The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's distinctive soundtrack, characterized by its minimalist, piano-driven compositions and subtle ambient tones, has been immortalized in an expansive 8-disc vinyl box set. This collection, a collaboration between Nintendo and video game record label Laced Records, marks the first time a Nintendo soundtrack has been released on vinyl outside of Japan. The box set features 130 tracks, offering a deep dive into the game's musical landscape.
Nintendo partnered with Laced Records on two vinyl releases for Breath of the Wild: a 2LP set with 34 tracks and the comprehensive 8LP box set. The larger collection, sent to IGN for review, meticulously organizes its considerable runtime. Each of the eight LPs is thematically curated. For instance, one disc focuses on the game's overworld exploration themes, while its B-side delves into combat music. Other discs are dedicated to individual Divine Beast questlines, encompassing themes related to the region's Champion, town, and dungeon. A notable inclusion is a disc dedicated to Kass, the traveling Rito bard, featuring his accordion melodies.
The presentation of the box set emphasizes attention to detail, mirroring the quality of the game itself. The outer sleeve depicts Link ascending a mountain at sunset, a poignant image from the game. Each individual LP sleeve features distinct key art, and the discs themselves are white with blue and gold splatter effects. While the provided discs are not standard black vinyl, an alternative edition offers that option. The thematic organization extends to the sleeve art, with each design visually representing the music contained within, such as Link preparing for a journey on the overworld disc or battling Windblight Ganon on the Rito Village disc.
This thematic arrangement enhances the listening experience, allowing for a more cohesive engagement with music that, in the game, can be encountered in a non-linear fashion. The audio quality is reported to be excellent, with no warped discs and minimal surface noise across the 16 sides of the LPs. The collection represents a significant undertaking, reflecting the shift in Breath of the Wild's score away from traditional, bombastic overworld themes toward a more understated yet impactful soundscape. Despite its subdued nature, the soundtrack includes fully orchestrated pieces for boss battles and key narrative moments.
Retailing at $194.99, the 8LP box set is positioned as an enthusiast item, especially considering the soundtrack is also available on Nintendo's streaming app. However, for dedicated fans of The Legend of Zelda series and its music, it offers a tangible and meticulously crafted addition to their collections. This release follows Laced Records' previous vinyl sets for games like Ace Attorney, Celeste, and Astro Bot Rescue Mission. While the $49.99 2LP version was not specifically reviewed, its quality is presumed to be high based on the box set's execution. The reviewer expressed hope for a future vinyl release for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, citing a personal preference for its soundtrack.