Just Shapes & Beats is a challenging rhythm game where players are thrown into a chaotic world of thumping beats and flying shapes. It is a musical game that is unlike any other because it is not just about hitting the right notes or keys in time with the music. It is a thrilling survival game where you have to stay intact by avoiding the obstacles and projectiles that will come your way.

Survive the jungle of music

While most rhythm games will require you to hit incoming disks or notes in time with the music’s beat, here in Just Shapes & Beats, you will be doing the opposite. Instead of waiting for an onslaught of disks, you will be avoiding them lest your shape cracks and loses some of its parts. If you get hit enough times, your shape will completely break and you lose the round.

The game has different creative levels and while the objective remains to be the same, which is to keep your shape intact at all costs, the obstacles you will face vary greatly from each other. The attacking elements can take varying forms. There are levels where you will be facing incoming bullet projectiles, while in others you will be going against a serpent-like object that you have to avoid at all costs. 

The movements of these obstacles are based on the music that is playing so if you are listening to an upbeat tune, expect everything to be fast-paced. The livelier the songs, the more erratic and unpredictable these projectile objects will be and of course, the harder they are to evade. To make things even more challenging, players are not allowed to fight back and defend themselves. You will be trying to survive and win the game by simply avoiding attacks and surviving until the song has finished playing. 

The story behind the shapes

You would be surprised to find that the game actually has a background story and follows a plot. There is a story behind your journey through the tidal waves of music and while it is not as dramatic as you would expect, you will find the plot to still be pretty heartwarming. 

Just Shapes & Beats follows the story of a cute blue square that is on a mission to stop an evil shape from causing havoc and destroying everything in its path. The heroic tale of this small, blue square adds a sense of purpose to the whole game compared to many other musical games where the only objective is to clear stage after stage. It manages to be something much more than just a game with funky songs and colorful graphics.

Diverse modes for every player

Just Shapes & Beats offers an array of modes to suit different playstyles, whether you prefer solo adventures or playing with friends. The co-op mode supports up to four players, making it perfect for house parties or online gaming sessions. You can even play with strangers through the matching system, adding variety to your multiplayer experience. New players can get acquainted with the mechanics through casual gameplay with the Story Mode.

Once you’re ready to jump into higher difficulty, you can play Challenge Runs, where your skills are tested with an unpredictable selection of tracks. Meanwhile, Playlist Mode lets you replay any completed level, practice tricky tracks, or work toward endgame challenges. With unlimited lives, it's perfect for refining your skills or simply enjoying your favorite tracks at your own pace.

The game’s Party Mode is an excellent choice for relaxed, social settings. It eliminates the pressure of progression with its no-fail mechanics, allowing players to continue playing even after taking hits. This allows anybody to jump in and switch players anytime. Moreover, levels transition seamlessly into one another as the music doesn’t stop after completing levels. This mode is ideal for gatherings, where the focus is on having fun rather than achieving high scores.

Despite its appeal, the game has some drawbacks. The level design can feel repetitive, as many stages share similar visual themes and challenges. Additionally, the song selection, while engaging, is somewhat limited. Most tracks are of electronic-based genres, such as chiptune and dubstep, which might not appeal to players seeking more musical diversity. These limitations, though noticeable, don't entirely overshadow the mode's strengths.

A beat you should not miss

Just Shapes & Beats is a truly refreshing game from the rest of those in a similar genre. The mechanics are unique and its colorful graphics are truly a sight to see. It also gives you addicting gameplay with how each level manages to leave you fired up for more challenging rounds. Just Shapes & Beats has different game modes you can try.