Trombone Champ: Unflattened Preview — Flat2VR Studios' first project is a charming stroke of genius
Trombone Champ: Unflattened is one of the first projects of the newly founded Flat2VR Studios. I was able to play it at Gamescom 2024.
Since its foundation in March this year, Flat2VR Studios has been working intensively with various studios and license holders to create official VR ports of popular "conventional" video games. The company's first project is the VR port of indie darling Trombone Champ. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical when it was first announced. But after playing Trombone Champ: Unflattened at this year's Gamescom, I can only say that it was a perfect choice.
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Like Guitar Hero, only … different
Trombone Champ: Unflattened is a music and rhythm game where the goal is to hit and hold notes while they fly in time to the music. Unlike popular VR rhythm games such as Beat Saber or Synth Riders, this is not done with punches, but with a virtual trombone.
The finished game, which will be released this fall for Meta Quest 3, Quest 2 and Quest Pro, as well as PC VR via Steam and Playstation VR 2, will feature over 50 songs. There will also be a single player campaign, different environments and the ability to customize the VR trombone. I only tried out two songs during my play session, but they were quite something.
Charming, witty and challenging
Trombone Champ impressed me from the first few minutes: After an intro sequence, the curtain opens, and I find myself in a packed concert hall to thunderous applause. It is so lovingly, absurdly and at the same time magnificently designed that it immediately casts a spell over me.
To the left and right of me on the stage are two notations on which notes rush towards me like in Guitar Hero, Rock Band and the like. To hit them, I have to move the slide: if I push it forward, I move up on the sheet of music; if I pull it back, I move down.
To hit the desired note, I press or hold the A, X, or Trigger key at the right moment. I can also press them alternately for quick combinations. Because I can move the slide back and forth without locking it, the movement is so smooth that I accidentally make the silliest trumpet sounds and can barely contain my laughter.
As funny as the trumpet sounds, it's just as challenging. I barely manage to get a decent score while playing. If you are serious about mastering Trombone Champ in VR, you are in for a real challenge.
My impression: Feels like it was developed from the ground up for VR
Flat2VR Studios has managed to capture the charm of the original game's cute graphics and wit, while adding small nuances. Trombone Champ: Unflattened plays like it was built from the ground up for virtual reality. I am sure that music and rhythm fans will have a lot of fun with this absurdly funny VR treasure.
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