Fretless: The Wrath of Riffson

Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson is a musical deckbuilder that weaves songwriting into everything it does

Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson is one of those games that might seem weird to some, but as soon as you start playing, it will get you hooked.

Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson is far from perfect. The story is clichéd and one-note, and the combat lacks the necessary balance and depth to remain enjoyable, which is massively disappointing considering the core premise carries so much potential. That said, I still recommend giving [Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson] a try. The way it leverages music in its RPG and deckbuilder mechanics is so clever, and the environments are literally singing with charm. Ritual Studio’s inexperience may have been what holds this back from being a must-play title, but their dedication to creating a world bursting at the seams with the positive energy of music shines through, making Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson an enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

Fretless: The Wrath of Riffson rocks! The game has so much personality not only in its presentation, but its unique RPG mechanics. Its musical inspirations mesh with a battle system that shreds expectations and creates a fresh take on the genre.

Fretless is a fun experience! I enjoyed my time with the game and if you are a fan of musical based games and turn based RPGs, I believe you will also enjoy this hidden gem.

It has one of the most fun turn-based combat systems in recent years, which is slightly spoiled only by the short duration of the game. We are waiting for either an update with new content, or a completely new project from these developers - they have every chance of creating something truly groundbreaking someday

Fretless: Wrath of Riffson successfully blends RPG elements with musical gameplay, creating a unique and immersive experience. Players follow Rob, a young musician competing in a Battle of the Bands against the villainous Super Metal Records. The game features innovative, rhythmic card-based combat inspired by titles like Slay the Spire and Guitar Hero. Visually, it excels with detailed pixel art and fluid animations, accompanied by an outstanding soundtrack. Despite minor issues such as the lack of a New Game Plus mode and an initial slow progression, the game is highly engaging and creatively designed, offering depth and accessibility to both music enthusiasts and RPG fans alike.

Fretless – The Wrath of Riffson isn’t perfect. The puzzles are so simple that they feel like filler, and the story is cute, but it won’t stick with you like the music or combat will. If a player has trouble with timing, the rhythm mechanics might be a bit challenging for them, but the game is forgiving enough that it never becomes a significant issue.

Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson doesn't just play a song. It's asking you to help write it, one note and one fight at a time. This is a genre-bending tour de force that combines rhythm and RPG in a way that is genuinely new and unforgettable. Fretless will make you feel like a rock god if you love music and know how to plan.

Part Slay the Spire, part Paper Mario, Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson takes two genres and finds unique harmony between them. Sprinkle in a third inspiration — the music-rhythm gameplay of Guitar Hero — and you have all the makings of a really rad band. The final result has its issues: notably, a slew of bugs, some balancing issues, and an underwhelming ending. Still, Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson is a worthwhile play, and an admirable addition to the genres that inspired it.