Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson
" Innovative turn-based RPG with rhythm combat and charming art, but a short story length "
Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson Review
Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson is a that blends turn-based combat, deck-building, and rhythm mechanics into a cohesive and engaging experience. Players control different instruments, each offering distinct playstyles, with combat revolving around playing riffs in time with music, creating a satisfying synergy between gameplay and soundtrack. The pixel art style is praised for its character and animations, complementing the game's musical theme. The game runs approximately 6 to 12 hours depending on playstyle, with some players completing it in a single session while others explore side content.
While the game is generally well-polished and bug-free, some minor issues such as occasional visual bugs, text scaling problems on certain devices, and a few gameplay pacing hiccups (notably a stealth section) were noted. The story is light and humorous, filled with musical puns and references, appealing especially to musicians but accessible to all. Overall, Fretless is celebrated for its passion, creativity, and memorable soundtrack, making it a must-play indie title for music and RPG fans alike.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the , highlighting how every attack and enemy move aligns rhythmically with the soundtrack. The combat system, inspired by deck-building games like Slay the Spire, offers depth and variety through different instruments and riff combinations.
The pixel art and animations receive acclaim for their charm and expressiveness, adding personality to the world. The soundtrack, featuring original compositions and guest artists, is repeatedly called "incredible" and a standout feature. The game's humor, musical references, and overall design reflect a deep love for music and indie game culture.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game's relatively short length, with some players desiring more content or a harder difficulty mode. A stealth section near the end disrupts pacing and was seen as out of place. Some minor bugs persist, such as UI glitches and issues with battle music not stopping correctly after death, though these do not break the game.
The story is light and sometimes considered forgettable or simplistic, with a few players noting it lacks depth. A few balance issues exist, such as the bass instrument feeling overpowered early on. Text scaling and controller support problems were occasionally reported on specific platforms.
Pros
- • Seamless integration of rhythm mechanics with turn-based combat creates a unique gameplay experience.
- • Distinct instruments offer varied playstyles and strategic deck-building options.
- • Exceptional soundtrack that dynamically responds to player actions and enemy moves.
- • Charming pixel art and fluid animations enrich the game's musical atmosphere.
- • Humorous writing filled with clever musical puns and references.
- • Combat system encourages experimentation and rewards strategic planning.
- • Accessible to both musicians and non-musicians alike.
Cons
- • Game length may feel short for players seeking extended content.
- • Stealth section near the end disrupts pacing and player momentum.
- • Minor bugs and visual glitches occasionally impact immersion.
- • Some UI elements lack clear explanations, causing confusion.
- • Bass instrument can feel overpowered in early gameplay.
- • Text scaling issues on certain devices affect readability.
- • Controller prompts occasionally mismatch controller type.
Rating Criteria
In this turned-based RPG, wield powerful legendary instruments, gather mighty riff attacks and save the land from Rick Riffson's devilish goons and musical hybrid monsters!