Music is a weapon.
Written by Jason Venter
Published Apr. 29, 2024
Music is a weapon and might also be the key to liberation. That's the idea in Keylocker, an upcoming release from Moonana Games and Serenity Forge that is due to arrive on PC and Xbox Series X|S this summer.
Revealed during today's ID@Xbox Digital Showcase, Keylocker introduces BOBO, a “bold singer and songwriter” who is trying to use music to dismantle a tyrannical regime. She'll need to execute her moves with a proper sense of rhythm in order to triumph over adversaries, among other things.
Today's press release cites influences such as the Mario & Luigi series and Chrono Trigger, so you know it's borrowing ideas from the right sort of places. Without playing Keylocker for myself, I am immediately reminded of Crypt of the Necrodancer, which I liked when I played the version set in Hyrule.
Key features, as listed in the press release, are as follows:
Engaging Narrative: Dive into the dystopian world of Saturn, where rebellion simmers beneath the surface, and music is outlawed. Join BOBO on a quest to restore harmony to the land and overthrow oppression.
Dynamic Rhythm-Based Combat: Engage in tactical battles against the authorities, harnessing the power of music to fuel your moves. Swap between different movesets and tactics, mastering the rhythm to emerge victorious.
Captivating Soundscape: As you bring to life the sound of Saturn, BOBO and her band will perform an eclectic mix of pulse-pounding electronic jams that inspire the denizens of Keylocker. As long as you can keep the rhythm, that is.
Vibrant World Exploration: Explore Saturn's sprawling cities, forge alliances, uncover secrets and challenge the status quo. Random battles are a thing of the past in Keylocker, with every face-off being an integral battle for the fate of Saturn.
Rewarding Social Interactions: Build relationships with diverse characters from various backgrounds through meaningful interactions and gift-giving. Delve into romantic and platonic connections, shaping the narrative through your choices.
Endless Possibilities: With multiple classes, branching quest lines and a dynamic narrative influenced by player choices, Keylocker offers endless possibilities for exploration and discovery.
Up to this point Moonana Games is best known for its work on Virgo Versus The Zodiac, which apparently made a lot of noise on the indie RPG scene. This follow-up could cause similar excitement when it launches later this year. In the meantime, here's a fresh new Keylocker trailer to get you all hyped and stuff.
