Dead Pets: A Punk Rock Slice of Life Sim is out now on PC, marking the latest indie release from publisher Akupara Games and developer Triple Topping. Blending narrative-driven storytelling with rhythm gameplay, management-lite systems, and a rotating set of mini-games, the game follows Gordy, a struggling thirty-something musician trying to keep her punk band and her life from collapsing.
Akupara Games has built a reputation for publishing distinctive and unconventional titles. Its catalogue includes games such as GigaSword, Montabi, Echo Weaver, Rain World, and Universe for Sale, each prominently different from the last. When viewed side by side, these projects highlight the publisher’s willingness to experiment rather than follow a single formula. This variety underscores Akupara Games’ commitment to creative diversity, positioning it as one of the more eclectic and adventurous publishers in today’s gaming landscape.
Rock Mini-Game Fest Dead Pets: A Punk Rock Slice of Life Sim Launches on PC
Set in the grimy sprawl of New Void City, Dead Pets places players in control of Gordy as she juggles dead-end jobs, unstable friendships, strained romantic relationships, and the weekly pressure of band practice. The band, also named Dead Pets, is on the brink of breaking up, and all decision players make directly affect Gordy’s wellbeing, the band’s momentum, and their chances of surviving long enough to chase something resembling success.
Dead Pets mixes narrative choice-making with rhythm-based performances and unpredictable mini-games. Players balance time between working shifts at a diner, maintaining relationships, managing finances, and showing up to rehearsals, all while navigating Gordy’s increasingly volatile personal life. Choices influence multiple stat systems, including mental health, social standing, money, and band performance, with no guaranteed path to stability or success.
Music plays a central role throughout the experience. Dead Pets features an original punk rock EP that is performed in-game, alongside rhythm-game segments that allow players to “play as the band.” A dedicated Jukebox Mode includes crossover tracks from other Akupara Games titles such as Cryptmaster, Airframe Ultra, and Cabernet, expanding the game’s musical lineup beyond its core story content.
Beyond band performances, the game leans heavily into variety through its mini-games, which range from diner work and household chores to caring for Gordy’s plant, Satan, and other offbeat activities that reinforce the game’s chaotic tone. New Void City itself is populated with NPCs who have their own storylines, offering additional narrative threads and relationship dynamics as players explore the city.
Aesthetically, Dead Pets draws inspiration from animated series like BoJack Horseman and Tuca & Bertie, leaning into colourful surrealism, dark humour, and a deliberately messy portrayal of adulthood. The game frames its story as a feminist slice-of-life experience, focusing on burnout, ambition, self-destruction, and creative survival rather than traditional power fantasies.
Dead Pets: A Punk Rock Slice of Life Sim is available now on PC via Steam. You can also download and try a free demo before fully committing to the full price.
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