GridBeat is an Awesome Cyberpunk Rhythm Game!

GridBeat is developed by Ridiculous Games, and they advertise the game as being a combination of “Tron” and Crypt of the Necro-Dancer. Indeed, as soon as you boot the game up, you can see the similarities to those two franchises. The story is simple – you are a master hacker, and a mysterious employer sends you to hack a corporation’s servers. You do so, but now you have to escape the servers, which are full of massive security programs out to shut you down.

As such, you have to move in sync with the servers. This is where the rhythm gameplay comes in. Much like in Crypt of the Necro-Dancer, the play field is grid-based, and you move one square at a time, in beat with the music. If you fall off beat, you risk losing your data, which acts as your health bar. Lose too much data and you have to start the level over. In addition, you collect “bits” throughout every level, which can be spent for extra boosts, and you can only collect bits when in sync with the music, so you’d better stay in sync. 

In addition to keeping with the beat, you also have to hack your way through the servers. You’ll often find your way blocked by barriers you need to hack into in order to pass. There are also enemies you’ll have to dodge around while still moving to the beat. In some levels, the servers might be wiped as you’re trying to escape, so you have to get out as fast as possible while still grooving to the music. This adds up to a hectic, addictive experience. 

An Awesome Presentation

Some people might dismiss this game as a knockoff of Crypt of the Necro-Dancer, but GridBeat does its own thing to separate itself from Crypt of the Necro-Dancer. While Crypt of the Necro-Dancer takes place in a fantasy world, GridBeat is firmly set in sci-fi. The bright neon wiring that twists all over the servers brings to mind the “Tron” franchise, making the game a visual treat. The bright colors and abstract environments are incredibly engaging for any fan of cyberpunk.

In addition to being a visual feast, GridBeat is also an audio feast. Since music plays such a large role in rhythm games, the music can often play a huge role in the level of enjoyment. If the music is terrible, you might not be interested in keeping with its beat. Fortunately, GridBeat has amazing music. These techno tunes have great beats that make you feel like your avatar is dancing to the music. Some of the songs even have lyrics. If Ridiculous Games ever releases the soundtrack for this game, I might consider buying it and jamming to its tunes while writing. 

GridBeat is an Awesome Game!

If you enjoy rhythm games like Crypt of the Necro-Dancer and Dance Dance Revolution, you should definitely check out GridBeat. I had an absolute blast playing it. While it can be difficult, it captures the “just one more try” addictive feel of the best arcade games. Even when I had to play a level over several times to beat it, the amazing music made it fun instead of frustrating. If it looks like your thing, go buy it on Steam for $19.99.