Repeater Records is struggling in the midst of the vinyl sales boom in the UK. However, it’s at the heart of the charming indie PC game, Wax Heads, a game that’s going to appeal to anyone who loves to spend time in their local record store. In illustrations that are fashioned in a comic book style, Repeater Records is presented as being cluttered, chaotic, but remarkably cosy. In this unique and special world, you’ll assist every music-loving customer who comes through the door in their hunt for the perfect record. Not only will you encounter some that have a notion of what they like but it’s up to you to provide them with what they need.
The game will undoubtedly feel familiar to those who haunted record shops in their youth. Tamagotchis, coffee cups, and MF DOOM’s metal-plated mug cover the till and walls, while a shelf dedicated to fictional punk band Sister is positioned in front of a poster advocating for unionisation. In the game, you’ll roam the shop, using arrows to navigate, and find out that you can play the game’s artists’ original tracks, including a breakneck electronic tune titled ‘Unstoppable’ by Mimi. This advance in discovery gives it a realistic feel to the game and helps to add to the charm.
The customers that you encounter in-game are varied, with each requiring a unique approach to finding the right record. Tony, for instance, with “cheapskate” next to his name, is purely interested in a bargain, no matter how he lands one. We end up selling him ‘Let’s Fuzz’, record with sleazy artwork that has a description next to it that reads: “mixes the sexy, messy sounds of electronic fuzz with the loinful moans o desire”. Critics recommended the record “with two thrusts.” Alternatively, a 13-year-old girl is searching for a Sister album of their big brother’s favourite punk-rockers advertised in a magazine. However, sensing trepidation, we instead recommend their more accessible debut, which puts a smile on the young girl’s face as she leaves.
The demo lasts 20 minutes, which tends to be more than enough to get a feel for the game’s mechanics. It’s satisfying to find the ideal vinyl for the customers, and considering the puzzle-like formula employed, we’re excited to see how it will be developed in the full game. Crucially, we fell completely in love with Repeater Records’ punk charm, diverse clientele, and banging jukebox, with the soundtrack being a perfect fit for the world the game is trying to create. There’s no launch date for the full version of Wax Heads as of yet, but as soon as it’s released, we’ll be the first in line to play it.
Wax Heads is a free demo that’s available now, and anticipating the complete title’s release, it is advisable to check it out. It’s touching to see that Repeater Records thriving in-game; it’s a precious gem in the midst of record shops closing down due to the ever-increasing vinyl sales market
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