At this point in time, even if Tango Gameworks were ultimately saved, there’s no telling when we might get a new Hi-Fi Rush game. I’d like it to be soon! That thing is the definition of a perfect 7/10 (I will not be reading any commentary on this oxymoronic statement). Alas, I shall have to continue waiting, but there seems to be a solid entry in the action rhythm genre out today in early access in the form of Dead as Disco.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that this is some kind of Suda51 joint off the cuff. Its protagonist, irreverently named Charlie Disco, could certainly pass for an off-brand, equally irreverently named Travis Touchdown, and the humour certainly hits similar veins. Like No More Heroes it’s an action game, or I suppose more of a 3D beat ’em up, one where you have to time every hit to the rhythm of whatever track (licensed or otherwise) is playing in the background.
Watch on YouTube
Having had a go at its demo, while the Hi-Fi Rush comparison is still apt, it generally feels more in step with the Batman: Arkham games. Aside from punching, you can counter and dodge attacks, both with their own telltale signs, and there’s finishing moves too. It’s an interesting approach as I’ve always considered the Arkham games to feature rhythm combat, as I’ve never been able to figure out another term for it. Dead as Disco takes that approach much more literally.
Combat is, admittedly, a little difficult to get used to at first. Finding the rhythm isn’t so easy when you’re not a musician and you aren’t familiar with the songs (apart from the odd licensed track like Michael Sembello’s Maniac and Europe’s The Final Countdown). I got there eventually, but there’s still a finesse that occasionally makes things feel sluggish. That’s fine though, it was a demo, and it’s out in early access, these things can change.
Perhaps more excitingly is the fact that you can put literally any song you like into the game and map out its beats per minute. Included is a pretty in depth editor that I didn’t have the patience to figure out properly, so I look forward to others doing that in my stead. In any case, it’s a neat little game aside from some ever so slightly dad-core licensed tracks, and you can pick it up on Steam now.
