A new rhythm action game, Felicity’s Door, developed by Japanese indie studio AREA35, has launched exclusively on Apple Arcade. The game distinguishes itself from conventional rhythm games by prioritizing a more organic, musical experience, aiming to feel less like precise note-tapping and more like actively performing an instrument.
AREA35, a Tokyo-based studio led by CEO and president Hiroaki Yura, spent a decade developing Felicity’s Door. Yura, a former violinist and current music director, conceived the project around a central question: could the emotional power of music be more deeply conveyed through the medium of games? The result is a game that emphasizes “flow, touch comfort, and audiovisual harmony,” according to the studio.
A Different Approach to Rhythm Gameplay
Traditional rhythm games often focus on accuracy and timing. Felicity’s Door, however, deliberately moves away from these mechanics. Instead, the game focuses on player interaction as a core component of the musical composition. Every touch, swipe, or press contributes to the overall sound, creating a sense of genuine musical participation. This design philosophy is intended to make the game accessible to players of all ages and musical backgrounds, regardless of their experience with the genre.
The game supports multiple input methods, including touch controls (recommended by the developer), game controllers, and even keyboards on macOS devices. This flexibility aims to cater to a wide range of player preferences and hardware configurations.
Story and Soundtrack
Felicity’s Door features a narrative-driven experience centered around the journey of twins into a dreamlike world. The story unfolds through cutscenes with full voice acting, adding depth and emotional resonance to the gameplay. The game boasts a fully original soundtrack composed by numerous artists, including kotringo, Shinji Hosoe, and DE DE MOUSE. The soundtrack isn’t static; the game promises free music updates in the future, expanding the musical landscape.
The narrative is designed to be emotionally resonant, with music serving as both the storytelling vehicle and the emotional anchor. A notable Japanese voice cast, including Yui Horie, Mutsumi Tamura, and Ikue Otani, brings the characters to life.
Beyond Traditional Mechanics: Music Mode and Difficulty
In addition to the main story mode, Felicity’s Door includes a “Music Mode” that presents a unique visual style inspired by manga. This mode allows players to freely explore the game’s soundtrack and experiment with different interactions. The game also offers five difficulty levels, catering to both newcomers and experienced rhythm game players.
Apple Arcade and the Subscription Model
Felicity’s Door is available exclusively through Apple Arcade, Apple’s subscription gaming service. This means players gain access to the game, and a library of other titles, for a monthly fee of starting at 149 Thai Baht. Apple Arcade offers a premium, ad-free gaming experience across iOS, macOS, and Apple TV devices. The service also supports offline play, allowing users to enjoy games without an internet connection.
The subscription model eliminates in-app purchases, providing a complete gaming experience without additional costs. Players can access Apple Arcade through a standalone subscription or as part of an Apple One bundle.
As Hiroaki Yura stated, the goal was to create an experience where gameplay, visuals, and music are fully unified, allowing players to feel as though they are stepping directly into the story. Felicity’s Door represents a significant departure from traditional rhythm game design, prioritizing musical expression and emotional connection over strict timing and high scores. It remains to be seen how this innovative approach will resonate with players, but the game’s unique vision and dedication to musicality suggest a compelling and immersive experience.
