Mixtape Preview: A Nostalgic Musical Journey

I still remember the first time someone made me a mixtape—well, technically a mix CD, but close enough. It wasn’t even romantic; he made them for everyone in our friend group. My version was an *excellent* blend of Morrowind soundtracks, Naruto opening themes, Queen, Kansas (no idea why), and… well, that one song we all pretended not to love. The playlist didn't make much sense, but somehow it worked—it was nerdy, chaotic, and full of unexpected bops.

That’s what makes a great mixtape so special: the emotional weight behind it. Sure, I’ve moved on to making Spotify playlists for myself now, but there's something irreplaceably nostalgic about holding a physical collection of songs handpicked just for you. A tangible memory, crafted with care, tailored for a moment in time and space.

Mixtape, the game, channels that exact same energy—and it works beautifully. Previewed at Play Days last week, Mixtape follows three teens: Rockford, Slater, and Cassandra, though it's primarily told from Rockford’s perspective as they put together their final summer mixtape. This isn’t just any playlist—it’s the soundtrack to their last night together before Rockford heads off to New York for a shot at some wild dream only a teenager could believe in wholeheartedly. Confident? Absolutely. Realistic? Probably not. But that’s exactly what makes Rockford feel real.

Their mix is filled with carefully selected tracks, each backing a different scene from the group’s final night of chaos. Occasionally interrupted by flashbacks or unexpected additions, the music drives every moment. And honestly, Rockford might be a bit of a music snob, but they really do curate an incredible list. The game opens with Devo’s “That’s Good,” and the demo continues through artists like Jesus and Mary Chain and Alice Coltrane. I won’t spoil the rest—the songs are such a core part of the experience that revealing them would take away from the magic.

What makes Mixtape stand out is how it evokes genuine nostalgia without relying on overused pop culture references. The music does the heavy lifting, creating a warm, golden atmosphere that feels like a perfect late-summer evening. From Rockford’s room decor to the way the characters speak, everything radiates that unmistakable sense of youthful reflection.

Mixtape Screenshots

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Another standout? The main trio is delightfully insufferable—in the best way possible. They’re teenagers, clearly on the edge of adulthood, yet still wrapped up in that intense self-importance that comes with being 17 or 18. As someone in their mid-thirties, I can’t take them seriously, and I don’t think I’m meant to. Their quirks are exaggerated, their drama over-the-top, but it all feels authentic to who they are. I’m excited to spend more time with them when the full game launches.

If there’s one criticism, it’s that the gameplay seems minimal in the previewed section. There’s skateboarding, a shopping cart rampage through town, and moments where you steer—but there doesn’t seem to be any real consequence for doing well or poorly. You can headbang along to music blasting in a car, or simply walk around a room looking at objects while chatting with friends. One of the most memorable interactions involved simulating two awkward teenage tongues meeting in a messy, hilarious, slightly gross make-out session.

I suspect the full game will unfold as a series of mini-vignettes, each tied to a specific musical moment. While I can’t yet explain exactly what you’ll be doing for the majority of the game, I also don’t think it matters all that much. Mixtape is less about mechanics and more about mood—and its vibe is spot-on.

In the end, whether the full game leans into action or remains a laid-back narrative journey, Mixtape already delivers what matters most: atmosphere, emotion, and a powerful sense of shared youth. I’m more than happy to ride along with Rockford and their crew—one perfectly chosen song at a time.