People of Note preview: music, mash-ups and rhythm combat

People of Note is a turn-based RPG described during Tokyo Game Show as “Clair Obscur meets KPop Demon Hunters.” The game leans heavily on music as its core, promising entire “Disney-style” musical numbers and a story about blending genres and finding the purpose behind your voice.

Creative director Jason Wishnov cites Final Fantasy 9 as a major inspiration, and the demo offered a look at the title’s melodic design and theatrical ambition. You play as Cadence, a pop star seeking inspiration after being shut out from the Noteworthy Song Contest.

Her search takes her to the rock city of Durandis, a world of musical beef where bands like Homestead and displaced rock star Fret complicate life with factional rivalries and a mysterious key tied to an upcoming Harmonic Convergence. Along the way the game indulges in playful characters and touches of whimsy, from a pettable accorgion to NPCs with names like “Guy who reads a lot.” Gameplay mixes dungeon exploration and environmental puzzles with a rhythm-driven turn-based combat system.

Japan, Tokyo

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