Just Shapes & Beats

 Switch
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic 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. Shacknews
    Jul 10, 2018
    90
    A hidden gem in this year's long list of video game releases.
  3. 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. Nintenderos
    Jun 20, 2018
    90
    A flawless achievement of rapport between the visual, playable and audible sections. Essential for fans of musical games.
  6. 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.
  7. We Got This Covered
    Jun 8, 2018
    90
    Just Shapes & Beats is an audio-visual masterpiece, and I give serious kudos to the talented artists and designers who blended their crafts in such a tight display. With a staggering variety of options for gameplay, fun party modes, and a thoroughly catchy tracklist, developer Berzerk has delivered a standout rhythm title.
  8. Nintendo Life
    Jun 7, 2018
    90
    The sheer verve of Just Shapes and Beats is infectious. True to its name, the elements are simple, but Berzerk Studio explores and executes on its modest premise with an exceptional level of polish. It injects pure joy into the oppressive, pulsing panic of Super Hexagon and creates a celebratory explosion of the audio-visual in video games. Challenge mode and the hectic multiplayer will keep you occupied after you’ve conquered the refreshingly breezy story.
  9. TheSixthAxis
    Jun 6, 2018
    90
    Just Shapes & Beats is the best EDM compilation album you can play, and assuming the music floats your ear-shaped boat, it’s an absolute treat. Challenging, engrossing and exhibiting a purity we so often forget, this is a genre mash-up where everybody wins.
  10. 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.
  11. NintendoWorldReport
    Jun 5, 2018
    90
    I never knew I wanted a bullet-less shoot-’em-up that was dripping with rhythm game style, but that’s exactly what Just Shapes & Beats is. It’s a thoroughly unique game with a myriad of options that can be played in a variety of ways. It’s awesome.
  12. 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.
  13. GamingTrend
    Jun 8, 2018
    85
    Just Shapes and Beats is a simplistic, entertaining game to play alone or with friends, but is held back somewhat by performance issues and lack of level variety.
  14. 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.
  15. Vooks
    Jun 25, 2018
    80
    Once the music dies down and your ears are still ringing after hours of the filthiest bass imaginable, Just Shapes & Beats is a great rhythm adventure on the Switch – especially for bullet-hell and electronic music aficionados.
  16. Games Master UK
    Jul 14, 2018
    74
    A beautiful bullet-hell with high-energy visuals and music that sometimes descend into chaos. [Aug 2018, p.82]
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  17. Edge Magazine
    Jun 21, 2018
    70
    Mostly, however, this bullet hell is excellently assembled and riotously inventive. [Aug 2018, p.112]
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  18. Universo Nintendo
    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.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best Switch Game of 2018
66
#66 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 72 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 72
  3. Negative: 9 out of 72
  1. 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.… Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. Lao3821
    Jun 8, 2018
    10
    Su musica es genial, te incita a seguir jugando mas y mas, sin duda un juego muy recomendable y mas con la portabilidad del switch, sin dudaSu musica es genial, te incita a seguir jugando mas y mas, sin duda un juego muy recomendable y mas con la portabilidad del switch, sin duda no desepciona me a encantado… Full Review »
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