Rhythm games have always had a special place throughout the history of video games, from the legendary Guitar Hero and Rock Band, all the way to more modern indie attempts that combine music with different genres. But rarely does a debut title garner as much attention as Fresh Tracks, the first game from Canadian developer and publisher Buffalo Buffalo. It's about an independent team from Vancouver that, with the support of the Canada Media Fund and Creative BC, decided to take a risk and offer players something completely different: a roguelite experience told through rhythm and skiing. The game was released on August 26, 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC (Steam).
The action of the game is set in the mythical land of Norwyn, where the player assumes the role of Skaii - a skier who makes her way through snowy mountains, forests and dark caves. Each track is shaped to a song, and your movements – skiing left or right, jumps, leans and sword strikes – must be in sync with the rhythm. This creates an experience that combines action and music into one harmonious whole. Fresh Tracks relies on 28 original songs that cover different genres: pop, metal, rap, orchestral music and even musical theater. The songs are varied, well produced and powerful enough to carry the atmosphere of the game. This is precisely why each run feels fresh and unique, although after playing for a long time you may feel that some songs are repeated more often than they should be.
Fresh Tracks is designed as a roguelite. Each run begins with a choice of skis, weapons and accompanying mythical creature. During the ride, there are two to three songs to choose from, each with a corresponding difficulty level and additional effects - for example, one song can offer healing, while another gives the possibility of an extra life. If you fall, the run ends, but permanent upgrades are unlocked through collected resources. There are two currencies in the game: Whyspers and Ekkos. Whyspers are used for temporary bonuses during the run itself – extra health, better resistance, special charms that make it easier to pass. Ekkos are used for permanent unlocks: new skis, weapons or songs to practice in practice mode. Skis and weapons change playstyle, giving small but significant bonuses, while mythics offer deeper tactical advantages. Each mythic has a personality, is tied to certain song genres, and offers special abilities. They are unlocked by defeating their boss songs, which opens up new stories and content.
The game offers four main difficulty modes: Traveller, Explorer, Adventurer and Champion. Traveler is ideal for beginners because the songs have a slower tempo, obstacles appear less often and tolerance for mistakes is higher. Explorer provides a good balance between fun and challenge, with higher rhythmic demands and solid rewards. Adventurer brings a more dynamic rhythm, more complex obstacles and requires more precise shots, while Champion is a real treat for rhythm game veterans, with extremely fast songs and almost zero tolerance for mistakes. Difficulty selection affects not only the pace and number of obstacles, but also the quality of rewards, so higher risk brings greater potential for permanent unlocks.
One of the main advantages of the PlayStation 5 version is the responsive and intuitive controls. Railing, jumping and tilting respond instantly, and swordsmanship with the right analog stick feels natural and precise. All actions are clearly indicated visually, so it is possible to react in accordance with the rhythm without the feeling of delay. In this sense, the PS5 provides an experience that is smooth and reliable. On the technical front, Fresh Tracks on PlayStation 5 works stably. There are no serious bugs or performance drops to spoil the experience. The graphics are stylistically striking – a combination of Norse mythology and modern visual design – and all of this is displayed fluidly, without pausing. This is especially important because any delay in the rhythm game can mean failure. The biggest problem is the repetition of songs. Although there are 28 of them in total, during longer sessions some return more often than would be desirable. Another minor drawback is the first-person perspective: although it creates a strong sense of immersion, it sometimes makes it difficult to see upcoming obstacles, which can be frustrating, especially on higher difficulties.
On PlayStation 5, the game brings a total of 29 trophies: 12 bronze, 11 silver, 5 gold and 1 platinum. The path to platinum leads through a variety of tasks - from basic steps such as completing the first "Story-Song" and buying new skis, to more demanding challenges such as unlocking merchants, winning special weapons (Fyrebrand and Stille Spear) or defeating mythics. For platinum, it is necessary to thoroughly familiarize yourself with all the mechanics: collect resources, try different combinations of skis and mythicals, go through tracks on difficult levels and overcome boss fights. It's not a short task, but for players who like rhythm and roguelite elements, the platinum trophy is a true testament to skill and persistence.
Fresh Tracks is an example of how innovation in the rhythm game genre can be combined with modern trends in roguelite mechanics. As Buffalo Buffalo's debut project, the game shows exceptional creativity and technical stability. The combination of adrenaline skiing, swinging swords to the rhythm and strategic selection of songs makes the experience unique. The repetitiveness of the tracks and the occasional obscuring of the obstacle view are small blemishes on an otherwise great picture. For fans of rhythm games and those who enjoy roguelite challenges, Fresh Tracks presents one of the freshest and most exciting offerings of the year. And for PlayStation 5 owners, it is also proof that independent studios can offer an experience that is in no way behind the big names - with an additional challenge in the form of a valuable platinum trophy.
A copy of the game was provided by the development studio Buffalo Buffalo for review purposes
