The Most Beautiful VGM Piano Pieces Ever Written - A Journey Through Emotion and Nostalgia - Blog No. 89
.jpeg "Illustration of a peaceful mountain street café at night during a beautiful firework festival, featuring a glowing piano by the window, cozy lantern-lit atmosphere, misty mountains in the background, and no people—perfectly capturing the emotional essence of video game piano music.")
In a world where pixels once danced across CRT screens and now glide in 4K perfection, one element has always held the power to transport us—music. Particularly, the piano has carved out a soul-stirring corner in the realm of video game music (VGM). From the melancholic keys echoing in lonely ruins to hopeful melodies under starlit skies, piano-based VGM pieces have told stories no words ever could.
Today, we take a heartfelt journey through the most beautiful VGM piano pieces ever written, celebrating compositions that transcend gaming and become timeless works of art.
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The Emotional Power of Piano in Video Games
Before we dive into specific pieces, let’s talk about why piano music in video games hits so hard.
The piano, with its range and emotional depth, acts like a storyteller’s voice. It can whisper secrets, cry with sorrow, or sing with joy. In gaming, it often plays during pivotal moments: heartfelt goodbyes, revelations, peaceful interludes, or nostalgic flashbacks. Unlike bombastic orchestras or catchy battle themes, piano tracks often slip into your soul quietly—and stay there forever.
1. To Zanarkand – Final Fantasy X (Nobuo Uematsu)
One of the most iconic VGM piano pieces in history.
Imagine starting a game, and the very first thing you hear is this somber, introspective piano melody. That’s the magic of “To Zanarkand.” Composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu, this piece defines the emotional tone of Final Fantasy X. It's simple, yet hauntingly beautiful, built around a recurring motif that gently tugs at your heart.
It’s a piece about loss, destiny, and farewell, and it remains one of the most covered VGM tracks on piano worldwide.
2. Aerith’s Theme – Final Fantasy VII (Nobuo Uematsu)
When gamers talk about the most emotional moments in gaming, Aerith's death is always at the top. What makes it unforgettable isn’t just the narrative—it’s the music.
“Aerith’s Theme”, originally performed with a full orchestra, takes on a new level of intimacy when stripped down to just piano. The soft chords mirror the fragility and grace of her character, making every note feel like a farewell letter written in music.
3. Dearly Beloved – Kingdom Hearts Series (Yoko Shimomura)
If nostalgia could be captured in a bottle, “Dearly Beloved” would be the sound inside.
Every Kingdom Hearts game begins with this serene piano piece, and each version evolves subtly. The original Yoko Shimomura composition feels like childhood dreams floating on a sea of stars. It’s peaceful, slightly melancholic, and filled with longing.
It’s more than just a menu theme—it’s a musical promise that you’re about to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
4. Song of the Ancients (Piano Version) – NieR Series (Keiichi Okabe)
The NieR series is known for its philosophical depth and emotional weight—and its music reflects that perfectly.
“Song of the Ancients”, when performed on solo piano, strips away the lush instrumentation and focuses on the aching beauty of its core melody. It feels ancient, like a lullaby from a forgotten world. Composer Keiichi Okabe weaves haunting harmonies that reflect hope and despair intertwined.
For many fans, hearing this on piano feels like coming home to a world that never truly existed—but you miss it anyway.
5. Zelda’s Lullaby – The Legend of Zelda Series (Koji Kondo)
Few melodies in gaming are as instantly recognizable as “Zelda’s Lullaby.”
When heard on solo piano, this piece becomes intimate and soothing, a far cry from the heroic fanfare of Hyrule. It encapsulates the essence of Princess Zelda’s legacy, a melody passed through generations, tying together courage, wisdom, and nostalgia.
It’s a lullaby not just for Zelda, but for anyone who’s ever grown up with the series.
6. Still Alive (Piano Version) – Portal (Jonathan Coulton)
“This was a triumph…” — and on piano, it becomes something even more profound.
While Portal’s “Still Alive” is usually remembered as a quirky, sarcastic song, the piano version reveals its melodic genius. Played slower and more delicately, the underlying melody feels like a bittersweet farewell, reflecting the strange bond between the player and GLaDOS.
It’s a hidden gem in the VGM piano world—a song that’s funny, sad, and reflective all at once.
7. Undertale – His Theme (Toby Fox)
From a game built on pixel art and heart, comes a piano theme that’s both gentle and unforgettable.
“His Theme” from Undertale is simple in composition but rich in emotion. It’s used in one of the game’s most crucial moments and serves as a musical embodiment of mercy, forgiveness, and hope. On piano, it feels like a whisper from the soul.
Toby Fox, the game’s creator and composer, proves that you don’t need a full orchestra to change someone’s life—you just need the right melody.
8. Far Horizons – Skyrim (Jeremy Soule)
When you wander across the snowy landscapes of Skyrim, “Far Horizons” is the music that follows.
Though composed with ambient textures, its piano version highlights the loneliness and grandeur of exploration. It’s not heroic or loud—it’s meditative. The piece captures what it means to journey through a vast world with no clear path, just curiosity and courage.
The piano arrangement is minimalist, reflective, and surprisingly emotional.
9. Journey – Apotheosis (Austin Wintory)
“Apotheosis” is what happens when a piano score becomes transcendence.
Journey is a game about connection, death, and rebirth—and this final piece encapsulates all of that. While the original features sweeping strings and choir, the solo piano version transforms it into a spiritual meditation.
Every note is a step toward something greater—a place where words fall short and only music remains.
10. Celeste – Resurrections (Lena Raine)
Celeste is a game about anxiety, resilience, and healing—and Lena Raine’s piano work is at the heart of its emotional storytelling.
“Resurrections” is a standout track. It blends classical piano with minimal electronic textures, but in pure piano form, it becomes a personal inner monologue. Every rising arpeggio feels like climbing the mountain—both literally and metaphorically.
This is modern VGM piano at its finest—raw, emotional, and deeply relatable.
The Rise of VGM Piano Covers on YouTube and Streaming
The beauty of these pieces has inspired a global community of musicians who bring them to life on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. Pianists like Kyle Landry, Pianistmree, Patrik Pietschmann, and Yudha F Piano have amassed millions of views sharing their own heartfelt renditions.
These covers serve a dual purpose—they’re artistic interpretations, and they also help VGM reach a broader audience beyond gamers. VGM piano concerts are now common around the world, from small cafés to sold-out orchestras like Video Games Live or Distant Worlds.
Why VGM Piano Matters in 2025 and Beyond
As video games grow as a cultural art form, music will continue to be its soul. Piano arrangements—whether official or fan-made—will keep breathing life into memories. For new gamers, these tracks might be the entry point into classical music. For long-time fans, they’re a ticket back to cherished worlds.
In 2025, the conversation is no longer “Is video game music real music?” It’s “Which video game music moved you the most?”
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Final Thoughts: Let the Piano Play On
The most beautiful VGM piano pieces ever written are more than background tracks. They’re emotional landscapes. They speak to our struggles, our joys, and our dreams. Whether it’s the lonely longing of “To Zanarkand” or the fragile hope of “Dearly Beloved,” these compositions have earned their place in music history.
So next time you're looking for something to soothe your soul or reignite your imagination, skip the top charts and press play on a VGM piano playlist. You’ll find not just music, but pieces of yourself waiting in every note.
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