Some traditional critics insist that video games are not art. Besides being miserably wrong, they also seem to ignore fundamental aspects in their analysis, such as music. Video game soundtracks have served and still serve as inspiration for a huge number of artists on the web, some of whom have achieved worldwide fame. Trying to select the best covers by these artists is complicated, but we'll make the attempt anyway, and we won't hesitate to dust off a couple of classics.
Now, it would be too easy for me to browse the channels of Lindsey Stirling, Taylor Davis, or the twins Camille and Kennerly, because most of their covers are excellent, but there's a small detail: we have already talked about them on NeoTeo. This new post demands we go in another direction, exploring the playlists of artists who work wonders with their pianos, acoustic guitars, and electric guitars. The "metal covers" are generally very well received, and you'll find several examples below. Before closing, I apologize for any grave omissions, and if you think there should be other videos here, don't hesitate to leave a comment.
Phoenix Wright
Although he's a bit away from the web these days, Smooth McGroove's channel is not to be wasted. His cover of Phoenix Wright is just the tip of the iceberg.
Street Fighter II
BenChanViolin distanced himself a bit from YouTube and lara6683 turned almost completely to live streaming, but when they joined forces to play Ryu's Theme, it was impressive.
Chrono Trigger
The main theme of Chrono Trigger is irresistible for gamer musicians, and the version by Super Guitar Bros. stands as one of the best adaptations.
Diablo
No veteran of the Diablo saga will have trouble recognizing the music associated with the town of Tristram. This is the second cover that Jonas Lefvert dedicates to it.
Silent Hill
Three steps: You must play and finish Silent Hill (even if using an emulator), you must listen to its excellent soundtrack, and you must enjoy covers like the one Daniel Tidwell has made.
Kingdom Hearts II
Fans of the Kingdom Hearts saga are still waiting for a sequel. Until that happens (supposedly January 2019), they can enjoy this cover that Kyle Landry shared ten years ago.
Super Mario Bros.
Another classic we can't leave behind: The music of Super Mario Bros., on drums, courtesy of Vadrum. His game covers are less frequent, but they're still there.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
I think someone would throw a brick at my head if Gerudo Valley didn't appear here, and to meet the demand, nobody better than 331Erock.
Final Fantasy VII
Another high-profile RPG that can't be left out is Final Fantasy VII, and the metal cover that ToxicxEternity made is definitely up to par.
Castlevania
A slight change of pace and a visit to Castlevania, with great songs, and a piano version of Bloody Tears by Sherry Kim.
Tyrian
The original Tyrian song has become a sort of benchmark for sound cards, but the cover that Magellanic made is something very special.
Super Mario World
Super Mario World. A violin. An Otamatone. What can come out of that combination? The answer is one of the most played covers, thanks to mklachu.
The Elder Scrolls
The soundtrack of the Elder Scrolls series is formidable from beginning to end, and to avoid picking, we let Taioo present all the songs in a medley.
StarCraft
Terran 1 is a theme that begs for metal versions, and one of the best belongs to Peruvian Charlie Parra del Riego.
Undertale
The Undertale soundtrack is very popular, but if there's a song that stands a step above the rest, it's Megalovania. Our chosen version is Vinheteiro's.