REVIEW | Mixtape

Growing up as a teenager in the 90s, music was woven into everything I did. I had my cassette Walkman on during my paper round and spent afternoons swapping homemade mixtapes with friends. Even now, a familiar track on the radio can pull me straight back to that time. That connection to music is one of the reasons I enjoyed The Artful Escape a few years ago, so I was excited to see how Beethoven & Dinosaur would follow it up.

Mixtape takes that same love of music and memory and turns it into something more grounded and personal. On their final night of high school, three friends head out for one last adventure together, drifting through the moments that shaped them. It mixes skating, sneaking around, hanging with friends and reliving the kind of memories that stay with you long after you grow up. It feels instantly relatable, even if you never lived their exact story.

Now, let’s rewind the tape and get into the review.

Things I liked!

• Visual Style | The first thing that grabbed me when I loaded up Mixtape was the art style. It has a striking, stylised look that immediately pulls you in, and the stop‑motion movement used for the characters stands out straight away. It feels a little unusual at first, but I quickly got used to it, and it ends up giving them a unique charm. Only the characters move this way, while the world around them is animated normally, creating a distinct look that fits the tone of the game.
  
  As you progress, the art style keeps evolving and shines throughout the experience. Each memory has its own visual identity, shifting tone and presentation to match the moment you step into. The game moves smoothly between everyday environments and more surreal, music‑driven sequences, with transitions that are some of the most memorable moments in the whole journey. Bedrooms are packed with small details that tell you something about the characters, and when you look out the windows, the world outside feels alive, adding a real sense of immersion.
  
  The characters are all relatable, and the more time you spend with them, the more they grow on you. Their designs, expressions and animations help sell their personalities naturally, making the emotional moments land even harder. It’s a visual style that not only looks great but also supports the story and themes perfectly.

• Music and Sound | Music sits at the heart of Mixtape, shaping every moment and memory you experience. The soundtrack captures the feeling of growing up and looking back, mixing familiar songs with tracks that feel deeply personal. Some were instantly recognisable, while others were completely new to me, but they all hit perfectly. A few even grew on me when replaying certain levels, which says a lot about how well the music fits the game’s tone. Each track complements its scene beautifully, often shifting the mood from carefree to reflective in an instant.
  
  Sound design plays a big part too. Ambient noises, the hum of a car engine, footsteps on pavement, and the chatter of friends all help make the world feel alive. The balance between music and environmental sound is handled with care, so nothing ever feels overwhelming. The voice acting across all characters is excellent, with performances that feel genuine and full of emotion. Every line sounds natural, helping the story’s quieter moments land just as well as the big ones.
  
  
• Gameplay | Mixtape isn’t a traditional adventure game, and that’s part of what makes it special. Each level feels like a memory brought to life, blending short interactive moments with cinematic storytelling. You’re not chasing objectives or collecting items; you’re experiencing slices of teenage life through movement, music and emotion.
  
  The variety keeps things fresh. One moment you’re skating down a quiet street, the next you’re running through a school corridor or driving with friends while the music takes over. Every activity feels simple but meaningful, designed to capture a feeling rather than challenge your reflexes.
  
  Controls are straightforward and responsive, letting you focus on the atmosphere rather than mechanics. While the core game is quite easy, replaying levels and trying to unlock certain achievements can be a little more tricky, adding a small layer of challenge for players who want to dig deeper. It’s a game that values emotion and rhythm over complexity, and revisiting its moments only makes them hit harder the second time around.
  
  
• Story | Mixtape tells a heartfelt coming-of-age story about friendship, memories and the moments that shape who we become. It unfolds through short, cinematic scenes and interactive memories that capture the feeling of growing up and looking back.
  
  What makes it work is how personal it feels. The writing is simple but effective, letting the music and visuals carry much of the emotion. Conversations between the characters feel natural, and the way they reminisce about shared experiences gives the story a genuine warmth. It’s easy to connect with their journey, even if you’ve never lived the exact moments they describe.
  
  Mixtape doesn’t rely on big twists or dramatic turns; instead, it focuses on small, meaningful details that make the characters feel real. Each memory adds a little more depth, and by the end, it’s hard not to reflect on your own teenage years. It’s a story that stays with you long after the credits roll.
  
  
• Performance | Mixtape runs smoothly from start to finish, with no noticeable frame drops or technical issues. Transitions between scenes are seamless, and load times are quick enough to keep the cinematic flow intact. The stop‑motion style is handled impressively well, maintaining visual quality and polish throughout. It’s a stable, well‑optimised experience that lets the story and music shine without interruption.
  

Mixed & disliked!

• A Little To Short | Mixtape moves at a steady pace and wraps up fairly quickly, lasting around two to three hours. The short runtime suits its emotional focus, giving the story a tight, memorable rhythm, though some players may wish it lingered just a little longer.
  
  
• Accessibility | Mixtape includes a handful of straightforward options to make play more comfortable. You can choose from several languages, toggle subtitles, adjust sound levels, enable vibration, invert controls, and fine‑tune sensitivity. There’s also a chapter select, which is really handy for replaying levels. While there aren’t any advanced accessibility features like button remapping or visual filters, the setup is simple and intuitive enough that most players will find it easy to jump in and enjoy. 

• Minor Details | There are only a few small things worth mentioning. There’s no way to skip cutscenes, which is fine the first time through, but when replaying levels to chase missing achievements it can become a little frustrating. A few levels, while enjoyable, do go on a little longer than they need to, slightly slowing the pacing in places. These are minor details, but they stand out when revisiting the game.

How long did I play the review before publishing? 7 Hours
How long to beat the story? 2-3 Hours
How many Achievements did I earn before publishing? 20/26 OR 725/1000G
How long to achieve 1000G | 7+ Hours
You’ll love this game if you like these | Lost Records: Bloom & Rage + The Artful Escape

CONCLUSION

Score: 90/100

Mixtape had me hooked from the first note to the last memory.

Mixtape is a heartfelt, beautifully crafted journey that captures the magic of growing up and looking back on the moments that shape us. Its striking visuals, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable soundtrack come together in a way that feels both intimate and cinematic. I genuinely enjoyed my time playing, and even though the adventure is brief, it leaves a lasting impression that stays with you long after the final scene fades.