Whether you are a regular gamer or a novice in the world of online and video games, combining a love of music with game playing is sure to be an enjoyable activity. Some of the games listed below are perfect to play alongside listening to music, while others are musically inspired or involve creating your own sound in a fun and entertaining way.
Casino Games
If you have ever been to a casino you might have noticed that lots of the slot machine games are themed. Sometimes they have a sporting motif, or they are based on a classic film, or sometimes they are dedicated to a specific music genre. Some of the most popular casino games are perfect for music lovers, especially those that like the genre chiptune, which emulates the 8bit sounds traditional digital casino games would have been accompanied with. Even if the game that you are playing hasn't been inspired by your favorite artist or genre, many put on their own music and tap the slot machine along with the beat.
Video Games
If you love making and listening to music, then these video games are perfect for you.
Guitar Hero
Guitar Hero is the classic video game meets music-making activity. It can be played on a range of different consoles including X-Box 360, PlayStation 2 and 3, and the Nintendo Wii. There are two Guitar Hero games on the market: the classic Guitar Hero and the Rock Band series. Both come with a plastic replica guitar, drums and a microphone. The games offer a wide range of musical genres you can play, from indie to punk. Not only will you find your favorite genre but also your most loved artists, even classic bands like The Beatles and Metallica.
Electroplankton
Compared to the timeless interface of Guitar Hero, the gameplay of Electroplankton is a much more surreal experience. The game involves a selection of different creatures which, when touched, make different sounds. Players arrange the creatures in different positions and touch them to create ambient electro-music. The game has become very popular with some of whom even create entire Electroplankton albums or perform live Electroplankton gigs.
Quiz Games
Buzz the Music Quiz is a classic quiz game that can be played on your PlayStation 2 console. The quiz has 5000 music questions and over 1000 music clips spanning six decades of music. There are lots of rounds such as general knowledge, name that song, and a round where you identify a band or singer based on an image shown. The quiz has a game show like feel, and, with four buzzers, you can easily play it with your family or friends.
Dance Games
If you are craving the excitement that comes from going to a gig and dancing along to live music, then these types of games are perfect for you. Dance Dance Revolution has been inspired by the classic dancing arcade games popular in the early 2000s. Just like the arcade versions, Dance Dance Revolution comes with a dance platform, which is composed of a cross with flashing arrows which the players have to respond to.
Once you have completed a song, you will be given a score which is based on how well you can keep in time and how many steps you miss. The majority of the game's music is techno-pop although it also has other musical genres including Latin, reggae and house.