Take a journey back to the 90s. Though I missed living through it myself, I’ve soaked in plenty of Nirvana tunes and spent countless hours on the Nintendo 64—free from the distraction of smartphones—to get a sense of that vibrant era. Picture a time when video games surged to new heights, technology leaped forward, neon outfits and questionable haircuts ruled, and, of course, the music was legendary. There’s something about the nostalgia of the 90s that still captures our hearts, and its musical legacy continues to echo today.
Think about bands like Weezer, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the Beastie Boys. We had Metallica and Motley Crue making waves, and let’s not forget the edgy sounds of Pavement and Sonic Youth. Oasis even gave us “Wonderwall,” a track that’s seemingly immortal—whether you’re tired of hearing it at every pub in northern England or not. Heaven help us if someone strums a guitar at a party and decides to play it.
Enter “Rockbeasts,” a game I got a glimpse of during Team17’s Showcase back in late February 2025. Developed by Lichthund, this game is a spirited nod to the days of alternative tunes and wild hairstyles. It throws you into the chaotic life of managing a rock band aiming for the big time—or maybe you’re steering them towards the ultimate sellout path. It’s your choice.
In this management simulator, you’ll juggle the band’s schedule, figure out their meal plans, decide when they rehearse, and if they hit the stage for performances. But there’s more—get ready to form bonds with your bandmates and encounter over a hundred quirky characters, each adding a unique twist to the band’s rise—or fall.
Picture a cast of whimsical, anthropomorphic animals that would make any Bojack Horseman enthusiast ecstatic. Imagine a bass-playing sea bass, for instance. Featuring a cameo from The Stooges’ Iggy Pop, and voice talent from games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Alan Wake 2, this lineup is as eclectic as it is intriguing.
Rockbeasts isn’t shy about diving into the seamy side of 90s rock fame, either. Its sharp, humorous dialogue doesn’t hold back on the swearing, drawing inspiration from adult animated series like Beavis and Butthead, Daria, Bob’s Burgers, and Family Guy. Expect humor that’s edgy and refreshingly irreverent.
While my time with the game was limited, Lichthund hinted at the complexities of managing a rock band in this era. Beyond keeping everyone in line and booking bigger gigs, you’ll navigate conflicts and controversies—both within and around the band—against the backdrop of the 90s’ canny capitalist environment, all on your band’s quest for stardom.
I’m fully prepared for moments when my band gets jeered off the stage, and I know that’s likely just scratching the surface of the challenges facing a rock band manager in Rockbeasts. It promises a wild ride, no doubt.
Get ready for “Rockbeasts” when it hits the scene in 2025.
