Build Songs as You Fight in Tactical RPG Tactichord’s First Playtest

Written by Marcello TBL

News
Tactichord: Glam strategy

Tactichord: Glam Strategy will run its first private playtest from November 1–10, with access granted in batches to players who request entry on the Steam page.

Tactichord: Glam strategy RPG

The indie studio Ichigoichie is collecting gameplay metrics during the test, directing feedback via Discord, and tying participation to a raffle and leaderboard competition. The post outlines how to join and what to expect, noting the build may be rough but aims to validate pacing, difficulty, and UI while players clear stages using a new stage-select flow.

Ichigoichie also plans a short kickoff livestream and will communicate winners and next steps after the test window closes. Under the hood, Tactichord blends grid-based, turn-based tactics with a music game where each turn feeds a song you assemble as you play.

Tactichord: Glam strategy RPG

Battles revolve around converting hostile bystanders into fans through “melee performances,” building the heat resource, and timing character-specific power moves to earn S+ scores.

Each bandmate spends action points per turn and carries a distinct crowd-control toolset: the bassist can camp and unleash a sonic barrage, the guitarist can slip past guards, the drummer can hurl targets across the map, and the vocalist can repel or attract groups with wails and charm.

Tactichord: Glam strategy RPG

Clearing a level stitches your chosen riffs and lyric couplets into a generated music-video recap. The story follows Diane Eason and a nameable band in 1990s America, with dialogue choices that can support or antagonize bandmates across a character-driven campaign.

Customization extends to vanity audio effects, instruments, and costumes, and the soundtrack features glam and heavy metal tracks composed by Chris Laney (Pretty Maids, Ronnie Atkins Band, At The Movies).

The playtest follows a busy event run where the team highlighted UX improvements and a Steam Deck–compatible version. There’s no release date for the full game right now, so the Steam playtest is your best chance to play it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo of author

Marcello TBL

Italian Dad in love with Turn-Based RPGs and Indie Games. In 2018 he started Turn Based Lovers and now he can't live without it. A huge fan of RPGs in general, raised on the glorious video games of the '90s that shaped who he is today. Always hopeful that XCOM 3 will arrive one day.