RE-VGM

When someone mentions bats, it goes one of two ways: they are feared and looked at with disgust, or they are admired and thought to be cute. Most people see bats as as nuisance, believed to be blood hungry and spread diseases. Some even think that they morph into vampires. However, those that know appreciate these creatures of the night for their contribution. Today on April 17th, we are celebrating International Bat Appreciation Day, a day to appreciate bats and see that they help humans. Bats navigate their environment by echolocation, listening to the echoes of their sounds. As insectivores, they consume lots and lots of insects, including those that carry diseases. Bats are help pollinate plants, similar to butterflies and bees. There are some states that have a state bat, recognizing their existence and contribution. For this week’s episode, we’re playing tracks from video games that have bats: a batty circus star rescuing his girlfriend, an mysterious person who can morph into a bat during a fight, and a reporter for a planet in danger from a robotic army. There’s also covers and remixes to follow these tracks. Time to enjoy these tracks and learn a thing or two about these creatures of the night… International Bay Appreciation Day Aero the Acro-Bat Bloody Roar 2 – Jenny Burtory Freedom Planet 2 – Maria Notte Track Listing “Title” – [Aero the Acro-Bat] – composed by Rick Fox (Fox Productions) “TDR Nightcore Original – Aero the Acro Bat Remix” – remixed by TDR Nightcore “Want Some More?” – [Bloody Roar 2] – composed by Takayuki Negishi “Bloody Roar 2 Jenny Theme Cover” – covered by Yunior Rodriguez “Dragon Valley” – [Freedom Planet 2] – composed by Leilani Wilson “Freedom Planet/Freedom Planet 2 – Dragon Valley [Synthwave Remix by Kusero]” – remixed by Kusero YouTube channel Discord Invite Source

Let’s tee up with our bag of clubs and balls and celebrate Golfer’s Day, on April 10th. Golfer’s Day simply celebrates the sport of golf, with its roots going back to Scotland during the late Middle Ages. It was initially an aristocratic activity but a royal charter established in 1552 allowed townspeople in St. Andrews to play in the links. This day also happens to be date that the Professional Golfer’s Association (PGA) was established back in 1916; that means this year the PGA is celebrating its 110 anniversary. For this week’s episode, we’re going to play tracks from golf video games: one of the first golf video games endorsed by a professional golfer, a game was exclusive to the company brand, and an online golf game with a funny name. We’re also playing covers and remixes with these original tracks. Whether it’s the front 9 or the back 9, enjoy these tracks as you make your way to the 19th hole. Golfer’s Day Lee Trevino’s Fighting Golf (Mobygames) Neo Turf Masters PangYa! Track Listing “Japan Course” – [Lee Trevino’s Fighting Golf] – composed by Lee Aran (Aran Lee Shige) [Sound maker] “Lee Trevino’s Fighting Golf – ‘Japan’ EWI Cover ft. InstantTrain” – covered by Soundole “Baden National Golf Course – Germany” – [Neo Turf Masters] – composed by Takushi Hiyamuta “Neo Turf Masters – Germany Course (Felix O.’s Jazz House Rework)” – remixed by Felix O. “Daydream” – [Pangya!] – composed by Justy (Hyunjun Kim) “Justy – Daydream [from PangyYa! OST] (USW Remix, Intro Edit)” – remixed by Undine Soundworks YouTube channel Discord channel Source

Marie Kondo is famous for one question when cleaning out one’s items: Does this spark joy in my life? Video games may not be the first thing that sparks joy for most people, but they are beloved for those that play them, either to completion to until they are no longer viable. It was a certain cutscene or dialogue that touched our minds and hearts, a character that was personally relatable, or a story which became ingrained in memory. It was also the people encountered online that encouraged, cheered, and lifted you up in your low moment. These are what sparked the joy in gaming. This week, we’re celebrating National Inspiring Joy Day by talking about some stories of joy and playing some tracks for certain video games: a Elder Tauran residing in Thunder Bluff, a CS2 gamer who was lifted after being wrongfully kicked out of a match, and a shire to a brother who passed away. There’s also covers to follow each of these tracks. As you listen to these tracks, think about the games you’ve and sparked joy… National Inspiring Joy Day (National Today, National Day Archives) “Touching Stories Behind the Excitement in Gaming World” Ezra Chatteron (WoWpedia) Bear – In Memory of Taylor (Nexus Mod) “The internet redeems itself by rallying around bullied deaf and blind ‘Counter-Strike’ player” “The Remarkable Life of Iblin” is an Ode to Connection and Gaming Track Listing Intro: “Joy To the World” – composed by Hoyt Axton, performed by Three Dog Night “The Tauren” – [World of Warcraft] – composed by David Arkenstone “World of Warcraft – Mulgore Planins (Tauren Theme)” – covered by Dryante “Main Theme” – [Counter-strike 2] – composed by Mike Morasky “COUNTER-STRIKE2 – MAIN THEME (GUITAR COVER)” – covered by iBodom “Far Horizons” – [The Elder Scrolls V: Skryim] – composed by Jeremy Soule “Far Horizons (on Saxphone) ft. Lucas King” – covered by That Saxy Nerd Outro: “Kyou mo Uraraka Que Sera Sera!” – [Umamusume: Pretty Derby] – composed by Yugo Sasakura, lyrics by Erica Masaki, performed by Yukina Shuto (CV for Haru Urara) YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

March is almost over, but it will roar like a lion with this month’s featured remixer for On Stage Now: Vetrom. Vetrom, according to their pages, is “just a person that loves music…” and “Love music!” That passion definitely shows in their YT channel, showcasing over 10 years of cover remixes of music from video games, TV, movies and mainstream music; there’s also some original compositions sprinkled among the list. Vetrom has been featured in several episodes in the past: #27, with a remix cover of Fire Emblem: Three Houses theme; #72, doing a remix cover of “Doomsbane (Path of Yaksha)” from Genshin Impact, #95, a remix cover of “Give Me!” from Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE; #201, a remix of “60% Fantasy – Passion” from Zenless Zone Zero. Prepare to listen to Vetrom’s passon for music with these remix covers… Vetrom (YT, X, Patreon) Track Listing “Heartache – Instrumental Mix Cover” – [Undertale] – composed by Toby Fox “Underground Trial – Remix Cove” – [Danganronpa] – composed by Masafumi Takada “Kass’ Final Song – Instrumental Mix Cover” – [The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild] – composed by Manaka Kataoka, Yasuaki Iwata “Hate – Instrumental Mix” – [Undertale] – composed by Toby Fox “Battle! Marnie – Remix Cover” – [Pokémon Sword and Shield] – composed by Minako Adachi “Battle Galar Champion Cup (Elite Four)” – [Pokémon Sword and Shield] – composed by Junichi Masuda, Go Ichnose, Minako Adachi “Eula: Flickering Candlelight (Dance of Aphros) – Remix Cover”- [Genshin Impact] – composed by Yu-Peng Cheng “Battle! Sada & Turo – Remix Cover” – [Pokémon Scarlet and Violet] – composed by Toby Fox, Minako Adachi, Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose, Hiromitsu Maebe, Teruo Taniguchi, Hitomi Sato “Furina: All the World’s a Stage (feat. BlueBow) – Remix Cover” – [Genshin Impact] – composed by HOYO-MiX “The Golden Touch (Aventurine Trailer) – Remix Cover” – [Honkai: Star Rail] – composed by HOYO-MiX Outro: “RE Discussion HEAT UP – Remix Cover” – [Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair] – composed by Masafumi Takada YouTube channel Discord channel Source

The stars are a sight to behold on a clear, dark night. The constellations they form have their own backstory, and somehow, they seem to have some involvement with people’s lives. As such, astrologists and readers of fate have interpreted these stars in relation to a person and their personality. Today, we’re celebrating Astrology Day, on March 20th, dedicated to showing the positive aspect of astrology and stir an interest in the stars and planets. This day coincides with the start of the spring equinox, the start of the astrological year when the Sun enters Aries, the first sign of the Zodiac. It’s also a time for reflection and renew, refreshment and beginnings. For this week’s episode, we’re playing tracks from video games that feature or use astrology in some form: a war between two factions as seen by a certain individual, a Holy Queen attempting to bring the Golden Age, and a traveler’s companion who reads the stars. We also have covers, remixes and arrangements along with these original tracks. Sit back, look up, and admire the shiny stars and ponder how they may affected your life… Astrology Day (Days of the Year) Final Fantasy Tactics: Zodiac Signs and Compatibility Final Fantasy Tactics Zodiac Compatibility Virgo Versus the Zodiac (TV tropes) Genshin Impact: Mona (Fandom) Track Listing “Formation Screen” – [Final Fantasy Tactics] – composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto “Final Fantasy Tactics Formation Theme – Metal Remix” – remixed by ToxicxEternity “The Fire Moth” – [Virgo Versus the Zodiac] – composed by Elektrobear “The Fire Moth – Virgo Versus The Zodiac | Piano” – covered by Pixel Partitas “Surge of Prophecies” – [Genshin Impact] – composed by Yu-Peng Chen “Genshin Impact OST – Surge of Prophecies Mona’s Theme – Piano Arrangement” – arranged by MrLint YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

Well, look here. It’s another Friday the 13th, the second one for 2026, in fact. That means we’ll be looking into some mysterious and superstitious things, and for this week’s episode, it’ll be related to St. Patrick’s Day. Normally, St. Patrick’s Day is all about luck and the Irish. People wear green, ornate themselves with a four-leaf clover, and hopefully find an Irish woman to kiss for luck. It’s a day to honor a 5th-century Christian missionary who was traveled to Ireland for evangelism. Oh, and of course, it’s a time to see some rivers and beers turn green. However, we’re going to look at some unlucky things that could happen, in or out of St. Patrick’s Day. We’ve got some video game tracks to help us segue into this discussion (a lone girl who can summon creatures, a weapon of holy power, and a woman with extraterrestrial powers), along with covers to follow. Time to get lucky and hopefully avoid some unfortunate circumstances… St. Patrick’s Day “The Luck of the Irish” “20 St. Patrick’s Day Traditions That Will Bring You Luck – Or Just a Whole Lot of Fun” “Rydia’s Theme” – [Final Fantasy IV] – composed by Nobuo Uematsu “Final Fantasy IV – Rydia’s Theme Cello and Piano” – covered by Israfelcello “Stalker” / “Stage 04” – [Castlevania] – composed by Konami Kukeiha Club “Castlevania – Stalker” – covered by Nestalgica “Welcome to Fyrestone” – [Borderlands] – composed by Jesper Kyd “Manhack – Welcome to Fyrestone (Borderlands Metal Cover)” – covered by Manhack YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

Today, on March 6th, we are celebrating National Dress Day. It was founded by fashion and dress designer of formal wear Ashley Lauren, she wanted to “draw attention to the beauty of dresses, reliving and celebrating the memories that happen while wearing them.” One can wear their favorite dress that day or attempt the 100-Day Dress Challenge (wear the same dress for 100 days). This is also a great excuse to buy a dress to add to your collection. I’m sure you’re wondering what do dresses have to do with with video games. Sure, they function as armor that can be equipped, but dresses can be a function of game mechanics. For this week’s episode, we’re featuring video games that use dresses as a game mechanic by playing their original tracks: a trio of treasure hunters exploring the world of Spira, a hero from Hyrule utilizing their fashion sense, and a group of adventures that are dressed for success. We’ve also got covers and remixes along with these original tracks. Pick your best threads and strut them on the catwalk like the gamer you are… National Dress Day Final Fantasy X-2: Dresspheres The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes: Outfits Trials of Mana: Costumes Track Listing “Real Emotion (FFX-2)” – [Final Fantasy X-2] – composed by Kazuhiro Hara, arranged by h-wonder, lyrics by Kenn Kato, performed by Jade from Sweetbox “REAL EMOTION Final Fantasy X-2 Cover” – covered by Lacey Johnson “Woodlans” – [The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes] – composed by Ryo Magamatsu “Tri Force Heroes: Woodlands Orchestral Arrangement” – remixed by The Nobel Demon “Where Angel Fear to Tread” – [Trails of Mana (remake of Seiken Densetsu 3)] – composed by Hiroki Kikuta “Seiken Densestsu 3 – Where Angels Fear to Tread (Synthwave mix)” – remixed by Flashburn YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

Time for our monthly special episode of “On Stage Now”, where we feature a musician or group of musicians and play their works of video game music. For February, we’re featuring 8-Bit Big Band, a jazz orchestra founded by Charlie Rosen in 2017. Composed of between 25 to as much as 65, this group plays arrangements of video game music. Earlier, they won their 2nd Grammy award for “Best Arrangement, Instrumental, or A Cappella” for their track “Super Mario Praise Break”. It’s an arrangement of instrumentals from Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario World. Their 1st Grammy was from 2022 for “Best Arrangement, Instrumental, and Vocals” for “Meta Knight’s Revenge”. Let’s give it up for 8-Bit Big Band! 8-Bit Big Band (Personal Website, YT, IG, X, Spotify, Patreon) 8-Bit Big Band (Wikipedia) Track Listing “Athletic Theme from Yoshi’s Island – Big Band Swing Version” – [Yoshi’s Island] – composed by Koji Kondo “Still Alive – Frank Sinatra Big Band Swing Version” – [Portal] – composed by Johnathon Coulton “Tetris Theme – Contempory Big Band/Classical Fusion Version” – [Tetris] – composed by Nikolay Nekrasov and Alexander N. Chernyavsky, arranged by Hirokazu “Hip” Tanaka “Geruda Valley – Orchestral Jazz Big Band Version” – [The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time] – composed by Koji Kondo “Jump Up Super Star! – Full Big Band/Strings cover ft. Grace Kelly” – [Super Mario Odyssey] – composed by Naoto Kubo “Snake Eater – Big Band Version ft. Tiffany Mann” – [Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater] – composed by Norihiko Hibino “You Wouldn’t Know – Portal Big Band Version ft. Benny Benack III” – [Portal] – composed by Johnathon Coulton “Beneath the Mask from Persona 5 – Full Big Band Version ft. Aisha Jackson” – [Persona 5] – composed by Shoji Meguro “No More What Ifs from Persona 5: Royal – Full Big Band Version ft. Martina DaSilva” – [Persona 5: Royal] – composed by Shoji Meguro Outro: “Megalovania – Extra HEAVY Big Band version” – [Undertale] – composed by Toby Fox YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

It’s time for the Lunar New Year, which starts around the second new moon of the Chinese calendar. This year it is the year of the horse, according to the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac sign. The animal is known for its confidence, decisiveness, and to be agreeable and responsible; however, they hate being reined in by others, are easily swayed, and can be impatient. On this week’s episode, we’ll be talking about some famous horses from video games throughout the decades (1990s to 2020s): a young foal that later becomes a full grown mare for Hyrule’s hero, a faithful mare despite the giants of the land, the name for any horse ridden by a monster hunter, and a spectral stallion that chooses a Tarnished. Along with the original tracks from these games, there’s also covers and remixes to follow. Saddle up and hold tight to the reins as we race through the decades of video game horses… Year of the Horse: Fortune, Personality, Horoscope (2026) Agro (Team Ico Wiki | Fandom) Roach (Witcher Wiki | Fandom) Torrent (Elden Ring | Fandom) Track Listing “Lon Lon Ranch” – [The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time] – composed by Koji Kondo “Lon Lon Ranch” – re-arranged by Ryuichi Katsumata; from the album “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Hyrule Symphony “Swift Horse” – [Shadow of Colossus] – composed by Kow Otani “Swift Horse (Piano Cover)” – covered by CrazyGroupTrio “Cloak and Dagger” – [The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt] – composed by Percival Schuttenbach “Cloak and Dagger – tin whistle, violin, ocarina and lyre cover” – covered by Firamiel “Elden Ring” – [Elden Ring] – composed by Tsukasa Saitoh “ELDEN RING – Main Theme (Metal Cover)” – covered by RichaadEB Outro: ” Yume wo Kakeru! / Run for Our Dream!” – [Umamusume: Pretty Derby] – composed and arranged by Kenta Kigashiohji, lyrics by Mike Sugiyama; vocals by Kaori Maeda, Hikaru Tono, Masumi Tazawa, and Miharu Hanai YouTube channel Discord invite Source

Love is a wonderful thing… until it stinks. One moment, you’re flying on cloud nine, and the next moment your heart shatters into a thousand pieces. Today, for our first Friday the 13th episode of the year, we’re going to look into a few myths and superstitions about love related to animals. They could be harbingers of your future love, depending on what you see on Valentine’s Day or how many you’re able to count before shaking the hand of your spouse-to-be. We’ve also tracks from video games of animals in parallel to the animals: a drunk squirrel trying to get home, the mystical practice of bird watching, and a race to the finish line with horses. Following each original track is a cover or remix. Get yourself prepared for what love has to offer, be it good or bad… “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not: 10 Valentine’s Day Superstitions You Never Knew” “15 Crazy Love Superstitions From Around the World” “11 Odd, Old-Timey Valentine’s Day Traditions” Track Listing “Rock Solid” – [Conker’s Bad Fur Day] – composed by Robin Beanland “Rock Solid – CONKER’S BAD FUR DAY REMIX” – remixed by Eddie Soria “Main Theme” – [Angry Birds] – composed by Ari Pulkkinen “Angry Birds Theme [Noteblock Remix]” – remixed by Noteblock “Hashire, Umamumsume!” – [Umamusume: Pretty Derby] – composed by Kenkichi Ikeda and Nobuo Maeda; vocals by Azumi Waki, Marika Kohno, Machino, Hitomi Ueda, Naomi Ohzora, Yui Watanabe, Yukiyo Fujii, Satomi Aeksaka “HASHIRE UMA MUSUME// Eurobeat Remix – Umamusume” – remixed by Imojust YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

This week, we are celebrating our four years of RE-VGM, showcasing covers and remixes of video game music and putting a spotlight on musicians who arrange, cover, and remix them. It was on February 2nd, back in 2022, that the first episode was released; it was on one particular track from “Kingdom Hearts” titled “Dearly Beloved” and three separate covers and remixes. From there the format slightly changed to a themed celebration with three original tracks and three inspired tracks. Later, “On Stage Now” was added to feature a musician or band and their works of covered or remixed VGM. For this episode, I take a look behind the numbers for this past year’s episode and play inspired from the top 3 episodes, according to the number of listens on the day of their releases: a video game about roller skating and tagging, three games displaying generosity, and a musician who takes his music to 11. Enjoy all of these tracks in celebration of RE-VGM’s four years podcasting and showcasing original VGM and their covers and remixes. Oh, and be sure to take a giant balloon of your favorite color on the way… Track Listing Episode 195: Jet Grind Radio “Let Mom Sleep (No Sleep Remix)” – composed and remixed by Hideki Nagunuma “Everybody Jump Around [Arranged] – Richard Jacques – Jet Set Radio” – composed by Richard Jacques, arranged by Nightmare Burger “Sweet Soul Brother (B.B.Rights Mix)” – composed and remixed by Richard Jacques The Generosity of Gamers “Dehya Theme Music EXTENDED – Fiery Lioness | Genshin Impact” – [Genshin Impact] – composed by HOYO-MiX, remixed by tnbee “Helldivers II Main Theme – A Cup of Liber-tea – Epic Orchestral Cover” – [Helldivers II] – composed by Wilbert Roget II, covered by Karu “Winning the Soul” – [Umamusume: Pretty Derby] – composed by Makoto Miyazaki, covered by The Recovery System Episode 191: Vincent Moretto “Castlevania – Vampire Killer | METAL COVER” – [Castlevania] – composed by Kinuyo Yamashita “Yakuza 0 -Pledge of Demon | METAL REMIX” – [Yakuza 0] – composed by Hidenori Shoji “Ace Combat 7 – Anchorhead Raid | METAL REMIX” – [Ace Combat 7] – composed by Yusuke Yamauchi YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

Admit it. There are times you get bored in the middle of a class or meeting, and suddenly, your hand starts doodling something: a UFO taking up a cow, an attempt to draw the Cool S, or stick figures having an impromtu fight. That happened to Todd Page while he was in an anthropology class. He got bored and started to doodle dinosaurs. Later, he encouraged others to doodle dinosaurs and then decided to declare it a holiday. Thus was born “National Draw a Dinosaur Day”, on January 30th. On this week’s episode, we’ll be playing tracks from video games that have dinosaurs in them: a post-apocalyptic time of classic cars and prehistoric creatures, a mighty warrior searching for pieces of a great weapon, and an agent trying to arrest a suspect in a lab riddled with ancient creatures. We’ve also got covers and remixes with each track. Prepare to get prehistoric and maybe ‘do the Dinosaur’… Track Listing Intro and BGM: “Dinosaur Song”, composed by Johnny and June Cash, performed by Johnny Cash, from his album “The Johnny Cash Children’s Album” “Shooting Blindly – Brawl (STAGE 4-2, 5-2)” – [Cadillacs and Dinosaurs] – composed by Isao Abe, Syun Nishigaki “Cadillacs and Dinosaurs OST In the Garage [Synthwave remix]” – remixed by Sanctum Audio Productions “Lost Jungle” – [Turok: Dinosaur Hunter] – composed by Darren Mitchell “Turok: Dinosaur Hunter – Jungle (remix)” – remixed by DJ Mykah “Set You at Ease” – [Dino Crisis] – composed by Sayaka Fujitia “Dino Crisis Remake – Save Room Theme/Set You at Ease [Synth Cover]” – covered by Mono Memory YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

It’s time for a special episode of “On Stage Now”, and our first musician to start off 2026 is Nestalgica. Hailing from Sweden, he’s a one-man band that covers all music from Nintendo. The proof is in the 17 years of videos from his YouTube channel that showcase his talent. There are a few tracks in which he collaborates with other musicians. And honestly, that’s all I’ve got on him, but don’t let that dissuade you from listening a collection of his works on this episode, so put on your headphones and prepare to rock the world of video game music! Nestalgica (YT, FB, IG, X, Twitch, Spotify, Apple Music, BC, Deezer, Last.fm, Patreon) Track Listing All tracks performed by Nestalgica are covers of the original VGM “Mega Man 2 Medley” – [Mega Man 2] – composed by Takashi Tateishi, Manami Matsumae “Batman: Return of the Joker cover (Game Boy)” – [Batman: Return of Joker] – composed by Manami Matsumae “Bubble Bobble Them” – [Bubble Bobble] – composed by Zuntata “Fester’s Quest – Boss Battle” – [Fester’s Quest] – composed by by Nobuyuki Hara, Naoki Kodaka “Nintendo World Cup – Match 1-3”- [Nintendo World Cup] – composed by Kauo Sawa “Metal Slug 3 – Desert theme” – [Metal Slug 3] – composed by Playmore Sound Team “Splatoon – Splattack! (Main theme)” – [Splatoon] – composed by Toru Minegishi, Shiho Fujii “Mystic Quest – Battle Theme [METAL COVER]” – [Mystic Quest] – composed by Ryuji Sasai “Mega Man 2 – Metal Man Theme [METAL COVER]” – [Mega Man 2] – composed by Takashi Tateishi “Castlevania – Heart of Fire” – [Castlevania] – composed by Kinuyo Tamashita “Snake’s Revenge – Jungle Infiltration” – [Metal Gear – Snake’s Revenge] – composed by Tsutomo Ogura “Batman: The Video Game (NES) – Stage 1 Theme (Streets of Desolation)” – [Batman: The Video Game] – composed by Naoki Kodaka “ENEMY BASE – Contral (Feat. Stefan Norlin)” – [Contra] – composed by Kazuki Muraoka “STARMAN THEME/WING CAP THEME” – [Super Mario Bros.] – composed by Koji Kondo “ULTRAKILL – Altars of Apostacy (incl. “Hall of Sacreligious Remains”)” – [Ultrakill] – composed by Arai “Hakita” Patala “BLADES OF STEEL – Menu Theme/Game Start” – [Blades of Steel] – composed by Shinya Sakamoto, Kazuki Muraoka, Atsushi Fujio, Kiyohiro Sada Outro: “Ballad of the Wind Fish | Rock Cover (Link’s Awakening)” – [The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening] – composed by Kazumi Totaka, Minako Hamano, Kozue Ishikawa – covered by Nestalgica YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

Today on January 16th, we are celebrating “National Appreciate a Dragon Day”, in honor of one of the most popular and mystical creatures of lore, the dragon. They have been a part of many historical and current cultures since 4500 B.C., when they were carved as images onto jade and pottery in China. There are mentions of dragons in literature, such as St. George, Beowulf, and The Hobbit. In movies and anime, there are dragons in movies (Mushu from “Mulan”, Shenon from the Dragon Ball series, Haku from “Spirited Away”). With its long tail, majestic wings, and ferocious claws, and fearsome face, the dragon is a creature that is appreciated by all. For this week’s episode, we’ll be playing tracks from video games that feature dragons: a purple and spunky dragon saving the Kingdom, a great wyrm of the end of days, and a collection of high dragons during an Inquisition. We’ve also got covers and remixes to follow. Enjoy these tracks and feel a sense of appreciation for this creature of lore… “National Appreciate a Dragon Day” “Appreciate a Dragon Day” “Puff the Magic Dragon” (song) Dragon’s Dogma – The Dragon Dragon Age: Inquisition – Dragon Hunter Track Listing Intro and BGM: “Puff the Magic Dragon”, composed by Peter Yarrow and Leonard Lipton, performed by Peter, Paul, and Mary “Title Screen” – [Spyro the Dragon] – composed by Stewart Copeland “Spyro 1 Main Theme – lestrag Remix [Spyro the Dragon]” – remixed by lestraigVGM “Into Free ~Dangan~” – [Dragon’s Dogma] – composed by Takahiro Matsumoto, lyric by Shane Gaalaas and Koshi Inaba, performed by B’z “Dragon’s Dogma – Into Free (Dangan)” – covered by RyoX “Theme” – [Dragon Age: Inquisition] – composed by Trevor Morris “Dragon Age: Inquisition Theme “Epic Rock” Cover” – covered by LittleVMills YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

Some days, it’s a peaches and cream and everything seems all right. Other days, things are going horribly wrong and the world seems against you. When it becomes too much or the goals seem too far away, you’re ready to throw in the towel and call it quits. Today we’re celebrating Quitters Day, a time when most people, after getting themselves hyped up for their new year’s resolutions, start to fall back and eventually drop their efforts. A fitness app called Strava noted from user data that, while people set their exercise goals at the start of the new year, by the second Friday of January, their activity levels drop dramatically. So, Quitters Day was created to bring awareness of how fast motivation can fade and that it’s a common struggle that most face after the first rush of excitement wears off; it’s a good time to stop a moment and adjust your plans as needed, perhaps some small goals. For this week’s episode, though, we’ll be listening to tracks from video games I’ve played in which I struggled hard, sometimes to the point of just giving up and never finishing the game: a young boxer climbing the ranks to meet the World Champion, a son of a father seeking revenge from a ninja duel, and two amphibious dudes fighting their way to rescue their buddy and the Princess. Along with these original tracks we’ve got covers and remixes. Enjoy and just take a breather before you bury that controller into a wall… Quitters Day Track Listing “Fight Theme” – [Mike Tyson’s Punch Out!!] – composed by Yukio Kaneoka, Akito Nakatsuka, Kenji Yamamoto “Mike Tyson’s Punch Out (Synthwave Remix)” – remixed by Galactic Beatz “Act 4 Part 2” – [Ninja Gaiden] – composed by Keiji Yamagishi, Ryuichi Nitta “Stage 4-2 (The Amazing Ryu) goes harder | Ninja Gaiden | Unbreakable Determination Metal Version” – covered by Lame Genie “Turbo Tunner Part 2” – [Battletoads] – composed by David Wise “Darkman007 – 2021 – Metaltoads (Battletoads Cover NES) – 05 – Turbo Tunnel” – covered by Darkman007, from the cover album “Metaltoads (Battletoads Cover)” Outro: Audio clip from “Rocky Balboa” YouTube playlist Discord Channel Source

Happy New Year, everyone! A new year, which means new possibilities. This means it’s a perfect time, especially today, to celebrate National Science Fiction Day, on January 2nd. Also the birthday of Isaac Asimov, this day is about all things science fiction, works of media that takes a hard look at technology mixed in with fantasy. Whether it was cyberpunk or steampunk, magic mixed with mechanical wonder, there was lots to imagine and possibly more to bring to reality. Authors, including Asimov, such as Jules Vernes, Ray Bradbury, H.G. Wells, and Kurt Vonnegut also write within the genre, about traveling across the world or through time, living in a dystopian society, or being abducted by aliens for their “zoo”. This week, we’ll be playing tracks from video games inspired by works of a science fiction writer or involved the writer along with their works: a young woman who awakens to the powers of her own mitochondria, a monster hunter with supernatural powers, and a soldier dealing a nuclear fallout in Russia. Following each track is a cover or remix. Have fun with these tracks and perhaps consider doing something science fiction related today… “National Science Fiction Day” Parasite Eve (the novel) Dimitry Glukhovsky Reddit AMA thread Track Listing “Plosive Attack” – [Parasite Eve] – composed by Yoko Shimomura “Parasite Even – Plosive Attack (Remake)” – remade by James Chin “Main Menu” – [The Witcher] – composed by Adam Skorupa, Pawel Blaszczak “The Witcher 1: Main Menu – (Remix/Warm up composition 2016)” – remixed by Fylip “Main Menu” – [Metro 2033] – composed by Alexei Omelchuk, Georgiy Belograzov “Metro 2033 Theme – Synthwave Remix” – remixed by Jadove YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

Gamers have been criticized and scrutinized for lots of things. They’re not strong, have no realistic perceptions, narcissistic, and not dating material. They seem to be frivolous with their money, spending it on video games, consoles, accessories, and figures. Also, online controversies have divided people, distracting from the fun of gaming. However, gamers can also be generous with our money. While not reported on most familiar news outlets, there are charities which use video games to bring awareness to a cause and implore gamers to donate. They have livestream sessions of people playing certain games and collaborations with organizations with tie-ins to a game. For this week’s episode, I’ll be showcasing several video games that have a tie-in with a charity or donation drive as I play tracks from them: a Fiery Lioness with a heart for children, a campaign in the name of democracy, and a game inspired by real-life racing horses. Of course, we’ve got covers and remixes to follow. Hopefully I can change a few minds about how people see gamers, not as those who sit at their desk or chair staring at a screen while pressing some buttons or moving a stick; that gamers are willing to open their wallets for a passionate cause… “Empowering Generosity: How a Plot in a Chinese Game is inspiring Gamers to Give Back” “Helldivers players saved the children, so Arrowhead Game Studios is making a donation to the Save the Children charity” “Gacha games and their communities/companies that have a done acts of philathropy” (Reddit) Charity Organizations and Donations: Child’s Play Charity Extra Life Stack Up Project Hope Save the Children (International) Nice Nature Memorial Donation Track Listing “Fervent Flame” – [Genshin Impact] – composed by HOYO-MiX “Dehya Theme Music EXTENDED – Fiery Lioness | Genshin Impact” – remixed by tnbee “A Cup of Liber-tee” – [Helldivers 2] – composed by Wilbert Roget II “Helldivers II Main Theme – A Cup of Liber-Tea – Epic Orchestral Cover” – covered by Karu “Winning the Soul” – [Umamusume: Pretty Derby] – composed by Makoto Miyazaku; vocals by Azumi Waki, Machino, Rika Kinugawa, Asuza Tadokoro, Akari Kito, Sumire Uesake, Hiyori Niita, and Yurina Amami “Winning the Soul – Umamusume: Pretty Derby | Full Cover Band” – covered by The Recovery System YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

Merry Christmas, everyone! I present to all the listeners my gift for 2025: an episode that recaps all the Christmas tracks that have been showcased and counted down since Day One. For those just joining in, this is a tradition of mine since I started the podcast in 2022. Christmas is my favorite holiday of all time and what a great way to celebrate with video game music that is Christmas-themed. Enjoy all this music and be safe out there… Track Listing Day One: “Winter NiGHTS (Hey, Dreamer)” – [Christmas NiGHTS into dreams] – remixed by Level 99 Day Two: “Video Game Xmas EP – Deck the Bros” – [Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door] – remixed by Tee Lopes Day Three: “Super Mario’s Sleigh Ride – [Super Mario World] – remixed by The OneUps Day Four: “Daze Before Christmas = Nintendo Snes” – [Days Before Christmas] – covered by Kaktus Day Five: “Christmas in the Village (Silver Bells)” – [Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals] – remixed by Dale North Day Six: “Genshin Impact: Elogia Cinerosa x Carol of the Bells” – [Genshin Impact] – remixed by rurunoyoru Day Seven: “All I Want for Chipmas is You” – [Splatoon] – covered by Chirpy Chips Day Eight: “Frost Moon Terraria Remix” – [Terraria] – remixed by Noteblock Day Nine: “Arctic Mayhem” – [Battletoads] – remixed by Black Ace Day Ten: “Snowman – Earthbound/Mother Remix [Nintember]” – [Earthbound] – remixed by FennecWitch Day Eleven: “Snowflakes in Her Hair [Snowpoint City]” – [Pokemon Diamond] – remixed by Blue Magic Day Twelve: “Stardew Valley Winter Music LoFi | Nocturne of Ice” – [Stardew Valley] – remixed by Save Point Beats Day Thriteen: “[piano] Ragnarok Online – Christmas in The 13 Month” – [Ragnarok Online] – covered by LilyPichu Day Fourteen: “Chocobo’s Happy Christmas” – [Final Fantasy] – covered by PacificPoem Day Fifteen: “White Palace – Hollow Knight | Piano Trio” – [Hollow Knight] – covered by Pixel Partitas Day Sixteen: “Snowball Park – Super Mario 3D World [Cover Arrange]” – [Super Mario 3D World] – arranged and covered by PortmanTone Day Seventeen: “Persona 4 Golden – Snowflakes” – [Persona 4 Golden] – covered by Lacey Johnson Day Eighteen: “By the Flame [Flamesgrace, Guiding Light] – [Octopath Traveler] – remixed by Rozovian Day Nineteen: “A Brief Respite [Snowdin Town]” – [Undertale] – remixed by RebecceETripp and Docjazz4 Day Twenty: “Small Steps” – [Celeste] – remixed by Emunator Day Twenty-One: “Hearth and Home [Staff Roll]” – [Skies of Arcadia] – remixed by Juke Day Twenty-Two: “One Wintersday Night [The Great Toymaker]” – [Guild Wars 2] – remixed by DusK Day Twenty-Three: “The Polar Express [Take the Snow Train]” – [NiGHTS into dreams] – remixed by DCT Day Twenty-Four: “Christmas Eve [Toy Day] ‘13 (Orchestral)” – [Animal Crossing] – remixed by Hyuga Day Twenty-Five: “Merry Little Christmas [Dreams Dreams]” – [NiGHTS into dreams] – remixed by Dale North YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

Today we’re celebrating National Emo Day, a day dedicated to an interesting subculture that started as a music genre and spread onto fashion and a lifestyle. While most people may mock or scratch their heads, emo is rather simple. It’s having a personal connection that transcends logic. The music is melodic, with lyrics that evoke an emotional connection. The fashion is contrarian to the mainstream, with thick-rimmed glasses, button-down shirts, graphic tees, tight jeans, and Converse shoes. The style tends to be bold, with spiky hair, bangs that covers one of the eyes, and black fingernails. While perceived as being alienating, angst, and resentful of people, emos are introspective and sensitive. For this week’s episode, we’ll be playing tracks from video games that feature an emo protagonist or main character: a transfer high school student who can summon Personas, a hedgehog with an attitude after being revived from a deep stasis, and a teenage boy who finds himself in a game with Reapers. We’ve also got covers and remixes to follow, all collaborations with the Keytar Kween herself, Lacey Johnson. Prepare to let your emotions go free… National Emo Day Emo subculture Persona 3 Protagonist Shadow the Hedgehog Neku Sakuraba Track Listing “Burn My Dread” – [Persona 3] – composed by Shoji Meguro “Persona 3 – Burn My Dread” – covered by Lacey Johnson, with Theology “I Am… All of Me” – [Shadow the Hedgehog] – composed by Johnny Gioeli, arranged by Jun Senoue “I Am… All of Me – Shadow the Hedgehog REMIX” – remixed by Noteblock, with Lacey Johnson “Someday” – [The World Ends With You] – composed by Takeharu Ishimoto “Someday (The World Ends With You)” – remixed by GaMetal, with Lacey Johnson YouTube playlist Discord channel Source

After such an interesting episode about Krampus, I thought I would take a deeper dive into Christmas traditions in other parts of the world. I could have done multiple episodes on this, but I decided to choose three of them for now, one of with which I’m already familiar. For this week’s episode, we’ll take […]