Drop Rate
Episode
4

STRAY GODS: THE ROLEPLAYING MUSICAL's genre innovation is an acquired taste

We speak to two reviewers and find out where they land on this blockbuster indie hit on our podcast Drop Rate

August 14, 2023 3:35 PM

Musical theatre isn't to everyone's tastes, and neither is STRAY GODS: THE ROLEPLAYING MUSICAL, the highly anticipated debut release from Australian indie team Summerfall Studios.

Twisting Greek Mythology into a modern day tale of existentialism with songs, Stray Gods follows Grace, a young woman suddenly thrust into godhood - all while being framed for murder.

With big names adorning the game's credits, like David Gaider (Dragon Age), Laura Bailey (The Last of Us, Critical Role), and Austin Wintory (Journey), expectations were sky-high. As it turns out, the pioneering interplay of interactive fiction and musical theatre proved to be as divisive as the very medium it's inspired by.

Our review found plenty to like in Stray Gods, even for self-proclaimed musical avoiders. There's been a wonderfully diverse range of opinions on the locally made game, highlighted by the latest episode of Drop Rate, SIFTER's review podcast.

Christie McQualter (GamesHub) and James Wood (WellPlayed) joined the show to discuss their nuanced perspectives on a game that will divide opinions.

Narratively and thematically, Stray Gods resonates deeply, and the on-screen representation shines through the diverse talent behind the game. Musically, however, is where Stray Gods lands inconsistently.

A copy of STRAY GODS: THE ROLEPLAYING MUSICAL on PC was provided to SIFTER for the purpose of this review.

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SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang, Adam Christou, Omi Koulas and Chris Button. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia for their support of SIFTER.

Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical
Summerfall Studios
Some good ninja stuff, good samurai stuff, it took them a long time to get here but boy I'm glad they did.
8
Pros:
  • Naoe feels like the old assassins from previous games
  • Yasuke definitely doesn't, which is very welcome change
  • Absolutely stunning world that feels busy and lived in
Cons:
  • Maybe the world actually might be too big?
  • It's an evolution not a revolution, if you've bounced off Assassin's Creed in the past this doesn't break the mold.
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Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical

PC
PlayStation 5
XBOX SERIES X|S
SWITCH
Developer:
Summerfall Studios
Publisher:
Humble Games
Release Date:
August 10, 2023
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