5 Incredible Video Game Soundtracks Available on Vinyl

Music is a unifying and emotional component of our fleeting existence on this planet. A seemingly insignificant tune can fill even the most stoic person with joy. Video games specialize in enjoyment and amazement, therefore, it’s no surprise that the music behind some of our favorite games are exemplary. While everyone loves music, several of us are shameless hipsters as well. With that in mind, we here at Game Chop felt it necessary to discuss five of the best original scores from great video games, and research where you can find them on vinyl records.

Abzu by Austin Wintory

Abzu is one of our favorite indie games here at Game Chop, and is what we recognize as one of the best indie titles of 2016. Abzu’s score is orchestrated by Austin Wintory, who is also responsible for the original score of 2011’s Journey, another indie hit and the game that Abzu is a thematic sequel to. Abzu puts players in control of the Diver, a mysterious being searching the various levels of the beautiful ocean floor. It is fitting that the original music that accompanies the Diver is just as mesmerizing as the gorgeous deep-sea environments, exquisitely presented by California developer Giant Squid, headed by Journey creative lead Matt Nava.

Wintory’s score includes awe inspiring orchestral arrangements joined by choirs. The fluid travels of notes from violins and harps flow like the water of the ocean. However, just as the game shows the contrast between light and dark, as does the score. As the player swims deeper into the dark heart of the sea, the score departs from angelic music to pulsing and seemingly synthetic beats that usher in the fear of the great unknown.

Abzu’s original score is available on vinyl at iam8bit.com. The package comes with two vinyl discs, and one hell of an album art. It’s as beautiful as the game itself.

Halo: Combat Evolved by Michael Salvatori & Martin O’Donnell

Legends are made, and legends are listened to for hours on end without stopping. Who can deny that they’ve become entranced by the alien sounds and musical accompaniments of the Halo series. Gamers never forget the sight of the Halo Ring from Halo: Combat Evolved, nor the entrancing sound of Michael Salvatori & Martin O’Donnell’s quintessential score. The guitar, synth, and chorus that embody the Halo theme is so widely recognized, that blasting it on a turntable sounds like a dream.

Halo records are difficult to come by. Luckily, players and music lovers can find Halo: Combat Evolved’s pressed LP from the 10 Year Anniversary release of the game, re-recorded by the Skywalker Symphony Orchestra. It’s availability fluctuates, but you can find this on Amazon.com or SoundTracksOnVinyl.com.

Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection by Greg Edmonson

The famous PlayStation exclusive from Naughty Dog is considered one of the best action and adventure series of all time. Uncharted is recognized as the video game industry’s answer or response to the Indiana Jones series/theme. A wisecracking treasure hunter, globetrotting adventures, and incredible battles against pirates and insane warlords. What’s not to love? The games also feature some outstanding music. Again, similar to the brass-heavy scores of John Williams and Indiana Jones, Greg Edmonson composed the first three Uncharted scores to emote thrill and amazement in players.

This vinyl goodie is also available through iam8bit.com. The team there released these three vinyl records to celebrate the release of the Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, a remastered collection of the first three games in the series. Each piece of album art is a monument to the sounds of the unforgettable music, such as the legendary “Nate’s Theme.”

Fallout 4 by Inon Zur

Large, open-world RPGs are some of the most outstanding examples of effortful detail. Entire worlds are built in support of narratives, leading to the creation of seemingly limitless opportunities to interact, influence, and experience. Fallout 4 is one of our favorite RPGs - enormous, well written, and impeccably detailed. Players travel through a nuclear wasteland that emulates American cultures of the 1950s. Robots, radioactive monsters, and factions of survivors litter the irradiated ground. The music of this game is fascinating. A mixture of classical adventure ambiances, electronic experimental tracks, and quaint 50’s era songs.

This record set is a little pricy, but packs quite a punch. This collection of six LPs of 64 tracks and associated box art is available at developer Bethesda’s online store.

Hero of Time (Music from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) by Koji Kondo

1998’s Nintendo64 masterpiece, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, is arguably the best Legend of Zelda game ever made. Recently challenged by Nintendo’s successful Breath of the Wild, Ocarina of Time is a magical journey for both the character and the player. Koji Kondo’s whimsical orchestral creation sticks with players even today. The heroic Link’s actions are never without the gorgeous symphony of sound .

This incredible collection is also purchasable at iam8bit.com. Players will find the album art very complimentary to the legacy of this essential game.

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Ben Stembridge, Editor-in-chief

Ben leads the reviews and news coverage for Game Chop. He also offers opinions on games and the industry, covering a wide range of genres and platforms. Ben especially enjoys discussions on game narratives, design styles, and independent titles.

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