Ah, the Ys Origin soundtrack – Wayo Records’ gorgeous vinyl pressing of Falcom’s classic action RPG delivers nostalgia, crisp audio quality, and vibrant artwork. This experience is as relevant to collectors of game soundtracks as it is to die-hard Ys fans. But the real question is: Is it worth a spin on your turntable? Let’s take a deeper look at the different aspects that make or break this version.
If you are a collector, you know that packaging is half the battle. Wayo Records is no stranger to this, and they’ve clearly made an effort to make Ys Origin stand out on your shelf. The album cover is a visual treat. It features this elegant high-end finish that highlights the character art and beautiful environments of the Ys series. The colors are bright, but have a slightly ethereal touch that resembles the fantasy world of the game.
The album itself comes in those sturdy, glossy sleeves that feel sturdy and high quality, with art on both sides. You also get liner notes, a neat bonus that gives you insight into music and its role in the game. I will say, though, that a little more fan service—perhaps some in-depth commentary from the composer, or even an opt-out poster—would have added an extra layer of charm. But for now, the quality of the package still screams quality, especially compared to some other video game vinyl releases that have fallen flat in that category.
Here’s a hint:
Okay, you’ve opened the plastic bag and slipped that bad boy onto your turntable. How does it sound? In a word: excellent. The quality is clear, capturing every orchestral and synth beat with incredible fidelity. Wayo Records went to great lengths to print it on high quality vinyl, and it shows. There is almost no background noise; you won’t hear any of the mufflers or hiss that sometimes plagues smaller vinyl records.
The bass and mids are punchy and tight, which is good because Ys Origin’s soundtrack leans heavily towards rock and symphonic elements. This is one of those soundtracks that moves between bombastic themes and atmospheric tracks, and this vinyl handles the dynamic perfectly.
For soundtracks, remaster is almost correct. Everything feels linear and progressive, which is crucial for a game soundtrack that incorporates so many different genres and effects. But will it completely blow the digital version out of the water? uncertain. The remaster is impressive, but some might argue that the digital version is cleaner due to its generic format. However, the warmth and richness of analog vinyl really brings a new dimension to the soundtrack, especially for older fans.
Here’s a hint:
For fans of the game, the track record is a charming parade of nostalgia. Spanning two albums, you’ll find 23 tracks that include Ys Origin’s diverse and complex score. If you’ve played the game, you’ll be blown away by tracks like “Genesis Beyond the Beginning,” which sets the tone with its crisp melody, or the haunting “Scars of the Divine Wing, ” which sounds just as much. .
What’s nice is how smoothly the tracklist flows on the vinyl. Sometimes video game sounds can feel disjointed or too meandering, but Ys Origin manages to create a listening experience that feels complete even outside of the context of gaming. It’s a testament to the skills of Falcom Sound Team JDK’s composers and their ability to create soundtracks that transcend the game.
On the other hand, there are several other atmospheric tracks that wouldn’t land as strongly when removed from the game. These are still beautiful, but they feel like filler when you just listen to them. That said, it’s not a disappointment, and the highs certainly outweigh the occasional lulls.
Now, let’s face the elephant in the room: is this worth your money, especially if you’re a vinyl collector? At around $40 to $60 depending on where you buy it, it’s not the cheapest video game audio vinyl available, but it’s not expensive either.
For collectors, the limited nature of this edition makes it a must. The artwork, quality and nostalgia factor alone make it a great addition to any collection. It will also be a great conversation starter on your bookshelf. Trust me, there aren’t many Ys fans, but those who know will be curious about this version when they see it.
If you are not a die-hard fan of the Ys series, but like video game music on vinyl, this is still a good choice in terms of quality alone. There’s a lot to appreciate here, even if you’ve never picked up the game. The symphonic rock vibe of the soundtrack makes for a great soundtrack, and there’s enough variety to keep things interesting.
Wayo Records has done an excellent job in bringing the Ys Origin soundtrack to vinyl, delivering both in terms of presentation and sound quality. While it’s not a perfect release (some filler tracks and extra goodies missing from the package), it’s pretty close.
If you’re a fan of the Ys series or video game sounds, this vinyl is a great pick up. The audio quality is top notch, the packaging is attractive, and the nostalgia is real. Honestly, it was special to hear those big battle themes spinning on the record player.
So, if you have a soft spot for Ys Origin then go ahead and heal yourself. Make sure you save some space on your shelf for this beauty.
