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This year we continue the tradition of dedicating a Top 10 list to covers and remixes of PC game music. With respect to AAA titles this is probably irrelevant (as they are often multi-platform anyway) but when it comes to good ol' DOS and Amiga games or indie PC games, well they tend to get left by the wayside.
How the list was made
This year, I scoured the Internet for PC game music covers and remixes and came up with 169 to choose from. This is more than 2024's list (129) and the process took way longer than I would've liked. What further compounded the problem was this year I noticed a lot of YouTube channels pumping out AI slop, even video game remixes are not immune (or maybe it's due to their very nature that it's easy to make AI slop of them). Consequently, I had a lot more videos to review on YouTube but ended up discarding many. I'm trying to focus on sites that provide quality over quantity since it was ridiculous: some of these sites were pumping out multiple tracks a day. This list was compiled from various sources including OCRemix, Remix64 as well as several YouTube channels. While this list is by no means an exhaustive one, it at least gives people a taste of what awesome PC game music remixes and covers are out there (if I've missed any released in 2025, be sure to mention them in the comments).
I applied a 0-2 scale scoring system, similar to what has been employed previously and also similar to our other Top 10 features. These are what each of the scores represent:
- 0 = remix that didn't resonate with me and I couldn't get into it. Usually because I'm not a fan of the source material or I don't really recognise it.
- 1 = remix that is good, worth a listen and can be appreciated for its technical merit.
- 2 = My favourites of the bunch. Ones I'm likely to listen to again and again. Remixes I'd want my friends to listen to.
Over the years, I've noticed the same games and same tracks being remixed or covered, over and over again, and that's understandable: if a track is popular, more people have heard it meaning more people are likely to remix or cover it. However, as a result, it gets a bit old listening to yet another version of MEGALOVANIA from Undertale or Uncharted Worlds from Mass Effect (although if it really blows me away, it will be included for consideration).
This year, 42 tracks achieved a score of 2 (as opposed to the 13 last year) meaning there are plenty of tracks that made it to the Honourable Mentions list this year.
So, I present to you the Top 10 PC Game Covers and Remixes of 2025 as ranked by Choicest Games!
Honourable Mentions
Balatro Main Theme - Guitar Cover (Balatro) by sjtouuVandenberg Tunnels (Deus Ex The Nothing Remix) (Deus Ex) by Alex Nes
Stick With The Prod (Deus Ex New York Conversation Remix) (Deus Ex) by Alex Nes
Deus Ex: Main Theme Arrangement (Deus Ex) by The Noble Demon
Doom - E1M1 - At Doom's Gate Acapella (DOOM) by Smooth McGroove
Dragon Age : Origins - In Uthenera [Blödfist's cover] (Dragon Age: Origins) by Roger Blödfist
Gabriel Knight : Sins of the Fathers - Bookstore (Piano Cover) (Gabriel Knight) by Severin
Gabriel Knight : Sins of the Fathers - Main Theme (Piano Cover) (Gabriel Knight) by Severin
Halo 3 - One Final Effort [Cover] (Halo 3) by BadHairLineProductions
Vegas (Top Gear/Racer, Horizon Chase Turbo) - GaMetal Remix (Horizon Chase Turbo) by GaMetal
Leisure Suit Larry Theme - Organ of Steel Cover (Leisure Suit Larry) by Peter Grasshoff
Mass Effect cover: Volkor X - Uncharted World (Original by Sam Hulick) (Mass Effect) by Volkor X
The Secret of Monkey Island - 'Opening Theme' (for Clarinet Ensemble) (Monkey Island) by Soundole VGM Covers
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion | Wings Of Kynareth (Full Cover) (Oblivion) by Rich Spectrum Sounds
Glory to Arstotzka! - Papers, Please Organ Cover (Papers, Please) by Peter Grasshoff
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Pursuit - Corner the Culprit [Remix] (Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney) by Qumu
Portal - Still Alive (Rock Cover) (Portal) by Kontrolverlust
Still Alive - GLaDOS Organ Cover (Portal) by Peter Grasshoff
Command & Conquer: Red Alert - Hell March [Epic Cover] (Red Alert) by BadHairLineProductions
SimCity 2000 - (Main Theme Cover) (SimCity 2000) by Erik Connor
Rush Hour (Sim City 4 Cover) (SimCity 4) by Soul in Sadness
Sim City 4 - Terrain (Xendraven remix) (SimCity 4) by Xendraven
The Dragonborn Comes - SKYRIM Organ Cover (Skyrim) by Peter Grasshoff
StarCraft - Terran Theme 2 [Epic Cover] (StarCraft) by BadHairLineProductions
The Secret of Monkey Island(tm) - Organ Cover (Monkey Island) by Peter Grasshoff
The Secret of Monkey Island(tm) Organ Prelude (Monkey Island) by Peter Grasshoff
Undertale OC ReMix by minusworld...: "Death by Hammer (Mettaton vs. Smithy)" [medley] (Undertale) by Biggoron, minusworld, newmajoe
#10 Woodtick (Monkey Island 2)
Game: Monkey Island 2Source: Woodtick
Original Artist(s): Michael Z. Land, Peter McConnell and Clint Bajakian
Remix/Cover Title: Woodtick accordion cover - Monkey Island 2
Artist(s): Jackson Parodi
The Monkey Island series is a popular one to cover but often the main focus is remixing the introduction themes and everything else, not so much. The competition is tough though. For example Soundole VGM Covers did a most excellent clarinet ensemble version of the main theme and Peter Grasshoff did an organ cover of the Monkey Island theme. Ultimately it came down to wanting to spice the list up and put something new and I was torn between Peter Grasshoff's very authentic rendition of the Melee Island Church music on organ or Jackson Parodi's very authentic rendition of Monkey Island 2's Woodtick music on accordion.
I went with the Woodtick cover since it's such a memorable little shanty and we definitely need more love for Monkey Island 2's music.
If you want to check out more of Jackson Parodi's accordion covers, check out their YouTube channel
.#9 M.U.L.E. and Max Headroom Themes (M.U.L.E. and Max Headroom)
Game: M.U.L.E. and Max HeadroomSource: Main Themes
Original Artist(s): Roy Glover and David Whittaker
Remix/Cover Title: Vandahlia - Mule Room, MULE + Max Headroom, Fusion Remix
Artist(s): Vandahlia
M.U.L.E. is an ancient game I never played until recently. For a game that was released in 1983, it has a surprisingly catchy theme tune. Vandahlia, the remixer for this track, thought so too and decided to mix it with music from another game, which in turn is based off an 80s TV show called “Max Headroom". The music blends seamlessly and it's so rare to find remixes for music in this game, besides it somehow becoming famous in Roblox at one point thanks to chiptune group 8-Bit Weapon remixing it.
If you want to check out more remixes of old computer game music, be sure to visit Vandahlia's YouTube channel.
#8 Lemming 2 (Lemmings)
Game: LemmingsSource: Lemming 2
Original Artist(s): Brian Johnston
Remix/Cover Title: Lemmings - Miners and Climbers V2.0 (Remix by Bryan EL)
Artist(s): Bryan EL
Out of the retro computer games, Lemmings is one that receives its fair share of remixes. In 2025, there was not one, but two remixes based off a track called “Miners and Climbers" although I believe what they're actually referring to is the track simply titled “Lemming 2" by Brian Johnston. While Bytebard does a sick metal cover of this tune, I preferred Bryan EL of Gaming Nostalgia Remastered's take on it. It feels epic and whimsical at the same time while maintaining the synth beat fans are familiar with. It also sounds like something straight out of the early 90s which helps too.
If you're interested in other video game music covers by Gaming Nostalgia Remastered be sure to check out the YouTube channel!
#7 New Junk City (Earthworm Jim)
Game: Earthworm JimSource: New Junk City
Original Artist(s): Keith Arem (according to VGMPF)
Remix/Cover Title: Earthworm Jim - New Junk City [Groovy Cover]
Artist(s): BadHairLineProductions
BadHairLineProductions is quite prolific when it comes to his covers. So much so, that I had to trawl through a whopping 46 of them while making this list. This is why he features not once but twice on this list. The first is a “groovy" cover (I see what you did there) of one of the more iconic tracks from the first Earthworm Jim game, “New Junk City". It's just such a well done cover that it had to be included.
BadHairLineProductions has many great video game music covers on his YouTube channel. Be sure to check it out!
#6 Monsoon (Risk of Rain)
Game: Risk of RainSource: Monsoon
Original Artist(s): Chris Christodoulou
Remix/Cover Title: Risk of Rain - Monsoon [Cover]
Artist(s): BadHairLineProductions
I was thoroughly impressed with the Risk of Rain soundtrack by Chris Christodoulou. I loved how it was inspired by prog rock, it really helped give it an otherworldly feel.
BadHairLineProductions does a neat cover and while I preferred the wailing guitar solo in the original this is still enjoyable in its own right. And hey, I'm just happy that Risk of Rain is getting covered in general!
BadHairLineProductions has many great video game music covers on his YouTube channel. Be sure to check it out!
#5 Main Theme (Balatro)
Game: BalatroSource: Main Theme
Original Artist(s): Luis Clemente (LouisF)
Remix/Cover Title: Balatro Theme
Artist(s): InstrumentManiac (Luke Pickman)
I've still yet to review Balatro, but I've given it a decent go and anyone who has played the game will instantly recognise its theme music. The track is one of those that is set in a weird time signature of 7/4 which is probably why it never really gets old.
Luke Pickman (aka InstrumentManiac) is one of the best YouTube channels out there when it comes to multi-instrument covers of video game music. He seems to take a lot of care in trying to give them an authentic feel and this one is no different. While there is competition out there when it comes to Balatro covers, like this cool rock version of it by sjtouu, sometimes you can't beat that classic lounge style.
If you want to listen to some more of Pickman's excellent video game music covers, check out his YouTube channel
.#4 Journey of the Prairie King (Stardew Valley)
Game: Stardew ValleySource: Journey of the Prairie King
Original Artist(s): Eric Barone (ConcernedApe)
Remix/Cover Title: Journey of the Prairie King (New Wave Cover)
Artist(s): Soul in Sadness
Stardew Valley is a popular game and there are many covers and remixes of its music. I do enjoy it when some more obscure tracks get the cover treatment and this is the case with “Journey of the Prairie King" which is the music you hear in the background when you play one of the arcade games in the Stardrop Saloon.
Soul in Sadness does a great job in giving the track an 80s New Wave feel and its this bit of creative flair that helps push it above other contenders such as the many covers of Stardew Valley's music by BadHairLineProductions (which has already featured a couple of times on this list). I also almost gave Smooth McGroove's acapella version of “Nature's Crescendo" a spot too but alas, that catchy 80s style won me over.
If you're into some more obscure video game music covers, be sure to check out the Soul in Sadness YouTube channel.
#3 Maya's Theme (Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney)
Game: Phoenix Wright: Ace AttorneySource: Maya's Theme
Original Artist(s): Masakazu Sugimori, Naoto Tanaka
Remix/Cover Title: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney OC ReMix - Emunator...: "About to Turn It All Around!" [Maya]
Artist(s): Biggoron, Chimpazilla, Emunator, Flexstyle, jnWake, OceansAndrew, ZackParrish
Now we move onto our first remix on this list from the definitive site for video game remixes, OCRemix. This remix was done by a whole team of remixers and is based off a few themes from the popular legal drama visual novel, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, but mainly Maya's Theme, the theme tune for Phoenix's adorkable sidekick. The music has a nostalgic feel and really takes you back to simpler times, of feel-good 90s sitcoms and the like.
Thanks to OCRemix for featuring this remix. If you're interested in curated VGM remixes in general it's worth checking out their website.
#2 The Man with the Machine Gun (Final Fantasy VIII)
Game: Final Fantasy VIIISource: The Man with a Machine Gun, The Landing
Original Artist(s): Nobuo Uematsu
Remix/Cover Title: Final Fantasy VIII OC ReMix by Anti-Syne: "Flashback" [The Man with the Machine Gun]
Artist(s): Anti-Syne
Before you claim Final Fantasy VIII isn't a PC game, you'd be wrong. True, it was originally released on the Playstation in 1999 but there was a PC version released the very next year with a whopping five CD-ROMs and I actually got hooked with this game while playing it over at a friend's place. So there you go, my first experience with the Final Fantasy series was actually on a PC! I also always seemed to like the Laguna Loire segments of the game, maybe because he got such a cool combat theme in "The Man with the Machine Gun".
The second OCRemix to feature on this list is one done by Anti-Syne and the whole arrangement brings a smile to my face. From the retro Floppotron sound effects at the beginning of the remix, to the epic finale, this remix will take you for a hell of a ride.
Thanks to OCRemix for featuring this remix. If you're interested in curated VGM remixes in general it's worth checking out their website.
#1 Main Theme (Quest for Glory IV)
Game: Quest for Glory IV: Shadows of DarknessSource: Main Theme
Original Artist(s): Aubrey Hodges
Remix/Cover Title: Quest for Glory IV - Shadows of Darkness - Intro Theme Song
Artist(s): Twinstrumental
As you all know, I'm a fan of the Quest for Glory series and I do love the music too. Each one has its own different style, which is probably no surprise since they all had different lead composers. For the fourth one, you definitely got a cool vibe from it with a lot more rock pieces thanks to the talents of Aubrey Hodges.
Twinstrumental (yes, they're actually twin musicians, Matt and Adam) performs a cover that should make Hodges proud with the little Sierra jingle at the beginning being the icing on the cake.
If you're interested in covers of retro games and TV shows from the 80s and 90s, be sure to check out their YouTube channel.
So, what do you think about the list? Did you enjoy any of these tracks? Are there any choicest VGM remixes or covers that I missed in 2025? Make sure to leave a comment.
Oh, there's also a Spotify playlist of every remix and cover that has featured in these articles that are also available on Spotify. This means, I wasn't able to get everything on there (I've only got 56 at the moment) but I'm hoping over time it will become a bit more varied.
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