Rising Star 2
- August 12, 2020
- Gilligames
- 73h median play time
Get on Steam"Rising Star 2" is a rhythm-based game where players create and customize their own virtual popstars to guide them to stardom. With a variety of songs to perform and challenges to complete, players must hone their rhythm and performance skills to rise through the ranks and become a top star. Featuring a vibrant art style and engaging gameplay, "Rising Star 2" allows players to express themselves creatively while competing against others online.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and engaging experience of managing a band, allowing players to create their own music and navigate the challenges of the music industry.
- The developer is highly responsive to community feedback, regularly updating the game with new features and improvements.
- The customization options for band members, songs, and promotional materials add depth and personal touch to the gameplay.
- The game can become repetitive and grindy, especially in the mid to late game, leading to a loss of interest for some players.
- There are issues with the game's pacing and mechanics, such as the random nature of song popularity and the lack of variety in cities and venues.
- Some players have reported technical issues, including crashes and lag, which can detract from the overall experience.
- music590 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the innovative song creation mechanics that involve assembling song components like a puzzle. However, the soundtrack can become repetitive, and some users express a desire for more variety and depth in musical genres and styles. Overall, while the game is enjoyable for music lovers and offers customization options, it may not fully satisfy those seeking a more dynamic musical experience.
“The song crafting mini-game is also really clever and implemented very well.”
“The writing, playing, and producing music part is really where the strategizing comes in.”
“I really appreciate the song development system, with some other games they fall into giving you a Guitar Hero-like challenge, whereas this feels more engaging as it's based on how your characters are developing, keeping up with trends, and not being afraid to 'kill your darlings' when the chance of that career-changing hit appears.”
“The soundtrack is quite repetitive after a while, but you can specify your own music in the game menu.”
“After a couple of hours of playing, this gets extremely boring; they literally copy and paste every city, no creative process has been done with the music or the band... the only two things you are supposed to do here is write songs and do stage shows and show up on gigs... really?”
“Unfortunately, the game itself has three major flaws that make it difficult to recommend at this price: (1) there is practically no depth to the musical elements of the game (no styles, cities and venues are practically identical), (2) the 3D navigation is bizarre, clunky and feels completely tacked on, and (3) crashes and hangs are still regular occurrences.”
- gameplay120 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is characterized by a simple and addictive loop that evolves as players progress, offering a mix of song creation, gig management, and character customization. While many players appreciate the engaging mechanics and the depth of simulation, some express frustration with certain mechanics that feel inconvenient or repetitive. Overall, the game provides a unique experience for fans of simulation genres, though it may require patience to fully enjoy its intricacies.
“What this game has going for it: an amazing concept, a satisfying gameplay loop.”
“Sure, it's a bit grindy, like all simulations, but the basic gameplay loop is fun and it evolves enough as the situation of your band changes that you are often faced with new experiences: from busking and running odd jobs, to writing and rehearsing your first songs, to bombing your first gigs before eventually starting to become popular, to recording your first independent CD, to playing constant successful gigs and looking for that first recording contract, to touring as an opening act, to headlining... it's all there.”
“The overall core gameplay of this game is very addictive for people who love simulation and stat-raising games.”
“This is so disappointing, we have no guidance, and to have a clean gameplay is very difficult.”
“Every single mechanic this game has exists only to inconvenience the player, masking artificial gameplay lengtheners under the guise of 'realism'.”
“I desperately want to like this game, but there isn't a single game mechanic that doesn't annoy me in one way or another.”
- grinding78 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The game is widely criticized for its excessive grinding, particularly in the early stages, where progression feels slow and repetitive. While some players find enjoyment in the grind and the evolving gameplay, many agree that it can become tedious and overwhelming, especially for those not accustomed to grind-heavy simulations. Overall, the experience is described as fun for music fans who appreciate the genre, but it may deter players who dislike grinding mechanics.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“But a big problem with this game is how damn grindy it is.”
“What exists here is a hellscape of continual grinding mixed with maybe the worst UI/UX combo I've ever seen.”
“I had to change my review; this game swallowed my whole existence grinding continental tours for hours on end with mindless clicking and van driving. Buy this game if you have a life to lose.”
- graphics62 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 26 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered basic and in need of updates, with many users noting their simplicity and occasional roughness. While some appreciate the quirky charm and functional design, others find the visuals lacking, especially when running on lower-end devices. Overall, the graphics do not detract significantly from the gameplay experience, which remains engaging and enjoyable for players.
“The graphics are decent for a newer game and run very smooth on my ASUS ROG laptop.”
“The graphics are fun and clear, the United States is the backdrop, and there are loads of fun things to do.”
“In addition, Rising Star 2 doesn't hide its early 2000's vibes, both graphically and in gameplay, which also adds to the charm.”
“The graphics are poor.”
“Visuals are a tad rough.”
“This game is graphically basic, the soundtrack is repetitive and the interface is clunky.”
- story28 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely seen as lacking, with many players expressing a desire for a more structured narrative or story mode to enhance the experience. While some enjoy the freedom to create their own story through gameplay, others find the missions tedious and unengaging. Overall, the potential for a compelling story is recognized, but its current execution leaves much to be desired.
“Gameplay and story is amazing, it does get tedious, but I can see why people play this a lot; getting those numbers to #1 album is a rush, even if you are booked on a 3-month tour.”
“A strong recommend for the early game and the story you can make for yourself.”
“I love the driving bits because it's not just a story of a band, which I also love; you get to go out in the actual world and make money every day, if you want to.”
“☑ no story”
“☐ worst story ever”
“If this game has a story mode it will be more impactful.”
- humor20 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its humor, featuring hilarious clothing options, funny band and bar names, and amusing song titles generated by a randomizer. Players familiar with the musician lifestyle will particularly enjoy the numerous easter eggs and comedic scenarios, making the game entertaining even for those who may not typically engage with band management games. Overall, the humor adds significant character and charm, enhancing the gameplay experience.
“You will probably hate this if you've never tried to be in a band before, but you will find tons of hilarious easter eggs all over if you're familiar with the life of a musician.”
“This is a rock band management game with a ton of character and humor.”
“In the latest update, you can now have the game generate sometimes hilarious song names and even lyrics for you.”
- optimization12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, users feel that the game requires better optimization, particularly in terms of character customization and performance options. While there are some features like the ability to upload personal songs, many players desire more built-in music options and voice lines for the DJ. Additionally, the game’s mechanics necessitate a team for effective skill development, which adds to the complexity of gameplay.
“Struggling from obscurity to international megastars, Rising Star 2 takes into account a variety of factors that lead to great performances, including the quality and state of your equipment, as well as how your band members get along, how much they practice, and the quality and difficulty of the various elements that make up a song.”
“The game starts you out with a character and some characterization options that aren't that great, but honestly you don't spend too much time looking at your character. There are some stats to level up like playing, stage performance, songwriting, repair, business, and production, but doing it all solo will cost money and you won't be able to max out all of the skills. That is why you need at least 2-3 members of your group for the essentials (but still requires you to pay for some services).”
“For one, the game needs to be better optimized.”
“The game starts you out with a character and some characterization options that aren't that great, but honestly you don't spend too much time looking at your character. There are some stats to level up like playing, stage performance, songwriting, repair, business, and production, but doing it all solo will cost money and you won't be able to max out all of the skills. That is why you need at least 2-3 members of your group for the essentials, but it still requires you to pay for some services.”
“More clothes, more interactive performances, better graphics, etc., but I have to admit that there would never be enough to satiate me.”
- stability10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is praised, with many users noting it is nearly bug-free and a refreshing change from other early access titles plagued by issues. While there are minor annoyances and some interface design flaws, the developer is actively addressing concerns and adding features, contributing to a generally stable experience.
“This game is nearly bug-free, at least for me.”
“It's a breath of fresh air considering some of the latest buggy, hot garbage that gets labeled 'early access' or worse, releasing it too early for a quick cash grab from the company looking for cash, not quality.”
“A bit buggy and a few poor choices in interface design for the price, but worth the time to play.”
“No glitches so far, but a few annoyances: the van you drive around is extremely slow, drumsticks and strings break really fast, unlike in real life (I'm a former college death metal drummer and I never broke drumsticks that fast), the moneymaking chores get tedious and only one band member can do them, which limits your income potential.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability due to numerous customization options and new features introduced by Todd Gillissie, enhancing its playability. However, some players feel that after completing the adventure, the variation in replaying the game may be limited. Overall, while there are elements that encourage replay, the experience may not significantly change upon subsequent playthroughs.
“Yet another reason this game has tons of replay value.”
“High replay value and lots of little ways to customize your experience.”
“But once played the adventure, I do not see much replayability with variation.”
“Todd Gillissie has expanded the original game with a ton of new features that make the game infinitely more playable and replayable.”
“But once played the adventure, I do not see much replayability with variation.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a blatant cash grab, with users expressing frustration over developers prioritizing profit over quality. However, some players find this approach refreshing compared to other recent titles that have been released in a buggy state.
“Complete and utter cash grab from the developers.”
“It's a breath of fresh air considering some of the latest buggy, hot garbage that gets labeled 'early access' or worse, releasing it too early for a quick cash grab from the company looking for cash, not quality.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Bullet for the Baritone" is enhanced by the collaboration of four vocalists and a keyboardist, creating rich and immersive soundscapes. This combination effectively contributes to the overall ambiance of the experience.
“Bullet for the Baritone features four vocalists and a keyboardist to create atmospheric sounds.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional impact of the game significant, particularly when facing the irreversible loss of a band member due to arrest, which is exacerbated by the inability to afford bail. This mechanic creates a poignant sense of urgency and heartbreak, emphasizing the importance of managing finances to prevent such devastating outcomes.
“Keeping a balance of cash is crucial; losing a band member to arrest and not having the money to save them is irreversible and heartbreaking. The only way to prevent this is to ensure you have the cash to bail them out.”
