Encore! (2025)

Encore! is a small rhythm game and visual novel that I found pretty charming once I got into what it was trying to do. I play as a new student at the Multiversal Institute for the Rhythmic Arts, where music, magic and friendship are all mixed together. My main goal is to put together a band and eventually compete in the Battle of the Bands, but getting there is not just about hitting notes. I have to meet different characters, build relationships with them and unlock new music and instruments along the way. The whole thing has a very colourful and playful feel to it. The rhythm gameplay is simple. I use the arrow keys to play along with the songs, and doing well helps me progress with the characters and performances. I like how easy it is to pick up because I do not have to learn a complicated control system before I can enjoy the music. The different band members also give the game some personality. I can meet characters such as a western alien guitarist, an angel harpist and a Victorian bassoonist, which is such a random combination that it becomes part of the charm. The visual novel side is probably what makes Encore! more interesting to me than a basic rhythm game. I am not j…