Echo Foundry Interactive, a studio comprising veterans from iconic rhythm games like Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and DJ Hero, is set to release its new title, Sound System, on Steam. The game, priced at $24.99 USD, will launch on October 16, 2026, promising a fresh take on the genre adored by fans.
Sound System aims to revive the classic five-fret guitar gameplay, allowing players to perform as guitarists, bassists, or vocalists. It supports various input methods including keyboards, controllers, compatible guitar peripherals, and microphones. The game offers both local split-screen and online multiplayer, featuring cooperative band play with shared multipliers and competitive head-to-head modes for stage dominance.
Launching with over 50 songs, Sound System will feature a diverse tracklist including legendary covers, tracks from established indie artists, and emerging bands, designed to introduce players to new music while offering familiar hits. Core indie and emerging artist songs will be free, with studio covers available for $0.99 USD each. Echo Foundry plans consistent DLC releases, including monthly exclusive singles and rotating store content.
A standout feature is the “PulseMap Editor,” likened to “Mario Maker meets Guitar Hero.” This integrated tool empowers players to upload their own music, create new note charts, or modify existing ones. This promotes community creativity by allowing artists to integrate original tracks and players to share custom content, bypassing common licensing challenges faced by rhythm games.
Players can extensively customize their gaming experience with Sound System, controlling visual elements like note highways, static and dynamic video backgrounds, scoring widgets, and visual themes to personalize their performance environment.
Sound System is currently available for wishlisting on Steam, inviting players to prepare for a new rhythm gaming experience.