'Mixtape' celebrates the small joys of the 80s and 90s

Described as one of the year's most surprising games, 'Mixtape' defies easy categorization, blurring the lines between a video game and an interactive film. It offers a deeply nostalgic journey, particularly resonant for those who came of age in the 1990s. The game is packed with relatable moments, from sharing cheap drinks in the woods to hanging out with friends in lava-lamp-lit rooms, evoking chuckles from adult players.

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'Mixtape' is one of the most surprising games of the year and cannot be easily pigeonholed. Is it a game or more of an interactive film? Opinions are divided, but it is certainly a nostalgic trip, especially for teenagers of the 90s.

The narrative centers on an inseparable trio: Stacey, Van, and Cassandra. As their high school years conclude and Rockford prepares to move to New York to pursue music, they decide to go on one last wild adventure. While searching for Rockford's sister's hidden alcohol stash, the friends reminisce about their shared teenage experiences, including breaking into a theme park and awkward first kisses.

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Nostalgia lies in small things and the creators are very aware of that.

'Mixtape' masterfully captures nostalgia through small, authentic details: rewinding a cassette with a pencil, playing with car light switches, or decorating a house with toilet paper. These elements, along with American-specific scenes like making slushies at the mall, transport players back in time. The gameplay itself is intentionally simple, requiring minimal gaming experience and offering limited movement, clearly prioritizing emotional impact over complex mechanics.

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It is clear that the makers had one clear focus: emotion.

Despite its strengths, the game's emotional core is not fully realized for some. The story, while engaging, lacks a certain depth, and a strong connection with the characters may not fully develop even after the four-hour musical journey. Visually, 'Mixtape' is a gem, with vibrant, colorful environments that players fly through. The meticulously recreated teenage bedrooms, complete with polaroids and lava lamps, enhance the immersive experience. The game's title hints at its strongest asset: its music. Each chapter features a carefully curated soundtrack, with Rockford explaining the significance of each song, creating "the soundtrack of your life."

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Yet, the game also falls a little short in that regard, in my opinion: especially the story is lacking something. I didn't form a real bond with the characters, not even at the end of this 4-hour musical journey we took together.