Video Game Review: Soundfall

Developer: Drastic Games

Publisher: Noodlecake Studio

Genre: Action-Adventure, Rhythm

Reviewed For: Nintendo Switch

Also Available On: PlayStation, Xbox, PC

The Nintendo Switch currently has no shortage of rhythm games. From traditional games like Musynx or Hatsune Mike Project Diva Mega Mix to adventurous experiences like Crypt of the Necrodancer or Sayonara Hearts, there is a game for just about anyone to jam out to. Soundfall is the latest rhythm game to grace the console, giving players a twin game with RPG elements and neat music.

Players will be dungeon crawling as a young musician named Melody who is teleported to another world. In typical fashion, Melody finds out that she is a guardian of this new world. Bad forces are threatening to end music, so its up to Melody to save the day.

To do so, players will enjoy twin-stick shooting mechanics, but must perform on beat to the music playing in the background. Like Crypt of the Necrodancer, every action is improved when the player can time button presses well. Players have access to both a sword and a gun, giving the players flexibility in their tools even if the timing of their movements is limited by the beat. Players will also time their dodges in a similar way, and timing those well will give the player invincibility frames.

The gameplay is solid, but it never truly clicks throughout the experience. Sometimes the music just isn’t poppy enough, with slow moments that simply aren’t fun to play to. The live action combat that isn’t based on “turns” like Necrodancer is makes it feel a little chaotic at times. Sure, its better to attack and dodge on beat, but it’s not always the best call to do so. In fact, players will often find that they aren’t using the beat at all. The music should come first, and that isn’t always the case here.

Still, the core gameplay loop is enjoyable, especially when players actually do click with the music during a well-designed sequence. There are many moments throughout Soundfall where players will have a blast, timing perfect beats that feel natural to move to. It’s just a shame that players are forced to go off beat so often because that’s just the best move to make. It feels like it goes against what Soundfall is all about.

The music is great, even if it doesn’t have any big names blasting in the player’s ears. It’s full of catchy tunes that varies throughout genres, including EDM, metal, and pop. It’s all upbeat and fun, though some of the songs have quieter moments that again, just don’t feel very fun to play to. If they were in a normal twin-stick shooter they would fit right in, but they go against the experience that Soundfall is going for.

Visually, Soundfall isn’t astounding. The graphics are just clean enough so players can keep up with what’s going on on screen, but that’s about it. The enemy designs are pretty uninspired, even if the environments are full of personality. The textures aren’t the cleanest, as this isn’t a game to showcase the Switch’s graphical prowess. Players will be coming to Soundfall for the audio experience, not the visual. There are also a few visual bugs throughout, including pop-in and clipping, but nothing truly hampers the experience.