Confetti’s Cozy Corner: Wax Heads reminds us that music is human
Wax Heads by developer Patattie Games is for every gaymer who loves vinyl records. As an avid vinyl collector myself, Wax Heads was a game I had high hopes for, and it did not disappoint. Wax Heads is a narrative-driven simulation set in a failing record shop, blending a cozy atmosphere with punk aesthetics.
Repeater Records feels like your local record store you’ve been going to for years. It has a sense of familiarity, a warm and inviting atmosphere that most record stores that are staples in their communities have, and you play as the new hire.
After a brief tutorial, you dive into getting to know the regulars and recommending vinyl records based on the customer’s needs. What customers want is not always expressed directly; sometimes you will have to read between the lines, look for clues in what they are wearing and their body language!
The deduction puzzle mechanic really shines in this shop sim and is personally my favorite component of the game.
Wax Heads can be played in 2 modes: ‘The Customer is Always Right’ or ‘No Refunds’. No refunds mode makes your recommendations permanent, no retries, while ‘The customer is always right’ mode allows you to try again with no consequences down the line.
You can freely alternate between these modes to suit the gameplay style to the unique experience you want. There are no time limits, surprise pop-up quick-time events, or challenging puzzles. You can play at the pace and difficulty that feels right to you.
As the story progresses, you will visit settings, learn more about your co-workers, jam out, and see how much music and being true to oneself mean to each character. Everyone has unique musical tastes and needs, which adds to the story’s immersion.
The shop owner, Morgan Macintyre, used to be in a popular band in the 80s until they split up on bad terms, so when old band mates, including her little sister Willow, come back, things get heated really fast. Additionally, we will get to know our co-workers through their hobbies, taste in music, and one-on-one conversations.
With seven to ten hours of gameplay, there is so much storytelling packed in with a central theme of love of music, community, and connecting with others. There is a variety of music showcased in Wax Heads, from rock to pop. The mini games sprinkled throughout the gameplay are fun. You will sometimes have to create posters for local bands’ gigs, pack orders, and even help bands with their sets.
The range of diversity expressed throughout Wax Heads is effortlessly expressed through a fun art style. There is a range of body types, skin tones, and queer representation. Players will help customers with many personalities, needs, and backgrounds. One moment, we are recommending vinyls to superfans of pop idols, and other times, we’re helping out customers who may be at a low point in life.
One customer named Winston was grieving the loss of his husband and was looking for a vinyl record that reminded him of his spouse. The mini narratives in this game will leave you crying, laughing, and feeling all sorts of emotions. Repeater Records, while working its way back to being restored to its former glory, ultimately everything centers on community and music.
Music is human, music is community, and music connects us all. Wax Heads has the perfect balance of shop simulator, narrative elements, mini games, puzzles, and representation that I recommend gamers who love music, vinyl records, and shop sim games to check out.
Wax Heads is available today on Steam [PC], Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox.
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