70
People of Note deserves to be recognized as an original and fresh take on JRPGs. The game offers a comfortable combat system and interesting characters. The positive impression is somewhat dampened by a rather formulaic story and budget constraints, but the game's trump card is its handling of musical genres.
60
People of Note is a gratifying, if ultimately ephemeral, hodgepodge of ideas - a pleasant distraction but hardly an instant classic. [Issue#423, p.116]
70
People of Note has lot of heart. However muddied its story might be, I can't say that it doesn't have charm. Its turn-based battles are some of the best I've seen in an RPG in a long time, making the most of its musical motif. Plus, the musical performances go a long way toward making this game more memorable than it would have been without them. I wouldn't say it's worthy of topping the Billboard charts, but it's certainly worth a few plays.
8
This game is so much FUN. Sounds cheesey, but it's been a minute since I've played something and felt whimsy like this. The art style is vibrant and lively and the music had me bopping the whole time while playing. People of Note was the exact kind of game I was looking for and I'm so happy it exists.
9
“Harmonies can’t be sung by one,” sings the lead of People of Note. And I think that the game encapsulates this mantra. From the development, to the systems, puzzles, character design, and charm, it performs each part admirably in isolation. But put them all into a harmony with one another and the parts all fit beautifully.
The strongest note of this mix is the charm that the game carries with it. Even if the narrative can sometimes lose its footing, it is delivered with such belief in itself through the use of musical-theater-level cutscenes, that I cannot help to smile as the songs deliver genuinely catchy choruses filled with diegetic meaning. The combat system has significant challenge and depth once it starts hitting those higher octaves. If you enjoy customizing a character build and turning characters up to Eleven, you’ll enjoy the choices you can make here.
Puzzles are well-thought out and just challenging enough to make me enjoy the experience of solving them.
I really didn’t expect to like this game as much as I did, but like a good song, it borrows influence from many places and provided me with something fresh.
10
Great musical. Amazing RPG elements. If you hate music, stay for the battle system and customization. If you're not a huge fan of RPGs, stay for the musical with Broadway-level music and story. Put em together and it's a 10/10 in my book. Any bad reviews under a 7 is prob haters who hate the ****'t listen to them. GotY candidate and should win awards based on the music alone...
People of Note
Released On:
Apr 7, 2026
Metascore
Generally Favorable
78
User score
Mixed or Average
6.8
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
78
70% Positive
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
30% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Apr 7, 2026
100
It is very rare to see a video game that gets everything right from start to finish, but People of Note definitely falls into this category. It starts off by hooking with flashy musical numbers and never lets go. Whenever Groove is being farmed to buy that latest guitar or triangulation puzzles are being solved, it is always optional and engaging. People of Note is the RPG that players need it to be. Some want a title that constantly makes them think, others want to enjoy a great story, and some want it all. This is one of those gems that will please almost every RPG fan. To add to this, it also has some of the most positive and inclusive writing seen in a video game. Every single element combines into a beautiful harmony, and, just as with music, one can enjoy it either by letting it flow or by analysing its depths.
Apr 7, 2026
90
People of Note is a vibrant turn-based RPG that blends classic JRPG structure with inventive rhythm-based combat and a standout musical identity, delivering a heartfelt story about ambition and friendship in a richly stylized world. Its Songstone customization system and flexible difficulty options modernize familiar mechanics, while its soundtrack and vocal performances elevate nearly every moment. Although its late-game pacing and limited animated storytelling hold it back from perfection, the experience remains consistently engaging, creative, and full of personality.
User score
Mixed or Average
6.8
69% Positive
24 Ratings
24 Ratings
3% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
29% Negative
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
Apr 15, 2026
10
Great musical. Amazing RPG elements. If you hate music, stay for the battle system and customization. If you're not a huge fan of RPGs, stay for the musical with Broadway-level music and story. Put em together and it's a 10/10 in my book. Any bad reviews under a 7 is prob haters who hate the ****'t listen to them. GotY candidate and should win awards based on the music alone...
Apr 9, 2026
10
It's a JRPG-inspired musical full of puns, impressive musical numbers, and a lot of heart. Did I mention puns? SO MANY PUNS. If this all sounds good to you, then this game will probably be a great add to you library! It does everything it sets out to do at least competently (and some things amazingly), what more can you ask for?
Apr 7, 2026
85
People of Note is a game that’s positively bursting with love for classic RPGs, music theory and culture, and the people who like both. It’s got an earnest, interesting story with diverse, likable characters, and smartly-designed, cleverly-implemented combat and stat-building systems. Compared to some similar RPGs, it’s a little on the leaner side, and the relatively minor presence of rhythm mechanics is disappointing. Still, overall, it’s a rock-solid, highly-enjoyable experience, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who likes good, ol’ fashioned turn-based combat and musical references. Also, if and when they release an official soundtrack, I will play it on loop until my speakers wear out. Especially the Irish battle music, that track is straight fire.
Apr 7, 2026
80
People of Note is a distinctive RPG that smartly blends music with gameplay, featuring fresh combat and a clear identity. Not every note lands but the many options let you tailor the experience to your liking. It won't be a hit for everyone, but it delivers something genuinely unique.
Apr 7, 2026
75
People of Note is a joyously musical RPG, with timing-based combat that keeps getting better and a wonderful world to explore.
Apr 8, 2026
70
I should be much more excited about a game that pays homage to games and pop culture, but odd decisions here and there really keep me from wholeheartedly recommending People of Note. The music is great, and the game is pretty frictionless with everything it expects you to do. I really wish People of Note’s verbosity were more focused on the story or even on helping me learn something about music, as this is a rich world with plenty of stories to tell. With the most egregious bugs fixed, I definitely think if you’re here for the journey of these musicians or are hankering for a strangely old-school turn-based RPG, making it to the very special end credits will be worth it.
Apr 16, 2026
60
People of Note is a gratifying, if ultimately ephemeral, hodgepodge of ideas - a pleasant distraction but hardly an instant classic. [Issue#423, p.116]
Apr 23, 2026
9
“Harmonies can’t be sung by one,” sings the lead of People of Note. And I think that the game encapsulates this mantra. From the development, to the systems, puzzles, character design, and charm, it performs each part admirably in isolation. But put them all into a harmony with one another and the parts all fit beautifully.
The strongest note of this mix is the charm that the game carries with it. Even if the narrative can sometimes lose its footing, it is delivered with such belief in itself through the use of musical-theater-level cutscenes, that I cannot help to smile as the songs deliver genuinely catchy choruses filled with diegetic meaning. The combat system has significant challenge and depth once it starts hitting those higher octaves. If you enjoy customizing a character build and turning characters up to Eleven, you’ll enjoy the choices you can make here.
Puzzles are well-thought out and just challenging enough to make me enjoy the experience of solving them.
I really didn’t expect to like this game as much as I did, but like a good song, it borrows influence from many places and provided me with something fresh.
Apr 13, 2026
9
Charming JRPG with a decent battle system and great music. The musical cut scenes engaged me to keep advancing the story. Overall a great little indie game.
Apr 12, 2026
9
The music is actually good, the writing is clever, contemporary, full of puns, and hard mode is actually hard. It's very anti-gatekeeper, which is great. It feels just like playing a classic JRPG, but with everything focused on the nuances of music. There are very light rhythm elements in battle that are relatively easy, and there's an ability customization system that as about as in-depth as you'd expect for this price point. Overall, it's a nicely polished package and well worth the price. (Expect review bombing from anti-woke cultists)
Apr 8, 2026
9
A beautiful love letter to musical theater and JRPGs - the environments and characters are SO beautiful, every sing is a banger, and it's so clear this thing was made with tons of love. I also love a game that can be as complicated or as simple as you want it to be, and the quality of life options/accessibility are SO varied and thoughtful.
Apr 23, 2026
8
This game is so much FUN. Sounds cheesey, but it's been a minute since I've played something and felt whimsy like this. The art style is vibrant and lively and the music had me bopping the whole time while playing. People of Note was the exact kind of game I was looking for and I'm so happy it exists.
SummaryIn this bold turn-based RPG, where musical numbers meet thrilling combat, join pop singer Cadence on her quest for stardom. After being shut out of the Noteworthy Song Contest, Cadence realizes that her solo act might not be enough for the judges. As she travels across Note to the Rock City of Durandis, the EDM City of Lumina, and mor... Read More
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- PC
- Xbox Series X
- Nintendo Switch 2
Initial Release Date:Apr 7, 2026
Developer:
- Iridium Studios
Publisher:
