This is yet another post that I've been meaning well to make but time got away from me for various reasons. Now, a couple of months ago, there was the premiere of a phenomenal song with a phenomenal music video by a phenomenal band, and it's one that captures the hearts of Pokémon fans all around the world, notwithstanding its language (Japanese). So much so, in fact, that after its premiere, fans began making "adaptations" of it in various forms, and many of them can be found on YouTube as well. This highlight is an overview of some of those "adaptations".
One of the ways songs can be adapted is for them to be able to be played on the ever-popular piano, and in fact, there are a few piano versions that float on YouTube. One of those versions is a version performed by the popular Japanese pianist Marasy, whose live approach is a nice spin. Other versions take a virtual "piano player" approach, which could theoretically be followed by those not keen on playing sheet music. There are two full versions by D-kun and Robang592, as well as two "video versions" by OnlinePianist and Pianobin. Those who like listening to or playing the piano should find any of these versions pleasing for either purpose. They also show the popularity of the piano versions and the associated approach.
Since Pokémon takes its origins from the Game Boy, creation of low-bit versions become an approach that is not only unique but also nostalgic. Some of these low-bit versions may be called "8-bit" or "chiptune" covers, and they denote the specific approaches for them. The cover by LSDj exactly involves the Game Boy, while the covers by Teracchi and Jetdarc take a general approach. All of these are incidentally for the shorter "video version", which is certainly better than nothing. If the song itself is a callback to the roots of Pokémon and where it stands today, these low-bit covers really take the song back to those roots and make it as if the song had originated from there, which has to be the point for their creation.
Being that Pokémon is popular all over the world, English covers become a given, especially as there is no "official English version" in the first place, at the very least not yet. Still, two enterprising creators have managed to conceive separate English versions for the song, and for the full version nonetheless. The covers by Silver Storm and Megami33 have their own particular characteristics and yet are pleasurable to listen to, especially for those who may seek something very different than the original Japanese version. Whether or not an "official English version" becomes realized (which may still be a possibility, however remote), these creations should still be lauded for fulfilling alternative versions for the global Pokémon audience.
It's rather evident that Pokémon has captured the hearts of many fans around the world, including the one who writes the posts on this very blog. It's also rather evident that the song that premiered some time ago encapsulates lots of impressions that many Pokémon fans can relate to. It then becomes unsurprising that the most creative of fans would be able to take the song, apply their own creative touches, and conceive something that would be representative of their feelings as well as those of others. The results are a blend of nostalgia, entertainment, and pleasure.
One year ago: Rethinking Game Linkages
Two years ago: Passing It On: The Next Generation
Three years ago: Pikachu Head Collectibles
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