Melbourne-based Jake Houston has announced their upcoming musical and questionable RPG, Game Over – A Musical RPG?? is launching on PC (via Steam) on April 11, 2025.
Created by a self-taught games developer with a music and psych degree and a troubling concern for their own mortality, Jake Houston has crafted a game that explores that fear. In theory, if players love it, Houston may get to live a lot longer. We’re just joking around, but one thing is clear: Houston dedicated much to getting this game up and running.
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“Game Over – A Musical RPG?? has been my life for the past 8 years, which is older than most toddlers,” shared Houston. “I’ve given all of my bloody sweaty tears (I think that’s how the phrase goes, at least I hope it is) and have crafted something that still makes me laugh when I play it.
Almost every character carries a little burden of my fears, my insecurities, my joys and my loves wrapped up in a palatable packet of gameplay. If you want to crack open a can of Jacob and taste that pulpy, fairly acerbic juice contained within, give Game Over a go, and let’s find out why I used TWO question marks together.”
About Game Over – A Musical RPG??
Game Over – A Musical RPG?? is a musical RPG with rhythm-based combat encounters, zany characters, moral conundrums and platforming elements. In the game, you’ll get to see what happens after the credits roll! What does the henchman do when there’s nothing left to hench? And what of our heroes, who rendered the weapons industry useless after slaying all the baddies?
The game consists of multiple endings throughout a plot that is arguably funny. Created by a solo developer over the span of 8 years, Game Over – A Musical RPG?? has diegetic music. Not sure what that means? We’ll spoil that for you. Per the Oxford Languages Dictionary, in relation to sound, diegetic means occurring within the context of the story and being able to be heard by the characters. See? We’re so helpful here at But Why Tho?
Some details remain up in the air since the more details are shared, the more likely it may ruin the surprises Jake Houston has in store for players entering the world of this musical
Some features may or may not interest players, but Jake Houston has given them a special spin in describing them. The features are categorized as Great, Okay, and Bad. It’s pretty straightforward, actually.
They’re More Than Good. They’re Great Features!
- An adventure RPG with musical characters, moral choices and multiple endings!
- Music-based puzzles and platforming!
- Great rhythm-based enemy encounters with no repeats!
- Enjoy a world where all music is diegetic!
- Learn what diegetic means! (But we technically already did that. Sorry, Houston!)
- Difficulty options range from normal to Nigel Mode. The developer’s father, also named Nigel, didn’t like losing video games, so you’ll never lose in Nigel Mode!
- Arguably funny!
- Created by just one developer over a period of 5 long years!
Just…Okay Features
- Start menu
- Pause menu (works)
- Known price-tag
So Bad, They’re At Least Honest??? Features
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Insomnia.
- Drowsiness.
- Dry mouth.
- Wet mouth
I am not going to lie; the bad features are a little concerning. It’s a testament to Houston’s humour, which is present all throughout the Steam page, that the team can poke fun at the “bad” features. Colour us intrigued!
Game Over – A Musical RPG?? is launching on PC (via Steam) on April 11, 2025, for US$15. More updates will be shared leading up to the launch on their X account, and you can chat with the developer over on their Discord.
