People of Note Reviews
People of Note is an ambitious turn-based RPG which shines in many ways but ultimately fails to hit all of its high notes. While the soundtrack and turn-based combat are individually strong, there's a persistent disconnect between the gameplay experience and the power of song that the narrative is trying to sell you, leading to a weird sense of musical emptiness that undermines the core selling point of the game.
A stylish and heartfelt musical RPG that hits more high notes than low, with surprising depth beneath its rhythm-driven surface
A turn-based RPG with a unique presentation, People of Note not only looks fabulous but it's a joy to play, too. It mixes together traditional RPG elements with puzzles and music to make a game that isn't afraid to be different.
People of Note is a great-looking and sounding rhythm RPG. If you are a fan of making or playing music, there are so many references here to make you smile.
I wanna be under the lights...
Overall, People of Note is a fun and fluffy RPG. The plot isn't life-changing, but it's bolstered by a strong combat system, excellent music, and some surprisingly fun puzzles. The musical numbers may not work for everyone, but they gave it their best shot, and there's at least one song for everybody. People of Note isn't the first musical RPG, but it emphasizes that the two genres go together like peanut butter and jelly.
The few high notes aren't able to fully compensate for the safe storytelling and narrative design, and the combat waffles too much between tedious and novel. That said, I couldn't help but feel taken by the game's commitment to being a music-themed adventure; constant puns and shake-ups to the combat mechanics gave me a genuine sense of joy. There wasn't enough momentum, however, to sustain those positive vibes, and I was left wanting to just roll credits in double time rather than slowing down the beat and soaking it all in.
It is very rare to see a video game that gets everything right from start to finish, but People of Note definitely falls into this category. It starts off by hooking with flashy musical numbers and never lets go. Whenever Groove is being farmed to buy that latest guitar or triangulation puzzles are being solved, it is always optional and engaging. People of Note is the RPG that players need it to be. Some want a title that constantly makes them think, others want to enjoy a great story, and some want it all. This is one of those gems that will please almost every RPG fan. To add to this, it also has some of the most positive and inclusive writing seen in a video game. Every single element combines into a beautiful harmony, and, just as with music, one can enjoy it either by letting it flow or by analysing its depths.
People of Note is an incredibly stylish indie with the bones of a PS1-era RPG and it does a phenomenal job of pulling you into its imaginative music-filled game world as you gradually get the band together and proceed to make beautiful music in the heat of combat. 👩🎤
A great pick for younger players that older fans will find plenty to appreciate in its lively tweaks on well-worn but effective styles of gameplay, People of Note is a big and bombastic blast if you let it be.
People of Note is a vibrant turn-based RPG that blends classic JRPG structure with inventive rhythm-based combat and a standout musical identity, delivering a heartfelt story about ambition and friendship in a richly stylized world.
People of Note is a delightful experience from beginning to end. The story captures the vibe of 2000s Disney Channel musicals alongside some charming characters and nods to pop culture. Further, the gameplay combines the rhythm and RPG genres excellently, and throws in some extra strategy for you to master while you're having fun exploring. While there are some glitches and issues with the musical sequences, these aren't enough to completely detract from just how great this game is.
People of Note is a fresh and imaginative musical RPG where every battle, character, and city feels shaped by rhythm, genre, and sound. Its Stanza system, strong soundtrack, and fascinating world give it a distinct identity, even if frustrating navigation, overlong boss fights, and occasional technical issues keep it from hitting every note perfectly.
Review in Czech | Read full review
We are in the presence of a monumental undertaking. It is not only that it offers a tuneful narrative, but that it does so masterfully. Dazzling musical numbers next to a deep combat system pulling from the greats are awe-inspiring. A passionate tale about following your dreams, everywhere you look at proves that Iridium Studios produced a hit. People of Note is a perfect intersection between turn-based games and music.
Despite its flaws, there is something undeniably likeable about People of Note.
People of Note is certainly an innovative, fun and refined title in many aspects, but unfortunately it never really manages to merge its two souls as a turn-based RPG and a rhythm game.
Review in Italian | Read full review
People of Note remains quite intriguing, even with its flaws. People of Note is courageous enough to mix styles and ideas in a way that sets it apart from others. Even if it doesn't quite reach the mark, it's worth viewing because you can see a lot of work went into it.
People of Note does its best to bring something new to the RPG genre but the final result is decidedly mixed. The game's story is fantastic, but the gameplay is repetitive in places and the puzzles, while they can be rendered optional, are way more difficult than they need to be for a game of this type.
People of Note is one of those RPGs that stands out for its originality and freshness. It doesn't reach great depths, but it makes up for it with a dynamic combat system, outstanding dungeon design, and a musical score that fits perfectly. It might go unnoticed in a crowded month, but it's worth checking out if you're looking for something different within the genre.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
People of Note is a fresh take on the genre that features polished visuals and creative gameplay.
Review in Spanish | Read full review