Some decades never seem to lose their musical appeal, and the 1980s are undoubtedly one of them. Whether it is the enormous choruses, unforgettable guitar riffs, shimmering synthesisers or the wonderfully over-the-top production, there is something about eighties music that makes it almost impossible to sit still. It was a decade that gave us countless songs capable of filling dance floors, blasting out of car stereos and getting stuck in our heads for days. Now, Synth Riders: 80s Mixtape: Vice Wave brings another collection of those classic sounds into virtual reality, giving players eight more reasons to turn up the volume and get moving.
Developed and published by Kluge Interactive, this latest downloadable content pack is the third instalment in the 80s Mixtape series, following the earlier Side A and Side B collections. Rather than attempting to reinvent the experience, Vice Wave understands exactly what makes these music packs appealing. It brings together eight recognisable tracks from an era when pop and rock regularly produced enormous singalong moments, pairing them with the physical rhythm gameplay that has helped make Synth Riders such an enjoyable VR experience.
The selection is particularly strong, featuring artists whose music has remained popular long after its original release. The Outfield, Cutting Crew, Yes, Bryan Adams, Twisted Sister, Kim Wilde, Duran Duran and The Cars all make an appearance, creating a playlist that moves comfortably between melodic pop, energetic rock and synth-driven anthems. It is a collection that feels designed to bring back memories while introducing younger players to songs that deserve to be heard outside a nostalgic playlist.
Eight Songs, Plenty of Memories
The tracklist is arguably the biggest selling point, and there is plenty to enjoy here. The Outfield’s “Your Love” is an instantly recognisable pop-rock classic, with its infectious guitar work and enormous chorus making it a natural fit for a rhythm game. Cutting Crew’s “(I Just) Died In Your Arms” brings another memorable eighties anthem, combining dramatic vocals with the sort of production that practically demands to be played at full volume.
Yes provide something a little different with “Owner of a Lonely Heart”, a track that remains distinctive thanks to its unusual arrangement, memorable rhythm and instantly recognisable opening. Bryan Adams’ “Run To You” adds a welcome dose of rock energy, while Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock” is exactly the sort of song that encourages players to throw themselves into the experience. There is a lovely contrast between the different styles, preventing the playlist from feeling as though it is simply repeating the same musical formula eight times.
Kim Wilde’s “Kids In America” is another excellent inclusion, delivering an infectious slice of eighties pop that feels almost tailor-made for this sort of experience. Duran Duran’s “Rio” brings a little more sophistication and groove, with its distinctive rhythm providing plenty of opportunity for expressive movement. Finally, The Cars’ “Shake It Up” rounds out the collection with another lively number that captures the playful spirit of the decade.
What makes this selection work is its variety. There are songs for those who prefer big, guitar-driven choruses, others for fans of electronic pop, and plenty of memorable melodies in between. Eight tracks might not sound like an enormous amount of content, but the quality and familiarity of the music make this a particularly enjoyable collection. It is also difficult not to smile when a favourite chorus arrives just as you are getting into the rhythm of a particularly satisfying sequence.
Moving to the Music
Of course, a good playlist alone would not be enough to justify a purchase. The real attraction of Synth Riders is how it turns music into a physical experience, encouraging players to move their hands and bodies in time with the rhythm rather than simply tapping buttons. Coloured targets approach the player, requiring them to reach out and make contact at the correct moment, while flowing rail sections encourage broader movements that follow the music. Obstacles add another layer of physical awareness, asking players to move out of the way without losing their rhythm.
It is a wonderfully simple concept, but one that becomes surprisingly engaging once the music gets going. The best sequences feel less like following a series of instructions and more like dancing along with the song. When the choreography works particularly well, your movements begin to feel natural, with each gesture flowing into the next rather than requiring constant conscious thought. That is when Synth Riders really comes alive, turning a familiar song into something you actively participate in.
The choice of music is particularly important here, as different rhythms naturally lend themselves to different styles of movement. The sweeping melodies and strong choruses found throughout Vice Wave provide plenty of opportunities for expressive choreography. A song like “Kids In America” has an infectious energy that encourages constant movement, while “Owner of a Lonely Heart” offers a different rhythmic character that can make its sequences feel more distinctive. The variety helps keep the pack entertaining across repeated sessions.
There is also enough variation in difficulty to accommodate different levels of experience. Those new to the game can begin with more accessible settings, while experienced players can push themselves with more demanding charts. Modifiers and customisation options allow players to adjust the experience to suit their preferences, including options that remove the pressure to avoid failure or change the speed and obstacle settings. This flexibility is important because not everyone approaches VR rhythm games with the same expectations. Some players want to chase leaderboard positions, while others simply want to enjoy the music and get a little exercise.
A Workout That Doesn’t Feel Like One
One of the great strengths of rhythm games in virtual reality is their ability to make physical activity feel entertaining rather than something you have to force yourself to do. Synth Riders has always been particularly good at encouraging movement, and the tracks in Vice Wave provide another enjoyable reason to get off the sofa. Reaching for targets, following sweeping rails and avoiding obstacles can quickly become surprisingly energetic, particularly when playing songs with strong beats and lively arrangements.
The important thing is that the movement feels connected to the music. Rather than performing repetitive exercises with a soundtrack in the background, you respond directly to the rhythm and flow of each track. This gives the experience a more natural sense of momentum, and there is real satisfaction in finishing a song feeling as though you have genuinely danced your way through it.
The difficulty options also help make the pack suitable for different fitness levels. Players can take things slowly, gradually increase the challenge, or push themselves with faster, more demanding sequences. It is not going to replace a dedicated fitness programme, but it is a rather enjoyable way to incorporate some movement into your gaming time. When a session leaves you smiling, slightly out of breath and wanting to play another song, that is a pretty good result.
Neon Nights and Eighties Style
The presentation is another important part of the appeal. The Vice Wave name immediately suggests a particular kind of eighties-inspired atmosphere, and the retro-futuristic aesthetic is a natural match for the music. Neon lighting, pastel colours, glowing grids and palm tree silhouettes help create the impression of cruising through a stylised version of a Miami-inspired dreamscape. It is colourful, energetic and deliberately nostalgic without needing to recreate any particular real-world location.
The environments provide a fitting backdrop for the music, with the visual effects helping reinforce the rhythm as targets and obstacles move towards the player. The combination of glowing colours and electronic-inspired scenery gives the experience a distinctive identity, particularly when paired with the recognisable sounds of the decade. It is the sort of presentation that makes you feel as though you have stepped into an eighties music video, albeit one where you are expected to do rather more than stand around looking cool.
The audio is naturally the star of the show, and having these familiar tracks available in a VR rhythm game is a real pleasure. The songs have the kind of production and musical character that make them instantly enjoyable, while their distinctive rhythms provide plenty of material for the choreography. The music is also what gives the pack its replay value. Even after completing a track, there is a good chance you will want to return to it simply because you enjoyed moving along with the song.
Final Verdict
Synth Riders: 80s Mixtape: Vice Wave is another excellent addition to Kluge Interactive’s growing collection of musical content. Its eight tracks offer a strong mix of eighties pop and rock, bringing together genuinely memorable songs that remain as enjoyable today as when they first appeared. From The Outfield and Cutting Crew to Kim Wilde, Duran Duran and Twisted Sister, there is enough variety to keep the playlist fresh, while the familiar melodies make it easy to become immersed in the experience.
The choreography and movement mechanics remain the real reason to play, and the music provides an excellent foundation for them. The different difficulty settings and gameplay modifiers ensure that newcomers and experienced players can find an appropriate challenge, while the energetic tracks make the pack a welcome addition for anyone who enjoys using VR for a little exercise. The neon-soaked presentation completes the package, creating an atmosphere that feels perfectly suited to the decade being celebrated.
Naturally, this is downloadable content, so players will need the main Synth Riders game to enjoy it. The eight-song selection will also be more appealing to fans of classic eighties music than to those looking for modern electronic or heavier musical styles. However, that is hardly a criticism of a pack that knows exactly what it wants to be. It is a celebration of a wonderfully memorable musical era, delivered through a rhythm game that makes listening to these songs an active experience.
Ultimately, Vice Wave is another reminder that great music never really goes out of fashion. Whether you are chasing a new high score, looking for an enjoyable workout or simply reliving some favourite musical memories, there is plenty here to put a smile on your face. So dust off those imaginary dancing shoes, turn the volume up and get ready to spend a little more time in the eighties.
