Just Shapes & Beats

Developer: Berzerk Studio
Release: May 31st 2018
Platforms:
Action
Indie
Addictive
Challenging
Creative
Multiplayer
Short
Just Shapes & Beats Poster

" Addictive action indie with chaotic rhythm bullet-hell and limited story length "

Just Shapes & Beats Review

Just Shapes & Beats is widely praised for its that combines rhythm-based mechanics with bullet hell elements. Players appreciate the game's unique minimalist art style featuring simple shapes, which surprisingly convey personality and emotion, making the story surprisingly heartfelt despite its simplicity. The soundtrack is frequently highlighted as a major strength, offering a diverse and energetic selection of electronic music that perfectly complements the gameplay.

The game offers multiple difficulty levels and modes including a rewarding co-op multiplayer experience that enhances replayability. Many reviews commend the post-launch support and updates that have enriched the content. However, some players feel the main story is relatively short, and there are calls for features like an integrated level editor and enhanced multiplayer communication. Overall, it is regarded as a creative and enjoyable title that appeals to rhythm game and bullet hell enthusiasts alike.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the for being both fun and challenging, blending rhythm and bullet hell genres effectively.

The are minimalist but charming, with simple shapes that convey personality and emotion.

The stands out as a highlight, featuring energetic electronic music that drives the game's pace and mood.

The , though simple, is surprisingly engaging and emotional, adding depth to the experience.

Multiplayer modes and post-launch content updates contribute significantly to replayability and community engagement.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the of the main story mode, which some players found too brief.

Several reviews mention the lack of an integrated , limiting user-generated content.

Communication options in multiplayer are limited, with no in-game chat or quick chat features.

Some players feel the difficulty balance could be improved, citing the checkpoint system as making the game too easy.

A few noted that the post-game content, while present, is not as compelling as the main story.

Pros

  • Addictive rhythm and bullet hell gameplay mechanics keep players engaged for hours.
  • Minimalist graphics with charming shapes that convey surprising personality and emotion.
  • Energetic and diverse electronic soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay.
  • Engaging and surprisingly heartfelt storyline despite simple visual presentation.
  • Multiple difficulty levels cater to both casual and hardcore players.
  • Co-op multiplayer mode enhances replayability and social interaction.
  • Frequent updates and post-launch content enrich the overall experience.

Cons

  • Main story mode is relatively short, leaving some players wanting more content.
  • Lack of integrated level editor and workshop limits custom content creation.
  • No in-game chat or quick communication options in multiplayer modes.
  • Checkpoint system may reduce challenge for some players preferring higher difficulty.
  • Post-game content is not as engaging as the main story for many players.
  • Some players find certain level designs less enjoyable or inconsistent.
  • Price considered a bit high by a few for the amount of content offered.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

"Just Shapes & Beats" is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the kick-ass Beats, and die, repeatedly.

Release Date May 31st 2018
Publisher Berzerk Studio
Developer Berzerk Studio
Platforms

User Reviews

Overwhelmingly Positive (11,844)
98% Positive 2% Negative