BPM: Bullets Per Minute Review

Our Rating: 7/10

BPM: BULLETS PER MINUTE is the result of a demonic invasion to the sound of rock music, feeling the rhythm with each second that we fire to counterattack. BPM is the first game developed by Awe Interactive. It has a simple narrative, but where the greatest emphasis is on its gameplay synchronized with its music. In general, this title is a rhythmic FPS inspired by old-school games, like Doom or Quake. The action and movement are constant.

The goal is to destroy the forces of the underworld that are invading Asgard. The main enemy is Nidhogg, the huge dragon that lives in Niflheim. The whole game takes place in a surprising Nordic theme.

Gameplay

Throughout the game, you will face several enemies. At the end of each level, there are the typical boss battles. A simple premise, but that helps to create some depth in this universe. Thus, establishing a connection with the player, especially for those who are fans of this theme.

The game maps are never the same as their essence is a roguelike. In other words, your levels are created randomly, always providing a different experience each time you repeat a level. The weapons, skills, and upgrades are placed randomly on the ground.

Upgrades

With regard to upgrades, these can consist of increased damage, greater jumps, accelerated movement, greater precision, among others. All of them will have a great impact on our character’s gameplay. This can even change your destiny easily in the middle of combat.

The five available Valkyries have different abilities and weapons, but in return, they may have, for example, less life. There are several types of advantages, as well as disadvantages. It is up to the player to choose the one that best fits their way of playing.

The equipment gives various buffs both offensive and defensive, such as increasing your speed or making explosive shots. This sometimes leads to quite fun situations.

Different Rooms

Each level contains different rooms, which can result in extra challenges (mini-bosses or a round of enemies). As well as shops where we can buy potions and other benefits. In addition, the maps themselves may have features that alter the gameplay, such as loss of gravity, reduced visibility, among others. These twists affect our movements and attacks throughout the level but always provide an interesting challenge.

The game offers two difficulties to choose from ( Easy and Hard ), however, there is no good balance in its definition. Even if you try to play on  Easy, this does not mean that the challenge will be more accessible. Much because the game has roguelike contours, and both weapons, upgrades, or abilities, are purely random in each level.

This may disappoint some players who find it more difficult to progress. However, for those same players who feel away from the pace of the game, they can activate the Auto Rhythm mode. The gameplay becomes just an old-school shooting game.

The Good, the Bad, and the Overall Experience

Bullets Per Minute gameplay is based on and inspired by shooters from the 90s. Its biggest difference is to be a musical title where you have to follow the beat of the music while shooting and using your skills.

It is well accomplished, and it is fun, especially when you feel in sync with the incredible melodies. The game has several weapons and abilities, and it requires several game run-throughs for you to try all these options.

The whole environment shares the same red or orange color. In addition to this hue, it gives us the feeling that some kind of filter has been applied so that the textures of the objects are in great contrast with the colors presented.

This gives the title a different look, but at the same time, it may not appeal to all players. In some situations, you may find it difficult to understand what is happening on the screen. As well as to find certain objects in the world.

Soundtrack

Despite this, what will capture the player’s attention is undoubtedly the excellent soundtrack. This is one of the main pillars of the title. For those who like rock music, as is the case, they will love the company of the melodies present in this title, which need constant attention to their rhythm.

If you want a break from the main game mode, you also have some challenge modes at your disposal. These vary between a low gravity mode or one in which the floor is lava. You will have to keep yourself in the air with infinite jumps, among others.

Conclusion

Overall, what we have is a rhythmic and fun experience, which will propel us to repeat the game over and over again. The adrenaline provided by BPM BULLETS PER MINUTE is constant. This will leave players in awe and in complete sync with their fantastic soundtrack.

Its look may not appeal to everyone, but its mechanics are interesting enough to advise this game to fans of the genre. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to get back on track and blow up some more demons.

BPM: Bullets Per Minute is available for PC on Steam and  GOG, and will later arrive at the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One libraries.

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