‘Next-generation rhythm game’ Sound System launches in Early Access for PC on October 16

From the creators of popular music games like Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and DJ Hero comes Sound System, a new rhythm game. It will be available on Steam for PC in Early Access starting October 16th for $24.99, according to developer Echo Foundry Interactive. The full game will later be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

Here is an overview of the game, via Echo Foundry Interactive:

Sound System brings a fresh take to rhythm games with exciting gameplay and tools that let you create your own music experiences. You can play guitar, bass, or sing using a keyboard, controller, or even a real instrument! Enjoy playing with friends locally or online, either by jamming together in a band with shared effects and bonuses, or competing for stage control in head-to-head battles. The game also features a platform where players and artists can share their creations.

Sound System will offer a wide variety of music, with over 50 songs ranging from classic covers to popular indie artists and up-and-coming bands. This mix provides familiar favorites for comfort and nostalgia, while also introducing listeners to new music and supporting artists. You can always play core tracks from indie and new artists for free. Studio covers cost $0.99, and there will be plenty of downloadable content from both established and new bands, including exclusive monthly single releases and regular updates to the music store.

The game offers three distinct modes for varied playstyles:

Classic Mode – The core traditional arcade guitar experience with forgiving timing windows and no-fail gameplay, so new and casual players stay in a flow state and focus on the vibe and the music.
Pro Mode – Designed for rhythm game veterans, this mode features tighter timing windows and DDR-style scoring (Gold/Perfect, Silver/Great, Bronze/Good). Miss a total of 11 notes and it’s Game Over.
Hardcore Mode – The ultimate challenge where one missed note means you’re out—perfect for e-sports integration, elite players, and leaderboard chasers.

Okay, so in Sound System, you basically get to build your dream stage! It’s all about customization – I can tweak everything to make each playthrough feel totally different. I’m talking about changing the note highways themselves, picking from tons of backgrounds – even videos! – and customizing the scoring display. Plus, there are these cool visual themes and bundles to really tie everything together and make the whole experience unique. It’s awesome being able to personalize everything!

Beyond just playing the game, Sound System brings back the fun of classic 5-fret guitar rhythm games while also introducing a brand new feature: the PulseMap Editor. It’s been called a mix of Mario Maker and Guitar Hero! This editor lets players create their own levels using any music they like – they can build charts from scratch, edit existing ones, or even upload their own original songs to play along with. This also allows players to share their creations with friends, fostering a huge amount of community-driven content.

Watch a new set of trailers below.