Game Review – Mixtape

I love a video game that just gives good vibes. Most of the time, they are really chill, have a good narrative, and are easy to play. So, when I saw that most of the reviews for developer Beethoven and Dinosaur’s Mixtape talked about the vibes, I knew this had to be added to my list.

Mixtape is a narrative walking simulator that follows three best friends on their last day before the rest of their lives. As you explore their rooms, items will transport you back to distant memories that shaped their lives.

There is a lot to love about this game. The story itself is great. Watching three friends relive their best memories together is always a good time. The narrative is well thought out, and the pacing is great, especially given that the game is only about three hours long.

And I can’t talk about what Mixtape did well without talking about the music. A major part of the story is Stacey’s obsession with music and crafting the best setlist for their adventures. And the music, in my opinion, is great. Every moment has something tied to it that makes the game more memorable.

Now, the game has gotten a lot of heat on Steam. Some are just unhappy people ranting on the internet. But quite a few discuss the lack of actual gameplay within Mixtape. And this is where I felt conflicted with my playthrough.

I love narrative-driven games and walking simulators. I find them to be relaxing and, as long as the story is good, very engaging. And this is how I felt about Mixtape. But I wish that my input had more control over the story itself. I want to drive the narrative and feel like I have a choice in where the story is going.

I also want to feel like what I am doing in the game matters. And the idea that if I didn’t even pick up my controller during a good majority of the game, it would play itself was disheartening. I feel that more emphasis could have been put on actual gameplay and mechanics.

Overall though, Mixtape was a real vibe. I went in knowing this wasn’t going to be extremely interactive and that I was meant to enjoy the story more than the gameplay. And I think they advertised their game in a way that made me understand that. I can hope and wish for more, but at the end of the day, they delivered on what they sold.

I think if you like narrative-driven games that put mechanics in the backseat, Mixtape would be something you enjoy. It’s a feel-good story with a kick-ass soundtrack.