Just Shapes & Beats

 Switch
Just Shapes & Beats Image
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 54 Ratings

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  • Summary: A game about shapes, and about beats.

    "Just Shapes & Beats" is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the rad Beats, and die, repeatedly. It's a new spin on SHMUPs, adding a layer of coop that's at the core of the game: 'cause everything is    A game about shapes, and about beats.

    "Just Shapes & Beats" is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the rad Beats, and die, repeatedly. It's a new spin on SHMUPs, adding a layer of coop that's at the core of the game: 'cause 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.

    MUSIC TO YOUR EARS, AND HANDS

    You like music? SO. DO. WE. That's why we have 35 hand crafted stages with licensed tracks from over 20 chiptune and EDM artists.

    Hits like a ton of brick straight into your eardrums and your eyeballs; BAM

    EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH FRIENDS

    Gather up your squad and play up to 4 player co-op, drop-in drop-out, either all on your couch for a house party, or an online party!

    Don't have/like your friends? WE GOTCHU MY DUDES, make new or BETTER friends by playing a few quick online challenge runs. Let us pick your new best buds for the next hours; strangers are just friends you haven't met yet.

    Kind of a lone wolf, back hurts from carrying people, would rather play with yourself? Do it, the game is just as fun, just a different experience waiting for you; ain't nobody judging here yo.

    SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

    We have many different game experiences to offer! Story mode helps you learn the ropes with our intermediate-ish tracks and the optional Casual mode. When you think you're ready, Challenge Runs is where you get to prove yourself: get judged on your skills by playing through randomly picked tracks.

    Need some kind of training montage to get better? Rip off your sleeves and practice the tracks you're struggling to master in the Playlist.

    PARTYYYYY

    Literally the soundtrack for your party! Let the game play in Party Mode and let it light up your social gatherings, + you can even still have people playing this if they like, WE'VE THOUGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING.

    So yea, go ahead and throw the most epic party of your life thanks to us, you are welcome.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. God is a Geek
    Jul 18, 2018
    95
    Everything I’ve wanted in a new music game. When Sound Shapes hit the Vita a long time ago, it instantly became my favourite music game and I’m glad to add a new entry to my favourite music games of all time list with Berzerk Studio’s Just Shapes & Beats. It is frustrating in some areas with the skill required but every second I’ve put into it has been more than worth it.
  2. Nintendo Insider
    Jun 18, 2018
    90
    Just 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.
  3. GameSpace
    Jun 5, 2018
    90
    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.
  4. CGMagazine
    Jul 4, 2018
    90
    Just Shapes & Beats’ excellent soundtrack spawns intricate levels in a stylish aesthetic that is sure to challenge even the most dedicated players.
  5. Nintendo Enthusiast
    Jun 11, 2018
    85
    The game is perfect for the Switch due to its short songs and addicting gameplay. Just Shapes & Beats can be played on the go in short bursts or for long periods of time. Fans of the music genre will find a lot to love, and those who like fast action will be glued to the screen for hours. Switch owners looking for an entertaining indie game should pick up Just Shapes & Beats. Not only is it a fantastic game on the console, it’s one of the best indie games of the year.
  6. Cubed3
    Jun 29, 2018
    80
    Just 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.
  7. Switch Brasil
    Jun 19, 2018
    70
    Just Shapes & Beats is a game for those who enjoy music, mainly electronic music, in which the central objective is to escape from its shapes and beats. So if you are looking for a game with a cool story maybe this game is not for you. The coolest of Just Shapes & Beats are the musical qualities and their Party mode, that can be played freely while people enjoy the party. Just Shapes & Beats is a good buy to have on your Nintendo Switch and will brighten up your parties.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. bassman2112
    Aug 1, 2018
    10
    A wonderful game with a spectacular soundtrack, cohesive & unique art style, and extremely satisfying gameplay. It can be really difficult,A wonderful game with a spectacular soundtrack, cohesive & unique art style, and extremely satisfying gameplay. It can be really difficult, but it is also completely fair. Its story mode is really endearing, and I have few complaints other than I wish the story mode was longer, and that perhaps you could take a few more hits naturally (without turning on casual mode). Basically my complaint is "it is too awesome, make more plz." Definitely one of the best of 2018.… Expand
  2. JoelCuzcuz
    Oct 29, 2020
    10
    The music is great, I like the style, and it's very challenging. Over-all, it's just fun. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
  4. theCmanNYCKC
    Dec 24, 2018
    10
    Great game! Love how the story-line goes. When Paradise got destroyed I was a little sad. Also, the ending is great. I love how you haveGreat game! Love how the story-line goes. When Paradise got destroyed I was a little sad. Also, the ending is great. I love how you have infinite health and have to shoot the Annihilate boss. I would also say the levels are hard but rewarding at the end. 10 out of 10 game!

    From Conley (8 yrs) And you KNOW I made it to the end! Thanks designers and DJs.    … Expand
  5. AVdE
    Jun 25, 2018
    9
    This game was definitely worth the wait. Awesome music, hard but fair levels and lost of game modes, this game has it all. I especially loveThis game was definitely worth the wait. Awesome music, hard but fair levels and lost of game modes, this game has it all. I especially love party mode, which is an easy and casual way to play with friends unfamiliar with bullet hells.

    There's also an easy mode on the story campaign giving you double hit points, so you don't get stuck for too long if you can't beat a certain track. I may or may not have used this feature on 2 levels.

    I mean, what you see in the trailer is what you get, there's not too much to say here except a few nitpicks:

    - The story campaign was fun but really short; you can beat it in a few hours.
    - On my Switch the game lags occasionally. It's always short and a rare occurrence, but very annoying in a game where full concentration is key.
    - A retry option on the pause menu would have been nice for the story and playlist mode.

    The core gameplay though, love it. If you're looking for a unique and challenging indie game, S&B just might be for you.    … Expand
  6. SFXacidic
    Jun 2, 2018
    9
    Just Shapes & Beats provides a fun time for both playing alone and with friends. One enjoyable part even after beating the game is being ableJust Shapes & Beats provides a fun time for both playing alone and with friends. One enjoyable part even after beating the game is being able to play with others online to many of the songs featured in the story. To unlock all the songs both story mode and challenges will need to be met. Other than that, the developers have put a lot of work into this game and it has shown over the years.… Expand
  7. RayRay26
    Jun 28, 2018
    9
    A solid musical game. There's lots to do even when there's only 34 songs. However, being musically inclined, I have noticed the numerousA solid musical game. There's lots to do even when there's only 34 songs. However, being musically inclined, I have noticed the numerous imperfect timings in the attacks and obstacles, which make me mistime my very short dash. Also there's a bunch of multiplayer desync problems like a song ending early or starting midway. Other than those minor problems, I have yet to stop listening to the soundtrack since day one! I loved the minimalist story too.… Expand
  8. Lordfate
    Nov 14, 2018
    4
    Brutal difficulty, cheap, unforgiving oh and to top it off limited continues.

See all 21 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best Switch Game of 2018
63
#63 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018

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