For my first review of the year, I circled back to a composer that I’ve reviewed before–Chase Bethea. He has quite a few albums under his belt, so I had some idea of what to expect when he released his new game soundtrack for On the Peril of Parrots. Well, let me be the first to say that all my preconceptions were wrong.

For years, The Game Brass has graced the world of video game music with high-quality cover albums, usually based around a theme or a game series. This time, The Game Brass takes us where no gamer has gone before–space!

For this Review Roundup, I’ve chosen to review the latest offerings from Chernabogue, Lacey Johnson, Chase Bethea, and Tim de Man.

Mania Mode is a high-water mark for the video game music community and a steadfast reminder of why I fell in love with VGM in the first place.

While trombone might not be the most obvious choice for a solo instrumental album, Allison makes her case with See the World. If I had to describe this album in three words, I would call it exuberant, simple, and elegant.

Video Game LoFi: Kingdom Hearts is a musical ceviche, simple in its design, but masterful in its execution.

Whether you’re a Mass Effect fan or not, this album of piano arrangements by Torby Brand is perfect for studying, driving, or stargazing.

Like Sonic the Hedgehog, Needlemouse Mania packs a lot of attitude in a relatively small package (only 10 tracks). This album spans over 25 years of Sonic music with genres ranging from electro house to Neo Arcade to funk.

Rather than paying tribute to a game or series of games, Josh Barron and ETHEReal String Orchestra have instead decided to pay tribute to Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masashi Hamauzu, two iconic composers known for their work on the Final Fantasy series as well as other notable JRPGs.

If I had to describe The Old Blood by Mahn in a single world it would be brooding. The album practically drips with atmosphere from choir vocals to violin solos, with every track underpinned by an excellent production.

With this review, I want to tell a story. Not the story of how Crossing Worlds came to be, but rather, but my experience with it.

Veteran VGM artist RoboRob has been performing, writing, and arranging for the past ten years, and he’s cooked up a great album with MEGA REMIX MAN​.​EXE.

Memories of Hyrule by Patti Rudisill could be described in many ways—playful, whimsical, and at times, pensive. It’s a quick, delightful tour of Hyrule, allowing listeners to relive their favorite moments from Breath of the Wild.

Chilly Harvest Nights, the latest album from Genna Renee, is the perfect respite after a long, hard day. It’s the musical equivalent of a hot cup of tea by the fire or a relaxing bath with all the accoutrement.

Lame Genie is the Andrew W.K. of VGM, so it’s only fitting that their latest album, Steve, is a house party, and we’re all invited!