Alpha Nomos: PS5 Review

Developed by RibCage Games
Published by RibCage Games
Platform: PS5

The rhythm game is perhaps a genre that's somewhat overdue for a twist.

Whether it's been the likes of Parappa the Rapper or Patapon, the simplicity has been about hitting the beat and keeping things moving, without ever compromising gameplay. And while games like SoundShapes and to a degree Rayman have played within the confines of the genre, there's been little adventure outside of the confines.

So RibCage Games' latest Alpha Nomos has a lot to live upto in a game that's been billed as Hi-Fi Rush meshed with Hades. 

You play as Cello, a puppet‑like clown in a ruined, toy‑infested world, who is searching for missing friends while being challenged at every step of the way by creatures and bosses. Armed initially with some xylophone blades that unleash pain as well as pleasurable notes, Cello must fight their way to answers and their friends.

Blending rhythm‑based combat with roguelite progression, the game actively seeks to make its soundtrack part of the gameplay, meaning attacks can string together the OST while unleashing damage on your opponents.

It's initially a tough ask, but once the rhythm gets its hooks into you, Alpha Nomos manages to mix its cute premise with some killer moves. And with a fluidity of action, it's really quite clever and pleasurable to play.

Granted, there's an occasional repetition of combat-based encounters and a feeling of hand-holding, but Alpha Nomos turns its intriguing premise into something that's different for a genre that's been crying out for creativity for years.

Progression helps here and as other weapons are unlocked - including a mix between saxophone and blade - the game keeps rolling on with clever twists to the action, even if the story feels somewhat constrained.

Overall, Cello is a nice colourful game to sink into - with its alluring beats and rhyming couplets dialogue, the game positions itself as something welcoming and different for the genre - and as a result, deserves to be embraced by those seeking out new ways of playing so that the beat goes on.