PlayStation 3 Critic Reviews

Its weird blend of influences coalesce into an experience that transcends its parts, creating a title that feels familiar enough for the average rhythm fan, but different enough to be considered on its own merits. Retro/Grade is a seamless mix of concept and execution, an essential entry into the music genre.

Overall, Retro/Grade is a wholly unique experience in both genres that it represents, and is well worth your time. If you have any interest in rhythm games or shoot 'em ups, you should do yourself a favor and check this out.

As far as rhythm games go, Retro/Grade is up there with the best.

Retro/Grade is a stunning take on both the rhythm and the space shooter genres – both of which haven't had much innovation in recent years. With solid mechanics, fun gameplay and excellent presentation, this could just be the best, and certainly the most unique, downloadable game this year.

Fresh, funky, and super fun. [Nov 2012, p.82]

A clever twist on rhythm-style games featuring all that the retro scene has to offer.

An experiment in the combination of two drastically different genres, Retro/Grade hits its mark.

You definitely won't find anything else like Retro/Grade on PSN, so if you're a fan of either genre (schmup or rhythm), definitely download the demo and give it a fair shot as you should find that you will be intrigued and drawn to its premise and gameplay elements that you will want buy the full game.

The folks at 24 Carat Games apparently spent their nights dreaming of slamming Guitar Hero against a side scrolling shoot 'em up because that's exactly what they ended up making with Retro/Grade. And it's delicious.

Despite all the insanity around the concept – and aside from all the weird "challenge mode" variants, unlockable ships, cute level descriptions, and all the other quirk – Retro/Grade is a well-designed music game with a completely original soundtrack. And that's as rare as a backwards shmup these days.