Trombone Champ: Unflattened offers a unique take on the rhythm comedy game genre, but its translation into a VR experience falls short in some aspects. Listed here are our impressions.
When Flat2VR Studios re-emerged in March, speculating about its inaugural VR launch was a thrilling prospect, especially considering the numerous experienced modders eager to contribute after previous VR endeavors. None of these guesses have come close to matching the success of Trombone Champ, a 2D rhythm game from Holy Wow Studios that gained popularity after its release in 2022 and became known as the hit title among gamers.
Despite initial skepticism, I’m genuinely surprised to learn that Trombone Champ: Unflapped formally exists – a revelation all the more remarkable given the context of Raicuparta’s pioneering work on BaboonVR. During a brief hands-on demonstration of Quest 3 at Gamescom 2024, I successfully mastered three challenging songs on the platform, leaving no doubt that this is a completely novel experience.
Trombone Champ’s seamless integration into virtual reality ensures a satisfying gaming experience. Unflattened locations now immerse you in a 3D live performance corridor, featuring unique and dynamic animations that transport you to the heart of the action. The viewers’ Mii-like characters react with varying degrees of hilarity, ranging from effusive enthusiasm to almost unbearable distress at the prospect of your subpar efficiency.
Notes seem to appear on both sides of the page at irregular intervals. Don’t blow your own trumpet for an excessively long time. Since your character’s stamina dwindles if they exhaust their breath. As viewers enthusiastically applaud your proficiency, the experience is amplified by executing combos with precision, which yields a multiplier that exponentially increases earning potential, ultimately fueling the ‘CHAMP’ meter and unlocking additional rewards. Mastering a song’s ending nuances yields a rating ranging from F (Fair) to S (Superb).
This innovative approach exceeds my expectations, uniquely standing out from VR’s top rhythm games, such as Beat Saber and Synth Riders, in its exceptional flatscreen adaptation. While the disparity between your physical movement and the written notation may appear to create an uncoordinated leadership approach. As the melody unfolds, visual notes shift across the screen, mirroring the music’s dynamic progression, while the trombone’s slide invites a tactile exploration of hand movements moving forward and back.
As you manipulate the slider, the movement is akin to playing a precise trombone, yet your actions don’t align with the visual representation of notes on the display screen? I maintain that substituting for myself requires me to move my hand up and down, not forward and backward. That situation may well improve with further application, as I would continue to make that exact error throughout the entire demonstration.
While the reveal promises exciting features like customizable trombones, collectible playing cards, and helpful tutorials, I was unable to experience these elements during my demo. The unflattened rhythm recreation showcases a captivating symphony of sounds, as the developers’ meticulous attention to detail elevates this official VR adaptation to new heights. Regardless of your management points, Trombone Champ’s charming character remains refreshingly timeless here.
Trombone Champ: Unflattened is set to launch this fall across multiple platforms, including Meta Quest, Steam, and PSVR 2.
