ROBOBEAT is an exhilarating new addition to the gaming lineup, brought to us by Simon Fredholm and Kwalee. It’s a fast-paced roguelike rhythm shooter available on PlayStation 5. In this review of ROBOBEAT, let’s dive into what makes this game a thrilling ride from start to finish.
In ROBOBEAT, you step into the shoes of a legendary bounty hunter known as Ace. Your mission? Chase down the flamboyant robot-showman Frazzer through his bizarre techno-themed arena, firing your weapons in sync with a pulsating soundtrack. Staying still is not an option; you’ll need to constantly be on your toes if you want to survive the dynamic challenges of this game. With procedurally generated levels, each replay offers a unique experience that tests your ability to adapt on the go. The key to success is to choose a track that complements your gameplay style to keep the fun and momentum going!
Previously, I’ve explored other rhythm-based first-person shooters like Metal: Hellsinger on PlayStation 5 and BPM: Bullets Per Minute on the Nintendo Switch. So naturally, I was excited to see how ROBOBEAT measures up, especially since it features a crossover with BPM: Bullets Per Minute, including bonus music tracks from BPM, DUSK, and ULTRAKILL.
When you’re set to begin, controlling Ace is straightforward. You’ll navigate with the left analog stick and aim using the right. Use the left stick’s pressing function for a quick dash, jump with the X button, and perform double jumps as needed. The Circle button lets you slide for quick maneuvers. For those moments when you need to land hard, use the right stick press for a ground slam. Combat relies heavily on rhythm; shoot with the L2 and R2 buttons for the left and right weapons respectively, timing your shots to the beat to rack up impressive combos. Parrying with Square and charging your weapon with Triangle add strategic layers to your battle tactics, while R1 lets you deploy utility items from your loadout.
Wondering about the arsenal at your disposal? Let me introduce you to some of the game’s standout weapons. The trusty Revolver offers fast-paced attacks with a one-beat cooldown, efficient for headshots. Next, we have the versatile Flux shotgun, delivering heavy damage up close with a manageable two-beat cooldown. The Contact weapon allows you to deal effective damage to multiple foes nearby, with a one-beat reset, perfect for managing crowds. And if explosive sequences are your thing, try out the Ping Pong gun, which triggers a blast every third shot with only a one-beat delay between them.
As you plow through enemies and conquer rooms, winning Blips becomes your focus. Blips are the in-game currency used to unlock new weapons, upgrades, and room types for future playthroughs. You’ll encounter various room options: expand your firepower at the shop room, snatch useful cards at the data-chip room, hone your skills in the parkour room, and race against the clock in the target rush room. However, to access these areas, you must first locate their blueprints and return them to your workbench.
For trophy hunters out there, ROBOBEAT offers a complete trophy list with a coveted Platinum trophy. The haul includes 24 Bronze, 8 Silver, and 5 Gold trophies. To claim that prestigious Platinum, you’ll need to explore new areas, collect keys, and gain entry to various special rooms. You’ll need to defeat bosses, speed through target rush rooms, eliminate multiple foes swiftly, and master parries. Expect to reach a 100-beat combo, accumulate a hefty coin stash, and take out surveillance cameras. Need a hand? There’s a ROBOBEAT Trophy Guide to assist you along the way.
To sum it up, ROBOBEAT immerses you in a whirlwind of action, music, and strategy, all while on the trail of the outlandish Frazzer. With its mix of procedurally generated levels and personalized soundtrack selection, the game keeps you engaged and on your feet. Boasting 38 tracks, along with special cassette tracks from BPM: Bullets Per Minute, DUSK, and ULTRAKILL, the game guarantees a rhythmic adventure. Launching tomorrow for $19.99 on PlayStation 5, ROBOBEAT offers an experience you don’t want to miss.
Can you take on the challenge and capture Frazzer? This review of ROBOBEAT is based on a PlayStation 5 version kindly provided by Kwalee. Enjoy the game!
