The video game industry has been an amazing catalyst for exposing the masses to beautiful music. Whether it’s the energetic ‘Mario theme’ or the reflective themes from Final Fantasy, one thing is for sure; these games contain melodies that somehow manage to convey emotion despite several being severely limited by the technology of the time. Let’s take a look at how this music has moved others to provide their own translation for the music. I realize that there are hundreds of memorable themes out there and I probably didn’t include a video or game that you have heard. That is why I ask you to not only take a listen to the songs, but to share others that you find particularly unique or moving. Let’s get started.

Dungeon Theme — Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda games have so many memorable pieces, and has established a tradition of involving the player with the music of the game (Ocarinas, Flutes, Wands, etc.). This particular well-executed rendition conveys both the sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat anxiety as well as the excitement felt as you travel through Hyrule’s as Link.

Fear of the Heaven — Secret of Mana

Secret of Mana has its share of sprightly tunes, but I was particularly impressed by this somber cover of Fear of the Heaven.

Chocobo Theme — Final Fantasy

If there’s one song I loved to hear while playing the Final Fantasy games growing up, it was the Chocobo theme. I was in the process of obtaining an Ostrich egg until my parents found out.

Motherbrain Medley — Metroid

Nothing was more exciting than hearing that familiar melody when you had bombed yourself through a hidden passageway and into a secret room. You knew what lay ahead, a Chozo holding a game-changing upgrade.

600 AD — Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger contains many themes that bring an amazing sense of depth and realism to the world in which the game takes place.

Super Mario Theme — Super Mario Bros.

While this song demonstrates Greg’s technical prowess of the flute, I also found it to be particularly accurate in the cheerful and adventurous mood that dominates the Mario games.

“Still Alive” — Portal

While Portal is still relatively new, it popularized songs that have achieved comparable status to those of the 16 and 32-bit classics we love. Have a song you like that wasn’t covered in the list? Comment it below.