RibCage Games has released a new gameplay trailer for Alpha Nomos, its upcoming rhythm-action roguelite. An updated demo is available now as part of Steam Next Fest, running from June 15 to June 22. The new footage highlights beat-based combat, musical weapons, and a progression system that dynamically changes the soundtrack alongside gameplay.

Rhythm Combat at the Core

In Alpha Nomos, timing is everything. Players deal more damage, extend combos, and increase their style rating by attacking in sync with the beat. Rather than treating music as background audio, the game builds its combat system around rhythm-based actions.

The result is a blend of hack-and-slash combat and musical timing that draws comparisons to Hi-Fi Rush, while incorporating roguelite progression and replayability.

Musical Weapons and Soundtrack-Changing Builds

One of the game's most distinctive features is its progression system. 

Power-ups are inspired by real-world audio effects such as Reverb, Flanger, and Delay. These upgrades influence more than combat statistics—they also alter how the soundtrack sounds during each run.

According to RibCage Games, every build effectively creates a different musical composition. As players experiment with new combinations, both gameplay and audio evolve together, making each run feel unique.

Musical weapons are also recorded using real instruments, and off-beat attacks intentionally produce incorrect notes, reinforcing the connection between gameplay and music.

Play as Cello

Players take control of Cello, a puppet adventurer armed with musical instruments. Set in a world overrun by corrupted puppets, the story follows her journey to uncover the mystery of Alpha Nomos and restore rhythm to a shattered world.

Music is woven into every aspect of the experience, from combat and progression to environmental design and storytelling.

Expanded Steam Next Fest Demo

The latest demo introduces refined combat mechanics, expanded power-up evolutions, and new enemy encounters based on feedback gathered from previous playtests.

Players can experience the game's rhythm-driven combat system firsthand throughout Steam Next Fest before the full release planned for Q3 2026.

The Alpha Nomos demo is available now on Steam during Steam Next Fest from June 15 through June 22.