A Musical Story

 Switch
A Musical Story Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: A Musical Story is a rhythm game set against a 70s backdrop. Explore the memories of Gabriel, a young man trying to come to terms with his situation through the connections to his musical memory.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. NintendoWorldReport
    Mar 3, 2022
    95
    Glee-Cheese Studio’s motto is to develop innovative games with a strong artistic identity. With A Musical Story, they have done exactly this. It plays and looks like no other rhythm game out there and, to me, is close to faultless. I am very excited to see what they will produce next. Here’s hoping for an album release of the soundtrack on streaming services… Please!
  2. Pure Nintendo
    Mar 15, 2022
    85
    A Musical Story is a short rhythm game that stands out with genuinely good original music, a touching story, and amazing visuals. If you’re a fan of music, art, or all things creative, this game is certainly right up your alley.
  3. COGconnected
    Mar 2, 2022
    80
    A Musical Story seamlessly combines genres to create an unforgettable experience. Its rhythm segments are a refreshing take on conventions, helping it gain its own identity. In addition, the narrative is expertly delivered and takes advantage of its unique art style. Highlighted through its powerful imagery and stellar soundtrack, this sensitive coming of age story is a sumptuous and sentimental observation of a bygone era.
  4. KeenGamer
    Mar 14, 2022
    80
    A Musical Story is honestly a fantastic entry in the rhythm game genre. Combining storytelling and rhythm gameplay makes it very original. What's special is that it almost teaches you how to listen to music because of the way that you have to play the game, challenging you without making it impossible, creating a rewarding experience that you can take away from. The songs themselves are so good to listen to and play that you'll probably find yourself wanting to play them again. The story itself certainly makes the game worth playing from start to finish, with great characters and settings. The 70s backdrop gives it that extra edge. The central character Gabriel, while with his own flaws and personal battles, is very endearing. The love interest Amelia also makes a great addition to the cast, her presence and the romance not feeling too forced. All in all, A Musical Story takes you on a special journey, and it would be great to see more games like this.
  5. PC Games
    Jun 12, 2022
    80
    A Musical Story isn’t a conventional rhythm game. This adventure focuses on the story, if your goal is to achieve high scores, you have to look elsewhere. Albeit on the short side, this is an enjoyable road trip with vibrant visuals and groovy music.
  6. Nintendo Life
    Mar 15, 2022
    70
    In its mission to make you listen to its music, A Musical Story practically hands you a blindfold. The story asks you to relax into its acid-trip jam-session cool, but somewhat harshes the mellow with its insistence on repeating long phrases until they’re perfect. However, it looks and sounds fabulous, and will reward perseverance and repeated plays.
  7. TouchArcade
    Mar 9, 2022
    60
    The biggest problem with A Musical Story comes in its gameplay mechanics, though. You play the tunes in sliced out sections, and you have to hit every note perfectly before the game will let you move on. And unless you’re really good with audio cues, you’re going to fail a lot. The worst thing is that once you’ve missed a note, you know you can’t succeed but you still have to finish out the slice anyway. It’s aggravating in the worst way. You never get that feeling of being one with the music that you get with better rhythm games. Great music, an uneven story, and unpleasant gameplay make for a very rocky road trip indeed.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. BobsYourUncle
    Mar 8, 2022
    10
    An incredible rhythm-based game with an original story that you can’t put down. I played this one all the way through in about 2 hours. It’sAn incredible rhythm-based game with an original story that you can’t put down. I played this one all the way through in about 2 hours. It’s truly an engrossing narrative with gameplay that is so addicting and satisfying. It starts at fairly easy and really picks up the difficulty bear the halfway point. I don’t want to spoil the story but it goes to some really interesting places that I never expected. If you even have a passing interest in this game, give it a shot because I was blown away by its narrative, art, music, and gameplay.… Expand
  2. NindieSpotlight
    Mar 30, 2022
    9
    I’ve truly enjoyed the diverse set of indie titles that have come to the Switch under the category of rhythm and music. There have beenI’ve truly enjoyed the diverse set of indie titles that have come to the Switch under the category of rhythm and music. There have been nail-biting challenges like Thumper, track-mixing and more creative games like Fuser, frantic dodging to the great tunes of Just Shapes and Beats, and more… a plain cornucopia of delightful tastes and styles. I’m happy to say A Musical Story continues that trend, going completely in its own direction with a surprisingly deep collection of rhythms you’ll need to replicate that favor constantly-changing patterns and styles over tying your fingers up in knots since you’ll only need to use your 2 trigger buttons to play along. Also worth noting is that if the game sees you struggling, it will progressively lend you some help as well. As sensational as the music is though, the real feature here is the incredible wordless story the game’s unique art tells, paired only with the game’s music to convey a deep and at times dark story that really sucked me in. Artistically stunning, filled with emotion, and approachable but also challenging, it’s a memorable journey on the Switch.… Expand

See all 3 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Best Switch Game of 2022

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