In Riff: Unbroken Chords, you embody a weathered musician in his 40s clawing for relevance in a youth-obsessed indie rock scene. After being ousted from your rising band for “aging out” of their image, you join a ragtag group of misfits—each battling their own demons—to reignite your passion and defy industry stereotypes. Navigate dive bars, cutthroat promoters, and generational clashes as you rebuild your identity both onstage and off. But as your new band gains traction, tensions flare: will you compromise your authenticity for fame, or risk obscurity to stay true to your sound? The spotlight’s harsh—and so are the choices.
Gameplay
1. Rhythm & Reputation: Master minigame-style performances (strumming, solos, crowd interaction) to earn fan loyalty and critic scores. Balance setlists to appeal to trendy audiences or underground purists.
2. Band Dynamics: Manage egos, creative differences, and backstage drama. Invest time in bandmates’ personal arcs to unlock unique synergies or risk internal meltdowns mid-tour.
3. Grind & Hustle: Take side gigs (teaching, producing demos) to fund equipment upgrades, but beware burnout—your energy meter affects performance quality and dialogue options.
Game Features
1. Age-as-Narrative: Confront ageism through branching dialogues—clap back at condescending promoters, mentor younger musicians, or lean into a “veteran” persona for niche appeal.
2. Evolving Soundtrack: Your band’s music style shifts based on member input and player choices, blending genres like punk, lo-fi, and blues across story chapters.
3. Crowd-Driven Fame: A dynamic “hype” system where fan reactions (social media posts, merch sales) directly influence booking opportunities and rival band challenges.
Game Tips
1. Embrace the Grind: Early-game garage gigs build foundational skills. Skip them, and you’ll flop at high-stakes venues later.
2. Choose Your Battles: Public feuds with critics can go viral, boosting notoriety but alienating purist fans. Weigh short-term clout against long-term loyalty.
3. Legacy Over Likes: Certain late-game opportunities demand selling out. Prioritize band integrity if aiming for the “True Legend” ending.
Preview: