Just Shapes & Beats Review

Over the past few years, I’ve kept a keen eye on the game called Just Shapes & Beats from the team at Berzerk Studio. I first got the chance to learn about Just Shapes & Beats at the Indie Games Live at PAX East Party, which as for the year had to be at least 2015. While checking out tons of awesome indie games one game out of the few that caught my eye was Just Shapes & Beats. Over the years, I made it a plan to always meet up with the Berzerk Studio at PAX events if they had a booth. Plus, even if I wasn’t there I had people tagging me on social media when they catch a glimpse of the game in action.

Fast forward to 2018 and after getting hands-on with a build at each PAX East I’d always ask. When are we getting Just Shapes & Beats, but alas the answer was all ways “soon.” Well during the Nindies Spring Showcase it was announced that the game is coming to Nintendo Switch. Of course that most likely meant PC version was to follow along with it. During PAX East 2018, I was simply handed a card and once I glanced at the back it stated May 31st was the release date FINALLY. No joke, I got the card in hand right now and it states, May 31st, 2018 (Finally…) I did laugh but was very excited to see what all has been done with the game over the years since a single player and more was added to the game.

Shapes and Beats

Ever since the news of it coming out, I’ve been eager to play the game. In Just Shapes & Beats you play as one of four shapes, but in the single-player mode, you play as a square. When other players join your game, they play as other shapes and colors, which add to the visual aspect of the game. With the high contrast of colors, it helps you to keep track of your shape versus the other players and the beats. Another good feature about the game is the drop-in/drop-out option which allows players to join (or leave) at any time of the game. Now you can also play online with others if you don’t have friends to come play the game locally with you. Through the online community room, you can join others in-progress for quick play, or create a room for others to join you.

One of the best new features is the story mode, which brings a new perspective on the game itself. By completing levels in story mode, you then unlock songs to be played in other areas of the game–this is the only way to permanently unlock these songs. When it comes to the soundtrack of the game, the game features 35 tracks for you to pick and play from. However, while you can go to challenge mode you may spoil yourself on some of the story itself. So advice from me is to play the story first before digging into the other modes if you don’t want spoiled. As for one memorable track during the game Close to Me has to be one on of the enjoyable levels during my play-time with the game.

As for the controls to the game, those are quite simple, using your left thumbstick to move around and using A or B to dash around the screen. If you have multiple players, you join or leave a game by pressing X. This minimalistic approach doesn’t take away from the game–in contrast, it makes it easier for new players to pick up. However, it does take some time and skill to learn to navigate the beats with your shape. This makes for a challenging game that treads the fine line between frustratingly difficult and completely addictive.

Just Shapes & Beats

Overall, the game Just Shapes & Beats is very hard to put down and is very fun. At this time of writing, I’ve put in 10+ hours into the game and while you can play the game alone, it will be hard and will test you. The team at Berzerk Studio have really gone all out when it comes to Just Shapes & Beats. If you’re looking for a fun game to play this is one game that will have you coming back for more each time. Just Shapes & Beats is a great game to have at parties! While the game has taken a few years to be developed the team has really shown how much love they’ve put into Just Shapes & Beats. You can find Just Shapes & Beats on Steam by clicking here or check out the game on the Nintendo eShop.

Good

  • Great Choice of Music In-Game
  • Controls to the game are very simple and quick to learn
  • Story Mode is pretty sweet and gives you a feeling that you've done something good
  • Having a way to drop in and out of games locally and online

Bad

  • Would love to see more in-game tracks created!
9.2

Amazing

Gameplay - 10
Controls - 9
Music/Sound - 10
Graphics - 8
Replay Value - 9
Avid collector of Funko Pop! items, Pokemon and video games. Raises money for Extra Life since 2012. When I'm not collecting great things or helping kids and others via charity. I'm writing news, previews, reviews, and running giveaways. You can reach me at andrew at maroonersrock dot com as well.

Lost Password

Sign Up