Video Game Music as an Alternative to Replaying Games

Time is the hardest thing to come by for many of us that enjoy this hobby. Whether it’s kids, work, other hobbies, or any other myriad of reasons, we’re often forced to be intentional with our limited time.

To complicate things there have been numerous releases of remakes, remasters, and re-releases. In 2020 alone, we were bombarded with games like FFVII Remake, Tony Hawk 1+2 Remastered, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, Super Mario 3D All-Stars, and Persona 5 Royale. And like the rube I am, I bought all of them save for one: Persona 5 Royale. I spent 120 hours playing through the original release and this was my breaking point no matter how great this release was.

But that didn’t make me feel any better about my choice. I missed hanging out and doing heists with my Phantom Thieves buddies. If only there was a less time-consuming way to relive the magic....

(CONTENT WARNING: The next paragraph includes a brief mention of suicide)

Music has always played a large role in my life. Growing up, my big brothers were a huge influence on what I listened to (they were born in ‘79 and ‘80 so I’ll let you use your imagination) and I still have extremely fond memories of that time. Devastatingly, my older brother committed suicide when I was still struggling to grasp what life and death even were. I was 9 years old.

In finding ways to cope, I found comfort listening to music that my brother enjoyed. I can vividly remember listening to Phil Collins and allowing the music to transport me to a simpler, happier time. Life had cruelly wrenched time with my brother away from me, but I was able to go back and relive experiences that could have forever been lost to time. It was magic.

That magic is why I continue to value music so much in my life. I can put on a track and have an experience. In video games, the music helps center and connect me with what I’m doing and what’s occurring onscreen. I think that’s part what makes the medium so special. There are plenty of movies and TV shows with memorable music, but aside from their theme songs, they so rarely become imprinted in my mind. So now I find myself increasingly going back to those soundtracks. Over the course of the pandemic, I have even found myself picking up a keyboard to learn video game music which is especially nice because Nintendo hates us and only wants us to listen to music in-game (Damn you, Reggie).

I’ve come to realize that in many cases I don’t need to revisit old games anymore. Those moments and memories I’ve created over the years are still there. And I can go there anytime.