Rhythm and Relaxation: 'People of Note' Review

Vacations are the perfect time to unwind with a great game, and I found just that in “People of Note”, a music-themed RPG from Annapurna Interactive and Iridium Studios. As an aspiring pop singer named Cadence, you embark on a journey to outperform a popular boy band, only to discover a sprawling adventure where the fate of the world is decided by your ragtag band. What makes this game truly special is its relentless focus on music.

From the get-go, it’s clear that “People of Note” is all about music. Each major character gets a fully animated musical number, areas are themed around different genres, and even lines of text include musical terminology or puns. While some might find these references overboard, I appreciate the commitment to the theme. The game’s love for music is infectious, making it impossible not to tap your feet along during turn-based battles.

The battle system is where “People of Note” truly shines. With a unique rhythm-based mechanic, timing button presses becomes crucial to deal maximum damage or recover health. The addition of a musical staff at the bottom of the screen allows for strategic planning, as you can see exactly how many moves your party has and what enemies plan to do. This depth is further enhanced by the ability to customize your team with “songstones” and “remix stones”, which work similarly to Final Fantasy VII’s Materia system.

The game’s pacing is well-balanced, with a gentle learning curve that opens up its systems after a few hours of playtime. While some might find the puzzles tedious – mostly consisting of flipping switches in the right order – they’re not enough to detract from the overall experience. The story follows the typical RPG journey, but it’s engaging enough to keep you moving forward.

What truly sets “People of Note” apart is its ability to condense familiar RPG tropes into a manageable package. It’s the perfect game for unwinding during your break, and I found myself picking up my Steam Deck every spare moment to get in a few battles or move the story forward. At about 20 hours, it’s a game that can be completed during a vacation, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a fun, relaxing experience.

With its release on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, “People of Note” is now available to anyone looking for a unique gaming experience. So why not take a break from the grind and immerse yourself in this music-filled world?

Source: https://www.theverge.com/games/908358/people-of-note-pc-playstation-xbox-nintendo-switch-2