Beat Slayer

Beat Slayer is a game that falls short in some areas. I don't think it goes far enough in establishing its unique setting and the characters are just people you want to tune out after a while. With that said, I enjoyed the game on the whole. It's not a game that's good for long sessions, especially if you get particularly far in a run and have that adrenaline balloon get popped to send you back to the very beginning. For short sessions, however, it's got solid enough combat and a strong enough soundtrack to make it worth touring this robot-filled dystopia.

Energetic and outspoken protagonist Mia and her trusty pair of headphones are slaying thousands of mindless robots to the beat, just to finally reach the ominous Dietrich, who is making people into literal disco zombies by blasting his own sounds. But beweary, because This synths heavy rhythm-based adventure will not only test your fingers and ears, but your patience and determination too. So just remember to STAY ON BEAT!

Whether busting robot heads or jamming to the tune, Beat Slayer promises a good time, even if a lack of versatility makes it a little stale.

Beat Slayer’s core mechanic is good. As long as players stay on the beat and mix and match their attacks, kicks, and dashes, they can deal with a wide array of enemy combinations. The game also has a good variety of upgrades for Mia and two extra weapons to unlock. This futuristic version of Berlin is interesting, although her sidekicks can be a little forgettable.

The ‘90s badass tropes will wear thin very quickly, but they won’t stop you coming back for more. Beat Slayer is a thoroughly enjoyable rhythmic romp that is both fun and deceivingly addictive. With an exceptional soundtrack and mix-and-match gameplay with something for everyone, you’ll be saying “Just one more run” until the wee hours.

If you’re looking for a new rogue-lite to sink your teeth into, Beat Slayer offers an excellent rendition of the genre, with the rhythm-based combat only elevating it further. I’d have liked to have seen a little more innovation in the game’s upgrade system, and the character work here falls a little sub-par of what I’d expect in a game like this. That said, I had a rollicking-good time smashing my way through the streets of Berlin, and would certainly recommend picking it up if you’re looking for some added musical spice with your combat.

Beat Slayer’s gorgeous style drew us into this underground fight club, but the razor-sharp combat systems and constant gameplay updates keep things from feeling overly repetitive. If you ever wondered what an electronica take on Hades would look like, then come kick Deitrich’s ass in Beat Slayer.

Beat Slayer takes the gameplay of titles like Hades and adds a music rhythm twist, making it a treat for those with the skills to play along to the beat.

Beat Slayer is an enjoyable enough game in short doses, but does nothing to move its genre forward or innovate on established ideas.

If you enjoyed Hi-Fi Rush, or Metal: Hellsinger and are looking for something to scratch a similar itch, then you cannot go wrong with Beat Slayer. However, if you’re looking for a unique experience, you won’t find it here.