Video Game Review: Trombone Champ: Unflattened (PSVR2)

Trombone Champ took the streaming world by storm with one of the silliest takes on rhythm games we’ve ever seen. It wasn’t just funny to watch—it was genuinely fun to play. Now, it’s back for a big encore in Trombone Champ: Unflattened on PSVR2, letting players fully embody their inner trombonist with motion controls that might just turn them into the next big brass sensation.

Trombone Champ: Unflattened takes everything that made the original game a hilarious viral hit and fully embraces it in VR. Players physically hold their trombone with one hand while moving the slide with the other to adjust pitch, all while pressing a button to “toot” in time with the music. Notes appear on vertical lanes in front of you, and your job is to line up the slide just right and play at the right moment. The motion controls feel surprisingly intuitive after a little practice, but the real magic of the game is that even when you play badly, it’s still entertaining. The addition of a campaign mode adds some structure, letting players take on song challenges to progress through a world tour, but don’t expect much of a story here – you are here for the toots.

Beyond the core gameplay, Trombone Champ also includes a free-play mode with all songs unlocked from the start. Players can just play. As you play, you earn in-game currency which can be used to unlock trading cards and new trombone skins and sounds. While the game’s humor and accessibility make it a blast in short bursts, the gameplay itself isn’t deep. While Trombone Champ: Unflattened is a fantastic novelty and an easy party favorite, its long-term replayability may depend on just how much you enjoy its unique brand of musical mayhem. Still, it’s one of my favorite games to show people who come over to see what VR is all about.

Trombone Champ: Unflattened embraces its wackiness with the presentation you’d expect. The soundtrack consists mostly of classical, folk music, and national anthems. The devs do promise future track additions, so if you aren’t a fan of those genres, stay strong.v The trombone sounds themselves are intentionally goofy, blending realistic brass with exaggerated toots.

Trombone Champ: Unflattened successfully translates the charm of the original game into VR, making for an entertaining, if somewhat shallow, rhythm experience. Whether you’re playing skillfully or completely butchering a performance, the game’s humor and intuitive controls ensure it’s a fun time—especially in short bursts. While its long-term appeal may be limited for those seeking a deep rhythm challenge, it remains one of the best VR titles to show off to friends and a guaranteed laugh every time.