A Beloved Pop Album Transformed into a PS5 Game

Sayonara Wild Hearts by Simogo is a mesmerizing arcade experience that's now available on a fresh gaming console.

Describing Sayonara Wild Hearts is no easy task. It's a rhythm-based adventure where you find yourself skillfully navigating a motorcycle and even a dragon, wielding massive swords, evading fireballs, and teleporting into a futuristic VR world. This game unfolds much like a pop music album, weaving a tale of love and heartbreak, elegantly narrated by the iconic Queen Latifah.

Initially released in 2019 for platforms like the Switch and PS4, as well as Apple Arcade (where it is no longer available), the game has now arrived on the PS5. If you already own it on PS4, the upgrade is free, offering enhanced performance and a new endless mode called Remix Arcade. The arrival on PS5 provides the perfect reason to revisit this enchanting universe.

The narrative centers on a young woman, brokenhearted and whisked away to a different world where she has the quest to restore balance through the collection of numerous hearts. As you progress, you will navigate through 23 engaging levels including thrilling city races, clashes with biker gangs, and soaring ventures through a devastated urban landscape. The game is designed with an arcade style, inviting players to chase high scores by gathering hearts and treasures, all orchestrated to the rhythm of its captivating pop soundtrack.

A Diverse Gaming Experience

Though the journey lasts around two hours, Sayonara Wild Hearts delivers a richly varied experience. Players will find themselves shifting from skateboards to motorcycles, cars to autonomous flights, and even dragon rides. The gameplay incorporates elements from classic arcade shooters and early 3D platformers to exhilarating races. What unites these diverse styles is the rhythm-action gameplay, creating a unified and stimulating experience. Importantly, the game is user-friendly; if a particular section proves too difficult, players have the option to skip ahead.

Elegance in Design and Sound

The game's aesthetic is distinctly stylish with a vivid color palette of pinks, blues, and purples, featuring characters who elegantly dance and battle, accompanied by robotic wolf mechs. The quirky yet cool presentation is underscored by a remarkable pop soundtrack crafted by composers Daniel Olsén and Jonathan Eng, with stunning vocals by Linnea Olsson. The soundtrack itself is a reason to return, providing a perfect accompaniment to the gameplay.

Much like a favorite music album that keeps drawing you back, Sayonara Wild Hearts is a game I've revisited multiple times over the years. Each playthrough reaffirms its daring and unique design, qualities that have not waned over time. The game's concise length allows for a complete and immersive experience without feeling overwhelming.

If this is your first encounter with Sayonara Wild Hearts, you may be intrigued to learn of its origins. Simogo, the creative Swedish studio behind the game, boasts a diverse portfolio including titles across various genres. Their inventive and consistent output peaks with this title, arguably showcasing their creative prowess at its finest.