Sidechain is a casual action-rhythm game that turns any music file into the core of its momentum-based gameplay on PC. Players load their own tracks and ride procedurally generated courses shaped by the audio, where timing pumps and tricks to the beat determines speed and success.
Gameplay
The central loop revolves around maintaining momentum by pumping on the beat while navigating a track built directly from the loaded audio. Hills rise with melodies, kickers launch on strong hits, and drops propel the player forward. Missing the rhythm causes the song to pull ahead, leaving the rider behind. Airtime allows for spin flips that reward clean landings with points, while grinding rails, switching lanes, looping loops, ducking under bars, and scratching on the hats add variety to each run. Routes split into a high road that doubles points and a riskier path that triples them, encouraging players to balance safety against reward. The music itself responds dynamically: extended airtime filters the sound, rotations sweep audio with the motion, and successful landings intensify the bass. Building combos opens the full mix, while crashes mute sections until the player recovers. Filling the SIDECHAIN meter through tricks activates a double-points mode for high-scoring bursts. Timing windows label each beat as Perfect, Great, or Good, feeding into letter grades from D to S. Full Combo and All Perfect runs represent the highest challenges, with personal best scores, grades, and replays saved per track for review and improvement.
Game Modes
Single-player sessions focus on chasing personal records across custom tracks generated from individual music files. Players can experiment with different audio sources to create varied experiences, refining technique through repeated runs and replay analysis. Online co-op supports up to three additional players in B2B sessions, where each participant controls a distinct part of the mix. Staying on the assigned line keeps that element audible, and coordinated play reveals the complete song. Leaderboards track top performances across the community for both solo and group efforts.
Music Integration and Progression
Any supported file, including MP3, OGG, WAV, or video formats, processes into a playable track within seconds. This system places the player's library at the center, with no fixed soundtrack or level design. Progression comes through mastery of timing and trick execution rather than unlocks or story elements. Replays allow detailed study of successful runs, highlighting where beats aligned or where adjustments could improve scores. The emphasis remains on rhythm accuracy and flow, suiting players who enjoy syncing physical actions to their favorite songs.
Is It Worth Playing?
Sidechain targets fans of rhythm-action experiences who want to use their own music collection as the foundation for momentum and trick-based runs. The single-player mode offers deep replayability through personal best chasing and grade hunting, while the B2B co-op adds a cooperative layer focused on staying synchronized. With its release scheduled for November 2, 2026, and no user reviews available yet, the game appeals most to those drawn to music-driven casual gameplay on PC. Players seeking precise timing challenges paired with dynamic audio feedback will find the core systems align closely with that interest. Those preferring traditional fixed levels or narrative content may want to wait for post-launch feedback before committing.