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  • People of Note a turn-based RPG and high-stakes battle of the bands

    People of Note a turn-based RPG and high-stakes battle of the bands

    Whether you’re a die-hard RPG fan or someone who can’t resist a good musical number, Iridium Studios is about to drop a title that might just be the most harmonious blend of both. Announced at TGS 2025 and set for release on April 7, 2026, People of Note is a “musical narrative adventure” that turns the standard turn-based RPG into a high-stakes battle of the bands.

    Here is everything you need to know about this upcoming title from the studio that brought us Before the Echo and There Came an Echo.

    The Setlist: The Story of Cadence

    You play as Cadence, an aspiring pop singer who gets rejected from the prestigious “Noteworthy Song Contest” for being a solo act. Realising she needs a bit more range, she sets out across the world of Note to recruit a band of eclectic musicians.

    The world itself is a love letter to music culture. You’ll travel to:

    • Durandis: The gritty Rock City.
    • Lumina: A neon-soaked EDM metropolis.
    • The Homestead: A wild-west region ruled by country music hooligans.

    But it’s not all auditions and applause. A phenomenon called the Harmonic Convergence is destabilising the world’s musical energy, and Cadence’s new crew might be the only ones who can fix the frequency.

    Gameplay: Where RPG Meets Rhythm

    Iridium Studios has a history of experimenting with unique inputs (like the voice-controlled There Came an Echo). In People of Note, they’ve reimagined the traditional turn-based combat system through a musical lens.

    1. The Stanza System

    Instead of a standard turn order, battles play out on a Stanza (a music-themed action bar).

    • Time Signatures: The top number dictates how many actions your party takes, while the bottom number represents the enemy’s moves.
    • Dynamic Conditions: As the music shifts genres mid-battle, the conditions change. A “Rock” segment might buff Fret’s guitar attacks, while a “Pop” segment amplifies Cadence’s abilities.

    2. Tempo-Based Combat

    While it is turn-based, there is a rhythmic element. Timing your button presses to the beat of the song increases your damage or healing—similar to the “timed hits” in Super Mario RPG or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

    3. Musical Mashups

    The real spectacle comes from combining your band members’ styles. You can unleash Mashup attacks that blend different genres (like Pop and Metal) to create powerful, screen-clearing effects.

    Accessibility: Play It Your Way

    One of the standout features of People of Note is its commitment to customisation. The developers understand that not everyone is a rhythm pro or a puzzle master. You can toggle several features on or off:

    • Environmental Puzzles: Don’t like sliding mirrors and light beams? You can turn them off.
    • Quick Time Events: If rhythm-based timing isn’t for you, there’s an option to play without them.
    • Adjustable Difficulty: Tailor the combat challenge to your preference.

    Pro Tip: If you want to get a head start, there is a free demo available on Steam right now that lets you play through the opening hours and the first few boss fights!

    Final Details

    • Release Date: April 7, 2026
    • Platforms: PC (Steam/Epic), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
    • Price: $24.99 (with a 10% launch discount).
    • Voice Cast: Features industry heavyweights like Erika Ishii and Debra Wilson.

    People of Note looks to be a vibrant, pun-filled adventure that isn’t afraid to be weird. Whether you’re there for the genre-bending soundtrack or the tactical “Stanza” combat, it’s definitely one to keep on your radar this spring.

    Find out more here – https://epic.gm/people-of-note

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