There are some games you play and think, “that was nice,” then forget about them once you close them. And then there are others that keep looping in your head like a song even after they’re over. Mixtape is aiming for the second category.
Mixtape is a narrative-driven adventure game developed by Beethoven & Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive. It’s launching on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC — so it’s not a “Switch exclusive,” but it seems like it’ll have a different flavor thanks to the portable nature of the Switch 2.
Story
The game focuses on the last night after high school of three close friends — Rockford, Slater, and Cassandra. It has the classic “we’re going to a party” setup, but the point isn’t the party itself. The real focus is what happens on the way there.
The best thing Mixtape does is this:
instead of telling the story directly, it delivers it through fragments of memories.
The last ride in the car
Sneaking out
Escaping on a skateboard
Hanging out in abandoned places
Ridiculous but unforgettable decisions
These aren’t missions. These feel like adolescence DLC.
Gameplay
Mixtape is pretty far from the classic gameplay loop.
There’s no “go do this → earn XP” system.
Instead:
Short, thematic gameplay sequences
Mechanics that serve the story
Cinematic transitions
So one moment you’re skateboarding, then the scene shifts and you’re suddenly dropped into an emotional moment. The game doesn’t push you; it lets you go with the flow.
Because of this, it’s more accurate to think of Mixtape not as a “game,” but as an interactive coming-of-age film.
Music
This is where Mixtape really starts to shine.
In the soundtrack:
DEVO
Roxy Music
The Smashing Pumpkins
Iggy Pop
Joy Division
The Cure
are featured. But this isn’t just “background music.”
The songs:
guide the scenes
carry the emotion
and even shape the gameplay in some moments
In short: in this game, music = gameplay.
It’s not like a Spotify algorithm — it’s more like that legendary playlist your friend sends you.
Visuals & Atmosphere
Mixtape doesn’t chase “ultra realism” in its graphics. Instead, it uses:
dreamlike transitions
slightly grainy, nostalgic tones
an 80s/90s film aesthetic
Some scenes give off a very specific vibe:
“Is this moment real, or just the way I remember it?”
And that’s intentional. Because the game mimics how memory works.
Performance
Important point:
Mixtape isn’t coming to Nintendo Switch, but to Nintendo Switch 2.
This means:
Better performance
More stable experience
Stronger visual presentation
But let’s be honest… this isn’t a game you play for the graphics.
You play it to feel something.
On the Switch 2 side, the portable experience could be especially powerful:
Put on headphones → turn off the lights → dive into the game
= an unintentional “confront your past” simulator
Pros
- Very strong atmosphere and use of music
- A different and original storytelling style
- Potential for a short but intense experience
- Genuinely makes you feel the indie spirit
Cons
- Gameplay variety may be limited
- May not appeal to everyone (those expecting action might be disappointed)
- If the story leans into clichés, its impact may drop
Conclusion
Mixtape isn’t a game made for everyone — but if it connects with its target audience, it could hit really hard.
This game:
is not a racing game
is not an action game
is definitely not a “finish it and move on” kind of game
This game…
is like sitting in the same room with your past.
In short:
Mixtape isn’t a game, it’s a tape waiting to be played.
