It is my firm belief that kids who game generally grow up to become talented, creative, and driven people. I know the media would like to portray them as deviants who gun down innocents, and extremists (who sometimes get disbarred and can no longer practice law) go on crusades to paint video games as pure evil, but we all know better. 

The depth and breadth of the creative community that uses gaming as an influence never ceases to amaze me. When I first ran into Overclocked Remix last year, I was stunned to hear their fan-created Final Fantasy VII tribute album “Voices of the Lifestream.” These weren’t cheesy midi tracks. Every song on the album is a highly polished, well produced, and lovingly crafted slice of wonderful music, and each piece evokes poignant and delighftul memories of times spent with this groundbreaking game. These people are pro.

I was delighted to find more than just Final Fantasy VII songs when I explored further. I am listening to the Chrono Trigger tribute “Chrono Symphonic” as I type this, and it is equally spectacular.

Sometimes we don’t realize it, but the music behind the games we love is an extremely powerful force, and almost acts as a carrier medium for the most memorable times in games. Imagine Super Mario Brothers without music, just for a second. You really can’t. It has become iconic. Mega Man, Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Halo, the list just goes on and on. There has been music in video games that is almost able to drive me to tears. For fans who are musically talented, what better tribute can be made to games that we love than to reimagine their songs?

Wander on over to OCremix.org and check out what they have to offer. You will probably find something that will delight you.