Wax Heads: A musical experience blending deduction, punk, and vinyl

Walking into a record store is always a captivating experience. Strolling down the aisles, browsing album covers, and—just like in a bookstore—finding an album that grabs you at first glance thanks to its artwork. The shift to the digital world diluted many of these experiences, but the resurgence of vinyl has made reliving them feel anything but a thing of the past. Even so, that nostalgia for walking in, asking about recent releases, or simply letting yourself be carried away by the music while browsing the shelves remains. Wax Heads, by Patattie Games, aims to bring that feeling back—not from the customer’s perspective, but from the viewpoint of the person recommending the records.

Wax Heads is a narrative game that puts us in the shoes of a new employee at Repeater Records, a record store where, from behind the cash register, we’re responsible for listening to customers and finding the album they’re looking for—even when they describe it in cryptic descriptions. Beyond the day-to-day work, we’ll get to know our coworkers: a cast of characters that includes punk musicians who are at odds with the system, members of the queer community, and other personalities who fit perfectly into the game’s tone. Among them is Morgan, the shop’s owner, an iconic figure from Becoming Violet, an ’80s whose band broke up at the height of its success and who has kept the spirit of Repeater Records alive.

Hey, have you heard about this album?

The gameplay is unique. Each day starts outside the store, with the routine of opening up and interacting with other employees. Before the store opens to the public, we can check out the new albums that arrived that day. Once we open, customers start coming in, chatting with us, and eventually asking for help finding an album.

The key is that they’re never completely specific. That’s where much of the game’s charm lies. Some customers are true fans and ask for a specific band’s latest album; others offer vague clues, such as having heard the album at a party, remembering the musical style, or recalling an illustration on the cover. With that information, we have to walk through the store and find the right album.

Each record has its own cover art, artist, and additional information: excerpts from reviews, descriptions, or details that serve as clues. You can also examine the vinyl, checking the front cover, back cover, and the record itself. Every detail matters, since many requests are based on indirect references, such as mentions of video game codes or critics’ recommendation lists, making reading magazines and fanzines an essential part of the process.

As we progress, the store expands, increasing the number of options available each day. This also allows us to purchase items to decorate the space, such as figurines, posters, or records for the jukebox, reinforcing the sense that we’re making the place our own. On certain days, there are also alternative activities: solving small puzzles, preparing special editions, sending packages, or even working as a roadie at concerts, adding variety without disrupting the overall flow. You can also play on the small arcade machine, trying to play a game within the game.

Wax Heads offers two recommendation modes: one where the suggestion is final, and another that allows a second attempt if the customer isn’t satisfied. The game evaluates your performance based on the number of correct recommendations, and some customers return later to comment on whether your previous help was correct or not. At the end of each day, you interact with the store staff again before closing up and waiting for the next day.

A Multi-Layered Storyline

As we serve customers, multiple stories unfold in parallel. The main plot revolves around Repeater Records’ financial troubles and the threat of a potential takeover, which creates tension among the employees. Added to this are stories involving musicians: bands breaking up to form supergroups, idols accused of using artificial intelligence and ghostwriters, and even a Nordic metal band embroiled in a tragic incident.

There are also the stories of the customers themselves, which weave small narratives into the game: couples who meet thanks to a recommendation, people seeking solace in music after a loss, or brief encounters that add a strong human touch. All of this is complemented by events that take place at the end of the day, such as interviews on music shows or visits to the local bar to support fellow musicians who are also pursuing a career in the arts.

Music and Art That Go Hand in Hand

One of the most striking aspects of Wax Head goes hand in hand with the scene it seeks to portray. The art oozes personality, and although its developers have mentioned that it’s inspired in some ways by Scott Pilgrim (which is also a major source of inspiration for blending music with a comic-book aesthetic), the art is highly original. The characters have a unique design, and they stand out because they all have a white outer border, as if they were stickers that had just been peeled off, which also makes perfect sense given how these characters appear, disappear, and arrange themselves during scenes featuring them. The feeling of being part of a very DIY experience is reflected in all of this, providing that distinctive touch you’d expect and making the visual experience quite well-rounded.

This is also reflected in the game’s music, which is another standout feature. The entire sound design is a resounding success, as instead of licensing songs, Patattie Games developed a cohesive musical world, creating different bands, albums, and songs that appear throughout the game. Without a doubt, it’s one of the game’s most striking features, as it creates a more vivid experience. This is highlighted on one of the game’s days when an artist named Roberta D releases her new album, which is actually four tracks inspired by apocalyptic visions. To celebrate the game’s launch, the entire store is filled with her albums, showcasing the studio’s immense creativity in developing a single band.

Wax Heads is a game that strikes a balance between being a cozy experience and a celebration of the music culture that originated in the physical space of record stores. It’s a fairly simple concept, but it requires the player’s attention, observation, and intuition to hand over the right records—though it can feel a bit frustrating at times. However, the game stands out for its intimate world-building, featuring memorable characters and well-integrated stories that enhance the gameplay experience. It’s a fairly laid-back title that fans of music and counterculture will enjoy.

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