by theygamesStraight out of 1993, new narrative-driven management game Rockbeasts lets you manage an up-and-coming rock band. Their fortune and health is riding on you and your choices, from the mundane to the interpersonal. Rockbeasts draws most readily on the grimy aesthetic of adult animation on MTV and in shows like BoJack Horseman. The cast is a set of misfit animals (literally), whose demons and angels you must cultivate or squash on the rocky road to success. This dark comedy title, freshly revealed at today’s ID@Xbox showcase, has some serious narrative bonafides too, by way of Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 writer Jakub Szamałek.
As for how Rockbeasts plays, think narrative RPG by way of light simulation. As you enter new towns, you’ll have to manage the band’s mood and health as you build hype for their shows. Cultivating these attributes will land you new gigs and opportunities. But you’ll have to negotiate with the venues and their owners to get what you (or your band) want. Rockbeasts encourages replayability with over 100 characters, 90 locations, and a set of big, meaningful choices. Unlike other RPGs, the stakes of this one aren’t quite as lofty as saving a kingdom from destruction or conquering space – it’s all about your relationships with the band’s members and their ultimate success. But that doesn’t mean they won’t be impactful. What would an apocalypse (or rock and roll for that matter) even be without heartbreak?
Rockbeasts boasts the writing talent of Jakub Szamałek, a senior writer on The Witcher 3 and the principal writer of Cyberpunk 2077, some of the best story games of recent years. He’s also working on the upcoming dark fantasy RPG Dawnwalker, which boasts plenty of ex-CD Projekt Red talent. The game also features the voice talents of rock legend Iggy Pop, whose gritty tones grace the debut trailer.
Rockbeasts will release at some point in 2025. You can learn more about it and wishlist it on Steam here.
If you are looking for more exciting narrative games with vibrant aesthetics, check out our list of the best adventure games. If running a business is more your speed, take a look at the best management games.
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