Ski to your own music!
My last PAX East appointment on day 3 was with an indie developer named Buffalo Buffalo and their game called Fresh Tracks. Fresh Tracks is a rhythm game where you make your way through different skiing trails performing actions to the different musical beats. If you try to play this game, I highly recommend playing the tutorial. There is a substantial learning curve so learn the ropes before you jump right into it. It’s not all about jumping to the rhythm. You’ll also have to attack with a sword as well as duck and lean in the right direction. As Skaii, you must unite the splintered pantheon of Norwyn to defeat Mar, the Queen of Terror, and restore hope to the land. As you make your way through the different stages, you unlock new skills and abilities. It’s a roguelite game so if you perish, you’ll have to start back at the start of the run. Different stages have different musical themes where one level could have rock music, another could have rap music or techno. You’ll just have to get to each level and find out. You’ll be able to pick your path where one route might have more currency for you to buy things from the shop whereas another could be an easier path with less jumping/leaning. If you have perfect timing, you’ll be able to charge your sword. A full charge allows you to heal yourself during the run and you will need that ability. I found myself taking damage a lot. There were times when I thought I had made a perfect jump and got hurt. The same could be said when I thought I cut a tree and the right moment or ducked only to take major damage and lose the run. You’ll be able to find health along the way too so make sure to pick up every piece of health you see. I think the devs saw that I was having a tough time and reassured me that Fresh Tracks is a challenging game and I totally agree with him. Fresh Tracks is an interesting idea for a Roguelite game and the music is really good. Go into it knowing it's a challenging game and you will restart runs, a lot.
