5 More Festive Game Tunes That Will Get You in the Holiday Spirit
Image via Extremely OK Games
It’s that time of the year once again. The tree is sparkling among the blackness of the night, and the turkey is ready to be cooked for that all important day. Just like last year, 2021 was challenging year for many, but hopefully these covers from the VGM community can spread some holiday cheer.
Circhester from Pokémon Sword & Shield Cover by DS Music
(Originally composed by Go Inchinose, Minako Adachi, and Keita Okamoto)
Back in 2019, DS Music delivered a wonderful rendition of Pokémon Sword & Shield Circhester theme. This wintery landscape has a beautiful, warm melody that is represented in DS’ clean piano cover. The twinkling of the piano’s high notes reflect the snowflakes falling from the sky as you walk around the cold and welcoming area. He also has a neat callback to the original Pokemon theme we’ve known and loved since the ‘90s.
Frappe Snowland/Sherbet Land from Mario Kart 64 by Qumu
(Originally composed by Kenta Nagata)
There’s nothing more festive than hearing sleigh bells in the background, and Qumu provides that and much more in this cover of “Frappe Snowland/Sherbet Land” from Mario Kart 64. The joyful theme matches very well with the bassline, and it has some delightful offshoots from the original theme with an accordion and other exciting instruments without going off track (pun intended). No amount of blue turtle shells could ever ruin this delightful cover.
The Promise from Final Fantasy XIII by [Sumika] Saxophone
(Originally composed by Masashi Hamauzu)
While Final Fantasy XIII is not particularly Christmas or winter-themed, this cover of “The Promise” by Sumika Saxophone fully brings out the emotional nature of the original track. The stunning playing of the saxophone matched with the stellar piano will bring some beauty to your holiday playlist. But why does this count as a Christmas tune? The song represents the happiness of being with those whom you cherish mixed in with the loss of loved ones reflected by its optimistic melody and somewhat sad undertone.
Freezeezy Peak from Banjo-Kazooie by PPF
(Originally composed by Grant Kirkhope)
PPF has this innate ability to capture the whacky nature of the Banjo-Kazooie series within his covers, and “Freezeezy Peak” definitely does that. With a wide assortment of unorthodox instruments playing the melody such as the melodica, PPF masterfully captures the spirit of Grant Kirkhope’s original soundtrack. Mix the sleigh bells in the background, and you’re in for a charming festive track that will cheer you up whenever you’re down. This cover was even retweeted by Kirkhope himself!
Mirror Temple (Mirror Magic Mix) from Celeste by insaneintherainmusic, Doug Perry, and Jeremy Alvarez
(Originally composed by Lena Raine and 2 Mello)
It seems like we can’t make a list without adding insaneintherainmusic, so here we are once again. Alongside Doug Perry, and Jeremy Alvarez, Carlos delivers yet another outstanding track. Set within the snowy landscape of Celeste, this track from the Mirror Temple captures you with its haunting melody, and the trio of musicians elevate it even further with this wonderful, jazzy number. The saxophone acts as a strong anchor, the trumpet adds a few tasty riffs, and the xylophone adds a magical element to the track, giving you that wintry/festive feel.
If that isn’t enough for you, you can check out last year’s list as well, which includes covers from the Kingdom Hearts series and Undertale. With any luck, this will be a yearly tradition at GameGrooves!
CHRIS PENWELL
Chris Penwell is a writer and podcaster who loves to talk about video game music. His favorite soundtracks are from the Kingdom Hearts series, Celeste, Beyond Good & Evil, Gravity Rush, and Final Fantasy X.