The devilishly good Shin Megami Tensei III Nocture isn’t just a great JRPG — it also has a killer soundtrack! And that’s why we’re excited about Fangamer’s 4-LP box set that hit recently.
And we recommend you head over there immediately and place your order. Given how quickly the Tiger Lab Vinyl release of the Perfect Blue Deluxe Audiophile Edition LP sold out — we urge you to act fast!
The box set will set Atlus and Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne fans back US$79. Yeah, that’s pricey, but considering it features 70 tracks, which includes the Maniax Pack soundtrack, and new Toni Infante artwork, it seems like a good deal.
Moreover, vinyl fans will love the overall presentation of this box set. And that’s because each record has a unique color, such as Black Rider, Pale Rider, Red Rider, and White Rider. And each is protected by a rigid slipcase boasting phenomenal artwork.
Tsukasa Masuko, Shoji Meguro, Toshiko Tasaki, and Kenichi Tsuchiya composed the soundtrack. European customers may purchase the box set from Black Screen Records, Chipfreq, and Fangamer Europe. Unfortunately, customers based in Japan won’t be able to order this highly exclusive and limited soundtrack.
But it’s not all bad for Japanese fans. CDJapan and Playasia have copies available for the Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne Original Soundtrack (真・女神転生III-NOCTURNEオリジナル・サウンドトラック) 2-disc edition ranges between US$20-40. This is the original compact disc pressing from 2003, published by SME Visual Works.
What’s the deal with Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne?
It’s part of the revered Shin Megami Tensei series by Atlus. A series deeply steeped in Jungian concepts and occult themes. And every SMT title places players in a post-apocalyptic world where they’ll encounter strange metaphysical entities — many of which are demons.
In Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne, a doomsday cult causes the Conception, which is an apocalyptic event. And the player must guide the game’s unnamed protagonist through the Vortex World. Here, he’ll come into contact with malicious individuals and other survivors, such as Dante from Devil May Cry.
Overall, the game manages to convey an otherworldly atmosphere perfectly. And that’s partly due to its almost abstract-like art direction and eclectic soundtrack.
Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne (titled Lucifer’s Call in Europe) initially hit the PlayStation 2 back in 2003. And an HD remaster came out for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC in 2021.
Is the soundtrack any good?
It’s not only good, but it’s possibly one of the best SMT soundtracks ever composed! As someone that owns the original 2-disc CD release and completed the PlayStation 2 version of the game — the soundtrack left a lasting impression.
The tracks range from calm ambient soundscapes to J-Rock-inspired battle themes. And the game’s dark and gloomy moments are carried forward by its more melancholic tracks. However, its more uptempo tracks rely heavily on house and techno influences and a few noteworthy power chord riffs.
Ultimately, this is a soundtrack that stands on its own, meaning that those that haven’t played the game can still enjoy it. And given that it’s a vinyl release this time round, it’s also highly collectible. Let’s hope Fangamer has enough copies in stock to satisfy all SMT and vinyl fans seeking a phenomenal listening experience!