Music-Making Mayhem: Hi-Fi Rush Successor, Dead as Disco, Showcases Danceable, Destructive Gameplay with User-Selected Tracks
Dead as Disco: Grooving Through a Dance-Fueled Beat 'Em Up
In the exciting world of video games, Brain Jar Games is bringing a fresh spin to the action genre by blending 3D brawler mechanics with a pulsating, rhythm-based soul, creating a 'rhythm beat 'em up' genre on its own. With the demo for Dead as Disco available during Steam Next Fest, it's time to give this stylish, buckle-crunching dance party a spin if Hi-Fi Rush left you tapping your toes.
Just like its contemporary, Dead as Disco invites players to take down opponents in rhythm with the beat, earning points along the way. Brain Jar Games has taken the core concept from Hi-Fi Rush and bathed it in the shimmering lights of the '70s disco era. The tantalizing tune they've chosen is none other than the iconic Michael Sembello classic, Maniac - proving that you, indeed, are the maniac leading the dance floor massacre.
The gameplay mechanics in Dead as Disco keep things simple but effective. You can either defend or dodge your opponent's attacks, and build up your "Fever Rush," a powerful, freeform combo attack you trigger by wailing on the heads of those who declare disco as dead. Consistent hits earn you takedown tokens, allowing you to, well, take someone down in a flashy show of force.
While Brain Jar Games hasn't redefined the rules of the game, they've made certain that the wheel they've created spins with perfection. With an impressive lineup of tunes that influence every move, Dead as Disco's rhythm-based mechanics are a delight to experience. Great rhythm-based games are only as good as their soundtrack, and the devs appear keen to ensure the game's music never misses a beat.
Dead as Disco doesn't skimp on the visual appeal either. It's a psychedelic spectacle, with each vibrant hue seemingly dancing alongside its musical counterpart. However, the game also offers that crucial bit of bite – it's snappy, responsive, and before you know it, you'll be dancing and fighting in rhythm. Within mere minutes, I was coordinating my steps beautifully with the beat, and though my swoon towards such rhythmic exhilaration may have stemmed from my familiarity with this genre, it's undeniable that Dead as Disco knows how to make you feel like a dancing machine.
While the demo could use some fine-tuning, a few rough edges detract from the overall experience. Sometimes enemies behave erratically, bumping into walls on occasion. And for someone colorblind like me, a clearer audio signal between defensive actions would make things a bit less confusing. I also wish Dead as Disco had borrowed a few cues from Hi-Fi Rush, offering more visual hints to help players maintain their rhythm.
Despite these minor hiccups, the demo is an undeniably groovy showcase, filled with fun and plenty of musical potential. In its Infinite Dance Mode, players can upload their personal playlists, adding another layer of personalization to the experience. The upcoming full release also promises co-op mode, ensuring you have a partner ready to boogie down with you.
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Harvey Randall:
A lover of all things games, Harvey's journey began when he demanded a World of Warcraft subscription at the tender age of 12. Since then, he's found an unhealthy affection for Final Fantasy 14 and has a mad crush on G'raha Tia. He's written for the likes of Techradar, The Escapist, Dicebreaker, The Gamer, Into the Spine, and, of course, PC Gamer. With an insatiable appetite for RPGs, soulslikes, roguelikes, deckbuilders, MMOs, and peculiar indie titles, he delights in sinking his teeth into whatever catches his eye. When it comes to his favorite system, don't ask - he's got too many.
- The 'rhythm beat 'em up' genre is reinvented with the release of Dead as Disco, offering an entertaining blend of dance and combat that echoes the vibrant energy of the 70s disco season.
- In Dead as Disco, players can bet on their dancing skills and fight their way through opponents synchronized with the beat, aiming to win the game with impressive performances.
- The entertainment value of Dead as Disco lies not only in its meticulously crafted gameplay mechanics but also in its rich PS — pulsating soundtrack that captivates players during each game session.
- As players progress and stand out in Dead as Disco's Infinite Dance Mode, they can showcase their personal style and taste in entertainment by uploading their favorite tracks to the game.
