There are several checkpoints in each level that allow you to “save” your progress as you go, but you can only take so much damage before dying, and you can only die once before having to start over completely. It smartly balances challenge and triumph. It actually reminds me a lot of Super Hexagon-the action differs, but the intense demand on the player’s reflexes is similar, and just as fun. The upbeat soundtrack goes a long way in heading off frustration at the pass, in that failure is just another opportunity to keep listening to the music. The challenge of avoiding several overlapping projectiles is highly reminiscent of that particular style of gameplay.īut though it’s visually chaotic and mechanically punishing, like others in its class, the difficulty is easy to forgive. The game is aptly described by some fans as a “bullet hell” title, and while Just Shapes & Beats is not a shooter game, I agree. While these elements are minimalist and uncomplicated, dodging them is less so. As the player hurtles through each level, they navigate a two dimensional, sidescrolling plane of polygons that explode and shift in a vibrant blur of hot pink, fuschia and purple, using a dash move to speed around obstructions or blast through fading barriers. Just Shapes & Beats is not a rhythm game per se, but rather, its obstacles, how they move, and how the player responds to them are informed by the beat of the backing track. Now that it’s here, how does it hold up? Does such a straightforward premise work for a full length game? Or does it collapse under the fragility of its own gimmick? The hype has been built largely on word of mouth and demos, with precious few trailers or streaming sessions to show off what the game is like. If you’ve attended any fan conventions in the past few years, you’ve probably seen this one on the show floor-not just because the music is catchy, but because of the crowd it draws. Just Shapes & Beats is now out on Switch and Steam. Well escalator guys, here’s another one for your list. Bit Trip Runner! Hotline Miami! OlliOlli! Super Hexagon! There are some fantastic games out there that have earned that kind of split second word association when it comes to great soundtracks, and I’ve played a lot of them. A few years back at PAX West, there were a couple of guys at the end of the 6th floor escalators with a small cardboard sign asking “What’s your favorite game soundtrack?” And oh boy, did I have a list for them. If you're passionate about retro gaming or just want to learn more about it, then you should check out Retro Gamer. It’s quite simply the best experience you can have on Sony’s handheld. Japan Studio’s game is everything you want from a killer app: it offers stunning visuals, does a spectacular job of showcasing the PS Vita’s unique attributes, and is mechanically excellent. Not since Crackdown has the feeling of exploring presented so many rewards and it’s easy to lose focus from the main adventure as you explore Hekseville’s many nooks and crannies. It creates a wonderful sense of freedom as you explore the breathtaking city of Hekseville and complete quests for its memorable NPCs while looking for the tucked-away gems that will expand Kat’s health and grant her new abilities. Kat has the power to manipulate gravity and while it takes a little while to master, you’ll soon feel invincible as you run along the sides of buildings, propel yourself at enemies and even master the power of flight. Few videogame superheroes express their available powers as well as the main protagonist of Japan Studio’s sensational action-adventure game.
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