Beat Slayer is a roguelite hack n’ slay game like no other. Instead of just being in the background the music takes centre stage. Join Mia, a badass music lover and crafty tinkerer, as she battles hordes of robots in a dystopian 90s inspired Berlin. There’s only one rule: Stay on beat!
The core of the gameplay revolves around timing attacks, dodges, and abilities to the beat of the electronic soundtrack. Failing to match the rhythm results in less effective or missed attacks. However, mastering the rhythm allows players to enter a "Tanzrausch" (dance frenzy) state, boosting their damage and abilities. Multiple reviews highlight how satisfying and addictive this rhythm-based combat feels once players get the hang of it.
Reviewers praise the responsiveness and "juiciness" of the combat animations. They describe the combat as feeling very polished, with a strong sense of impact and empowerment as players string together rhythmic attacks. The tight, precise controls enable players to quickly react and adapt to the game's challenges.
The game incorporates roguelite elements, offering different weapon and ability upgrades that influence the player's playstyle with each run. Reviewers appreciate how this adds to the replayability, as the combat and progression system feel fresh from run to run. The variety of enemy types and boss encounters also contribute to the game's depth and encourage players to experiment with different strategies.
To help players of all skill levels engage with the rhythm-based gameplay, the game offers various accessibility options. These include a metronome, a rhythm bar, and audio/video calibration tools to fine-tune the timing. Reviewers note that these features make the game more welcoming to players who may struggle with strict rhythm requirements.
Overall, the reviews highlight the game's highly engaging and satisfying gameplay loop. The combination of rhythmic combat, roguelite progression, and a stylish, dystopian setting creates a unique and addictive experience. Many reviewers mention the game's ability to keep them playing "one more run" due to its polished mechanics and sense of flow.