Merry Christmas everyone! As you hunker down for family time, presents, eggnog, or simply a quiet day off and some gaming time, chances are that you’re putting on some seasonal music to enjoy. I am pretty strict with my “only in December” limitations to Christmas music, but during that period, I do love how it adds to the warm and cozy atmosphere of the holiday.
As is custom for this column, I like to dig around in MMOs for some interesting Christmas tunes to share with you. Nothing fancy, nothing crazy, just sleigh bells, celebrations, and other musical expressions of winter merriment. Enjoy!
“Starlight, Starbright” from FFXIV
This acapella choral piece is actually part of a quick mini-game that players engage as they try to “conduct” this choir for an audience despite having zero professional training. Maybe it is just waving a stick around like you’ve got a purpose? In any case, I find this tune rather dark and even off-key at parts, but it’s strange enough to share and so share I did.
“The Best is Yeti to Come” from RuneScape
There’s usually a new batch of RuneScape tunes every winter, and this year had a few great ones (and groan-worthy puns). It’s a fairly playful piece that relies heavily on a flute to carry it. To my ears, it sounds like the kind of track that ballet dancers might prance around on stage. I might have too active of an imagination.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALkKdFubNaE
“Merry Christmas” from Ashes of Creation
Really pretty, if simple, Christmas track with some snowy wind effects thrown in to get you in the mood. Ashes really, really loves its piano, doesn’t it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwKDn3ayiVU
“Gotham Winter Holiday” from DC Universe Online
If you like your holiday season more sinister and brooding — perhaps because you’re preparing to repel a multinational team of terrorists from a skyscraper while in your bare feet — then you should go straight to Batman’s home town for his latest Christmas drop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXuIujAcGXI
“Life Day” from Star Wars Galaxies
BWAHAHAHAHA. This is pure cheese and I love it even more than those silly Wookiee robes.
MOP’s 2017 Christmas Album
Of course, it’s not Christmas if you don’t put on MJ’s Grammy-winning album of famous carols and holiday tunes! Seriously, it’s 47 minutes of MJ singing and MMO fireplaces. How does this not make your day better?
MMOs are meant to be heard as well as seen, and chances are that music ties your memories to these games more than you might realize. Every two weeks Jukebox Heroes listens through a game soundtrack and picks out the highlights to share and discuss. And if you like this column, then don’t miss the author’s MMO music podcast, Battle Bards!
