Just Shapes And Beats

Just Shapes And Beats is a rhythm-based action game that combines music, minimalistic shapes, and bullet hell mechanics into a high-intensity visual experience. Developed by Berzerk Studio, the game focuses on avoiding danger rather than attacking, which sets it apart from traditional rhythm or shooter games. With its vivid color palette, pulsing electronic soundtrack, and chaotic screen effects, it manages to stay challenging yet accessible to both rhythm enthusiasts and casual players.

Players control a small shape—usually a square—navigating through a maze of incoming obstacles synced to the beat of the music. Instead of defeating enemies, the main objective is to survive the entire track without getting hit too many times. The screen becomes a battlefield of patterns, moving elements, and sudden flashes, all dictated by the music’s rhythm. This simple but creative core mechanic has been enough to earn the game a dedicated fanbase.

How to Play and What to Expect

The basic gameplay is deceptively simple: move and dash. You control your shape using directional movement to dodge red projectiles, lasers, or shockwaves. The dash function allows you to phase through these red areas for a brief moment, granting invincibility while moving a short distance in any direction. The entire game relies on interpreting patterns and reacting in sync with the music.

There are no traditional weapons or attacks in this game. Survival is your only goal. Health is represented by a bar at the top of the screen, which depletes each time you’re hit. If the bar runs out, you’ll “die” and respawn from the last checkpoint. Levels are often structured with multiple phases, so you’ll need to memorize and anticipate patterns to progress efficiently.

The game can be played solo or in co-op mode with up to four players. In co-op, if one player falls, the others can revive them by moving close for a few seconds, which brings a strategic layer to multiplayer sessions. The game also includes a Party Mode, which allows for continuous tracks to play with randomized shapes and colors purely for fun or background visuals.

Tips for Surviving the Beat

Just Shapes And Beats is challenging by design. Players often struggle in early levels but improve as they begin to recognize rhythmic patterns and movement logic. Here are several key strategies that can improve your gameplay:

• Stay on the move: Don’t stay still; movement is key to survival.
• Use the dash wisely: You’re invincible while dashing, but spamming it may land you into another danger.
• Learn the music: Patterns are synced with the beat. Recognizing tempo shifts can help you anticipate attacks.
• Stick to the edges: In some levels, the center of the screen is often the most chaotic zone.
• Revive teammates strategically: Don’t rush into danger; coordinate revival with safe moments in the music.
• Practice levels: Don’t be afraid to retry a level to learn patterns and rhythms.

Campaign and Levels

The Story Mode in Just Shapes And Beats follows a loose narrative involving the destruction and restoration of a central structure, told through abstract cutscenes and visual metaphors. The levels are divided into different chapters and connected through an overworld map. You encounter boss fights, regular levels, and sometimes peaceful segments between chaos.

There are three main types of levels:

1. Normal Levels: These are music-based obstacle courses. Examples include “Long Live the New Fresh” and “Barracuda”, where shapes and waves attack in rhythm to the beat.
2. Boss Levels: These are multi-phase, complex levels often centered around a menacing central figure. “Close to Me” and “Final Boss” are notable examples.
3. Challenge Levels: These are remixed or more difficult versions of existing tracks, often requiring more precise timing and reflexes.

Some memorable levels include:

• “Crab Rave” by Noisestorm – a fan favorite with a fun, bouncy pattern.
• “Chronos” by Danimal Cannon & Zef – visually aggressive and musically intense.
• “Milky Ways” by Bossfight – fast-paced with highly synchronized patterns.
• “Final Boss” – the climactic level in the campaign, testing everything you’ve learned.

Levels are not unlocked all at once. Instead, players progress by surviving stages and collecting shards that gradually repair the overworld and open new areas. This pacing keeps the experience feeling fresh and focused.

Progression, Unlockables, and Modes

The game features multiple game modes:

• Story Mode: The main campaign with checkpoints, structured levels, and boss fights.
• Challenge Runs: A mix of songs with a life-based system, testing how long you can survive.
• Party Mode: A randomized stream of levels, good for casual play or background visuals.
• Online Multiplayer: Co-op levels can be played with friends or random players.

As you complete levels, you unlock more tracks, visual skins, and achievements. While the game doesn’t feature deep customization or RPG-like progression, its reward system is tied to performance and exploration of the full music library.

The game also supports local and online leaderboards, encouraging players to perfect their runs and compare scores.

Conclusion

Just Shapes And Beats is a game that excels in blending music and gameplay into one synchronized experience. It’s not about traditional victories but about endurance, pattern recognition, and adapting to chaos. The minimalist design combined with aggressive rhythm makes for an experience that’s both visually engaging and musically rewarding.

While it can be intense for newcomers, the game’s checkpoint system, forgiving co-op mechanics, and vibrant presentation make it accessible over time. It’s suitable for solo players who enjoy personal challenges or groups looking for a chaotic and collaborative rhythm experience.

FAQ

What is the main goal in Just Shapes And Beats?
The main goal is to survive each level by dodging all red obstacles synced to the beat of the music. You don’t attack or shoot—just avoid and endure until the track ends.

Can you play the game with friends?
Yes, the game supports both local and online co-op for up to four players. In co-op mode, teammates can revive each other, making difficult levels a bit more manageable.

Is there a story or is it just music levels?
There is a light story told through visual scenes and progression across the overworld. It adds structure to the game but doesn’t rely on text or dialogue.

Are all songs included in the base game or do you need DLC?
The base game comes with a curated library of tracks from various electronic artists. Some additional songs may be added through updates or special events, but no major DLC is required to enjoy the full experience.

Is Just Shapes And Beats beginner-friendly?
The game can be tough at first, but it has checkpoints and a learning curve that helps players gradually adapt. Casual players can enjoy it in Party Mode, while hardcore players can try Challenge Runs.