Premium trombone-based rhythm game

Trombone Champ is a paid music app that works like most games in the genre, you press keys that correspond to certain notes at the right time. What sets this rhythm game apart, however, is its focus on playing the trombone. Instead of the more common piano or guitar-based gaming, it puts you in control of the brass wind instrument and its signature slide.

Aside from the conventional music game, Trombone Champ also offers a lot of extra in-game content for you to enjoy, from collectible cards to customizable backgrounds. It’s like Osu! or Clone Hero but for trombones.

Explore the Trombiverse

A light and fun element in Trombone Champ is its premise, which supposedly takes place inside the Trombiverse. You have to work your way to become the titular champ. Aside from the usual beat game interface, it also features your avatar “playing” the music. It stands out visually, using a combination of colorful backgrounds and low-effort, cute-looking characters. This makes the game enjoyable for players of different ages.

Your performance in a particular stage determines the reward you receive, which comes in the in-game currency of toots. These “toots” can be used to purchase Tromboner Cards, collectible cards that feature real-world musical icons and artists such as Tchaikovsky and J.J. Johnson. Also, keep an eye out for baboons scattered on every level. These easter eggs surprisingly contribute to the story.

As fun as this game is, it only has a small library of tracks. Currently, there are over 20 songs that include marches, hymns, as well as modern pieces. The developers, however, continue to add new tracks every now and then, which helps justify its price. It also has some degree of accessibility, letting you play with a controller or with just a mouse.

Bringing trombones center stage

In the genre of music video games filled with guitars, drums, and pianos, Trombone Champ shines the spotlight on a different instrument. By keeping its interface simple yet vibrant, it manages to create an experience that is both new and familiar for a wide range of players. It currently has a limited music library, but more tracks are always on the way, making it worth the price.