This summer's weirdest RPG turns Chrono Trigger into a full-on Guitar Hero Boss Fight

The legacy of Chrono Trigger live on with upcoming games Nocturnebut this particular RPG also throws in some fun rhythm-based mechanics into the core gameplay. Nocturne brings out a mix that is not really common in the RPG world. On the one hand, it has the basic elements that have become the hallmark of the genre, but on the other hand, it adds some serious ones Guitar Hero vibes to fight.

There was once a time when the industry experimented a lot with rhythm games. The Guitar Hero games are some of the most notable, but other titles, such as PaRappa the rapper and Geometry Dashhave also been fun takes on the genre. Although rhythm games have fallen out of style in recent years, Nocturnes rhythm-focused RPG formula proves that this kind of gameplay can still be good in unexpected genre crossovers. Chrono Trigger and Guitar Hero aren't really two games mentioned in the same breath, though Nocturne want to change that.

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Nocturne embraces Chrono Trigger's thoughtful storytelling and RPG structure

Even over 30 years later, Chrono Trigger is considered by many to be one of the best RPG games of all time. Its time travel story and amazing gameplay have made it a deeply influential RPG, and Nocturne have clearly taken notes. NocturneThe story may not be centered around time travel, but it has its own compelling setting. The story takes place in a digital afterlife that has lain dormant for a thousand years. Now the world has woken up and it takes the players on a journey that raises deep questions about the meaning of life and sacrifices.

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This premise makes it a great game for RPG lovers who were particularly touched by Chrono Triggers story and its shocking twist mid-game. Sacrifice is a big theme in Chrono Triggerand NocturneThe setting after this will definitely shine a spotlight on many concepts that are as heavy to think about.

Gamers looking for a well-crafted RPG story should know Nocturnes story is over 100,000 words long and has a campaign that is over 10 hours long.

Chrono Trigger was one of the first games to show how deep storytelling can be in games, and of course, Nocturne is far from the only game it has inspired over the years. Games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and I'm Setsuna also have Chrono Trigger to thank. Nocturne features classic RPG features like leveling, items and equipment, stats, and tons of exploration that lead to compelling in-game secrets. It's not the only thing that Nocturne have in common with Chrono Triggerhowever.

Fans of Chrono Trigger's soundtrack must put Nocturne on their wish lists

The music in Chrono Trigger making it one of the best soundtracks in gaming. Then Nocturne is a rhythm-based game, it's no surprise that there's a great soundtrack to help bring this to life. What makes the soundtrack extra compelling, however, is that all boss music was recorded live by the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra. It is a special touch that gives Nocturnes world to the next level.

Nocturnes original soundtrack contains a whopping 101 songs that players can play. These tracks can be played in the game's arcade mode.

Even newcomers to Rhythm Mechanics can enjoy Nocturne's Boss Fights

Rhythm games can feel intimidating to some players; mechanics that require quick reaction times aren't exactly for everyone, but that shouldn't stop RPG fans from giving Nocturne a look. The game has six different difficulty levels ranging from Easy all to the way Expert, so it's a really forgiving game when it comes to the rhythm battle. Nocturnes approach to the mechanic has the potential to make it one of the best rhythm games in recent years. Whether you prefer a more fast-paced rhythm showdown or need to go a little slower, take down bosses Nocturne is meant to feel satisfying no matter what.

This rhythm mechanic is a reminder that this flavor of game still has so much potential

When done well, rhythm controls can be an incredibly underrated mechanic to use as a main feature of the game. It requires players to bring their full attention to what is happening, which can make the experience that much more immersive. There are plenty of great immersive games out there that don't have rhythm mechanics, but adding these controls to the mix provides a change of pace from the game styles more common in the industry.

Nocturne can be a good way to end summer and welcome autumn

Unless the game encounters an unexpected setback, Nocturne is scheduled to be launched September 24. This puts it right around the transition between the summer and autumn seasons, leaving it in the middle of a tough position when it comes to the 2026 fixture calendar. Nocturne clearly has the ingredients to be a charming indie game, but it will have to go up against a lot of big titles coming out around the same time.

Chrono Trigger and Guitar Hero aren't really two games mentioned in the same breath, though Nocturne want to change that.

right now, Nocturne only coming out on PC via Steam. It remains to be seen if it will eventually get a console release.

Marvel's Wolverine, Control resonant, The Blood of Dawnwalker, Silent Hill: Townfall, Valor Mortisand Onimusha: Path of the Sword are just some of the games coming out September 2026. It's a crowded space to be in, so Nocturne can hopefully shine through and find its audience. Thankfully, taking such an unorthodox approach to the RPG genre could really work Nocturnes service once September rolls around. There really is no one else Chrono Trigger-inspired RPG out there that has rhythm mechanics at its core in boss fights. It will be interesting to see how Nocturne prices at launch, but it's definitely a game worth keeping an eye on. Those who are interested in the game but want a little appetizer first can play for free Nocturne demo on Steam.