A video game can have amazing graphics, compelling story, and superb mechanics, but if the music falls flat, it can suck the life out of it.

My first exposure to games and the music within was on the Atari 2600.
It was incredibly short and simple, but they were still fun. As the years went on, it got more amazing.
The NES/Gameboy had tunes that I can still hear so fondly in my head.
During this whole time PC music was progressing from simple samples, to catchy MIDI compilations, and finally to the symphonies of today.

What always made music in gaming special to me was the connection it had to the game. Whether it was just some background tune, the last piece to set the atmosphere up just right, or a blood-pumping boss fight jam, it helped create an experience.
It’s easy to look at a game and imagine how much more boring, less engaging the entire play-through, or a single part could be without the music.
I’d create some examples, but I’m not remotely capable of editing that kind of media. I’m sure someone has done it, just hit up YouTube.

It’s been an amazing transition, from beeps and buzzes, to pieces fit for a symphony; the music has wonderfully evolved with the games. Great examples are the Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy series. Pick any game, from any year, you’ll understand if you listen.

And don’t count out games today that hearken back to the 8-bit era, while staying true with those 8-bit tones, they can still sound amazing. So long as they can tap into what they want the player to experience, any medium can be used to get the job done.

Personally, some of my favorite music comes from the Mega Man series. Each robot master has a unique piece that is so easy to get stuck in your head. Then the boss music that gets you all fired up. I’ll always have a soft spot for it.

Another branch is the remix community; it adds another layer to some of the pieces, and brings the old school to new levels. I love hearing how other people interpretation’s sound. I feel reconnected to the original song, and now a new connection to someone I never knew existed.

Some people will only ever hear it as noise, for myself, video game music will always connect me to wonderful memories.
I could list almost every game I’ve played, the music, and how it makes me feel whenever the music flows through me.