Rhythm-action games have gone through a period of decline, particularly in the band sim subgenre that was dominated by Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Unplugged, a new VR competitor in the music sim genre, has entered the band-battling arena with a fresh approach to virtual guitar playing. Specifically, Unplugged invites players to embrace the time-honored art of air guitar, eschewing the plastic instrumental peripherals of Guitar Hero - or physical controllers of any kind - in favor of advanced finger-tracking technology.
Developer Anotherway has gone beyond fundamental guitar-playing mechanics to ensure that gamers feel like a virtuoso in VR. Game Rant spoke with producer Marcus Henderson about all the unique touches that make the game stand out in the rhythm and band game crowd. From power ups and score modifiers to dynamic crowd interactions and unlockable cosmetics, Unplugged aims to take players' rockstar fantasies to the next level.
Air Guitar Hero
Some of the best game concepts can be explained simply. Henderson, an industry vet whose credits include work on both the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises, has a succinct elevator pitch for Unplugged.
“It’s basically Air Guitar Hero. There’s a separation between the game mechanic of how you play Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and our game. We want people to really enjoy the experience performance; that physical, visceral feeling of waving your arms around, rocking out on stage.”
While Rock Band and Guitar Hero's most challenging tracks demand peerless technical execution, Unplugged places a greater emphasis on expressiveness and immersion. That is not to say the game lacks challenge, but Henderson emphasizes the importance of manic fun as opposed to memorization or grinding to climb leaderboards. The best mechanical microcosm for Unplugged overall is how the game handles guitar solos. Rather than matching meticulous note barrages, players are encouraged to play their virtual guitar in a frenzied, freestyle fashion, like most people - musicians and laymen alike - would naturally jam on an air guitar.
Crowd Pleasing
Unplugged uses its finger-tracking tech for more than just strumming notes, which further helps differentiate the title from Guitar Hero's note-heavy approach to challenging tracks. One of the ways Anotherway appeals to the fantasy of performance is by emphasizing players' interactions with digital crowds, which range from flavorful flourishes to mechanical power-ups and score bonuses.
"Because we’re able to work with the hand-tracking tech, you can move the guitar neck around to capture power-ups. You can gesture toward and interact with the crowd. If you start to fail, the crowd will actually start throwing things at you. And that is analogous to real life, believe me! That has actually happened to me."
While crowds can be tough on lackluster performances, they also reward excellence in surprising ways. Henderson said if players manage to break a certain score threshold at the end of a song, and the audience is really feeling the player's performance, they will toss their underwear at the player "as a sign of respect." If the player can snag the audiences' undergarments, they get a healthy score bonus.
It can be tricky to balance humor in video games, and that is moreso true of games with an otherwise minimalistic narrative, but the spirit of this mechanic is certainly consistent with the rest of the game. It would be a mistake to dismiss this irreverent feature as a mere gimmick; shaking up the standard formula for note-scrolling rhythm games is good for the genre.
The Venue Menu
Even though Unplugged strives for authenticity, the game is more devoted to capturing specific moods than real-world accuracy. The venues players will perform at in game are fictional, rather than famous concert halls. Still, Anotherway didn't skimp on the details when it comes to creating an immersive experience. Each environment has its own distinct vibe, as well as backstage areas. Like other band and rhythm-action games, players will start out performing at smaller venues, then work their way up to colossal crowds.
Stages aren't the only way players can change the scenary. There is a broad catalogue of gear players can unlock, including customized amps and guitars. Accessorization is another clever way Unplugged appeals to the comprehensive fantasy of being a rockstar, rather than exclusively focusing on mechanics, while making the game's progression more rewarding. Where customization is concerned in the battle of the band games, Guitar Hero features a colorful cast of avatars and Rock Band has a robust character creator, but Henderson said both have neglected gear, giving Unplugged its own appeal.
It is encouraging to see Unplugged leading the charge toward a new generation of band sims and rhythm-action titles, as some would say the gulf left by Guitar Hero and Rock Band has been there far too long.
Unplugged is available now on PC.