Beat Slayer

Beat Slayer, developed by ByteRockers’ Games and published by ByteRockers’ Games along with Paras Games, stands out as a refreshing hybrid in the roguelite and rhythm-action genre. Released in 2024, the game offers a unique fusion of fast-paced hack-and-slash combat with rhythm-based mechanics, creating a gameplay experience that demands not only skill but also a strong sense of timing and musicality. This blend elevates the typical roguelite formula, delivering an engaging and challenging adventure that is as much about syncing with the beat as it is about tactical decision-making.
Set against the backdrop of a dystopian, cyberpunk-inspired Berlin in the 1990s, Beat Slayer follows Mia, a rebellious and resourceful music aficionado, who finds herself fighting hordes of robotic enemies that have taken over the city. The game’s narrative weaves through diverse urban environments — from shadowy underground clubs to rain-soaked rooftops — each crafted with a gritty, neon-lit aesthetic that perfectly captures the mood of a retro-futuristic world. The setting isn’t just decorative; it enhances the overall atmosphere, immersing players in a story where music acts as a weapon of resistance.
At the heart of Beat Slayer is its innovative rhythm-based combat system. Every action—whether swinging a weapon, dodging, or moving—must be executed in sync with the pulsating electronic soundtrack. This rhythmic precision is critical; hitting attacks off-beat significantly weakens their impact or causes missed opportunities, making timing an essential skill. This mechanic challenges players to think differently than in traditional hack-and-slash games, turning combat into a rhythmic dance that rewards focus and practice. The soundtrack itself acts as a gameplay driver, with its dynamic beats setting the pace and intensity for each encounter.
Combat flows smoothly as players cycle through an arsenal of weapons, each with distinctive attack patterns that can be combined with rhythm timing for maximum effect. The game encourages experimentation, offering a range of weapons, upgrades, and abilities to customize playstyle. Its roguelite structure, with procedurally generated levels and randomized rewards, ensures no two runs feel the same, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. As players progress, unlocking new gear and enhancements adds layers of strategy and replay value.
However, Beat Slayer’s unique rhythm mechanic introduces a steep learning curve that might deter some players. Mastering the precise timing required to succeed can be demanding, especially for those unfamiliar with rhythm games. The difficulty spikes can feel punishing, where a single mistimed move might lead to defeat. Yet, for players who embrace this challenge, the sense of accomplishment from syncing flawlessly with the music and dominating enemies is deeply satisfying.
Visually, the game impresses with its stylish portrayal of a dystopian Berlin, combining gritty urban textures with vibrant neon highlights that evoke a strong cyberpunk vibe. Character and enemy designs are distinct, and animations are fluid, contributing to a polished and immersive experience. The soundtrack is a standout, featuring energetic electronic tracks that perfectly complement the rhythmic gameplay and heighten the tension and excitement throughout.
Reception to Beat Slayer has been generally positive among critics, who praise its inventive merging of rhythm and roguelite genres, stylish art direction, and engaging combat loop. The game holds a solid metascore, reflecting appreciation for its creative design. Player feedback is more varied, with some expressing frustration at the difficulty and demanding timing, though many acknowledge that overcoming these hurdles makes the gameplay all the more rewarding.
In summary, Beat Slayer offers a bold and captivating experience by combining rhythm-based mechanics with roguelite hack-and-slash action. Its distinctive gameplay demands precision and patience, wrapped in a compelling narrative set in a richly crafted cyberpunk world. While its challenging nature may not be for everyone, those willing to master its rhythm-driven combat will find a deeply immersive and exhilarating game that stands apart from typical roguelites. With its unique blend of music, story, and action, Beat Slayer is a noteworthy addition to the genre and a must-try for players seeking something different and challenging.
Rating: 8/10

Amazing game! The rhythmic gameplay is fun, the combat is fast paced, the sound is fantastic, the artstyle is charming and the chalenge is real. A must play!

I know this has been said before, but this game is heavily influenced by roguelikes like Hades and similar games. At the same time it is a rhythm-game at its core. The concept works really well and the game is not too hard, so it is a good entry point for players of either genre wanting to try out the other. If you like both genres this is the game for you, just make sure to start on the hard difficulty, since I wish I had done that. Anarchy, the hardest difficulty, is designed for a 2nd playthrough though, since every enemy can pop up in every level and it is nice to have that enemy progression in a first playthrough.
The music is cool, the gameplay is tight, the artstyle is super nice and interesting and the story and characters are charming, while being arguably the weakest link in an overall strong chain. It just has to be said, since those are the parallels people are drawing, compared to Hades and Hi-Fi RUSH, which are 2 of the greatest games of all time imo, this can't keep up. Obviously there is no shame in that and the devs seem to know that, so they built a much tighter and shorter game, that is great while it lasts and is finished before it can get old.

Beat Slayer has been a very pleasant surprise for me. The rhythm gameplay is a ton of fun to play, and I have yet to tire from starting over. It might be easy to overlook this title with the high number of releases coming out this time of year. But if you’re a fan of rhythm games and rogues, you won’t want to skip this title. It’s pretty special and I could see more of this style of gaming in the future.
You can read the full review by Scott Clark on our web site at the link below:
To hear Scott talk more about Beat Slayer, be sure to listen to our April 3rd, 2024 episode of The Gaming Outsider Podcast around the 42:39 time stamp.

Felky Fun Meter
|--------|--| Very fun!
Satisfying combat, fun "kick"-mechanic; okay amount of weapon, very large amount of combos with the different elements, good soundtrack, fun boss fights!
The rhythm aspect of the game persists through the entire playthrough which is nice.
Some weapons definitely felt stronger than others good luck hitting the train-boss with the fire-extinguisher but that's a common thing with this genre so.. :p
Overall very enjoyable experience :D

so fun

super fun!!