Snowsplatter release originally reviewed:To firstly speak up about some peoples pressing claims I will say that they either dont have the record or exaggerate. Pressing wise its the normal Mondo and GZ standards, at least as I know them. Few clicks and pops and a rather medium level surface noise at worst, only heard on the quiet tracks. Which at times is not ideal, but nothing truly awful. This is not Iam8bit quality and Im thankful for that. However the quality of the actual music and mastering can be a hit or miss. I will admit that I myself never finished a Silent Hill game. Still, what it is and what it has done means a lot to many. For me that is mostly distilling an atmosphere. And in general the music captures that. But even so it feels like a shortcoming. I imagine the material Mondo received from Konami was less than what was needed and that is a shame. Under the right conditions I believe they could have taken this further. More sporadic and a wildness in the music instead of this tamed and compressed sound. Perhaps Im being too critical. If you want to have a listen yourself I can still recommend the purchase for its looks ontop of that. The jacket sleeve is visually fantastic and vinyl reflects its snowy and lost feel. The snow splattered release is for collectors and huge fans. The black version is cheaper and a better alternative for those only interested in the music. I doubt it sounds any better but it cant sound worse. In the end Mondo seem to have done all they could but sadly landed a little short of my hopes. Even so Im thankful for the effort they put in, so dont get me wrong, this is a Silent Hill worthy release, just a few, but major steps short of greatness.Update: Im not sure what it is, maybe my upgrade in carts, but I didnt remember the music being this dynamic and hard hitting. Currently Im enjoying a lot more bass as well so sound wise the efforts here shine through even more. The surface noise is still there at around medium levels, still only audible on the really quiet parts. Next to no pops however, except what seems like a slight defect on the start of side B. Happier than ever about the pressing and if cleaning with an RCM helps with the surface noise Ill be sure to update again. I doubt it though.Equipment used:Rega RP1 with Rega Carbon cartridgeCyrus 2 Amplifier System Fidelity SF-3050 tower speakersCustom made HQ speaker cablesUpdated equipment:Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge

Does anyone know if this version is quieter then the snowfall splatter? I love this game so much I wouldn't mind owning both versions

My splatter copy has a bit of surface noise. I dont believe others are different. What we need is someone with both. The claim that some dont hear any surface noise is probably due to listening at different volumes and using different styli shapes. With that said, you said you didnt mind owning both, have you got bith yet and what is the pressing quality difference?

My splatter copy has no noise at all, though I can't speak for every copy out there.

i can co-sign this... my black vinyl copy has also a very nice and clear sound... recommended!

i recived today and i listening. Heavy vinyl pressing and a very good sound, no clicks, no pops, no surface noising and good volume. atleast in my copy.