You know what's even trendier than roguelikes and survivor-likes these days? Indie studios claiming ZA/UM's mantle. Summer Eternal is the latest to enter the fray, and it might just be the real deal. Following the enigmatic reveal of their debut game, Red Rooster, earlier this month—along with the launch of an alluring anthology packed with early drafts, preliminary artwork, and design documents—the studio is also setting the tone on the musical front. Said anthology launches alongside a 10" vinyl featuring four tracks composed for the upcoming RPG, which still lacks a release date by the way. The EP has also dropped across all major streaming platforms, conveniently linked above.
Admittedly, I haven't entirely wrapped my head around what the game is actually about just yet—and that's fine. What is clear is that, just like Disco Elysium, Esoteric Ebb, and ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies, music is front and center rather than an afterthought. This EP delivers two tracks from Zagreb-based avant-garde rock outfit Nemeček, alongside two pulse-pounding, cyberpunk-tinged bangers from lead composer Corvad, lending sonic weight to the project and helping Red Rooster step out of its predecessor's towering shadow.
It's more than enough to leave me wanting more, and I've already locked into Summer Eternal's channels to track their debut closely. In the meantime, the Deluxe Edition of the Skate Story score by Blood Cultures should tide you over nicely.
Find all listening links for Summer Eternal: Anthology Volume One (Red Rooster Original Soundtrack) by Corvad, Nemeček on its dedicated page:
→ https://nwpl.ing/red-rooster-anthology-vol-1
