Every so often, a game comes along with a premise so unique you can’t help but stop and listen. That’s exactly the case with People of Note, a new title from developer Iridium Studios and the acclaimed indie publisher Annapurna Interactive. Officially unveiled during Tokyo Game Show 2025, this game isn’t just a role-playing game; it’s a turn-based RPG musical. Yes, you read that right.
It’s a bold, genre-bending concept that combines the strategic depth of JRPGs with the spectacle of a Broadway show. Let’s tune in and break down what makes this game one of the most interesting announcements of the year.
The Story: A Quest for Stardom
In People of Note, you play as Cadence, a talented pop singer with big dreams. After being shut out of the prestigious Noteworthy Song Contest, she realizes she can’t make it to the top on her own. Her new goal: travel the world of Note and assemble a band of eclectic and powerful musicians.
The world itself is a character, divided into distinct regions based on different musical genres. Your journey will take you from the rocking, industrial city of Durandis to the vibrant, neon-drenched EDM metropolis of Lumina. But it’s not all about open-mic nights. A mysterious force known as the Harmonic Convergence is disrupting the world’s natural harmonies, and it’s up to Cadence and her band to save the future of music.
Gameplay That Hits All the Right Notes
This is where People of Note truly sets itself apart. The game’s combat is not just turn-based; it’s an interactive musical performance. Here’s how the rhythm-infused battles work:
- Rhythm-Based Attacks: To maximize your damage, you’ll need to synchronize your attacks to the rhythm of the music playing in the background.
- Dynamic Battle Conditions: The background music can change mid-fight, shifting the genre and forcing you to adapt your strategy on the fly. A slow jazz number might require a different approach than a high-energy punk rock track.
- Mashup Attacks: By combining the unique musical styles of your band members, you can unleash powerful special moves called “mashups.” Imagine combining a rock guitarist’s power chords with an EDM DJ’s beat drop for a devastating attack.
- Timeline System: Combat plays out on a timeline, allowing you to see when both you and your enemies will act. This adds a layer of strategy, forcing you to decide the best moments to attack, defend, or heal.
It’s a system that promises to be both strategically deep and incredibly engaging, turning every enemy encounter into a show-stopping performance.
More Than Just a Battle of the Bands
Outside of its unique combat, People of Note is a full-fledged RPG. You’ll explore the vast world of Note, delve into dungeons filled with quirky enemies, and solve environmental puzzles to progress. Based on early previews, these puzzles are a nice change of pace from the combat, requiring you to use your wits to manipulate the environment.
One of the most interesting features is the game’s focus on accessibility. If you’re more interested in the story and music than the challenge, you can actually modify or even deactivate the turn-based combat and puzzles, tailoring the experience to your personal playstyle. It’s a thoughtful touch that opens the game up to a much wider audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 1. What is People of Note?
- It’s a turn-based RPG musical where you play as a singer forming a band. The combat system is based on rhythm and interactive musical performances.
- 2. Who is making it?
- It is developed by Iridium Studios (known for Sequence) and published by Annapurna Interactive, a publisher famous for unique indie hits.
- 3. What makes the combat special?
- Battles are musical performances where you sync attacks to the rhythm, and the music genre can change mid-fight, altering the battle’s conditions.
- 4. What platforms will it be on?
- It is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
- 5. When is the release date?
- The game is currently slated for a 2026 release.
- 6. Can I play if I’m not good at RPGs or rhythm games?
- Yes! The developers have included accessibility options that let you modify or even turn off the combat and puzzle sections to focus on the story.
Conclusion
People of Note is shaping up to be a truly special title. It’s a game bursting with creativity, from its genre-bending combat to its charming world built around the power of music. In a sea of sequels and familiar formulas, it’s a breath of fresh air. It’s ambitious, it’s stylish, and it has all the makings of a sleeper hit.
For fans of JRPGs, music, or just wonderfully weird indie games, People of Note is a performance you won’t want to miss when it takes the stage in 2026.