ROBOBEAT, developed by Simon Fredholm and brought to us by Kwalee, is a thrilling rhythm-based roguelike shooter available on PlayStation 5. We’ve spent some time getting into the groove of this high-octane game, and here’s what we found.
You’re stepping into the shoes of the renowned bounty hunter Ace, who’s on a mission to track down the quirky robot performer, Frazzer. This pursuit throws you into a bizarre, tech-inspired arena with a pulse-pounding soundtrack that syncs with your every move. Standing still is not an option here; constant movement is essential if you want to survive ROBOBEAT’s relentless, procedurally generated levels. To up your game, choose a track that complements your playstyle and keep the rhythm going for maximum fun.
In the past, I’ve tackled other rhythm shooters like Metal: Hellsinger on PS5 and BPM: Bullets Per Minute on the Nintendo Switch. So, diving into ROBOBEAT on Sony’s latest console was a no-brainer. Excitingly, ROBOBEAT includes crossover content from BPM: Bullets Per Minute and features bonus tracks from titles like DUSK and ULTRAKILL.
Once you’re ready to dive in, you’ll steer your character using the left analog stick, aiming with the right. Dashing can be done by clicking the left stick, and the X button will let you jump or double jump while pressing Circle makes you slide. If you jump and then press the right stick, you’ll execute a ground slam. Combat-wise, you’re using L2 to fire the left weapon and R2 for the right, all while staying on beat to rack up those combos! You can parry with Square, charge weapons with Triangle, and handle utilities in your loadout with R1.
But what about the tools of destruction you’ll wield? There’s a trusty Revolver, offering swift attacks and a headshot edge with just a one-beat cooldown. The Flux, a mighty shotgun, dishes out powerful blows at close quarters but requires a two-beat cooldown between blasts. The Contact, another choice, not only hits hard but also spreads the damage to nearby foes, coming with a one-beat cooldown. Or try the Ping Pong, where every third shot results in an explosive surprise and only demands a single beat to recharge!
As you make your way through enemies and clear rooms, you’ll gather Blips. These serve as the game’s currency and can be exchanged for weapons, upgrades, and unlocking new rooms for future runs. Find yourself a blueprint first, then bring it back to the workbench to unlock options like the shop room for additional gear, the data-chip room for power boosts, the skill-challenging parkour room, and the target rush room, which demands you destroy targets swiftly.
In terms of achievements, ROBOBEAT offers a complete trophy list topped off by the coveted Platinum trophy. You’ll chase down 24 Bronze, 8 Silver, and 5 Gold trophies. Achievements range from entering new areas and collecting keys to accessing various rooms, defeating bosses, reaching a 100-beat combo, and more. Need a boost? There’s a handy ROBOBEAT Trophy Guide to help you out.
ROBOBEAT isn’t just about pace and precision; it’s a dynamic roguelike where you, as bounty hunter Ace, are up against the whims of the robot-showman Frazzer. Stepping into his bizarre techno domain means you must keep moving and shooting to the beat to survive. With a variety of procedurally generated challenges and a soundtrack that adapts to your rhythm, you’re in for an engaging experience. The game offers 38 songs, plus bonus tracks from BPM: Bullets Per Minute, DUSK, and ULTRAKILL, enriching the experience. Available now on PlayStation 5 at a price of $19.99, ROBOBEAT is poised to make you move to the beat—and maybe add a flashy Platinum trophy to your collection.
Can you outsmart the eccentric Frazzer? Dive into ROBOBEAT and find out!
Disclaimer: This review of ROBOBEAT is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Kwalee.
