This innovative title introduces a rhythm-based hack and slash experience that blends aspects of beat-driven combat with stylish action mechanics. It has drawn comparisons to titles such as Crypt of the Necrodancer and Devil May Cry while appealing to players who enjoyed the pace of Hi-Fi Rush but are now searching for an experience that elevates the basic premise and concept even further.
Developed by Ribcage Games, this action-oriented project casts players in the role of Cello, where they must employ musical talents and abilities that sync with an energetic soundtrack to inflict damage and overcome rebellious puppet adversaries. Its imaginative design and unique gameplay mechanics are generating significant buzz as players discover a fresh way to combine music with martial action.
During a recent event at DevGAMM, discussions with co-founder Emil Lager shed light on the inspirations behind the project and explored how the team is pushing the limits between rhythm and combat. Lager explained that the game sets out to capture the agility of titles like Crypt of the Necrodancer and the stylish flair of Devil May Cry, while also drawing inspiration from Hi-Fi Rush yet aiming to extend the dynamic interplay between action and musical rhythm even further.
When asked to detail how this concept translates into actual gameplay, Lager provided an in-depth look into the mechanics. He described a sophisticated combo system available for every weapon in the game, emphasizing that the design intentionally encourages players to explore and uncover new tactical approaches. He compared this process to learning a musical instrument: one must first master the underlying structure before innovating and discovering personal techniques. This analogy reflects the team’s commitment to fostering a community that enjoys pushing the boundaries of the game’s mechanics, continually finding novel and effective combat strategies even after repeated play sessions.
At the current stage, the game is gearing up for its first major release on PC, with a planned launch of version 1.0 in March 2026. Looking ahead, the development team plans to assess the possibility of expanding the platform availability once the PC version is refined and well-polished. Their initial target for platform expansion is the Switch, with the understanding that other consoles might follow, provided the team can maintain the high quality they envision for the final product.
The developers have also shared additional insights regarding the game’s release strategy, its planned publishing route, significant musical influences, and an intriguing connection with renowned artists in the industry. For those interested in further details, it is worth exploring more in-depth interviews and discussions about the game’s musical integration and creative ambitions.