If you’re on the hunt for a game that packs rhythmic madness with a roguelike twist, ROBOBEAT from the collaboration of Simon Fredholm and Kwalee might just be your next stop on PlayStation 5. I’ve spent some time navigating its high-speed chaos and put together some thoughts on what it offers.
In this rhythm-laden rollercoaster, you step into the boots of Ace, a renowned bounty hunter with sights set on the quirky robot-showman, Frazzer. His bizarre techno playground is your dance floor, and the task is simple: shoot to the beat or face relentless defeat. Staying still isn’t really an option here; it’s all about constant movement and adapting to procedurally generated levels that keep you on your toes. The real kicker? You get to choose tracks that vibe with your playstyle to help keep the rhythm alive!
Having spent time with other rhythm shooters like Metal: Hellsinger and BPM: Bullets Per Minute, I was eager to see how ROBOBEAT would stand on the PlayStation 5. Interestingly enough, this game blends in some cool crossovers, with songs borrowed from BPM: Bullets Per Minute, DUSK, and ULTRAKILL for a little extra flair.
When you’re geared up, you’ll find the controls to be pretty intuitive. Maneuver through the game with analog sticks, dash with a stick click, and navigate jumps with the X button. Meanwhile, swinging that right analog stick during a jump slams you down to the ground—it seems to be all about controlling your movement just right. The beat dictates your shooting pace as well, halving damage on foes with your arsenal of left and right weapons controlled with L2 and R2. Every shot aligns with the music to keep your combo meters ticking.
Weapon wise, options like the quick-striking Revolver, the shotgun-like Flux, and the explosive Ping Pong is just a taste of the firepower you get. Each brings its own timed cooldowns and strategic opportunities, encouraging you to switch things up as you see fit.
In-game currency, Blips, plays a key role, enabling you to snag weapons and snag upgrades, alongside unlocking rooms essential for keeping the variety fresh across runs. From purchasing potential in the shop room to skill tests in a parkour setting, finding blueprints to bring back to base keeps the exploration rewarding.
Trophy hunters, rejoice! A robust list is here with a Platinum calling your name. It challenges you to tackle everything from unlocking rooms to beating bosses and showing off some impressive combo-streak skills. Not to mention those trophies for pulling off near-insane feats like eliminating clusters of enemies or pulling off perfect parries. If you aim for completion, don’t shy away from supporting guides out there to snag every last trophy.
All in all, ROBOBEAT’s release unleashes onto the PlayStation 5 tomorrow at $19.99, offering a collection of 38 songs, alongside those bonus tracks that crossover from games like BPM: Bullets Per Minute. Whether you’re in it for the rhythm or simply the wild ride, it’s certainly a venture that promises to keep both your toes tapping and your trigger finger itching. If Frazzer’s eccentric domain piques your curiosity, this one might be worth diving right into.
Note: A huge thanks to Kwalee for providing a review copy for a deep dive into this electric, rhythm-packed experience!
