can agree that when you slip the surly bonds of earth, you need an amazing soundtrack for that moment. Thankfully, captain Steff, co-pilot Syl, and navigator Syp are here to point out some of […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 184: MapleStory 2 https://massivelyop.com/2021/01/01/battle-bards-episode-184-maplestory-2/ https://massivelyop.com/2021/01/01/battle-bards-episode-184-maplestory-2/#comments Sat, 02 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=316606 Nexon’s late, doomed MapleStory 2 gets a resurrection of sorts, as the Battle Bards salvage the soundtrack and deliver it, shining and sparkly, to you. It’s a surprisingly good score with lots of interesting themes, and as such, Steff, Syl, and Syp are excited to talk about it. So rest in peace, MapleStory 2, we […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2021/01/01/battle-bards-episode-184-maplestory-2/feed/ 1 The definitive 2020 Battle Bards episode guide https://massivelyop.com/2020/12/25/the-definitive-2020-battle-bards-episode-guide/ Fri, 25 Dec 2020 19:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=313953 When you’re a total geek for something, it’s only natural to want to seek out other like-minded souls to talk about it. That’s what led us to the creation of the Battle Bards podcast back in 2013: three like-minded MMO gamers who also loved the music in those games. Since then, we’ve been delivering a […]]]> Battle Bards Episode 183: Theme parks https://massivelyop.com/2020/12/20/battle-bards-episode-183-theme-parks/ Sun, 20 Dec 2020 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=315158 This episode is your ticket to the greatest amusement park experience known to gamers! With cotton candy and ride tickets in hand, the Battle Bards rush into the gates of their favorite theme parks — and the theme parks within themepark MMOs! So what do amusement parks sound like in online roleplaying games? Find out […]]]>