Just Shapes & Beats

 Switch
Just Shapes & Beats Image
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 72 Ratings

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  • Summary: A game about shapes, and about beats.

    "Just Shapes & Beats" is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the rad Beats, and die, repeatedly. It's a new spin on SHMUPs, adding a layer of coop that's at the core of the game: 'cause everything is    A game about shapes, and about beats.

    "Just Shapes & Beats" is a chaotic co-op musical bullet-hell based on three simple things: avoid Shapes, move to the rad Beats, and die, repeatedly. It's a new spin on SHMUPs, adding a layer of coop that's at the core of the game: 'cause everything is better with friends.

    Play alone or with up to four players, local or online, through the game's Story Mode or Challenge Runs.

    MUSIC TO YOUR EARS, AND HANDS

    You like music? SO. DO. WE. That's why we have 35 hand crafted stages with licensed tracks from over 20 chiptune and EDM artists.

    Hits like a ton of brick straight into your eardrums and your eyeballs; BAM

    EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH FRIENDS

    Gather up your squad and play up to 4 player co-op, drop-in drop-out, either all on your couch for a house party, or an online party!

    Don't have/like your friends? WE GOTCHU MY DUDES, make new or BETTER friends by playing a few quick online challenge runs. Let us pick your new best buds for the next hours; strangers are just friends you haven't met yet.

    Kind of a lone wolf, back hurts from carrying people, would rather play with yourself? Do it, the game is just as fun, just a different experience waiting for you; ain't nobody judging here yo.

    SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

    We have many different game experiences to offer! Story mode helps you learn the ropes with our intermediate-ish tracks and the optional Casual mode. When you think you're ready, Challenge Runs is where you get to prove yourself: get judged on your skills by playing through randomly picked tracks.

    Need some kind of training montage to get better? Rip off your sleeves and practice the tracks you're struggling to master in the Playlist.

    PARTYYYYY

    Literally the soundtrack for your party! Let the game play in Party Mode and let it light up your social gatherings, + you can even still have people playing this if they like, WE'VE THOUGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING.

    So yea, go ahead and throw the most epic party of your life thanks to us, you are welcome.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27
  1. 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.… Expand
  2. nintendosfan
    May 12, 2020
    10
    Un gioco magistralmente perfetto, spero lo tengano sempre aggiornato ed escano dei dlc.
  4. eIipe
    Jan 9, 2023
    10
    The setlist is very good. Lots of great artists: a mix of chiptunes, dubstep and different electronic genres make this game very appealing inThe setlist is very good. Lots of great artists: a mix of chiptunes, dubstep and different electronic genres make this game very appealing in the musical sense. The gameplay is challenging: similar to Super Hexagon. It's a lot of try and repeat, but as addictive as it is, you go through the game without getting bored. One of the best rhythm games available on the Nintendo Switch.… Expand
  5. utybo
    Jul 27, 2018
    9
    This game is extremely hard and fun! The story mode is great and lets you have a taste of everything the game has to offer. The music isThis game is extremely hard and fun! The story mode is great and lets you have a taste of everything the game has to offer. The music is great, but very oriented towards EDM/chiptunestep (is that a thing?). So you will probably not enjoy the game if that's not your thing.

    Playing in multiplayer mode is a blast and makes JS&B a very good party game.

    One problem though, I've experienced a few lags when the levels went really crazy. That is caused by the Switch's relatively weak hardware, so you won't have any problem on other platforms. Also, the game can get pretty repetitive.

    This game is awesome! I can't give it a 10 because I think it might get quite repetitive in the end and it does have some minor problems here and there, but overall this is an excellent game.    … Expand
  6. RayRay26
    Jun 28, 2018
    9
    A solid musical game. There's lots to do even when there's only 34 songs. However, being musically inclined, I have noticed the numerousA solid musical game. There's lots to do even when there's only 34 songs. However, being musically inclined, I have noticed the numerous imperfect timings in the attacks and obstacles, which make me mistime my very short dash. Also there's a bunch of multiplayer desync problems like a song ending early or starting midway. Other than those minor problems, I have yet to stop listening to the soundtrack since day one! I loved the minimalist story too.… Expand
  7. Anavgfurry
    Sep 3, 2023
    9
    This game is perfect if you love banger tracks and difficult games. The only things holding it back is the lack of updates. Other than that,This game is perfect if you love banger tracks and difficult games. The only things holding it back is the lack of updates. Other than that, this game is fun and has tons of replayablity.… Expand
  8. Nintendist
    Jun 29, 2022
    0
    the gameplay is not the strong part of this game and it is what i wanted the most

See all 27 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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