With all the talk about gaming companies shutting down and mass layoffs affecting thousands of passionate developers, it’s hard not to feel like the gaming industry is slowly imploding — obsessed with the live-service gold rush and chasing quick profits to cover the skyrocketing costs of big-budget development and bloated tech expenses.
It’s depressing, but every now and then, a game comes along that pushes the boundaries of what the medium can be, reminding us that there’s still a glimmer of hope in the industry.
Indie studios are known for creating games that don’t always conform to the status quo. They don’t have to limit themselves to live-service looter-shooters or sprawling open-world games with non-linear narratives. Some indie titles exist simply to prove that there’s still uncharted creative territory in video games — and they thrive on that sense of exploration.
That’s why I think a game like Sayonara Wild Hearts, from Swedish studio Simogo and published by Annapurna Interactive, is the perfect title that I want to highlight this week. Here are 4 reasons why you should play one of the best indie games of 2019:
It’s a Narrative Rhythm Game
Sayonara Wild Hearts isn’t confined to just one genre, but at its core, it’s all about rhythm and music. Unlike most rhythm games that prioritize gameplay over storytelling, Sayonara Wild Hearts blends the two seamlessly, with each song-driven level infused with meaning and direction.
You’re not just skateboarding through a busy intersection for no reason. You’re not just battling enemies for the sake of flashy action. You’re on a journey of self-discovery, set in a neon-drenched dreamscape, guided by an evocative pop soundtrack.
At its heart, Sayonara Wild Hearts is a game about learning to love yourself after heartbreak, pain, or loss. It masterfully conveys emotions of solitude, anxiety, and healing through its audiovisual experience.
A Fantastic Pop Soundtrack
Yes, the game tells a story about heartbreak and loss — narrated by Queen Latifah, no less — but what truly elevates it is its music. And this isn’t just background noise; it’s an addictive, lingering earworm that stays with you long after the credits roll.
For me, Sayonara Wild Hearts is a pop album first and a narrative rhythm game second. I remember being completely obsessed with its soundtrack, with tracks like Mine and Inside dominating my Spotify playlist for weeks.
Even if you’re not usually into reflective pop music, Simogo does an incredible job of integrating its real-time rhythm mechanics with the story. When a big chorus hits, the environment shifts in response, making each moment feel like an interactive music video.
The game’s first major song, Begin Again, perfectly showcases what Sayonara Wild Hearts is all about — riding a motorbike, dodging enemy fireballs, and soaring through a fiery crevice, all in sync with the beat.
You Can Finish It in One Sitting
For those hesitant about diving into a rhythm game centered on heartbreak and pop music, there’s good news — Sayonara Wild Hearts is short. In just 2-3 hours (the same length as a movie), you can experience the entire game in one go.
That said, some of the later levels can be tricky, occasionally throwing off your rhythm. While rhythm game veterans may breeze through, those less familiar with the genre might struggle. Thankfully, the game offers the option to skip sections if they prove too difficult, making it a relatively forgiving experience.
If you’re not a completionist aiming for a Perfect Song Gold Rank, you can enjoy the entire journey in one sitting.
Free Upgrade on PS5
If you’re a PlayStation 5 user and haven’t played Sayonara Wild Hearts yet, now is the perfect time to jump in — the game recently received a free PS5 upgrade.
Players who own the base PlayStation 4 version can upgrade for free, gaining access to enhanced visuals, haptic feedback support, and a faster song mode for an added challenge. If you don’t own the game yet, you can purchase the PS5 version for $12.99.
That’s all I have to say about Sayonara Wild Hearts, a game I personally adored when I first played it in 2019. It’s a fantastic reminder that, despite the industry’s struggles, video games are still capable of delivering absolute bangers that leave a lasting impression.