Hype - Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson is a guitar RPG launching July

RPGs have been a remarkable genre to explore in this generation. From the Xenoblade Chronicles series to the runaway sensation of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, it's been a golden age in RPGs. Every so often, there is a time for reinvention, and that time has arrived for the world’s first Guitar RPG. 

Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson is the first guitar role-playing game. In a world filled with music and imbalanced because of malevolent evil, one has to play their best if they hope to save the world. At PAX East, I had the chance to check the game out and came away wanting more.

A World of Rock and Roll

Fretless takes place in a world completely governed by music, most especially guitars. To have a guitar is a rite of passage, and to learn how to wield one is a badge of honor. The demo has me go to the pier to seek out an important person. The world is being corrupted, and it's up to our hero, Rob, to begin the journey to save the land. 

Fretless uses an isometric perspective. After being introduced to the citizens of the main area, the adventure is off into the forest on the way to the pier. The presentation is solid and nostalgic. As expected, the music is sublime, but things got even better with the combat. 

The Power of Music

Everything in Fretless is music-themed and tied to a tune. The enemies fight with their own instruments, and each enemy has a different one. My demo had me fight drumming mushrooms, best box spiders, booming bats, and a rival band that seemed to be a nod to Daft Punk. 

The combat is turn-based. Following the rhythm, players select different riffs as attacks. These riffs can be changed in whichever order the player wishes, but some riff attacks benefit from being last. One riff gathers energy from previous attacks and slams additional damage on the target. Pressing the A button during an attack at the right moment maximizes the effect of the riff as well. 

Music is a Weapon

Between the animation, controls, combat, and music, Fretless was sublime in its execution. I was engrossed in the combat and bobbing my head the entire time I was playing the demo. I have simply played anything like it. 

My demo came to a climax when I faced off against a heavy metal spider with big speakers on her abdomen. She wasn't easy to take down. Multiple attacks and debuffs made fighting her a challenge, to the point I had to fight smaller enemies and retrieve health potions. The battle was grand and epic, a true battle of music genres. 

Being Fretless

The heavy metal spider had a tough, gnarly riff playing throughout, while my attacks had a bass tune playing. It was a true battle of the bands as I used every attack at my disposal to win. By the skin of my teeth, I had won, and the spider was decimated. 

I had a fantastic time playing Fretless. The world is fascinating, the music rocks, and the combat rocks harder. PAX introduced me to several rhythm games, and this is quickly one of my favorites. What mysteries await I cannot wait to see. 

Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson launches July 17th, 2025.