How do you see Video Game Music?

I haven't really got into much discussion with people on the subject outside of this forum, as it's already been stated or implied, that lovers of VGM like us are pretty much a minority.

I agree that whether or not someone likes VGM depends on the kind of music one is exposed to as they grow up. I, for example, had a pretty wide range of music I heard as I grew up. When I was a kid I remember sometimes hearing songs my older brothers were playing, like stuff from The Cure, U2 or R.E.M., while my parents would play something like The Phantom of the Opera and other classical-esque music on the home stereo system. The seed for me was planted with respect to VGM with Mega Man 2. In later years, games like Gradius 3, Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana and Star Fox are what really did it.

I've found in my experience that VGM covers a wide range of different kinds of music, so with my level of music exposure, it kind of makes sense to me. As for whether I wait until after I've played the game or not to download the OST, it kind of depends. Sometimes I'll play a game and hear a song (or songs) that makes me want to get the OST. The earlier games I mentioned are good examples of that. There are times too, however, where I might every once in a while decide to explore a bit and try an OST of a game I haven't played but is related to other albums I already have (i.e. it might be a sequel in a series, or composed by an artist who I have some music for and like). It's a bit rare for me to try something completely new in the sense that it doesn't really relate to what music I have, but it happens every now and then.

In answer to Rimo's last question, since my VGM library (and VGM in general for that matter) is pretty diverse, I would try to appeal to them with an album or albums that fits more the kind of style they enjoy. For example, if they're a techno fan, maybe I'll try Einhander or something. Or if they're more metal or hard rock, maybe I'll give The Black Mages a try.

I also think OC Remixes are a good way to bridge the gap, too. If they play games (or at least did), chances are you might have some remix of an original song to a game they used to really like, done in a style they enjoy, too.

Jam it back in, in the dark.