PAX East 2016 | Hands on With The Metronomicon

PAX East 2016 | The Metronomicon

Sometimes when covering a show, you find a game that feels custom-made to fit your tastes. For me, that game is The Metronomicon.

I’ve heard it called so many different things, ranging from “Theatrhytm with turn based battles” and “Amplitude with classes instead of instruments,” to “Dance Dance Revolution Tactics.” Personally, I’d just call it flat out addicting. Metronomicon is a great example of taking a unique and enjoyable idea and expanding on it, combining two genres that we didn’t know could co-exist. It truly is the perfect example of a game quickly going from being unaware of its existence to absolutely needing to have it.

Developed by Puuba, Metronomicon tasks players with performing along with songs in a similar manner to Amplitude or Flash Flash Revolution. Notes will fall down on a vertical track and you’ll have to press the appropriate D-Pad or Face Buttons to play your instrument. Though, I shouldn’t say instrument; you’re instead casting spells. See, Metronomicon isn’t about playing in a band. It’s about defeating enemies in RPG-style turn-based combat. Playing your “instruments,” or I should say casting spells as it was referenced by the developers all weekend, occurs by successfully playing notes over an extended period of time. The longer you chain together these notes, the more powerful the spell. Said spell is cast when you move away from the class track, which happens when 1.) your heart desires, allowing for strategic timing to cast an appropriate spell (each class gets three) or 2.) you’ve combo’ed enough notes together to cast the highest rank spell and the track is temporarily completed.

There’s nothing entirely new about this design decision. It’s reminiscent of closing out an instrument track in Amplitude. What does differ, however, is when you start the track. Normally, players are tasked with hitting every note possible. Failing to nab that first note after you switch tracks will, most of the time, result in a combo breaker and massive disappointment. With Metronomicon, there’s no foul. Players are able to switch tracks and then jump right back into the swing of things with no penalty. It’s a mechanic that not only helps the game feel more accessible, but also allows players to regain composure. Remember, you’re in the midst of a boss battle, not a rock concert. Sure, performing endless combos is nice, but it’s meaningless if your tank isn’t holding agro and your cleric isn’t keeping the party’s health topped off. Your track selection and spell casting need purpose and being able to jump in and out at your own desire goes a long way.

On its own, The Metronomicon would be enough to interest me upon release. Imagine my surprise when the game already offered licensed music with bands I both know and love (Shiny Toy Guns and Mindless Self Indulgence in this case). Considering the change in music quality we’ve seen in similar games recently (Rock Band clearly doesn’t have EA’s backing anymore), this was a beyond enjoyable surprise. It turns out that there wasn’t anything special Puuba had to do. They literally called up these bands and said “hey do you want to be in our game?” Turns it it’s that easy, sometimes. It certainly helps considering Jimmy Urine’s (MSI’s lead singer) background in gaming (he was involved with Lollipop Chainsaw Massacre if you may recall). In addition, there’s also consideration for mod support that would allow players to upload their own songs.

Metronomicon

Don’t expect this to be a one tick pony, either. Metronomicon will boast a full-fledged campaign mode, featuring 50 songs, as well as the potential for dance pad support. While that wasn’t playable on the PAX East show floor, it was something the developers have been trying out recently in their studio. Make no mistake; it may look gimmicky but Meronomicon could very well be dancing into our hearts when it releases later this year. I’m excited for it, as is the Crypt of the Necromancer cosplayer that got their hands on with the game before my first of many play sessions.

Share this article:

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on tumblr
Tumblr
Share on email
Email
Share on whatsapp
WhatsApp

Recent Posts

Master Chief holding his helmet. Halo Infinite Features

What Halo Infinite Should Have Been

https://youtu.be/Cagxj2RchQI?si=_fFf3fs_fsh7d0Fq Many people have a gaming franchise that changed their life in some way. I have life-long friendships that have been formed while playing games like Mario Kart and Golden …

Gaming News

Should You Buy A Meta Quest 3S?

https://youtu.be/EVSbA2Yxx2k?si=G2KXmPguAB_45u5n Meta recencetly heald their Meta Connect conference and announced some excited things if you’re into VR and AR. The Meta Quest 2 was once the hottest item in their …

Halo Project Foundry Gaming News

What Is The Future of Halo?

https://youtu.be/a2CCRgycbLI?si=3juhSUwirUTpKWoJ There have been rumors for years about what is next for Halo. Today during the Halo World Championships, we got our answers. 343 Industries will now be known as …

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind Gaming News

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind | Developer Interview

It may surprise many, but there has never been a Power Rangers arcade beat ’em up game. (I know right!?!?!) Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is a passion project …

Jay and Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch Gaming News

Jay and Silent Bob: The Chronic Blunt Punch | PAX West 2024

Going into PAX West 2024, I knew that I was going to enjoy ‘Jay and Silent Bob: The Chronic Blunt Punch’, but I did not know it was going to be …

Gaming News

Undisputed at PAX West 2024

Ash Habib has a true passion for boxing and Undisputed is his love letter to the sport. ‪@PlayUndisputed‬ aims to be both a technical and fun boxing game. The game …