Great music games provide emotional depth and often transcend difficulties. According to the Sprunki 1996 soundtrack, it moves from lively and enthusiastic to somber and atmospheric across stages. Even without a conventional tale, this tonal change helps players to feel as though they are traversing an emotional arc. One of the biggest emotional hooks in gaming is the link players experience when they conquer a challenging level in time with a strong musical finale; Sprunki 1996 uses this to great impact. The term "1996" is not random; Sprunki 1996 adopts a retro look honoring early arcade and console music games. It plays to nostalgia with pixel art images, CRT-style screen effects, and a color palette evocative of 90s games. Simultaneously, the UI and transitions are sleek and modern, which makes it aesthetically arresting for both new and old-school players. This mixing of eras gives the game a timeless rather than dated vibe.