If you’re looking for a high-octane experience on your PlayStation 5, let me introduce you to ROBOBEAT, a rhythm-driven roguelike shooter crafted by Simon Fredholm and published by Kwalee. It’s not just another game; it’s a lively dance between survival and strategy where you’ll step into the shoes of Ace, a renowned bounty hunter. Ace finds himself on a mission to capture Frazzer, an eccentric robot showman, by navigating through a labyrinth of techno beats and relentless adversaries. The unique twist? You’ve got to synchronize your shooting to the beat of the music. With procedurally generated levels, every run demands fresh tactics tailored to the ever-changing rhythm. Choosing your own soundtrack will allow you to perfectly match your gaming style and truly immerse yourself in the action.
Having dabbled in other rhythm shooters like the pulse-pounding Metal: Hellsinger on PS5 and the energetic BPM: Bullets Per Minute on the Nintendo Switch, I was eager to see what ROBOBEAT would bring to the table. It doesn’t disappoint, offering bonus tracks from BPM: Bullets Per Minute, DUSK, and ULTRAKILL as a nod to fans of the genre.
Getting started is straightforward. You’ll navigate Ace with the left analog stick and use the right for aim. Dashing is done by pressing in the left stick, while the X button lets you jump or double jump, and the Circle button is your go-to for sliding. Execute a ground slam by pressing in the right stick during a jump. In combat, fire your left weapon with the L2 button and your right with the R2 button. Keep it rhythmic, and watch those combo points soar! Parrying is your defensive move with the Square button, and charging your weapons is neatly done with the Triangle. Utilities, meanwhile, are at your disposal with the R1 button.
The arsenal at your disposal is as diverse as it is deadly. Whether it’s the trusty Revolver with its rapid-fire and precision headshots, or the Flux, a shotgun best appreciated up close and personal, you’ll find a weapon to suit every situation. There’s also the Contact, designed to spread the love with splash damage, or the explosive delight that is the Ping Pong—every third shot packs a punch!
Success in ROBOBEAT is rewarded with Blips, the in-game currency. These are used to enhance your capabilities, offering new weapons and rooms for you to explore in future runs. Each room has its own little twist; the shop room lets you upgrade, the data-chip room imbues new abilities, the parkour room tests your agility, and the target rush room pushes your precision. But first, you’ll need to secure the right blueprint to unlock them at the workbench.
For the completionists, there’s a shiny Platinum trophy waiting for those brave enough to tackle its challenges. You’ll earn trophies by exploring new areas, collecting keys, and reaching various milestones such as a staggering 100-beat combo or eliminating six foes within a mere second. And those are just a few examples!
ROBOBEAT is not just about frenetic action but orchestrating your moves to the beat as you pursue Frazzer across pulsating landscapes. With each level offering something new, like unlocking special cassettes featuring tracks from BPM: Bullets Per Minute, DUSK, and ULTRAKILL, it’s a symphony of chaos that is both thrilling and challenging. Mark your calendars; ROBOBEAT opens its doors to rhythm aficionados for $19.99, making its debut on PlayStation 5 tomorrow. Ready to dive into the groove?
This review is based on my time with a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Kwalee, giving me firsthand insight into this beat-driven spectacle. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of rhythmic shooters or a newcomer curious to try something innovative, ROBOBEAT promises a captivating ride through beats and bullets!
