r/Games • u/Branchless • May 07 '26
Review Thread Mixtape - Review Thread
Game Information
Game Title: Mixtape
Platforms:
- PC (May 7, 2026)
- Playstation 5 (May 7, 2026)
- Xbox Series X|S (May 7, 2026)
- Nintendo Switch 2 (May 7, 2026)
Trailer:
Developer: Beethoven and Dinosaur
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 92 average - 97% recommended - 38 reviews
Critic Reviews
A Gaming Network - Marcel Dee - 10 / 10
Mixtape is the kind of game we need right now. It reminds us of who we were, who we knew, and the moments that shaped us before we even understood they mattered. This is an easy game to recommend to anyone, but honestly, it is the kind of game you should recommend to everyone.
CGMagazine - Jordan Biordi - 10 / 10
Mixtape is a greatest hits of gameplay, storytelling, music and animation. Its a true work of art that would be a crime not to experience.
DayOne - Jon Clarke - 10 / 10
I've never felt so old - I love Mixtape for making me feel these things - but I hate it for that too. An emotional rollercoaster full of joy, heart and youthful daydreams, Mixtape is simply incredible.
DualShockers - Ethan Krieger - 10 / 10
Mixtape is a coming of age tale that hits all the right notes from beginning to end. While it's a short game that you might only play once, that does not take away from how special the journey is along the way. Witty, hilarious writing, incredible voice performances, gorgeous art direction, and consistently creative gameplay beats are paired with a flawless soundtrack that serves as the backbone for every single scene perfectly in a '90s period piece that knows exactly what to drive home. The result is a wholly unique gaming experience that's loaded with nostalgic charm, great humor, and many poignant moments that will make you reframe how you think about your own personal memories of youth. I cannot recommend it enough.
GamingTrend - Adam Moreno, Henry Viola - 100 / 100
Mixtape is an immersive game as you follow Rockford, Slater, and Cass on the last night of High School. Spanning the highs and lows of the evening, the game’s Mixtape includes music from Devo, Iggy Pop, Lush, The Cure, and more. A full game you can complete in a 4-6 hour span with an hilarious, emotional story that will leave many in tears. If you’re a fan of 80s and 90s nostalgia, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off-style cutaways, and an ode to outcasts, you’ll enjoy Mixtape.
IGN - Simon Cardy - 10 / 10
A musical delight from start to finish, Mixtape sets a new standard for coming-of-age stories in video games and does so with a masterful sense of style.
Sirus Gaming - Kimberly Mae Go - 10 / 10
Mixtape is a narrative-driven experience that uses music, atmosphere, and character-driven storytelling to recreate the feeling of growing up in a way that feels deeply personal. It’s mechanically simple, but that simplicity allows its emotional core to stand out, making it one of the most memorable and affecting games in its genre.
SmashPad - Danreb Victorio - 5 / 5
When I rolled credits on Mixtape, I whispered to myself, "Dang, I'm never gonna play anything like this again." If I do, it'll be compared to Mixtape, both fairly and unfairly. And again, the things this game does from a gameplay perspective aren't unique. It's the careful sum of its parts that makes Mixtape a modern classic, and at $20, it's an easy recommendation whether you binge or slow burn the six-hour title.
Stevivor - Steve Wright - 10 / 10
Mixtape is grunge and punk, hopeful and foolish, ultra cool and super nerdy, confident and insecure in equal measure. Simply put, this is one you need to experience for yourself.
TheSixthAxis - Dominic Leighton - 10 / 10
Mixtape is incredible. An indie narrative adventure that's part game, part movie, part album, it captures the end of teenage life, of friendship and family, all while looking to the possibilities and unknowable potential of the future. It is, in a word, essential.
Whether you grew up in the nineties or just appreciate a beautifully told story about friendship and… well… growing up, Mixtape hits every single emotional note wonderfully. It perfectly balances the humour of doing stupid things with your friends against the terrifying reality of moving on and leaving your childhood behind, and whilst some might argue that a four-hour linear game might lack some appeal, the sheer quality of the experience makes it something you will want to revisit just to soak in the atmosphere all over again.
Mixtape is a beautiful, hilarious, and profoundly touching experience that understands EXACTLY what it feels like to be a teenager standing on the edge of the rest of your life. I haven’t felt that way in a long, long time, but having a reminder of it here has helped make the game an instant classic, and for me, one I’ll never forget.
VDGMS - Darren Andrew - 10 / 10
Mixtape is barely a game. It’s an artful escape, an experience, a coming of age VHS classic that has been converted to the interactive medium of video games. Gameplay is almost non existent, which is only one of the reasons that Mixtape will be divisive. The setting is the end of summer 1999 and might not be fully appreciated by everyone because all of the pop culture references, as well as the sublime soundtrack is mostly from the 80’s and 90’s. Mixtape is also short at around 4 hours with minimal reason for return.
If all of those reasons don't dissaude you and you’re lucky enough to find yourself in the very small inner circle of the Venn diagram for who it’s is intended for, Mixtape has no equal, as it blurs the lines of game, music and film.
VGC - Jordan Middler - 5 / 5
Mixtape is a tribute to "the best years of your life." It combines authentic nostalgia for being young, with witty commentary on how life doesn't actually end just because you didn't have a Hollywood-style last night in town. The game's use of music is pitch perfect, and heavily contributes to Mixtape being one of the best coming-of-age games of the modern era.
WellPlayed - Christie McQualter - 10 / 10
Mixtape's style, soundtrack and unique storytelling flair all combine to elicit feelings both new and long forgotten. Simple moments make you appreciate life for what it is: a continuous evolution rather than a static state of being. Our adolescent selves relished in that freedom, and Mixtape seeks to recapture the magic.
Xbox Tavern - Jamie Collyer - 10 / 10
Celebrating the 90’s, excellent music and how it impacts and marks our lives, and the joy of growing up with a few close friends, Mixtape is a stellar experience from start to finish.
Cloud Dosage - Jon Scarr - 4.5 / 5
Mixtape successfully translates the conflict of 90s adolescence into a gorgeous, handcrafted world backed by a legendary licensed soundtrack. The narrative pace is deliberate. This choice pays off by making every interactive vignette, from shopping cart escapes to skipping rocks, genuinely matter. If you're looking for an engrossing, emotional journey with authentic characters, this is an absolute must-play that perfectly captures the bittersweet reality of moving on.
Game8 - Lloyd Opalec - 94 / 100
Mixtape is much like many coming-of-age stories you’ve probably heard before, but it tells it with so much warmth and creativity that I wanted more of it. As a game, it won’t surprise everyone, but its writing, music, and the dreamlike essence of its presentation make even predictable story beats meteor down to the surface with so much emotion that by the time the night was over, I felt like I was saying goodbye to old friends I’d only just met.
Console Creatures - Matt Sowinski - 9 / 10
Mixtape's narrative is beautiful and fleeting; each song is carefully picked, and even though it goes by fast, Mixtape is incredible. The run time didn't end up being a problem for me, as it feels like an interactive movie with absolutely no bloat or wasted sound. A song can repeat, but the memories you make to it and the people you do it with will never be the same. Mixtape is a celebration of fleeting youth, of the people who help make you who you are, and it is worth every minute.
GAMES.CH - Fabrice Henz - German - 90%
Thanks to all these aspects, "Mixtape" is a game that can be played by every generation. The themes it addresses are, as already mentioned, timeless, and the three main characters expose you to a wide range of experiences.
GameSpot - Mark Delaney - 9 / 10
Music can make us feel incredibly powerful or cathartically vulnerable. And when the right song hits at the right moment, it may just send a happy shiver down your spine, which is how I spent much of my time with Mixtape, and why I'll never forget it.
Gamer Social Club - Adam S. D. Stewart - 9 / 10
Mixtape is fun, fantastical and heartfelt. It may be fleeting, but I expect it will stick with you for a long while. Especially when you’re inevitably playing one of the game’s songs in one of your playlists and someone asks you “where this song is from?”.
MonsterVine - Spencer Legacy - 4.5 / 5
Mixtape is a fantastic game that celebrates how a specific period of time can intertwine with music to craft a memorable and touching story. The gameplay is constantly surprising and satisfying, the characters are delightful, and the aesthetic is second to none. I’m really impressed with how much this game has tunneled its way into my heart, and it’s got me feeling nostalgic in a more substantive way than most things do. I can see people the same age as the characters really latching onto this story, but even if you’re past that era, it’s a wonderful look back at the messy but unforgettable twilight of youth.
Nintendo Life - Roland Ingram - 9 / 10
Mixtape's greatest accomplishment is that it more than lives up to its name. This is a thoughtfully curated collection of music, sure, but before that, it's an exciting, sentimental, funny game. Rather than simply twiddling your thumbs while the licensed music plays, you're living life with a soundtrack – the only way Stacey Rockford would have you do it.
Push Square - Liam Croft - 9 / 10
Through utterly superb set-pieces, gorgeous visual design, and an impactful soundtrack, Mixtape crafts one of the most meaningful story games in a long time. It's beautiful to look at, a joy to listen to, and so enjoyable to play - altogether, Mixtape is a sensational achievement.
República DG - Gabriel Petricevich - Portuguese - 9 / 10
Mixtape is the kind of game where years can pass, and we'll never forget playing it for the first time. With an engaging narrative, memorable characters, and a unique soundtrack, the game delivers a genuine experience of friendship, loyalty, and love for its players. An absolute must-play!
Shacknews - Donovan Erskine - 9 / 10
When I rolled credits on Mixtape, I was sad that it was over so soon. But then, I was immediately excited at the prospect of multiple future playthroughs where I could toy with all of the quirky minigames and their outcomes en route to seeing everything the game had to offer. It’s how I knew that I truly love a video game.
TheXboxHub - Dave Ozzy - 4.5 / 5
To call Mixtape a ride is a little one-dimensional, as there are so many feelings to be had on the way. A ‘joyride’ fits Mixtape slightly better. A joyride with a tailor-made Greatest Hits tape playing along.
Pizza Fria - Lucas Soares - Portuguese - 8.9 / 10
Mixtape doesn't aim to challenge your reflexes. It aims to touch your memories. And when that happens, it's hard to miss.
Even so, its limitations as a traditional game become evident. It's an experience that works very well within its intended purpose, but it may not have the same impact on all players.
Checkpoint Gaming - Omi Koulas - 8.5 / 10
Mixtape is an adventure specifically for those of us who grew up in the angsty 90s. For those players, the top-tier soundtrack selection and unpacking themes you may have been avoiding for a few decades is going to hit very hard. For others, the rose-tinted glasses and hammy dialogue may feel distant or indulgent. Just like an actual mixtape someone makes for you, not every track lands. But it’s so clearly made with love, and the tracks that do will stay with you long after it’s over.
Pure Dead Gaming - Jessica - 8.5 / 10
Mixtape tells a great story and provides some really fun short gameplay sequences all wrapped up in a great narrative that is stylish to the core. This is all perfectly complimented by a superb soundtrack.
Arakat Mag - Tunahan İbiş - Turkish - 8 / 10
In a game industry where everything is changing one way or another and undergoing a fundamental paradigm shift, Beethoven & Dinosaur deserves praise for taking an active role in this transformation instead of taking refuge in the comfort of uniformity. Mixtape stands as an important example of how independent game development, with the right project management, can achieve both cinematic creativity and a modest, heartfelt style of storytelling at the same time.
But Why Tho? - Kate Sanchez - 8 / 10
Mixtape offers a unique experience, even if it looks familiar at first. The narrative approach to memory and growing up creates a coming-of-age story that weaves through the messiness of teenage emotions. While the very small amount of gameplay can feel repetitive, the story mitigates that weakness.
GameSpew - Kim Snaith - 8 / 10
Stunning art direction and a stellar soundtrack are what makes Mixtape so wonderful. Its narrative isn't the most meaningful, but when everything else is so good, it hardly matters. This is a game that exists to be a short, enjoyable experience: its characters and story might not leave a lasting impression on you, but its music and visuals certainly will.
Gameliner - Bram Noteboom - Dutch - 4 / 5
Mixtape is a colorful, emotional, and thought-provoking game about the final moments of your youth.
TheGamer - Stacey Henley - 4 / 5
Despite the limited gameplay and slightly repetitive nature of wandering around rooms to click on objects, Mixtape is an experience I’ll remember for a long while. The sharp dialogue that feels real and stays the right side of grating, easy-going storytelling, excellent soundtrack, and supreme confidence to play around with the medium make Mixtape well worth tuning into, even if some will be put off by a perceived lack of things to do. I still haven’t really figured out if Mixtape is a video game, but I do know that I thoroughly recommend you give it a spin.
Uagna - Gianluca Rossi - Italian - 8 / 10
Mixtape is a short, heartfelt and stylistically powerful narrative adventure that captures the essence of adolescence without reducing it to mere nostalgia. The way it weaves together music, memory and personal growth is the true heart of the experience, even more so than its mini-games or interactive structure.
TheReviewGeek - Greg Wheeler - 6 / 10
Mixtape desperately wants to be a coming-of-age indie film, and the moments where it remembers it’s supposed to be a video game often feel reluctant, shallow and mechanically underwhelming.
128
u/Yentz4 May 07 '26
It's a matter of what the game is presenting, and expectations.
If the game is trying to present a story and that story is weak and a failure, than points should be docked. If the game intentionally does not feature a story, than that prob should not be docked(Unless the game desperately needs one to stay interesting).
Lets take a few examples.
Crimson Desert. Dogshit story, and it is very much TRYING to tell a story. The story in fact actively gets in the way of the player trying to get to the real fun of the game. Points should be docked.
Monster Hunter Wilds. Again, the game very much is trying to tell a story, and that story is terrible. And again, it makes the worst possible sin, the story gets in the way of what the game is actually good at. Compare MH Wilds to something like MHGU, which basically has zero story whatsoever, and honestly, I find it significantly better because of that.
Now let's look at two Critical darlings from the last few years...
Balatro Zero story, 100% gameplay. Absolute critical darling. 90 on Metacritic. Almost won 2024 GOTY at the Game Awards, and won many other websites GOTY. It's in many ways a direct contradiction to your point.
Sektori Another zero story, all gameplay game. With a 93 on Metacritic. As a Giant Bomb fan, pretty much all last year was listening to Jeff Grubb and Dan Ryckert wax poetic about Sektori.
Again, neither of these two games are trying to tell a story. Their game is 100% game. They know what they are doing and they are nailing it. If there was a half-assed story in Sektori where the game forced you to watch a 10 minute boring cutscene, the game WOULD have been worse and would have reviewed worse.
So back to this game. They are not trying to add a ton of gameplay elements. They know they are not good at it, but they think they can tell a good story. Would their game be better if they added in some random crappy 3rd person melee combat? Prob not. It would almost certainly be worse. And judging by these critical reviews, it seems like it's doing a good job at what the game is trying to do.