A performance by Video Games Live is a performance unforgettable to many; mostly because of the overwhelming charisma the performers channel through the show. With constantly changing routines thanks to more than enough selections of music to choose from, a Video Games Live show always has something new and interesting for any VG-music enthusiast. So, when I got to shoot their show on November 6th at the Chicago Theatre, I was more than pleased. Full review after the break!

The show started off like any other, with a quick nostalgia-inducing musical montage from older games with a video for each playing in the background, followed by Tommy Tallarico introducing conductor Wataru Hokoyama. They proceeded into the show just after, but Video Games Live isn't entirely about the music-- it's got its share of audience participation as well, especially with the Frogger Contest they put on. Calling up two people from the audience, they engaged in a battle of speed, car-dodging, and highways to see who would reign supreme of the Chicago Froggerverse.

Of course, Video Games Live isn't without its share of guest appearances as well; while appearances by famous conductors and musicians of the industry (such as Michael Salvatori of Halo fame) are expected, nobody quite predicted the Skype appearance of the inventor of Tennis For Two, the first video game, Ralph Baer. Definitely a surprise for everyone in the room.

Another audience participation bit of Video Games Live is the Guitar Hero contest, the winner of which gets to play a song for contest on stage alongside Tommy Tallarico and the rest of the orchestra. In this case, it was Van Halen's "Jump" that made it onto the screen, and jump they did.

One particularly notable act of the currently circulating Video Games Live set is the added flute expertise of Laura "Flute Link" Intravia, who, with the help of her hovering fairy, managed a great flute solo in her Link costume-- combine that with a debut of her Flute Mario arrangement, and you have enough music to satisfy any fan of flute music and vide game music combined.

The show wrapped up with a familiar performance of Castlevania, which got the audience cheering more than loudly enough-- but still, the volume of the crowd's enthusiasm doubled when Tallarico and Intravia returned to the stage to do the encore which, of all songs, was "Still Alive" from Valve's Portal.

Video Games Live puts on a show that no fan of video game music should miss. With their set changing up for each performance, there's no reason to stop going to one of their concerts, and we look forward to the next tour that the crew has going for them.

Any good Video Games Live stories? A part of their show you really enjoyed? Share it below in the comments, and be sure to check the gallery for the full concert image set!

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