Review: Trombone Champ – Unflattened – Hitting All the Right Notes in VR

A few months after it went viral, I picked up the original Trombone Champ for PC. Sure, I missed the boat on being part of a huge community when the game hit its initial peak, but I also went into the experience unbiased and able to take it in purely based on its gameplay and, obviously, trombone-y goodness. I actually found a new rhythm game I would revisit semi-regularly until only a few weeks ago.

Now, Trombone Champ: Unflattened takes the same concept into the 3D space via virtual reality and, on Meta Quest, mixed reality. Will unflattening the viral hit really prove to be a brilliant idea, or will it simply offer players the opportunity to sweat while they’re playing a virtual trombone?

What is Trombone Champ?

If you’re new to Trombone Champ altogether, allow me to introduce you to it. You play lead trombone in an orchestra performing a number of songs. Some are original, most are classical songs you’ve heard before (such as In the Hall of the Mountain King or Ode to Joy), and some are delightfully quirky originals. The game is silly and chaotic—like Guitar Hero or Rock Band if a trombone took center stage. Much like Guitar Hero, you’ll barely make it through the more difficult songs and wonder why you set yourself up for such a challenge in the first place.

From 2D to 3D: Trombone Controls Go Immersive

The original Trombone Champ is played on a mouse, where you slide the mouse up and down to determine the note of your trombone, then click the mouse to play a note, and hold the button down for a sustained note. You can also slide down while playing.

In VR, however, these controls are much more realistic—as well as intuitive. With your two controllers, you’ll pick up your virtual trombone with one hand and hold the slide brace with another. You’ll move that same hand toward or away from your mouth to determine the note, then press another button to play that note. It might sound complicated (and it is compared to a single hand on a mouse), but it truly is an incredibly intuitive and deceptively clever control scheme for a game as ridiculous as Trombone Champ: Unflattened.

What Makes Trombone Champ: Unflattened Stand Out?

Trombone Champ: Unflattened is a much more enjoyable experience than the original Trombone Champ. The original game is still excellent, but Unflattened is more immersive and intuitive. Plus, it’s much easier to import custom tracks into the game than it ever was before.

The shift from a 2D plane to a 3D one also makes for a more entertaining experience. You’re seated in front of a virtual audience while notes fly from either side of the screen. There’s nothing quite like seeing audience members moved to tears while you awkwardly “bone” along to Take Me Out to the Ball Game or, with custom songs, Careless Whisper.

Then there are the added 3D effects that only VR and MR can offer, such as bubbles, fireworks, and more. Thanks to the multiple levels of depth, these visuals never distract you from your playing—you can simply take them in and enjoy them.

Mixed Reality Brings Trombone to Your World

Mixed reality on the Meta Quest is a game-changer for those who want to stay grounded in their environment. Using the front cameras on the Quest, MR lets you place the stage down in a space of your choosing. I opted for my computer desk, but you can put it virtually anywhere. This mode is perfect for players who aren’t ready to dive into full VR or who get motion sickness from it.

Why I Keep Coming Back to Unflattened

Trombone Champ: Unflattened has reinvigorated my love for Trombone Champ. I now find myself playing it at least once a day on my Meta Quest 3, switching between VR and MR modes depending on my mood.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Trombone Champ: Unflattened is a surprisingly addictive VR port of the viral hit. It’s accessible, thanks to its difficulty levels ranging from laid-back to absurdly challenging, and its user-friendly controls. It’s also still hilariously chaotic at times. A must-play if you’re curious about trombone-ing your way to rhythm game glory!