A new type of rhythm game focused on vocal performance has hit the market. It is called 'HYPERVOX', a new release from domestic indie developer Stagnant Water Games, which launched on Steam this past 18th.

This game moves away from the traditional method of simply hitting notes to a beat, offering an experience where you feel like you are performing the vocal lines yourself. Players interact with the music by hitting notes as they glide across the screen with precision.

The core structure is built on 12 lanes. Notes spawn based on the song's vocal progression, moving horizontally or vertically toward the judgement line. Players must strike the corresponding keys right on cue. Precision is essential, and maintaining the flow of the performance is key to achieving a high score. The controls utilize 12 standard keys and two dedicated keys for octave adjustments.

The game offers various settings for convenience. While the keyboard layout defaults to a standard alphabetical arrangement, players can remap keys in the settings. A standout feature is the full MIDI keyboard support. Each of the 12 musical notes on a physical keyboard maps one-to-one to the game's controls, and players can use the pitch wheel to shift octaves, providing an experience similar to playing a real instrument.

Notes are broadly split into regular and octave types. Regular notes require a press-and-hold action and are distinguished by color. Octave notes require a more complex input, where you must hold a dedicated key before hitting the note key. Color coding helps identify pitch, and a colorblind mode is included to ensure accessibility for all players.

The judgement system is divided into five tiers based on accuracy. It ranges from 'Precise' (within ±50 milliseconds of the target) to 'Break', which affects your score and combo. Players can also adjust the note scroll speed in real-time to match their reaction time without affecting the actual timing or rhythm of the music, optimizing visual comfort.

The game also includes tools for content creation. You can separate vocals from instrumental tracks, link MIDI data to the melody, and create your own charts. If you lack the data, an AI-assisted conversion feature is available, though quality may vary depending on the track length. Additionally, the game supports personalized features such as custom video backgrounds and album art settings.