Easily the best part of these boss stages would be the transitions that take place during key moments in the song. Boss stages however will use vocal tracks and last significantly longer. Most stages will have short tracks that last for roughly a minute, but are still a joy to listen to. Sayonara Wild Hearts uses a beautifully crafted synth pop soundtrack that pleases the ears. On top of the visuals is the main aspect of a rhythm game: the music. Had we had a chance to play this earlier, it would’ve easily earned a nomination for Art Direction in our Epic Win Awards. The use of cel shading mixed with gradients create an incredible look that somehow works fantastically for the fast-paced gameplay. The game utilizes a set of pinks, purples and blues, really lending to an eye popping aesthetic. What truly sets Sayonara Wild Hearts apart from other games is the combination of stylish visuals with the musical gameplay. It lends itself well to the minimal narrative and makes for an enjoyable experience. It’s a subtle story, but it helps to have Queen Latifah’s voice guiding you through it. Along the way, she’ll face Little Death and her allies, all of which stand in her way. A myriad of tarot cards are sent out and she becomes “The Fool”, donning a mask and moving through various challenges to fix the universe. When the heart of a young girl breaks, it causes a ripple in reality that transforms the world in her dreams. It’s rare for a rhythm game to exemplify the boundless reach of imagination, but Sayonara Wild Hearts definitely succeeds. That being said, Simogo’s Sayonara Wild Hearts is another excellent addition to Annapurna’s publishing stable. While I haven’t had a chance to check out The Outer Wilds, it’s also on my to-do list. The year before that, I greatly enjoyed Giant Sparrow’s What Remains of Edith Finch. Last year, I had a blast playing all the way through Ben Esposito’s Donut County in one sitting. Annapurna Interactive often publishes games that scratch that perfect pick-up-and-play itch.

Sayonara wild hearts unlockables