Video Games and Music
A good friend of mine asked me to look for some instrumental songs for a wedding today. And the first thing I thought was: video games.
I know there are other sources for instrumental music like movies, pianists, orchestras, etc. and it may sound cheesy and dorky to like music in video games, but people who think so have never heard Nobuo Uematsu, Yoko Shimomura, Martin O'Donnell, Miki Higashino, etc.
I'll be the first to admit that video games, especially JRPGs, can and often do have cheesy, corny, and sometimes outright stupid and skin-crawling, hair-raising plot lines and dialogue (see Kingdom Hearts). And maybe that's the reason why I feel music in video games goes quite undermined and is looked as cheesy and corny too. But on a strictly musical standpoint, some of the music in video games are absolutely amazing.
Just listen to songs like this, this, this, or this, and don't forget this, and tell me that doesn't make you feel anything inside. Tell me that's not impressive from a musical standpoint alone.
(For added effect, read the rest of this post while listening to this)
For me, some video game music aren't only good music. They remind me of good times in gaming. Back when gaming wasn't about graphics because there was only so much graphics could do. Back when a really good story can take you away, when you cared about the characters and kept playing not because you wanted to 'unlock achievements' or 'complete challenges', but because you want to know what happens. You went on a journey with them, shared their experiences, celebrated their victories, and got sad when it's time to say goodbye.
And beyond video games, listening to these gems remind me of simpler times, happier times. Back when I was younger, stupider, and more naive. Back when the world wasn't so complicated and making mistakes was okay.
I'm glad that I had these music to accompany me growing up. And I'm glad they stuck around with me in my head for when I feel like revisiting the good ol' days.
Don't grow up, kids.
I know there are other sources for instrumental music like movies, pianists, orchestras, etc. and it may sound cheesy and dorky to like music in video games, but people who think so have never heard Nobuo Uematsu, Yoko Shimomura, Martin O'Donnell, Miki Higashino, etc.
I'll be the first to admit that video games, especially JRPGs, can and often do have cheesy, corny, and sometimes outright stupid and skin-crawling, hair-raising plot lines and dialogue (see Kingdom Hearts). And maybe that's the reason why I feel music in video games goes quite undermined and is looked as cheesy and corny too. But on a strictly musical standpoint, some of the music in video games are absolutely amazing.
Just listen to songs like this, this, this, or this, and don't forget this, and tell me that doesn't make you feel anything inside. Tell me that's not impressive from a musical standpoint alone.
(For added effect, read the rest of this post while listening to this)
For me, some video game music aren't only good music. They remind me of good times in gaming. Back when gaming wasn't about graphics because there was only so much graphics could do. Back when a really good story can take you away, when you cared about the characters and kept playing not because you wanted to 'unlock achievements' or 'complete challenges', but because you want to know what happens. You went on a journey with them, shared their experiences, celebrated their victories, and got sad when it's time to say goodbye.
And beyond video games, listening to these gems remind me of simpler times, happier times. Back when I was younger, stupider, and more naive. Back when the world wasn't so complicated and making mistakes was okay.
I'm glad that I had these music to accompany me growing up. And I'm glad they stuck around with me in my head for when I feel like revisiting the good ol' days.
Don't grow up, kids.
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