It’s not very often a new rhythm game comes out, let alone one that will leave a lasting impression. With new French game company, Glee-Cheese Studio, they created the first rhythm game I’ve enjoyed playing in many, many years, that is A Musical Story. On top of that, they put an amazing artistic stamp on this original little experience. Published by Digerati games, this beautiful looking and wonderfully sounding game is available for purchase essentially on every platform… including your smartphone devices.
Set in the 1970s, the story revolves around Gabriel and his friends who like to jam together, when they land a gig at a music festival called Pinewood, they embark on a cross country road trip filled with very groovy beats. There is zero dialogue in A Musical Story so my description is only going off what I interpret through its simple, but engaging visual storytelling. There is a lot more depth to this emotional story, but I’ll save that for you to experience. Every scene displayed for us is minimalistic and strategic to tell a specific story with as few different shots as possible. The artwork done for each of these scenes is absolutely stunning – it all looks like very detailed chalk designs coming to life. While there isn’t much movement, there’s enough, on top of an essential sound design that helps convey what’s going on. Now it’s time to get into the music!
The entire game has about 26 chapters and each song you play is an original track (shout out to composer and performer, Charles Bardin and Valentin Ducloux, fantastic job!). Each song conveys great emotion in what’s happening in the scene and it feels at times you’re composing the mood. In the chapters, you’re playing songs from the band, it really hits that 70’s tone, each instrument feels like it’s of its time. As far as the gameplay goes, it’s very simplistic in its design. There is a circle forming on the screen and the first round is the game playing you the section of the song and placing the notes around that circle. Control wise, all you really need to worry about is the left and right bumper. You’re either hitting the left one, the right, or both at the same time, or even holding them down for a period of time. While that doesn’t seem difficult, sometimes it isn’t, but sometimes it really is.
You could probably get through all the chapters in just one or two brief sittings, but the real challenge is easily getting the “star” reward for each song. You basically need to play every chapter perfectly on the first try, which is easier said than done. What is frustrating is I can see this being difficult for many people and they may not stick around to complete this and receive the special bonus chapter of the game. Despite that, at a $14.99 price tag ($4.99 on mobile devices), it’s hands down worth it and I still have the soundtrack stuck in my head. Do yourself a favor and sit back and enjoy this gorgeous artistic feast on not only your eyes, but especially your ears.
9/10
For more information, visit: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP2187-PPSA04660_00-7021056675270301
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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