Memories
Video game music may be something for us Geeks and Nerds, but it always holds a special place for us. Game music has a special something to bring back our memories, memories of a less troubled time, a more carefree time when your biggest worries were weekend homework or who you were going to ask to the school dance. The REAL game music has that effect. Games we played as kids that HAD real music. Games like Chrono Trigger, Castlevania, Mega Man, etc...Going back now and listening to the music brings about memories of when we first heard it, and what was going on at the time. It's a great nostalgia veil that is placed over our minds when we listen to these songs, and revel in the feelings they invoke. Some are happy songs that inspire us such as Chrono Trigger or Mega Man 3's opening themes, and others that brought serenity, like again Chrono Trigger's "Wind Scene" or "Schala's Theme". Some gave us feelings of bravery, such as Castlevania's "Bloody Tears", "Vampire Killer", or "Iron Blue Intentions". Others inspired feelings of sadness, "Aerith's Theme" from Final Fantasy VII, "Epilogue to Good Friends" from Chrono Trigger, or "Without Taking the Jewel" From Chrono Cross.
Now, I realize that I listed a lot of Chrono music, but dammit it's the most memorable for me. Chrono Trigger was the first game that I sat down to and took the time to flesh out every detail. I had learned nearly every tile in that game. It's the game that holds the most special place for me. Every gamer out there has one, regardless of age, gender, color, etc... we all have that one game that spurs our fondest (and maybe not so fond) memories.
As I type this, I'm listening to people's renditions of the Ragnarok Online music, another soundtrack that I adore.
Gaming music is everywhere, even if you don't realize it. There are many that emulate it from orchestras to Metal bands. People have even dedicated their personal time to learn how to play it on various instruments. Every one of these people had a specific game or even individual song that inspired them to do these renditions.
Long and short of it: Video game music isn't reserved for us Gamers. Take a listen, you might like what you're hearing.
~Baren.