Sonar Beat
***Many thanks go to Cold Dingo for proofing this review.
Developed by Life Zero, Sonar Beat (SB) is a rhythm game themed on defeating enemy proclamations by discovering them on a radar wheel. Described below, SB has adequate soundtrack-stages consisting of intriguing melodies to prevent stagnation of even repeated sections. As per the usual with music-based titles it retains an accessible controls layout while being difficult to achieve complete proficiency. I feel I must state that I received Sonar Beat through Curator Connect from the developer for review purposes.
Here are just a few items to consider:
Gameplay – As can be expected control mapping is immensely simplistic, consisting of left- and right-clicking each prompt representing defeating antagonists that appear as blips on a radar. Cues may also have the player extend the note by holding the activated command, involve both left- and right-clicking to be used simultaneously, or a combination of the former two actions; these uncomplicated requirements evolve into intense player demand for accuracy. A special ability has been implemented when the player blunders an allotted number of prompts and failure is imminent: a fail-safe screen-clearing effect removes enemies from immediate view. If the player completes the stage without utilizing said power, a large amount of points is awarded so as to impress their position on a global leaderboard. Timing calibration-from my own personal experience-appears genuinely accurate during play, even with my laptop which tends to have inadequacies in performance overall. Ultimately, Sonar Beat fixates on point scoring and leaderboards as its fundamental drive to replay bested stages, though the soundtrack and audio cues aide in keeping this task far from a tedious afar.
Audio - Obviously, audio has to be evaluated with any product centered primarily around music, and said element is quite appealing in SB. The soundtrack utilizes consistently challenging command inputs and curiously relaxing music to forge an experience that belays discouragement with its rhythmic swayings. Enemy invaders that act as the intended beat are accentuated sufficiently throughout each track to orient the player to the necessary reaction. One of the fundamental issues I have with SB is that the primary mode of focus-between the drumbeat, rhythm, and lead sections-shifts at certain intervals throughout the song, which appears quite jarring in the first instance; complacency is achieved with practice of each particular song.
TL:DR - Sonar Beat is a competently-developed rhythm game that utilizes the context of musical cues as opponents to be defeated by employing timed button prompts. This title retains an uncomplicated control scheme that expands in complexity, as demanded by the theme. SB is not necessarily revolutionary, but it is functional and fun, and well worth the price. I recommend this title to those that enjoy rhythm games, as well as to those that appreciate casual titles. Thanks for reading.
Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews.
Originally posted on January 26, 2019.
Developed by Life Zero, Sonar Beat (SB) is a rhythm game themed on defeating enemy proclamations by discovering them on a radar wheel. Described below, SB has adequate soundtrack-stages consisting of intriguing melodies to prevent stagnation of even repeated sections. As per the usual with music-based titles it retains an accessible controls layout while being difficult to achieve complete proficiency. I feel I must state that I received Sonar Beat through Curator Connect from the developer for review purposes.
Here are just a few items to consider:
Gameplay – As can be expected control mapping is immensely simplistic, consisting of left- and right-clicking each prompt representing defeating antagonists that appear as blips on a radar. Cues may also have the player extend the note by holding the activated command, involve both left- and right-clicking to be used simultaneously, or a combination of the former two actions; these uncomplicated requirements evolve into intense player demand for accuracy. A special ability has been implemented when the player blunders an allotted number of prompts and failure is imminent: a fail-safe screen-clearing effect removes enemies from immediate view. If the player completes the stage without utilizing said power, a large amount of points is awarded so as to impress their position on a global leaderboard. Timing calibration-from my own personal experience-appears genuinely accurate during play, even with my laptop which tends to have inadequacies in performance overall. Ultimately, Sonar Beat fixates on point scoring and leaderboards as its fundamental drive to replay bested stages, though the soundtrack and audio cues aide in keeping this task far from a tedious afar.
Audio - Obviously, audio has to be evaluated with any product centered primarily around music, and said element is quite appealing in SB. The soundtrack utilizes consistently challenging command inputs and curiously relaxing music to forge an experience that belays discouragement with its rhythmic swayings. Enemy invaders that act as the intended beat are accentuated sufficiently throughout each track to orient the player to the necessary reaction. One of the fundamental issues I have with SB is that the primary mode of focus-between the drumbeat, rhythm, and lead sections-shifts at certain intervals throughout the song, which appears quite jarring in the first instance; complacency is achieved with practice of each particular song.
TL:DR - Sonar Beat is a competently-developed rhythm game that utilizes the context of musical cues as opponents to be defeated by employing timed button prompts. This title retains an uncomplicated control scheme that expands in complexity, as demanded by the theme. SB is not necessarily revolutionary, but it is functional and fun, and well worth the price. I recommend this title to those that enjoy rhythm games, as well as to those that appreciate casual titles. Thanks for reading.
Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews.
Originally posted on January 26, 2019.
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