Mixtape

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.

Mixtape is a beautiful love letter to music and friendship. The narrative is handled really well; in spite of its similarities to other coming-of-age stories, the characters are realized fantastically thanks to great dialogue and voice acting, and the music choices are incredible. While the gameplay is limited, the mechanics are peppered throughout to perfectly accompany the respective story beat. Even though the visuals are lacking on the Switch 2, Mixtape is still a phenomenal experience and an easy recommendation.

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.

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.

This game wants you to relive the last days of your youth. It will do so with great music and beautiful stop-motion animation, but it won't let you change the story or offer... gameplay. It's a two-hour experience.

Mixtape is a heartfelt coming-of-age adventure that captures the fleeting magic of youth, blending nostalgia, music, and friendship into one unforgettable final night. Its authentic vibes, sharp writing, and standout voice performances will have you smiling from ear to ear, while the perfectly curated soundtrack will linger in your head for weeks to come.