Simon Fredholm and Kwalee deliver an exhilarating gaming experience with ROBOBEAT, a dynamic rhythm shooter blending roguelike elements. Exclusively on the PlayStation 5, players dive into this fast-paced adventure as Ace, a renowned bounty hunter on a thrilling chase for the quirky robot entertainer, Frazzer. Get ready to navigate Frazzer’s bizarre techno-world, syncing your shooting skills to its lively soundtrack while constantly moving, because standing still is not an option if survival is your goal. Each level is procedurally generated, challenging you to adapt and synchronize the gameplay with your preferred track, ensuring it’s as fun as it is demanding.
Having previously tackled rhythm shooters like Metal: Hellsinger on PS5 and BPM: Bullets Per Minute on the Nintendo Switch, I eagerly jumped into ROBOBEAT to explore its unique gameplay. Interestingly, this game incorporates crossover content from BPM: Bullets Per Minute, along with tunes from DUSK and ULTRAKILL, adding layers of musical variety.
Once you’re set, guide Ace using the left stick while aiming with the right. You can dash with the left stick, jump with the X button, and perform a double jump. Sliding is done with Circle, and a well-timed ground slam requires pressing in on the right stick while airborne. When the action heats up, unleash your arsenal using L2 for the left weapon and R2 for the right, timing your shots to the beat to rack up those combos. Use Square to parry, Triangle to charge weapons, and R1 for utilities in your loadout.
SEnhance your firepower with diverse weapon choices. The handy Revolver offers rapid attacks and critical hits with a one-beat cooldown. The Flux shotgun is lethal up close, boasting a two-beat cooldown. Meanwhile, the Contact inflicts solid damage and affects nearby foes, also with a one-beat cooldown. Don’t overlook the Ping Pong, where every third shot causes a delightful explosion with its one-beat cooldown.
Earn Blips as you defeat foes and clear rooms. This in-game currency lets you buy weapons, upgrades, and unlock new rooms for subsequent runs. Spend Blips in the shop room, snag buffs from the data-chip room, test your agility in the parkour room, or speed through target rush challenges. But remember, you’ll need a blueprint from your adventures before any room is unlocked at the workbench.
Trophy hunters will enjoy this release, featuring a full trophy list capped with a Platinum. There are 24 Bronze, 8 Silver, and 5 Gold trophies. Objectives range from exploring areas and collecting keys to acing the parkour room and target rush. Conquer 10 parries, reach a 100-beat combo, or amass 25,000 coins. For assistance, a ROBOBEAT Trophy Guide is available.
ROBOBEAT sets the rhythm for a high-energy gaming session as you embody Ace in his pursuit of the whimsical Frazzer. The game demands constant movement through procedurally generated environments, all synced to a killer beat. With 38 tracks plus bonus tracks from BPM: Bullets Per Minute, DUSK, and ULTRAKILL, you’re in for a rhythmic treat. ROBOBEAT is set to release tomorrow on PlayStation 5 for $19.99. Ready to capture Frazzer and conquer his musical domain?
Disclaimer: This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Kwalee.