There’s nothing like an RPG over vacation
Finding the Perfect Vacation Game
When it comes to picking a game for some downtime, the choice can be tough. Do you tackle something challenging and intense, or lean into an experience that lets you relax and lose yourself for a week? For this vacation, the new music-themed role-playing game "People of Note" by Annapurna Interactive and Iridium Studios hit just the right note for relaxing gameplay.
Music as the Heart of the Adventure
In "People of Note," you step into the shoes of Cadence, an aspiring pop star aiming to outshine a famous boy band. What begins as a musical rivalry quickly grows into a globe-spanning quest where music plays a central role in nearly every aspect. Each main character gets their own animated musical number, and the environments celebrate different musical styles. From dialogue packed with playful puns to clever signs offering a "free bird," the game is brimming with musical energy.
Engaging Combat and Customization
Combat in "People of Note" stands out thanks to rhythmic, turn-based battles set to catchy tracks. Executing moves often requires well-timed button presses, reminiscent of popular rhythm games. The strategy deepens as you can preview enemy intentions and choose the optimal order for your party’s actions, all displayed on a musical staff. Team members can be personalized with "songstones" and "remix stones," similar to classic RPG upgrade systems, adding both variety and perks to your abilities.
Challenging Yet Manageable Boss Fights
The challenge peaks during boss encounters, which are balanced just right—demanding without being punishing. Losing a close fight usually meant it was time to tweak strategies or level up, keeping progress rewarding. The bosses themselves often feature humorous nods to pop culture, such as a move named “Kamehayeehaw.”
Minor Flaws, Major Fun
While the game takes some time to fully unveil its systems and includes some rather repetitive puzzles, these drawbacks are small compared to the overall experience. The story follows familiar RPG patterns, but the whimsical setting and musical focus keep things engaging. Across a 20-hour adventure that was easy to finish before heading back to real life, "People of Note" proved to be a delightful way to unwind.
Available Platforms
"People of Note" is now available on Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
For more insights and the original article, visit The Verge.
