I just sort of skimmed over the thread..
It's quite hard for me to agree that nostalgia is the feeling that allows me to like video games since I've found myself to be barely susceptible to nostalgia.
What it could be is something similar to how I've noticed myself to like more of a music by a certain artist if I like that artist regarding the person or people they are, which something that influences my favoring of Rush and Nakagawa Shoko.
I mean, I'm listening to the soundtrack to Sonic Riders 2 right now, which I've never played before, and I'm enjoying it quite fine. Given, I'm familiar with and enjoy artists like Fumie Kumatani and Kenichi Tokoi.
On another hand with Tales of Legendia, it was probably the music that stood out with the little I played so far. Having already listen through the rest of the soundtrack and enjoyed it, it'll probably add to the gaming experience. It's clear the effects varies.
What I think I like most about videogame music is how rarely it needs to be defined to a genre. Like having electronic beats and riffs combined with more orchestral instruments like strings, piano, and flute, or something more of a rock style with synths. I also have a soft spot for insturmentals I'd say. The way this is taken and expanded in remixes is probably why I like them so much.