Soundfall

having tried the game myself finally after time of sitting in my wishlist, trust me when i say that if its a game you think you would enjoy, then you will.
the game is exactly what it looks like, plays wonderfully, no issues with the rhythm or tempo of different levels or custom music.
ive read through most of the negative reviews and can say are absolutely unfair to the game.
the game is not too difficult either, but has room for some difficulty, even if you aim to finish all the game's content on the hardest difficulty or get all of the achievements, neither too demanding, nor too grindy.
the only downside might be that the main ui is very lacking, it does the job though and isnt too ugly, but looks a lot more like concept ui or filler than the actual thing, but no one buys a game for the menus as long as they are functional and dont take away from the overall experience.
the game has more than 6 zones with 20 levels each, all with unique tracks, challenges, free play and (an endless?) arena.
posting a review entirely to help boost the game's overall rating as i feel like "mostly positive" is criminally underestimating the game.

I would give this game a qualified positive review.
The true selling point of this game is the ability to import your own music and then jam to your tunes while mowing down enemies. I found the rhythm timing fairly forgiving and usually did not have any problem. Some songs just seem to have an invisible beat, but maybe that's just me. I'm sure a drummer or real musician would do better. I had the most luck with extremely heavy bass and drum sections jamming the beat into my ear in an unmistakable way.
The story feels rather bland, but some of the characters are entertaining.
The statement that there are 'hundreds' of weapons is blatantly misleading. In reality, there are perhaps a dozen weapons which have different ranges and firing characteristics. Notably, some weapons are single shot, some burst, and some are actually automatic, which you won't find out unless you hold the button down after nailing the beat. I also liked the small selection of music/weapon flavors which give some good options for better destroying my enemies.
The bullet hail nature of the game runs counter to the need to maintain a smooth and steady beat for attacks and dodges which can become extremely frustrating when you are simply not allowed to dodge effectively often enough.
After attempting a co-op run with a friend, I agree that the game is a single player game that you can bring a friend to. The lack of split screen when playing online is a travesty. The forcibly limited scope of the camera makes multiplayer a frustrating experience which immediately highlights the clash between bullet hell and smooth on beat behavior. This is exacerbated later in the game when large trap installations limit the usable screen even further, which is a recipe for failure when you're trying to outrun a laser and suddenly the screen won't move because your friend is on the far side of the available camera area.

I don't have much experience with either looter-shooters or rhythm games, so I don't have a lot to compare it to. It turns out that I might be very into both, because I put almost five hours into it the first day I played it. There is something really satisfying about learning the choreography. As the levels progress there are the expected increases in numbers of enemies and complexity of traps. The weapon and equipment system gives a manageable, but interesting set of choices in terms of play style, such as balancing weapon range against spread. New characters unlock even more dramatic options, such as trading speed for strength. I was also very impressed with the music so far. I was honestly expecting a lot of repetitive dance/pop music, which, honestly, I would've been fine with, but it turns out that as you move through the regions, the music changes dramatically, and there are hints that pretty much every genre, from classical to jazz to metal to pop to hip hop to folk to ??? are represented throughout the game. Even if I didn't love the game, I would probably keep playing just for the soundtrack!

I love the concept, love the gameplay, LOVE the feel good music. Its a perfect game for just having fun and relaxing and feeling happy vibes.
I would love the see a sequel, but much less kiddie art style- how about a dark psycho medieval or cyberpunk, and lots of nasty violence?!!

It is a ok game but only if You are realy into rythm games. I sometimes like to dable and it is clearly not ment for me.

Loved the game play, the music choices, and the art style. The characters are gorgeous and the weapons assigned to them make total sense with their character. Big props to the artists. I have unfortunately not played till the very end of the story (I'm up to the beach section on the outer layer map) and found my brain loosing interest. That's on me though, my attention span is horrible.
I will say, as someone who plays Hades, the 1st boss was pretty easy from my past trauma (in Hades) BUT I can see how they can be a difficult challenge. Do give it at least a go, there's even freedom to just choose songs and play the map.
P.s that pink evil woman... SMASH

Soundfall, developed by Drastic Games and published by Noodlecake, is a vibrant and inventive fusion of rhythm and action RPG elements that manages to carve out its own niche in an increasingly experimental genre space. Released on Steam in 2022, the game tasks players with battling through musically reactive dungeons, syncing their actions to the beat of a dynamic soundtrack. It’s a rare example of a game that commits fully to the concept of rhythm as not just a thematic element but the very structure around which all gameplay revolves. The result is a hybrid experience that feels as much like a performance as it does a traditional dungeon crawl.
The core gameplay of Soundfall is built around the idea that your effectiveness in combat—dodging, attacking, and even moving—is tied directly to your ability to stay on beat. Rather than button-mashing through hordes of enemies, players are encouraged, even required, to listen closely to the music and time their actions accordingly. This mechanic is more than just a gimmick; it’s the heart of the experience. Landing attacks on-beat boosts your damage and unleashes rhythmic flourishes that feel incredibly satisfying when executed correctly. Miss the beat, however, and your character loses their flow, often resulting in awkward movements or wasted shots that leave you vulnerable to enemy attacks.
Where Soundfall really shines is in its audiovisual presentation. Each level is a feast of colorful, reactive environments that pulse and shimmer in time with the music. The game features a wide variety of musical genres—from EDM and rock to classical and hip hop—with tracks that shape the tempo and mood of every dungeon. Enemy behavior, attack patterns, and even environmental hazards are all synchronized with the beat, creating a cohesive sense of rhythm-driven chaos. The soundtrack is original and surprisingly diverse, but players can also import their own music, allowing for custom maps that respond to their personal playlists. This level of personalization adds significant replayability and encourages experimentation with different styles of music.
In terms of structure, the game features a single-player campaign following Melody, a musical prodigy transported to the world of Symphonia, where music is both weapon and lifeblood. Along the way, she is joined by other characters, each with their own distinct playstyle and instrument-based weaponry. While the story is relatively light and leans heavily on familiar fantasy tropes, it provides enough narrative framing to justify the musical journey. The game also supports four-player local and online co-op, which dramatically changes the dynamic. Timing becomes even more critical, and the interplay between characters makes for some frantic, rewarding team-based rhythm combat.
Customization and progression systems in Soundfall add a layer of depth that elevates it beyond novelty. Characters can equip a wide array of loot-based gear, including weapons, modifiers, and armor, each with their own rhythm-based bonuses. This loot system resembles those found in traditional action RPGs, allowing players to tailor their builds around specific strategies or musical styles. There’s also a challenge mode and procedural dungeon generation tied to imported songs, meaning the game can be as expansive as the player wants it to be. However, the RPG mechanics, while functional, never quite reach the complexity or depth of more dedicated looter-shooters, and those seeking hardcore stat optimization may find it somewhat shallow.
One of the game’s few weaknesses lies in its difficulty balancing and onboarding. For players unfamiliar with rhythm games, the beat-based mechanics can be punishing at first. The game’s tutorial does a decent job of explaining the basics, but it assumes a certain level of musical intuition. Similarly, the gameplay can occasionally feel punishing when it comes to syncing with faster or more complex tracks. There are accessibility options, including visual beat guides and adjustable difficulty settings, but they may not go far enough for those who struggle with timing-based mechanics. Still, for rhythm fans or musically inclined players, this challenge is often part of the appeal.
Performance-wise, Soundfall runs smoothly on most systems, with minimal bugs or technical hiccups. The controls are tight and responsive—absolutely essential in a game where precise timing is everything. Both keyboard and controller support are well implemented, and the visual feedback from missed or successful beats is clear and helpful. The overall polish of the experience is high, reflecting Drastic Games’ attention to detail and the benefits of a focused creative vision. Whether played in short bursts or extended sessions, the game maintains a strong rhythm and doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Ultimately, Soundfall is a striking example of genre fusion done right. It doesn’t just borrow the aesthetics of rhythm games or the mechanics of action RPGs—it actively blends them into something cohesive, challenging, and often exhilarating. While it may not appeal to every kind of gamer, particularly those who struggle with rhythm or seek deep narrative immersion, it excels at what it sets out to do. For players looking for a fresh and energetic take on dungeon crawling, or for anyone who’s ever wanted to feel like a musical warrior syncing sword strikes with bass drops, Soundfall is a bold and rewarding adventure worth tuning into.
Rating: 7/10