Video game music is one of the best aspects of the overall gaming experience, with some soundtracks being able to bring out strong feelings of nostalgia from players just from hearing a few notes of certain songs. Some of the best video game soundtracks out there come from a variety of different genres, such as JRPGs, action adventure titles, and even horror games.
Now, two video game soundtrack collections are returning as vinyl records, thanks to Mondo Music. Reportedly, Mondo will reprint the Silent Hill 1 & 2 vinyl as well as well as The Last of Us vol. 1 & 2 and The Last of Us Part II vinyl.
Mondo Music has a history of producing limited-time vinyl for video games, with each release featuring unique cover art and vinyl art. Back in 2015, Mondo first released its complete The Last of Us vinyl soundtrack. Now, on March 3, Mondo is putting both the Silent Hill collection and The Last of Us collection back on sale after being gone for some time. According to Mondo, there will be no pre-orders for these vinyl collections, the vinyl will simply be put back on the store page for customers to go and purchase.
For those who haven't listened closely to either of these video game soundtracks, they should absolutely consider doing so regardless of their interest in the property or not. Both soundtracks are stellar for different reasons, with many of Silent Hill's tracks ranging from horrifying and frantic to eerily serene. Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka really created something special with the Silent Hill OSTs and the same can be said for The Last of Us and its sequel. Gustavo Santaolalla's work on both Last of Us titles is incredible, with the main theme of The Last of Us likely being one of the most iconic musical themes in modern gaming.
Video game vinyl have grown substantially in popularity as of late, with many games getting their own vinyl records from publishing companies. For example, iam8bit's Persona 5 Royal vinyl records were very popular, considering the Persona series boasts some of the best video game music in the industry. Additionally, Rockstar Games recently put out its own vinyl EP for Red Dead Redemption 2 which focuses on one of the most memorable tracks from the game's epilogue, as well as four other original songs.
Even classic games like EarthBound get the vinyl treatment despite most of the soundtrack being comprised of chiptune themes. It's a great way for developers and publishers to keep game soundtracks alive while delivering them in the best possible quality. For those interested in snagging some video game-themed vinyl records from Mondo, be on the lookout for the shop's page on Wednesday, March 3. With any luck, interested readers will find some great records to add to their collection.