UNBEATABLE

About

UNBEATABLE isn't just a rhythm game; it's a vibrant, anime-infused adventure where music is a crime, and Beat, a pink-haired vocalist, leads the charge against a dystopian regime. From the moment you boot it up, you're thrown into a world bursting with color, energy, and a rebellious spirit. The game masterfully blends exploration and rhythm gameplay, creating a unique and engaging experience that's easy to pick up but difficult to master. You'll explore a stylized world, interact with quirky characters, and ultimately use the power of music to fight back against oppression. It's a bold concept executed with style and substance, making it a must-play for fans of both rhythm games and narrative-driven adventures. The core gameplay loop is what truly sets UNBEATABLE apart. Half the time, you're freely exploring the world as Beat, engaging in conversations, completing side quests, and unraveling the mysteries of this music-less society. You might find yourself serving drinks at a bar, playing a casual game of baseball, or even writing new songs – each activity adding depth to the world and Beat's character. But then, the music strikes. The game seamlessly transitions into high-octane rhythm sections where you'll use just two buttons to match the beat, whether you're performing on stage or battling against the HARM officers who want to silence you. The simplicity of the controls belies the challenge, demanding precise timing and quick reflexes to avoid getting 'destroyed.' This constant shifting between exploration and rhythm creates a dynamic and addictive gameplay loop that keeps you hooked. The visual and audio design of UNBEATABLE are equally impressive. The game uses a unique art style that blends 2D anime-inspired characters with 3D environments, creating a striking contrast that's both stylish and functional. Andrew Tsai, the art director, has said they intentionally avoided trying to blend the characters and environments to highlight the distinct elements of the game. This approach gives the game a distinct visual identity. The soundtrack is equally fantastic, featuring a double album's worth of original songs, acoustic versions, and remixes, all perfectly integrated into the gameplay. Whether you're listening to the catchy vocal tracks or the atmospheric background music, the audio design elevates the entire experience. While UNBEATABLE shares elements with other rhythm games like "Guitar Hero" or "Rhythm Heaven," it carves its own niche with its unique blend of adventure and narrative. The game's focus on exploration, character development, and storytelling sets it apart from more traditional rhythm games that prioritize pure musical challenge. It also differentiates itself from other narrative adventure games by integrating rhythm gameplay into the central conflict and resolution of the story. The closest comparison might be to "Sayonara Wild Hearts," another stylish rhythm game with a focus on narrative, but UNBEATABLE offers a deeper and more expansive world to explore. If you're looking for a game that's both challenging and engaging, with a compelling story and a unique visual style, UNBEATABLE is for you. Whether you're a rhythm game enthusiast, an anime fan, or simply someone who appreciates a well-crafted adventure, this game has something to offer. Its blend of exploration, rhythm gameplay, and a rebellious spirit makes it a truly unforgettable experience. Dive into the world of UNBEATABLE, join Beat's band, and fight for the right to make some noise!

Story

UNBEATABLE plunges you into a dystopian world where music is outlawed by the Harmony And Resonance Management (HARM), a governing body fearing the rise of the Silence, monstrous entities believed to be summoned by music. The world is meticulously crafted with pockets of rebellion and resistance against the oppressive regime. Remnants of a vibrant past, before the ban, are scattered throughout, painting a clear picture of what was lost. This sets the stage for a narrative brimming with tension, mystery, and a fight for creative expression. The story revolves around Beat, a pink-haired vocalist who awakens in this unfamiliar city, grappling with a past she struggles to remember. She quickly encounters Quaver, a twelve-year-old girl haunted by the memory of her pop star mother, Eve, whose death triggered the initial fear of the Silence. Together, they join forces with Treble and Clef, sibling musical prodigies frequently arrested for their attempts to play music, and Penny, a smuggler with her own hidden agenda. This ensemble forms the core of Beat's band, who strive to carve a space for their music in a world that seeks to silence them. The central conflict stems from HARM's rigid control and the fear-mongering surrounding the Silence. As Beat and her band challenge the status quo, they uncover a deeper truth about the nature of the Silence and the true cost of HARM's oppression. Penny's manipulation of Beat and her eventual revelation as Sforzando, HARM's lead researcher, showcases the complex web of deceit and hidden motives that drive the plot. Sforzando's experiments and her claim that the Silence are 'holes in the universe' and that Beat herself is largely a Silence, throws everything Beat thought she knew into question. UNBEATABLE explores powerful themes of censorship, rebellion, self-discovery, and the importance of creative expression. Beat's personal journey of uncovering her past life as Beatrice, a young woman from Earth struggling with loss and artistic rejection, adds another layer of depth to the narrative. The game delves into the psychological impact of grief, societal pressure, and the courage to pursue one's passion even in the face of adversity. Ultimately, UNBEATABLE delivers a powerful message about the importance of embracing individuality and fighting for the freedom to express oneself, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Gameplay

UNBEATABLE seamlessly blends exploration and rhythm gameplay into a cohesive and engaging experience. Moment-to-moment, you'll alternate between navigating the world as Beat, interacting with characters and uncovering secrets, and engaging in pulse-pounding rhythm challenges where your musical prowess is put to the test. As Beat, you explore diverse locations, from bustling city streets to underground music venues, initiating conversations, completing side quests, and generally immersing yourself in the game's rich world. These sections offer a breather between the intense rhythm segments, allowing you to connect with the characters and story. The core rhythm gameplay revolves around using just two buttons – one for the upper track and one for the lower track – to match the rhythm of the music. Whether you're performing a concert or fighting off HARM officers, you'll need precise timing and quick reflexes to hit the notes and avoid taking damage. The game features five difficulty levels – Beginner, Normal, Hard, Expert, and Unbeatable – catering to players of all skill levels. The rhythm gameplay is made even more dynamic with variations based on the context. For example, a concert might involve hitting specific notes in time with the music, while a brawl could require timed button presses to dodge attacks and land punches. The integration of rhythm mechanics into the narrative seamlessly connects gameplay to storytelling. Progression in UNBEATABLE is multifaceted, encompassing both the story mode and the arcade mode. In the story mode, you'll progress by completing quests, unlocking new areas, and advancing the narrative. You unlock new songs to play both in the story and in the arcade. The arcade mode provides a separate progression system with its own set of challenges and rewards. You can customize your profile, unlock new songs, and compete with other players online. Modifiers add even more depth to the arcade mode, allowing you to tweak the gameplay and create your own custom challenges. The game also features Steam Achievements, offering additional goals to strive for. Beyond the single-player experience, UNBEATABLE offers a full online component in its Arcade mode. Players can compete against each other on leaderboards, share their customized profiles, and participate in community events. The challenge board in Arcade mode presents a variety of tasks, ranging from simple objectives like beating a song on easy mode to more complex challenges that require skill and creativity. This focus on community and competition adds longevity to the game and encourages players to continue honing their rhythm skills.

Key Features

• 1Dual Gameplay Modes: Seamlessly transition between story-rich exploration and intense two-button rhythm gameplay, providing a diverse and engaging experience that keeps you on your toes.
• 2Anime-Inspired Art Style: Experience a visually striking world that blends 2D characters with 3D environments, creating a unique aesthetic that's both stylish and expressive.
• 3Original Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in a double album's worth of original songs, acoustic versions, and remixes, all meticulously crafted to complement the gameplay and story.
• 4Customizable Arcade Mode: Dive into a full arcade mode with its own progression system, modifiers, and online component, offering endless replayability and a platform for competition.
• 5Branching Narrative: Make choices that impact the story and character relationships, shaping the world around you and influencing the ultimate outcome.
• 6Challenging Difficulty Levels: Test your skills with five difficulty levels ranging from Beginner to Unbeatable, ensuring that players of all skill levels can find a challenge that suits them.
• 7Character Customization: Personalize your arcade profile with unlockable items and accessories, allowing you to express your individuality and stand out from the crowd.
• 8Steam Achievements: Unlock 44 achievements by completing in-game challenges, providing additional goals to strive for and rewarding your dedication.

Highlights

Pros & Cons

Latest Updates & Events

Scores

“The music got you here. It'll get you through it.”— Game Tagline

“UNBEATABLE’s demo received positive reception from journalists.”— Vice

“We'd describe them but I mean it's right there, you can see it”— In-Game Text - Referring to the Graphics

Latest Updates & Events