Hailing from the Abyss

Cool little rhythm game :)

I have no idea what is happening with the Mapping And Graphics of the notes but the calibration needs a automatic timed beat version, fun so far but im having a stroke actively knowing i hit notes and it just not registering

pretty good

Hailing from the Abyss is an indie rhythm-action title developed by Jiwoo Lee and VIA Studio (Visual Interactive Arts) and published by Next in Game that sets out to merge musical timing, stylized combat, and introspective storytelling into a single, tightly focused experience. Rather than presenting rhythm gameplay as a detached score-chasing exercise, the game frames each musical encounter as a confrontation, turning beats and button presses into a form of dialogue between the player and the world. From its opening moments, it establishes an atmospheric tone that leans into emotional tension and surreal imagery, inviting players into a journey that feels personal, dreamlike, and occasionally unsettling. At the heart of Hailing from the Abyss is its duel-based rhythm system. Combat unfolds as musical battles where every action—attacking, defending, or evading—is tied directly to the beat of the soundtrack. Successfully hitting notes in time allows the player to maintain momentum, chain combos, and deal damage, while missed inputs leave them vulnerable to counterattacks. This creates a dynamic flow that feels more reactive than traditional rhythm games, as players must not only follow the music but also read enemy behavior and anticipate shifts in tempo. The result is a gameplay loop that rewards both rhythmic precision and situational awareness, blending reflex-based action with musical intuition. The soundtrack plays a central role in shaping the experience, featuring a wide range of original compositions that define the pacing and emotional weight of each stage. Tracks vary in style and intensity, ensuring that encounters feel distinct rather than repetitive. Some songs emphasize steady, hypnotic rhythms that encourage focus, while others push players into faster, more demanding patterns that test endurance and accuracy. This variety keeps the game engaging across its runtime and reinforces the idea that music is not just a background element, but the driving force behind every challenge. Narratively, the game adopts a subtle and symbolic approach. The story follows a protagonist drawn into a surreal sequence of confrontations that reflect memories, inner conflicts, and emotional states rather than literal events. Storytelling is woven into the structure of the game through visual cues, character encounters, and the tone of each musical duel, allowing players to interpret meaning without heavy exposition. This restraint gives the narrative room to breathe and encourages personal interpretation, making the experience feel intimate without becoming overly abstract or confusing. Visually, Hailing from the Abyss uses expressive pixel art enhanced by lighting effects and animation that respond to the rhythm of the music. Characters and environments are stylized rather than detailed, prioritizing mood and clarity over realism. During intense sequences, the screen can fill with visual information, which adds to the sense of urgency but can also make readability challenging at higher difficulties. When it works well, the visuals amplify the music and action into a cohesive audiovisual rhythm; when overstimulating, they demand careful focus from the player. Beyond its core rhythm combat, the game introduces light progression systems that add structure without overwhelming the main mechanics. Players can earn currency, manage limited resources, and unlock additional content, providing a sense of advancement across sessions. These systems remain secondary to the rhythm gameplay, serving to complement rather than distract from the core experience. Difficulty scaling allows players to adjust the challenge, making the game approachable for newcomers to rhythm titles while still offering demanding sequences for experienced players. Reception to Hailing from the Abyss reflects its experimental nature. Many players praise its music, atmosphere, and unique approach to rhythm-based combat, finding it refreshing compared to more conventional rhythm games. Others note that visual clarity and performance consistency can sometimes struggle during complex sections, which may frustrate players seeking precision above all else. These criticisms highlight the game’s ambition, as it pushes stylistic and mechanical boundaries that not every player will find comfortable. Ultimately, Hailing from the Abyss is a game that prioritizes expression over perfection. It is not a pure rhythm simulator nor a traditional action game, but a hybrid that uses music as both a mechanical and emotional foundation. For players who enjoy rhythm games with narrative undertones, stylized presentation, and a willingness to experiment, it offers a memorable and distinctive experience. While it may not appeal to those seeking absolute mechanical clarity or mainstream polish, it succeeds as a creative, music-driven journey that leaves a lasting impression through its blend of sound, motion, and mood. Rating: 7/10

This is a game that I can clearly tell was made with a great passion and with great effort. With its artwork and its story, It's just eye candy to look at sometimes, and I will say that most of the interface was understandable at times, as well as the tutorial sufficing as a good intro into what the game will offer (albeit it is a bit fast-paced). I'd say that overall while there are definitely some portions of the game that could be tidied up slightly, like the notes syncing with the tracks themselves, I'd reckon the overall charm of the game is definitely unique, with a way of presenting a story that I haven't seen before. It's definitely worth giving a try, at the very least. The tracks, for the most part, are also nice to listen to, and never got tedious to listen to and are usually fun and enjoyable to listen to, albeit I will say that the difficulty does ramp up quite quickly in a way that feels slightly unorthodox for the earlier portions of the game, but it wasn't anything unbearable. I'd say that overall, this is definitely a game that you should give a shot. It has a really noteworthy charm to it and while it has its quirks I'd say that overall it is definitely something both unique and fun. I'm having a great time so far!

虽然打折9块，但是值不值9毛都悬的游戏。 作为音游来说谱面非常奇怪，操作更是怪上加怪，不适配手柄就算了，操作逻辑甚至都不统一，设置里也只给出了聊胜于无的按键自定义，分辨率调高了还会超框。 就完全是个未完成品，但愿当初我不是原价买的，时间太久了退是退不了了。

Some familiar and favorite patterns, but not slides!!!