From the creative minds at Simon Fredholm and the gaming experts at Kwalee, ROBOBEAT offers an exhilarating ride in the form of a rogue-like rhythm shooter, now available on PlayStation 5. In this review, I’ll be taking you through the highs and lows of this pulse-pounding game.
Step into the shoes of the legendary bounty hunter, Ace, as you pursue the flamboyantly quirky robot-showman, Frazzer. Prepare yourself to maneuver through his bizarre, techno-infused universe where shooting to the beat is not just encouraged but essential for survival. Stagnation is your enemy here; moving in rhythm with the beat is your key to staying alive. ROBOBEAT challenges you with procedurally generated levels, ensuring that you remain on your toes with adaptive strategies throughout your session. Choose a soundtrack that aligns with your vibe and let the rhythm guide your gameplay!
In my previous explorations of rhythm-based FPS games, I’ve laid hands on titles like Metal: Hellsinger and BPM: Bullets Per Minute. I was keen to see how ROBOBEAT holds up on the PS5. Interestingly, ROBOBEAT enhances its repertoire with bonus tracks from games like BPM: Bullets Per Minute, DUSK, and ULTRAKILL, fostering an even richer auditory experience.
Navigating through this techno-maze, you control Ace using the left analog stick while the right stick is your tool for aiming. Utilize the left stick to execute a dash with a press. Jump and double jump using the X button, and slide with the Circle button. A ground slam can be performed by pressing the right stick during a jump. Combat mechanics are equally engaging; synchronize your shots with the beat using the L2 and R2 buttons for left and right weapons, respectively. Strike enemies down with precision and build up that combo meter! The Square button allows for parrying, while the Triangle button is there to charge your weapons. Use utilities with R1.
Let’s talk firepower. The Battle for Frazzer’s techno domain arms you with a variety of weapons. Wield the Revolver for rapid-fire action with a one-beat cooldown, perfect for critical headshots. Opt for the Flux, a balanced shotgun with devastating close-quarter damage. The Contact is another option, passing on damage to nearby foes. If chain reactions are your thing, try the Ping Pong weapon, which sets off a satisfying explosion every third shot.
As you progress, you’ll earn Blips, the in-game currency. Invest these in weapon upgrades, or unlock enticing new rooms to explore in your subsequent runs. These rooms offer a range of challenges—they demand every effort from honing your parkour skills to obliterating all targets in a time crunch. Collect blueprints to unlock these rooms, and unleash your full potential on the battlegrounds.
A full trophy list awaits those who strive for completion, topped off with a dazzling Platinum trophy. The roster consists of 24 Bronze, 8 Silver, and 5 Gold trophies. Reach new areas, best formidable bosses, or execute impressive feats like completing a target rush room nearly instantaneously, and parade them in your digital trophy case.
ROBOBEAT, now available on PS5 for $19.99, is a thrilling blend of rhythm and fast-paced shooting. With 38 dynamic tracks and special cassettes featuring additional music from BPM: Bullets Per Minute, DUSK, and ULTRAKILL, the game offers an immersive experience. The question remains: do you have what it takes to hunt down the eccentric Frazzer while keeping up with the beat?
Dive into this rhythm-fueled adventure and experience what ROBOBEAT has in store for you. Whether you’re a rhythm game enthusiast or just looking for an exciting new game to sink your teeth into, ROBOBEAT could be your next favorite pick.
Disclaimer: This review of ROBOBEAT is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Kwalee.
