Everyone loves a good concert. Whether it's classical or rock, pop or indie, there’s nothing better than watching your favorite artists perform live. This goes for video games too. Sometimes, in a game, you will unexpectedly find yourself in a concert venue. The band will start to play, or the soloist will take center stage, and suddenly, you are both fighting and watching a character perform.
Or, you could find yourself locked into a cutscene filled with singing and dancing. It’s a magical moment, one that is usually accompanied by flashing party lights. Here are some memorable in-game concerts that made us want to stand up and applaud.
10 Yakuza 0: Hit It, Boys!
Yakuza 0 transports you to the heyday of Japan’s Bubble Era, where you step into the shoes of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. Though both men know how to make an entrance, Majima’s entry comes with his own band.
After an angered customer tries to fight The Mad Dog of Shimano himself, Majima shows off his customer service skills while his band at Cabaret Grand accompanies him. With a pounding drumbeat, a quick slide on the piano, and many people on trumpet and trombone, this concert definitely sets the mood for the chaotic and colorful side of Majima’s story.
9 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim - Off To The Sea!
How do we even begin to explain 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim? Not only does this masterpiece combine nearly every sci-fi trope and package it into a compelling, overarching story, but it also contains the stressfulness of a real-time strategy game. It’s a lot to deal with, and every second is both nerve-wracking and amazing.
Near the game’s climax, you are treated to a concert by Miyuki Inaba, a pop idol trapped in a space station, before she goes offline. Her song, Seaside Vacation, is performed while the cast of thirteen deploy missiles, set up counterattacks, and protect the area’s terminal. It’s a bittersweet moment, and one made even more powerful when her singing suddenly cuts off, leaving you to deal with enemy attacks alone.
8 Pokemon Black Version 2 & White Version 2: P-O-K-E-M-O-N!
After nine generations, Pokemon has seen its fair share of unique and quirky gym leaders. But did you know that, amongst these leaders, there is also a rock star? When you enter Roxie’s gym in Pokemon Black Version 2 and White Version 2, you will be greeted by Roxie and her bandmates on stage singing a Pokemon song. Literally. She spells out the word ‘Pokemon’ while jamming on her guitar.
Unfortunately, her song is so loud that she will not be able to hear you at first. It’s only after you defeat the other members of her team that you will be able to take on Roxie. Defeat her and you will receive the Toxic Badge.
7 Final Fantasy X-2: Time For The Feels!
After the heartbreaking finale of Final Fantasy X, you probably were not expecting its sequel, Final Fantasy X-2, to start off with Yuna happily singing on stage in front of a crowd of thousands. And, though it is revealed that the Yuna who is performing is a fake, this song and dance help to set the mood of Final Fantasy X-2.
Performing real Emotion, this playful, upbeat concert is accompanied by the other Gullwings members, Rikku and Paine, beating up enemies and stealing a vehicle. It’s a surprising but fun introduction, and one that establishes the chaotic treasure-hunting adventures that Yuna and her friends are about to go on.
6 No Straight Roads: Hit The Road!
Despite the title name, No Straight Roads’ story is pretty straightforward, dethrone the EDM scene in Vinyl City and bring back rock music. Only, the way to rock redemption is filled with musical bosses who will attack you for interrupting and hijacking their concerts.
Though the performances in No Straight Roads are more combat than a cutscene, you can still appreciate how each boss’ musical theme looks and how they go head-to-head with Bunk Bed Junction’s drumstick and guitar attacks. Plus, after you win, you get a cool new album cover to celebrate your victory.
5 Persona 4 Golden: Reveal The True Story!
Persona 4 Golden is the enhanced and improved version of the hit PlayStation 2 game, Persona 4. Alongside better graphics, additional social links, and a longer calendar, you are also given new cutscenes to enjoy. One of these is a concert the Investigation Team performs at Junes during October. Though they only have a few days to practice, the Team comes together and puts on an amazing performance of True Story.
Unfortunately, they only have one song planned, which leaves the group in an awkward situation after they finish and the crowd starts chanting for an encore. For anyone out there planning a concert in the future, always make sure you have more than one song in your repertoire!
4 Super Mario Odyssey: Let's Do The Odyssey!
Nobody could forget the concert where Mayor Pauline performed Jump Up, Superstar! In Super Mario Odyssey you were treated to this stunning live performance of the famous theme song while simultaneously taking a trip down memory lane. As Mario in his two-dimensional form climbed the building, he had to watch out for familiar enemies reminiscent of the arcade game Donkey Kong.
After dodging rolling barrels and defeating Donkey Kong himself, you exited the 2D world and came face-to-face with this energetic concert. Pauline's performance had everything: a band, flashy fireworks, a shiny red dress, and outstanding vocals. It was truly a spectacular end to Mario’s visit to New Donk City.
3 Splatoon: Time For A Splatfest!
Besides ink and evolved bipedal sea creatures, Splatoon is also known for its Splatfests. The best part? Concerts by your favorite music groups! In each iteration of Splatoon, you are treated to a special Splatfest song to accompany the epic inky battles. This song would play in the game’s hub world and would be performed live by the game’s main music idols for the duration of the Splatfest.
The first Splatoon had Callie and Marie performing City Color, Splatoon 2 had Pearl and Marina performing Color Pulse, and Splatoon 3 has Shiver, Frye, and Big Man performing Anarchy Rainbow. Each concert was fresh and exciting and helped to make an already worldwide event feel even more like a festival.
2 Yakuza 5: Are You Ready?
Another concert that occurs in the Yakuza series is the idol concert Haruka puts on in Yakuza 5. Actually, Haruka performs a lot of concerts in Yakuza 5. As a finalist for the Princess League, Haruka is tasked with beating her rivals, T-Set, in a singing and dancing showdown.
The sparkly costumes, upbeat J-Pop track, and cheering crowd make you feel like you are at an actual idol concert. But, as with every Yakuza storyline, there is an underlying sense of nervousness as Haruka tries her best to achieve her and her mentor’s idol dreams.
1 Fire Emblem Fates: Lost In Thought?
There was something magical about playing Fire Emblem Fates for the first time and seeing this iconic performance. Depending on which copy of the game you picked up, you would either be treated to Azura, one of the game’s protagonists and Fire Emblem’s only songstress, performing a slow and melancholic version of Lost in Thoughts All Alone in her iconic white and blue dress, or a fast-paced, aggressive version in a dark blue disguise.
Though a wonderful and powerful concert to watch, the aftermath of the performance is, of course, another battle in which Corrin has to rout the enemy and stay alive.