No Straight Roads 2 Announced: Rhythm Action Returns With New Heroes and Bigger Ambitions

I’ll be honest-No Straight Roads 2 wasn’t even on my radar until it quietly popped up during the Southeast Asian Games Showcase 2025. Sandwiched between flashier reveals, the announcement from Metronomik and Shueisha Games could have easily slipped past anyone who blinked. But if you’ve got a soft spot for stylish rhythm-action games (like I do), this news is actually worth a closer look.

No Straight Roads 2: Ambitious Sequel Expands the Band and the Beat

• Sequel to the cult rhythm-action game is finally real-after years of fan speculation
• Mayday and Zuke return, joined by two new playable characters for expanded gameplay
• Soundtrack lineup features acclaimed artists like James Landino and Falk Au Yeong, hinting at a bigger musical scope
• Partnership with Shueisha Games suggests a more ambitious, possibly higher-budget experience

Feature	Specification
Publisher	Shueisha Games
Release Date	2026 (exact date TBA)
Genres	Rhythm Action, Adventure
Platforms	PC, Consoles (TBA)

The original No Straight Roads, released in 2020, felt like it landed a few years before the current rhythm-action renaissance. It was a genuinely creative mash-up of music and beat-driven combat, delivering something that sat somewhere between classic rhythm games and the kinetic energy of something like Hi-Fi Rush (which, for the record, came out years later). But despite its charm and a devoted fanbase, NSR never really broke out of its niche-making a proper sequel seem like a distant dream for most of us who loved it.

So, seeing No Straight Roads 2 get a formal reveal, with director Wan Hazmer and creative lead Daim Dziauddin back, is a pretty big deal. Metronomik’s partnership with Shueisha Games signals that this isn’t just a small-scale follow-up. Shueisha’s resources (and their manga/anime industry muscle) could give the game a much-needed boost—if they play it right. The press release talks up “greater ambition” for the sequel, and for once, I’m inclined to believe it… at least until proven otherwise.

But let’s dig into what’s actually new. Mayday and Zuke, the duo from the first game, are back in the spotlight—no surprise there. The bigger news is you’ll get to control two additional characters this time around. No details yet on who they are or how they’ll play, but in a genre that lives or dies on creative mechanics, more playable heroes could mean deeper, more varied gameplay. It worked wonders for titles like Crypt of the NecroDancer and even Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, so I’m hoping Metronomik gives each character a distinct feel.

And then there’s the music. The original’s soundtrack was one of its standout features, so it’s smart to see the sequel doubling down with a roster of known composers: James Landino (Sonic Mania, No Straight Roads), Falk Au Yeong, Garrett Williamson, and Midas Klare. That’s a lineup with real scene cred. If Metronomik can keep the genre-mashing energy—rock vs. EDM, hip-hop fusion, you name it—this could be an audio feast for anyone who loves their games loud and unpredictable.

Of course, there’s still plenty we don’t know. The platforms are “PC and consoles,” but with no specifics. There’s always the risk this gets lost in next year’s jam-packed release calendar, especially if it doesn’t get a marketing push. And while I’m optimistic about the partnership with Shueisha Games, I’ve seen too many promising indies stumble when upscaling ambition. Will NSR2 keep the scrappy, irreverent soul of the original, or will it get smoothed out for a wider audience? That’s the big question for me.

For rhythm game fans—and anyone who just wants something different from the usual open-world grind—No Straight Roads 2 is a sequel that’s actually worth getting excited about. The first game had a style all its own, and if Metronomik can preserve that spirit while leveling up the music and gameplay, this could be a real sleeper hit. At the very least, it’s a much-needed sign that the industry isn’t done taking risks on offbeat, music-driven action games.

What This Means for Gamers

If you missed out on the cult hit that was No Straight Roads, now’s the time to pay attention. NSR2 is shaping up to be more than just “more of the same”—new characters, serious musical talent, and a potentially bigger canvas thanks to Shueisha’s backing. For those tired of AAA sameness, this could be a unique palate cleanser. But as always, I’ll be watching closely to see if the game keeps its indie heart—or if ambition turns into bloat.

TL;DR

No Straight Roads 2 is finally happening, with a bigger cast, a beefed-up soundtrack, and signs of real ambition. For rhythm-action diehards and anyone who likes their games with a pulse, this is one to watch—just keep your expectations grounded until we see if Metronomik can deliver on the promise. The music’s still playing, but will the sequel find a bigger audience? Time will tell.