There’s no other way to describe my Mr. Records demo experience than a literal trip. I’ve never taken drugs personally, but I can imagine the floating, freeing, and freakish psychological journey you go on is how George’s mind works in Mr. Records. George is a humble and kind store owner by night, but uses his uncanny ability to engage all the senses with music.
In Mr. Records, George fulfils his dream of opening a record store. He quickly becomes acquainted with regulars who share his passion and affinity for music represented in one of the most classic forms—a record.
My 30 fun-filled minutes were all it took for me to feel the groove coursing through my body as the musical levels subtly introduced me to its tight game mechanics, while showing off the game’s lighter story and store-sim elements, and drummed its endlessly catchy music into my brain.
Feel The Beat
The Mr. Records demo gives you a handful of original songs (with every track in the game composed by the developers) which will have you jumping across gaps, striking metaphorical enemies out of the way, and sliding more than any Cha Cha could dream of.
Rhythm is at the heart of the core gameplay, akin to any other beat-based title: Parappa the Rapper, Vib-Ribbon, Guitar Hero, Thumper, and other greats. I wasn’t graded based on my precision; it was all about clearing the obstacle, and you have a set number of lives per level.
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I didn’t need to think twice about lives early on, but I did try some of the demo’s songs on Hard, and it’s clear that the challenge is a record-scratching feeling, causing me to rethink my life. I’m sure plenty of other devious mechanics will arrive in the full game, and Mr. Records had no hesitation in leaving me to figure out new obstacles along the way, which is fine, as it’s very intuitive.
Each level is a song, and comes with its own theme, lyrical and rhythmic phrasing and cadence, and aesthetic. From Psychedelic 70s/80s to modern pop, there’s something for everyone, even if it isn’t for George—the poop enemies I had to destroy in the song ‘Mya’ tell me he’s not partial to catchy, mainstream tunes.
Mr. Records doubles as a music game and store simulator, but my playtime showed that you don’t need to balance the books and spend minutes and hours running your store. These are briefer interactions to break up levels and further the story. Half an hour established a potential love interest (maybe?) and showed George’s willingness to help everyone…when in fact, he could be the one in need.
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With his adorable companion, Buzz, aptly darting around from shop floor to bedroom wherever George goes, it paints a perfect picture: George is a nice fellow, with a vision, and his adventure is one I’m going to be exploring more of once Mr. Records hits shelves.
It could be a chart topper.
Will you be giving Mr. Records a go? Share your thoughts in the official Insider Gaming Discord Server.
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Andy is Insider Gaming's Senior Evergreen Editor and has been in the games journalism sphere in one way or another for over 7 years. His video game taste is as…
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