Sayonara Wild Hearts Review

Genre: Rhythm / Action Game
Players: 1
Playtime: 5 Hours (Includes beating the game in about 1-2 hours with mostly Bronze and Silver Ranks; Then cycling back into the grooves to acquire Gold Ranks on every level and sometimes just to listen to those riveting tracks again; Played on Nintendo Switch)


Sayonara Wild Hearts is described as a "pop album video game" in which players zoom about a series of bold and beautifully choreographed motorcycle chases and other various visual trips, all of which is synced to one of the hottest soundtracks I've listened to in a long time.  As is also the case with most musical albums, the journey is somewhat bittersweet in its short length, but leaves a lasting impression and insists many a repeated play-through.  For fans of rhythmic action-based music games or of magically vivid and surreal animation, read on as we crank up the volume to the fresh and funky beats to be found in this indie pop gem.

Music

It should come as no surprise for a game described a "pop album video game" that the soundtrack would be a primary focal point in its design, and the game nails it.  The music has such beautiful melodies and a superbly original feel to it.  The vocals / lyrics are so rich and add such a lovely nuance to the emotional depth found within their compositions.  It's even difficult just to push start at the title screen as you don't want to pull yourself away from that deliciously catchy opening tune.  These are songs that you'll want to listen to over and over again, in-game or otherwise.

Art / Animation

As you may have come to learn through my many posts on this site, I'm a sucker for games with bold and creative art styles.  And Sayonara Wild Hearts puts on a confident display in its use of bright, neon color palette and minimalist character / world design.  Through this simplistic approach, they are able to create a surreal, dreamlike quality that pulls the players in and emphasize memorable moments with selective use of bold color splashes and exquisite animation.

The bold and colorful closeups of your rivals present such striking visuals in this game.

Speaking of superb animation, the means in which this game choreographs each of these musical tracks / levels the player zips about on is beyond compare.  The way you quickly weave around corners, jump through archways and dodge traffic while in high-speed pursuits on your motorcycle.  How you perform incredible acrobatic leaps from your bike, run across the sides of buildings and gracefully swing your sword amidst the chaos.  The considered timing and speed in which the camera zooms and pivots to highlight character moments and transitions.  It truly is like an exceptional music video in which you get to be a part of.

Gameplay

What really pulls this all together is how fluid and natural the gameplay ties into the above mentioned music and animation.  There is immense satisfaction to be had as you drift and jump about in synced timing with this groovy goodness, and you'll find that your performance really does improve the more in sync you become to the tunes.  Beyond just this wonderful harmony of components, the game offers a wealth of unique and creative mechanics throughout this musical journey.  From motorcycle chases to parallel universe flips and more, it is yet just another instance of the game not afraid to try new and bold ideas, keeping the experience fresh and captivating from start to finish.

There's nothing quite so thrilling as high-speed chases and dramatic acrobatics all attuned to such riveting music and beats.

Narrative Vibes

The narrative isn't necessarily a pivotal component of this game, having a simple premise for its foundation in which to venture off into a surreal reality open for interpretation.  With that said, there's enough to be found in here that leaves a lasting and emotional impression which I accredit to a well structured narrative and well-paced beats.  There is a satisfying arc of pain, discovery, struggle and acceptance.  By the game's conclusion, be it combination of catchy music and narrative vibes, you can't help but have a big old happy grin on your face and a gratifying sense of resolve.

Loose Controls

Due to the fast-paced nature of this game and loose controls it entails, players will see many hearts fly by as they accidentally pass them.  This is especially true for the Heartbreak levels, in which the controls are particularly sensitive and have many mechanics like portals that if missed, there too goes an entire path of hearts and your hopes of a Gold Rank in a fraction of a second.  Fortunately, the short nature of the levels and forgiving checkpoints allow easy means of practice to overcome these hurdles for those willing to repeatedly dive in.

The Heartbreak levels will truly make your heart ache as you repeatedly miss the same hearts again and again

Short Playtime

Of course, the short nature of some levels / songs can sometimes be a bit disappointing, especially when the groove is just so darn good and the mechanics so captivating.  It leaves you wanting just a little bit more.

At the end of the day and this pop album, Sayonara Wild Hearts resoundingly succeeds in delivering exactly the game and experience it set out to craft.  With its bold use of art direction and creative gameplay mechanics, they confidently couple with a powerfully moving, grooving soundscape like none other.  Its biggest fault is namely that you only wish there were more to be had, which really speaks just how exemplary the rest of this game happens to be.  Encore or not, give this game a whirl and the musical experience will assuredly leave you in awe with its riveting display of collective beauty.

If you have any questions or thoughts about this game, please feel free to comment and discuss below.  Thanks.  And happy gaming!