Trombone Champ: Unflattened! Review – Blow Your Own Trumpet

Trombone Champ: Unflattened! Review

Back in 2022, Holy Wow Studios struck a chord with Trombone Champ, a delightfully absurd rhythm game where you hilariously honk your way through famous tunes on a trombone. This smash hit on PC and Switch had players in stitches, blending musical mayhem with laugh-out-loud gameplay. Now, the side-splitting experience is sliding into VR with Trombone Champ: Unflattened! Will the hilarity reach new heights in virtual reality, or will this rendition hit a sour note?

Unlike most rhythm games that focus solely on timing, Unflattened ups the ante by challenging you to master positioning as well. As notes fly toward you, you’ll need to align your hand to the correct spot and press the button at just the right moment to perform hilarious renditions of classic tunes. The transition from flatscreen to virtual reality feels natural, thanks to the physicality of VR gameplay. In fact, it enhances the experience, offering a level of immersion that makes each performance more tactile and satisfying. Subtle hand movements allow for fine-tuning, adding a layer of depth that feels uniquely suited to VR. While this is a treat for players, it’s also a comedic spectacle for onlookers. Watching someone flail and groove in VR amplifies the silliness the game is known for, making it as entertaining to watch as it is to play.

Give it a Blow

You can select between dual and classic options which sees the notation for songs differ. In classic, all notes appear on one side of the screen whereas in dual, prompts switch from one to the other. This is a great use of the space you receive in VR and also adds an additional level of challenge. Speaking of which, the game is pretty tough as it is. Due to the fine level of movement, it is difficult to accurately hit successive notes. You can switch between three difficulty options to support accessibility, however, this is a game where it’s fun to fail. Frustration never ensues as each attempt is a wonderful comedic experience. Blurting out the wrong note is hilarious and will have you giggling throughout orchestral classics.

The campaign groups songs together with each successive album being more demanding. Songs include challenges and rankings which act as an incentive to replay stages. Beating your previous score or completing an objective is addictive and will keep replaying your favorite tracks. Your attempts also link to the global leaderboard which adds another incentive. Although there are over 50 tracks to choose from, the majority are from the public domain meaning you won’t find any modern tracks. As many are more familiar with hearing the sound rather than recognizing the name, it’s a shame the game doesn’t provide a small preview on the selection menu. Regardless of this, there’s a nice variety of songs available and the possibility of DLC has me excited for the future of the game.

Stepping on Stage

The VR iteration captures the charm of the original with Mii-style characters that react to your performance. The staging is well designed with fireworks and effects that build towards the end of the song. While there are minor differences with the lighting and a small video in the distance for each track, the venue remains the same throughout. A range of environments would have helped to add variety and create more memorable moments. However, as it is, there’s a familiarity each time you step onto the stage.

The more objectives you complete, the more in-game currency you receive. With this, you can purchase trading cards which in turn can be swapped for a variety of trombones. From stylish new paint jobs to even a fish, the silly trombones add to the ridiculousness of the experience. On top of customizing your instrument, you can explore the catalog of songs in Freeplay Mode, letting you practice or perfect your favorite tracks. And when you’re ready to flex your musical muscles, Improv Mode offers the perfect opportunity to show off your unique style and creativity. Whether you’re chasing high scores, collecting zany trombones, or just goofing off, the game’s mix of precision and humor ensures consistent entertainment.

Encore!

Trombone Champ: Unflattened! captures the absurdity of the original and perfectly translates it to the virtual realm. Tooting your way through songs, whether accurately or disgracefully delivers endless laughs and a delightful sense of chaos. While the song selection is vast, there is a lack of contemporary tracks on offer. Although great in short bursts, the game can get repetitive during longer sessions. Regardless, the game shines in a communal setting, where the ridiculousness of playing (or spectating) guarantees laugh-out-loud moments. Weird, wonderful, and utterly unique, it’s a hilarious addition to any gathering.

***A PSVR 2 code was provided by the publisher***