Arcline Staff Selections – March 2025: Fresh Vinyl Soundtracks
March is here, and with it comes an outstanding lineup of video game soundtracks pressed on vinyl. This month’s selections highlight everything from nostalgic classics to modern masterpieces, each offering a unique sonic experience. Whether it’s an orchestral epic, an electronic odyssey, or an emotional journey through pixelated landscapes, there’s something for every collector. Let’s dive into this month’s must-have records!
Table of Content
10. Cult of the Lamb
Few soundtracks manage to perfectly encapsulate both the adorable and the ominous quite like Cult of the Lamb. Just like the game itself—a devilishly charming mix of cult management and roguelike dungeon crawling—its music is an intricate balance of dark, brooding atmospheres and irresistibly catchy beats. Composed by River Boy (Narayana Johnson) , this soundtrack transports listeners into a world of eerie yet hypnotic melodies, blending electronic synth textures with tribal rhythms and ritualistic undertones.
- Official soundtrack.
- Includes over 40 tracks.
- Pressed on 2 LP Red/Black Splatter Vinyl.
- Housed in a beautifully illustrated gatefold jacket.
9. Frog Detective
The Frog Detective series, known for its quirky humor and charming simplicity, is complemented by a soundtrack that perfectly captures its lighthearted essence. Composed by Dan Golding, the music blends playful melodies with subtle jazz influences, creating an atmosphere that's both relaxing and engaging. This iam8bit release brings the delightful tunes of everyone's favorite amphibian investigator to vinyl, making it a must-have for fans of the game and collectors of unique soundtracks.
- Official soundtrack.
- Includes over 23 jazzy tracks.
- Pressed on moss green LP Vinyl.
8. Pizza Tower
Fast, frantic, and absurdly fun, Pizza Tower delivers a soundtrack that’s as chaotic as its gameplay. This Materia Collective release features a high-energy mix of punk, jazz, and electronic beats from Mr. Sauceman, ClascyJitto, and Post Elvis. Every track pulses with hyperactive energy, mirroring the game’s breakneck speed and retro-inspired madness. The vinyl pressing captures the game’s wild spirit, offering an electrifying audio experience for fans who crave relentless, adrenaline-pumping soundtracks.
- Official soundtrack.
- Includes 24 tracks.
- Pressed on 180g Black Vinyl.
- Gatefold sleeve with artwork by McPig and layout by Isa Alcántara.
7. Age of Synth: Dark Souls III
What if Dark Souls III had a synthwave soundtrack? Age of the Synth reimagines Motoi Sakuraba’s haunting compositions with deep, pulsating basslines and neon-drenched synthscapes. Released by Materia Collective , this pressing transforms the dark fantasy epic into a futuristic nightmare. The blend of eerie, atmospheric textures and retro-futuristic beats offers a fresh take on a beloved classic, making it an unforgettable listening experience.
- Iconic Elden Ring soundtrack as a synthwave odyssey.
- Includes 10 tracks.
- Pressed on Neon Purple Vinyl.
- Premium packaging featuring exclusive artwork.
6. Ori and the Blind Forest
Gareth Coker’s Ori and the Blind Forest score is an emotional masterpiece, blending sweeping orchestration with delicate piano and ethereal choirs. This release from iam8bit does justice to the game’s breathtaking world, offering a beautifully mastered vinyl pressing with artwork that reflects the game’s dreamy aesthetic. The soundtrack’s intricate compositions create a deeply immersive listening experience, allowing fans to relive Ori’s touching journey through sound. A true collector’s gem.
- Official soundtrack.
- Includes 32 emotionally rich tracks.
- Pressed on 2 Black LP Vinyl.
- Premium gatefold jacket, capturing the magic and mystery of Nibel.
5. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
The sequel to Blind Forest expands on its musical beauty, with Gareth Coker once again delivering a rich, emotional score. Ori and the Will of the Wisps carries listeners through soaring symphonies and intimate melodies, perfectly capturing the game’s emotional depth. Released by iam8bit , this vinyl pressing is an essential addition for fans of lush, cinematic video game scores. The combination of sweeping orchestration and delicate sound design makes it an unforgettable audio journey.
- Official soundtrack.
- Includes 24 deeply emotional tracks.
- Pressed on 2 Black LP Vinyl.
- Housed in an elegantly designed gatefold jacket.
4. Gris
The soundtrack to Gris is as stunning as its watercolor visuals. Composed by Berlinist, the score is a delicate blend of ambient textures, melancholic piano, and swelling orchestral moments. Released by iam8bit , this pressing transforms the game’s emotional journey into a deeply immersive vinyl experience. The music’s raw beauty makes it a must-own for those who appreciate introspective and cinematic compositions. Each note is carefully crafted to evoke emotion, making it a standout release in video game music.
- Official soundtrack.
- Includes 26 tracks.
- Pressed on Gray Vinyl.
- Encased in a premium gatefold jacket with exclusive designs .
3. The Last of Us
Few soundtracks capture emotion as powerfully as The Last of Us. Gustavo Santaolalla’s hauntingly intimate compositions, driven by raw acoustic guitar and subtle atmospheric elements, perfectly embody the game’s themes of survival and loss. This Music on Vinyl release delivers the game’s unforgettable music with exceptional audio quality, bringing every delicate pluck and melancholic melody to life. The minimalist yet deeply evocative score remains a standout in gaming history, making this vinyl edition an essential addition to any collection.
- Official soundtrack from The Last of Us game.
- Includes 30 evocative tracks.
- Pressed on high-quality black vinyl.
- Encased in a deluxe gatefold jacket.
2. Celeste Complete Sound Collection
Lena Raine’s Celeste soundtrack is a breathtaking fusion of ambient electronica, delicate piano, and synth-driven melodies. This 6xLP collection , released by Materia Collective, compiles the original soundtrack, B-Sides, and Farewell DLC music into one definitive package. Each track embodies the emotional highs and lows of Madeline’s journey, balancing moments of serene beauty with pulsing, high-energy compositions. This collection is a masterclass in game music storytelling and an absolute treasure for fans of deeply emotional, atmospheric scores.
- The definitive Celeste soundtrack experience.
- Repress of Ship to Shore's original vinyl release.
- Includes over 60 tracks across 6 LP.
- Pressed on eco-friendly BioVinyl.
1. Metal Gear Solid: The Vinyl Selections
Metal Gear Solid redefined cinematic storytelling in games, and its music is equally legendary. This 6xLP set , issued by Laced Records , features selections from the franchise’s best scores, spanning stealthy synth textures, intense orchestral themes, and emotionally charged melodies. From the iconic “Encounter” to the sweeping “The Best is Yet to Come,” every track is a testament to the series’ musical excellence. This collection delivers an unparalleled auditory experience, making it an essential piece for vinyl collectors.
- The ultimate Metal Gear Solid soundtrack experience.
- Features legendary themes, boss battle tracks, and atmospheric sneaking music.
- Includes over 50 tracks across 6 LP.
- Housed in a deluxe collector’s box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are video game soundtracks on vinyl so popular nowadays?
Vinyl’s warm, analog sound, the ritual of playing a record, and exclusive artwork or packaging all add layers of nostalgia and collectibility that digital formats can’t offer. This trend is driven not only by long-time collectors but also by a younger generation discovering classic and new game scores.
How can I tell if a video game vinyl record is officially licensed?
Authentic releases come from reputable labels (such as Materia Collective, iam8bit, Mondo, or Laced Records) that secure proper licensing from the rights holders. These products are often accompanied by detailed liner notes, professional mastering, and exclusive edition details (like colored vinyl or bonus tracks) that help verify their legitimacy.
What advantages does vinyl offer over digital formats for game soundtracks?
Vinyl provides a ritualistic and tangible experience—handling a record, admiring the large-scale artwork, and carefully setting up your turntable all contribute to a more personal connection with the music. Additionally, many collectors appreciate the rich, warm sound profile and the limited-edition nature of releases that can make each record a prized collectible.
What factors should I consider before buying a video game soundtrack on vinyl?
Key considerations include your personal connection to the game or composer, the edition’s rarity (limited runs, exclusive artwork, bonus content), production quality (mastering and pressing details), and the overall collectible value.
Where can I find and purchase authentic video game soundtrack vinyl records?
Authentic records are typically sold through official channels like the record labels’ own websites, licensed retailers, and specialty stores. In addition, community resources like Discogs, Reddit’s VGM vinyl threads, and curated lists on sites like Wikipedia offer guidance and reviews to help you locate reputable sellers and spot potential represses or bootlegs.