Beat Slayer is a roguelite rhythm hack n’ slash developed and published by ByteRockers' Games. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Beat Slayer Review Overview
What is Beat Slayer?
Beat Slayer
grooves into the scene as a roguelite rhythm romp, riffing in a dystopian, 90s-infused Berlin. Take the lead as Mia, a rockin' music maestro, and clever gearhead, as she faces off against legions of robotic adversaries. With a crew of rebels by her side, they're tuning up to rescue her little brother and orchestrate saving the world beat by beat.
Beat Slayer features:
⚫︎ Rhythm Hack n’ Slash Gameplay Where Timing is Key
⚫︎ Roguelite Elements
⚫︎ Groovy Electronic Music
⚫︎ Slash Away with Weapons, Upgrades, and Abilities
⚫︎ Stylized Cell-Shaded Art-Style
For more details, read everything we know about Beat Slayer's gameplay and story.
| Platform | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
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| $19.99 | |||||
Beat Slayer Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Head-Banging Music Awesome Blend of Rhythm and Roguelite Challenging but Fair Boss Fights |
Some Frame Rate Issues Dungeons are Bland |
Beat Slayer Overall Score - 84/100
Beat Slayer rocks! It’s a challenging but fair, riff-tastic roguelite! With electrifying tunes that'll make your head bang harder than a drum solo, it's all about grooving to the rhythm while slaying foes. Sure, there might be a few tempo hiccups in boss battles, and some dungeons might feel repetitive but overall, it's a symphony of fun and creativity, especially for music-loving gamers!
Beat Slayer Story - 6/10
The plot is quite simple and doesn't take center stage as the focal point of the game. Although the characters are quite interesting, they hardly get any chance to develop. Mia, the protagonist, has to carry the tune as the sole captivating presence.
Beat Slayer Gameplay - 9/10
Playing the game is akin to picking up a new instrument; it's understandable, but initially challenging due to the multitude of factors to keep in mind. Staying in sync with the music's beat while mastering enemy patterns for evasion and attack can initially feel overwhelming. Once you grasp the mechanics, you'll find yourself flowing with an addictive rhythm, thanks to the roguelite elements aiding in your practice. My rating would have been higher if not for the occasional monotony of battling the same waves of forgettable enemies repeatedly and the occasional framerate drops, particularly evident during boss encounters.
Beat Slayer Visuals - 8/10
While the visuals may not soar to celestial heights, there's still plenty to love about this game's art style. Rocking a palette reminiscent of a punk rock concert—think vibrant oranges and deep blacks—the UI exudes a gritty, grungy charm that complements the cell-shaded aesthetic flawlessly. And when it comes to character art, it's simply stunning!
However, it's a different story when it comes to the dungeons and robot designs. They lack the same spark of creativity found in the art style and UI, which is a real shame. It feels like a missed opportunity to inject more personality into these elements.
Beat Slayer Audio - 10/10
Strap on those headphones, because in this game, the music is electrifying with its electronic music! With your ears plugged in, you'll catch every nuance, every beat, and truly groove along with the gameplay. It's like the developers conducted a symphony of strategy, where each note is perfectly timed to sync with your every move, making you feel the rhythm deep in your bones. And hey, it's not just about gameplay - it's a masterclass in tuning your ear to be pitch-perfect.
Beat Slayer Value for Money - 9/10
This game is worth every penny, especially if you're into hits like Hi-fi Rush or Crypt of the NecroDancer. It's got its own groove that sets it apart, offering endless replayability with its rogue-lite style and a plethora of weapons and upgrades to jam with. A must for any music-loving gamer! $19.99 is definitely a steal!
Beat Slayer Review: Head-Banging Beats and Action
Comparisons to Crypt of the NecroDancer are inevitable, given the shared rhythm-based, roguelike/lite gameplay. However, in my book, Beat Slayer is quite different as it's more like blending the elements of Hades and Hi-Fi Rush. If you're a fan of either, trust me, this fusion will be music to your ears!
Let's tackle the weakest link first: the story. While it's not terrible, it's rather run-of-the-mill, following the typical dystopian trope of battling an evil corporation. Mia, our protagonist, shines bright compared to everything else in the story. With her infectious love for music and unwavering confidence, she's the standout star.
However, it's a shame the rest of the crew doesn't get much limelight. They're a diverse bunch with intriguing designs, yet they're mostly relegated to info dumps or shopkeepers. Still, kudos for the fully-voiced dialogue! Don't expect deep character arcs or gripping narratives here, but fear not—the gameplay and music more than compensate for any storytelling shortcomings.
Picture this: Beat Slayer isn't just another Crypt of the NecroDancer clone—it's more of a fusion between Hades and Hi-Fi Rush, leaning heavily into action rather than strict rhythm. Unlike NecroDancer's grid-based movement, which demands precise timing to the beat, Beat Slayer offers a top-down action experience with rhythmic undertones reminiscent of Hi-Fi Rush.
Much like Hades, you delve into procedurally generated dungeons, clearing out enemies area by area. Here, the music isn't just background noise—it's woven into the very fabric of gameplay. Every action, from dodging to attacking to unleashing special skills, feels like striking a chord.
You don’t have to be precise with your tune, but being pitch-perfect is absolutely worth it. And if you sync your moves to the electronic beats, you'll unlock devastating combos and reach that elusive 'flow state' where your damage skyrockets.
For those less musically inclined (like myself), there's a bit of a learning curve. But once you find your rhythm, it's a deeply satisfying experience. Unlike NecroDancer, enemies don't dance to your tune—they're focused solely on you. Mastering the beat while dodging attacks adds an extra layer of challenge, but it's all the more rewarding.
Sure, there are moments of repetition, especially with the same old robot foes and quite uninteresting dungeon designs. But hey, every jam session has its lulls, right?
Thankfully, navigating each area caters to your unique style of play. With diverse enemy patterns and multiple ways to finish levels, the experience stays fresh. Plus, the striking orange and black UI, along with the cell-shaded art style, helps elevate the otherwise mundane dungeon levels. And let's not forget the gameplay—it's downright addictive, overshadowing any minor flaws.
But let's talk about what truly shines: the music. It's an absolute powerhouse, delivering electrifying beats that'll have you grooving in your seat. With pulsating bass drops that sync perfectly with the gameplay, you'll find yourself moving to the rhythm more often than not. The tracks are diverse, with each area boasting its own unique vibe. It's like being at a club or a wild DJ party. Here's hoping they drop the full soundtrack on Spotify soon.
Pros of Beat Slayer
| Things Beat Slayer Got Right |
|---|
|
Head-Banging Music Awesome Blend of Rhythm and Roguelite Challenging but Fair Boss Fights |
Head-Banging Music
The game's soundtrack falls squarely into the electronic music genre, perfectly capturing the dystopian atmosphere it aims for. Playing with headphones is a must, as it immerses you in the intensity of each bass drop, enhancing the gameplay without overpowering it. Even if electronic music isn't your usual jam, I'd still recommend giving it a listen—it has a hypnotic quality that's hard to resist.
I find myself wishing I knew the titles of these tracks; they're so good, that I wouldn't be surprised if other musicians sampled them. They'd blend seamlessly into hip-hop or pop. Heck, I can even envision Marshmello dropping a remix for this game.
Awesome Blend of Rhythm and Roguelite
This game is the ultimate fusion of rhythm-based gameplay and roguelite mechanics, offering a plethora of options and creative freedom in tackling each level. While it leans towards the easier side of roguelites, the real challenge lies in mastering the music beats and synchronizing them with enemy patterns.
Although you can get by without perfect timing, syncing your moves with the rhythm adds depth and rewards your ingenuity in combat, especially when facing diverse enemy types like bomb-throwers or laser beam wielders.
The seamless integration of roguelite elements enhances the experience further. With each upgrade, new weapon, and acquired skill, you feel more empowered and in sync with the rhythm. Plus, the forgiving nature of not losing items, except for in-dungeon skills, ensures you keep progressing without frustration.
Despite the potential for repetition in dungeon exploration, the branching paths offer variety and strategic choices. Each area presents different rewards, from experience points to health boosts to unique abilities.
Challenging but Fair Boss Fights
Staying true to the roguelite genre, the boss battles demand your full attention, requiring keen observation of their patterns and vulnerabilities. It's akin to tackling a challenging song with intricate chord inputs, but the thrill is undeniable. With intensified music and larger-than-life bosses, each encounter becomes an exhilarating test of your skills. And the best part? The rewards are well worth the effort.
Cons of Beat Slayer
| Things That Beat Slayer Can Improve |
|---|
|
Some Frame Rate Issues Dungeons are Bland |
Frame Rate Issues in Boss Battles
Facing off against bosses with bad frame rates feels like hitting a sour note in the midst of a symphony. Hopefully, they'll fine-tune it soon, as these dips really throw off the groove of the game. It's like trying to dance to a song with a skipped beat - not only does it mess with your flow, but it also puts you in very sticky situations!
Dungeons are Bland
Roguelites often toe the line of repetitiveness with their procedurally generated dungeons and endless enemy encounters. However, this game sometimes feels even more repetitive at times and this is mostly due to the lackluster dungeon designs and uninspired robot aesthetics. While the UI does its best to elevate the dungeon's appearance, it's clear that more effort could have been put into crafting visually engaging and diverse dungeon layouts.
Is Beat Slayer Worth It?
It’s a Rocking Good Time!
Despite hitting a few off-notes, this game is definitely worth jamming to, especially for music, rhythm, or roguelite aficionados. It orchestrates the perfect blend of Hades and Hi-Fi Rush, crafting a challenging yet melodious experience that'll put your skills and sense of rhythm to the ultimate test! You'll definitely get your money's worth it!
| Platform | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
|||||
| $19.99 | |||||
Beat Slayer FAQ
Does Beat Slayer have a Demo?
Yes, the game has a demo on Steam that you could try out before making the decision to purchase the game.
Where is the Setting of Beat Slayer?
In the dystopian, 90s-inspired city of Berlin, Beat Slayer unfolds its tale of corporate tyranny. Here, an evil corporation has seized control with its hypnotic soundwaves, ensnaring the minds of the populace.
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Beat Slayer Product Information
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| Title | BEAT SLAYER |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 4, 2024 |
| Developer | ByteRockers' Games |
| Publisher | ByteRockers' Games |
| Supported Platforms | PC (Steam) |
| Genre | Rhythm Game, Roguelite, Hack and Slash |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | Not Rated |
| Official Website | Beat Slayer Website |
