KAMITSUBAKI CITY ENSEMBLE for PlayStation 5

A story-driven rhythm adventure game

KAMITSUBAKI CITY ENSEMBLE is a music game set in a post-apocalyptic world where AI girls use music to rebuild ruins. In this rhythm game, there’s much to uncover about how the world was destroyed and the mysterious purpose of these girls.

KAMITSUBAKI CITY ENSEMBLE features five AI girls—Haru, Rime, Kafu, Sekai, and Coko—whose singing has the power to restore the world. In addition to the music, players can enjoy watching the dances of the chibi characters. Another group featured in the game is The Witchlings, consisting of characters who live among the ruins.

Extensive music variety

A standout feature of KAMITSUBAKI CITY ENSEMBLE is its large selection of songs, featuring popular tracks from Kamitsubaki Studio. The music styles are diverse, ranging from pop and rock to ballads and more. The gameplay is intertwined with a simple yet emotional storyline. Players can read the story segments or skip them entirely. The skip option is ideal for those who prefer to focus solely on the rhythm gameplay.

As a rhythm game, you listen to the music and press or tap buttons in time with the beat. The game offers four levels of difficulty. The easier levels start with four lanes, but as you progress, you'll encounter seven lanes, adding a layer of challenge that keeps the gameplay engaging. However, the game’s UI lacks fluidity, suffering from choppy animations.

Another potential drawback is the visibility of the notes. The white, blue, and sky blue hues can be hard to differentiate, especially at higher speeds. The lanes also share similar colors, further complicating gameplay. An option to customize both note and lane colors would greatly improve visibility. Additionally, some players might experience delayed input recognition, which is a significant flaw in a rhythm game.

Ideal for music game enthusiasts

Overall, KAMITSUBAKI CITY ENSEMBLE offers an immersive rhythm game experience with a unique blend of music, storytelling, and character design. Its extensive song selection and emotional narrative make it a standout, particularly for fans of Kamitsubaki Studio. However, visibility issues and occasional input delays might hinder the experience for some players. Despite these flaws, the game remains a compelling choice for rhythm game fans.