Platforms
- PCMay 31, 2018NAplayscoreNA0 Critics9.77.82K Players
- Xbox Series X|SMay 31, 2022NAplayscoreNA0 Critics9.6141 Players
- PlayStation 4May 10, 2019NAplayscoreNA0 Critics9.32.35K Players
- Xbox OneMay 31, 2022NAplayscoreNA0 Critics9.6141 Players
- Nintendo SwitchMay 31, 20188.1playscore8.810 Critics7.442 Players
12 critic reviews · 4 community reviews across all platforms
Critic Reviews
Just Shapes and Beats is a hidden gem in this year's long list of video game releases. Its appeal transcends fans of specific genres as it borrows inspiration from various iconic game franchises. There is a familiarity that exists in the game as players try to take down the evil pink energy that has infected the world. The game's story and music are masterfully intertwined in a surprising and delightful campaign that challenges players while remaining fun.
Asif Khan · Jul 10, 2018 Reviewed on PC, SwitchRead full reviewJust Shapes and Beats is gaming filtered into its purest form. While E3 may have treated us to immense cinematics, bigger worlds and even bigger promises, it’s great to be reminded that not every video game needs to be this. Sometimes it’s enough to just be able to sit down, pick up a controller and play. Just Shapes and Beats may be a simple concept but it’s one that combines its soundtrack and visuals to craft a truly addictive and memorable experience.
Ryan Janes · Jun 17, 2018 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewOverall, Just Shapes & Beats is a mesmerising ride through a world full of audio and visual stimulation. The addictive gameplay is immediately accessible and fun, particularly with a group of friends. It’s well made, with great tunes, and offers plenty of options to keep you playing. Give this one a try!
Jemma Casson · Jun 15, 2018 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewThis is about as pure as a game can be. You learn how to play it in a few minutes, but can sit with it for hours. Its stylistic visuals and awesome soundtrack draw you in and keep you hypnotised, while addictive and challenging gameplay teases you with frantic block-dodging mayhem, great multiplayer modes and weird, surprisingly emotive "characters."
Chris Moyse · Jun 08, 2018 Reviewed on PCRead full reviewIt injects pure joy into the oppressive, pulsing panic of Super Hexagon and creates a celebratory explosion of the audio-visual in video games. Challenge mode and the hectic multiplayer will keep you occupied after you’ve conquered the refreshingly breezy story. Grab some decent headphones or, better still, some friends and hook your Switch up to the hi-fi. The neighbours will love you.
Gavin Lane · Jun 07, 2018 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewBerzerk has managed to make a game that I described as being dragged into a chiptune dungeon by a horde of acid riddled techno fairies, and I honestly can’t think of a better description yet. Just Shapes & Beats allows some simple ideas to blossom into an inventive, engaging challenge that proves a tiny cluster of well-proportioned pixels can contain more personality than the mightiest action hero.
Ed Orr · Jun 05, 2018 Reviewed on PC, SwitchRead full reviewI’m enchanted by this game and seeing how the dynamite techno-heavy soundtrack is turned into deadly obstacles that I have to deftly respond to and avoid is often breathtaking. Online play is such a welcome and rewarding experience. The drop-in/drop-out multiplayer is excellent. I never knew I wanted a bullet-less shoot-’em-up that was dripping with rhythm game style, but that’s exactly what Just Shapes & Beats is.
Neal Ronaghan · Jun 04, 2018 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewJust Shapes & Beats is extremely difficult to master and the later levels will make you cry, laugh, and then cry again. But it is extremely well crafted and superbly developed. It’s a shame that the multiplayer side of things is quiet, but whether you play on your own, or with friends locally, this is a blast of a game that is as addictive as hell.
Gareth Brierley · Jun 27, 2022 Reviewed on Series X|SRead full reviewJust Shapes & Beats is an inventive, creative, and memorable experience. It takes a simple concept and does so much with it, causing each level to feel wholly special, even if the lag issue can sometimes dampen the moment. The story mode is a joy to play, and the online mode offers hours of entertainment, as well.
Colin Beauchamp · Jun 29, 2018 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewJust Shapes & Beats is the best EDM compilation album you can play, and assuming the music floats your ear-shaped boat, it’s an absolute treat. Challenging, engrossing and exhibiting a purity we so often forget, this is a genre mash-up where everybody wins.
Dominic Leighton · Jun 06, 2018 Reviewed on SwitchRead full review
Community Reviews
This game is amazing, each level is so nice and hard in a good way. The main Campaign takes about 1-3 hours to complete. It took me 3 hours because I'm bad. Each boss fight is unique and has a different type of attacks. Most bullet hell I played, always have the same attack motion and direction where it's going to shoot. But this game shoots depending on where you stand. There's also an easier mode where you get 2x more health. Usually if you get hit 4 times you die, but with the easy mode it's 2x more. There's Online Levels Daily missions and level Custom maps you can make and the community make There isn't that much stuff to do after you finish the main Campaign, which really bothers me. It is like rhythm doctor. The main story is amazing, but after completing it, there's only daily levels and custom maps. It's still worth the price. For the amazing songs and beats.
Reviewed on PC
- Rated on PC
- Rated on PC
- Rated on PC
About the game
Just Shapes & Beats is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the kick-ass Beats, and die, repeatedly. It’s a new spin on the SHMUP genre, adding a layer of cooperation that’s at the core of the game: because everything is better with friends. Play alone or with up to four players, local or online, through the game’s Story Mode or Challenge Runs.