High school, for many, holds a ton of memories, both good and bad. From skipping class or pulling all-nighters, it’s a time filled with friendship, freedom, and fun. Games can capture much of what we hold dear, but none have come close to embodying what the end of high school feels.
Luckily, Beethoven & Dinosaur’s Mixtape nails those teenage memories with its charming story and fantastic music. Mixtape dives deep into the feeling of nostalgia to deliver an authentic and fun experience that never feels gimmicky.
Story & Gameplay
Mixtape follows three best friends as they look to make the best of their last day of high school. Throughout the journey, a music playlist (or mixtape in this case) sets the stage for the events as they happen. Artists like DEVO, Joy Division, and The Smashing Pumpkins play in the background as our main characters navigate the highs and lows of navigating teenage life throughout the increasingly eventful day.
While it does harken back to the late 90s, which I wasn’t present for, I appreciated how it lined up with my siblings' (likely overembelished) stories of their youth. Those memories of music narrating moments of teenage whimsy feel ever-present in Mixtape can feel a bit cliche and predictable, but it doesn’t take too much away. If anything, it adds an 80s teen flick charm similar to classic John Hughes films.
Gameplay-wise, it’s not too complex to play. Most of the time, you’ll simply be moving around, whether walking around or skating down city streets. It can read a bit simplistic, but there are plenty of moments when it ups its presentation and plays around with creative action-oriented sequences. In those times, Mixtape shines bright and executes it perfectly in both the visual and mechanical departments.
Graphics & Sound
Fortunately, Mixtape is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the ears. Its stop-motion-inspired animation style ups the nostalgia factor and adds a fun flair. Beethoven & Dinosaur are no strangers to unique art styles, of course. The team’s last title, The Artful Escape, also sported this colorful look. However, Mixtape might be their best-looking yet, balancing realism with creativity and crafting a vibrant, lively world.
Mixtape’s biggest seller, and one of its best parts, is the stellar soundtrack. Given that the game’s director, Johnny Galvatron, comes from a musical background, it’s not surprising that it’s lush with catchy tunes and deep cuts. It truly feels like someone’s emotion-infused playlist from the 90s, very much in tune with the game’s main music-loving character, Rockford. I even found myself adding some of the songs to my personal playlist.
Feedback
My playtime with Mixtape was a short but smooth ride with no glitches or mechanical issues. However, for those looking for a long title, it is not that. Clocking in at around 4-5 hours, it’s definitely a game that can be beaten in a sitting or two. While the pacing does work, I do wish there were more to build upon the characters and the town they live in. Here’s to hoping for a sequel.
Verdict
2026 has been a stellar year for games, and Mixtape is yet another star to add to the winning streak. With a fantastic soundtrack, beautiful animation, and nostalgic story, it’s a must-play for anyone pining for the old days. It’s not perfect, but what high school career is? Mixtape is a tune you’ll want to listen to again and again.
