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Akiba's Beat

Akiba’s Beat is both a stellar role-playing experience and a heartfelt yarn with bite. One of 2017’s best RPGs so far, and a new personal favourite.
Akiba's Beat Game Cover
69%Game Brain Score
story, character development
gameplay, graphics
79% User Score Based on 89 reviews
Critic Score 42%Based on 17 reviews

Platforms

Playstation 5Playstation 4PlayStationPlaystation Vita
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Akiba's Beat Game Cover

About

Akiba's Beat is a single player role playing game with fantasy and science fiction themes. It was developed by ACQUIRE Corp. and was released on December 15, 2016. It received neutral reviews from critics and mostly positive reviews from players.

In "Akiba's Beat," an action RPG set in Akihabara, players enter a distorted world trapped in a repeating Sunday. Asma member Asahi and his friends must confront their delusions and uncover the truth behind the time loop. The game features real-world locations and a vibrant soundtrack, with battles taking place in rhythm-based combat against strange enemies.

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Akiba's Beat screenshot
Akiba's Beat screenshot
Akiba's Beat screenshot
Akiba's Beat screenshot
Akiba's Beat screenshot
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79%
Audience ScoreBased on 89 reviews
story4 positive mentions
grinding3 negative mentions
  • The game features endearing characters and a lighthearted sense of humor that resonates well with fans of the genre.
  • The combat system, while reminiscent of other JRPGs, is flashy and quirky enough to be enjoyable and addictive.
  • The English dub is well-casted, enhancing the overall experience and making character interactions a highlight of the game.
  • The gameplay can feel repetitive and lacks depth, with many NPCs being lifeless and the world feeling less vibrant compared to previous titles.
  • Loading times are long and can disrupt the flow of gameplay, making exploration feel tedious.
  • The story, while attempting to be compelling, often falls flat and is accompanied by repetitive dialogue that can detract from the overall experience.
  • story
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Akiba's Beat" is a unique blend of serious themes and absurdity, revolving around characters trapped in an eternal Sunday who must confront their delusions to grow and mature. While it follows a familiar coming-of-age narrative, it stands out with its humor, engaging voice acting, and a compelling plot that keeps players invested. However, some reviewers noted that the character depth and dialogue can feel one-dimensional, detracting from the overall experience.

    • “The story itself is quite compelling, with everyone being stuck in an eternal Sunday and having to deal with addressing their own delusions about themselves or their futures to better learn about themselves and grow and mature.”
    • “It is the typical coming-of-age story that most are familiar with, but it has aspects that make it memorable and certainly enough to be addicting to stick with for a few weeks or so to reach the end and the true ending.”
    • “Overall, I'm happy with the game; it's unique and very different from what's out there, and I'm enjoying the story.”
    • “Don't expect the story to blow your mind; these types of games are more about the novelty.”
    • “I've grown quite annoyed with the Tales series due to how seriously it attempts to be, its stupid, obvious archetypal characters and character development with their non-cute, non-functional quirks, and most of all, how you can see everything in the plot coming a mile away.”
    • “Overall, Akiba's Beat is a goofy game with an okay battle system and an okay story.”
  • gameplay
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by a mix of steady mechanics and a unique art style, appealing to newcomers with its simplicity and lighthearted humor. However, some players find it lacking depth, describing it as repetitive and unchallenging, particularly for seasoned JRPG fans. Overall, while the gameplay has its enjoyable moments, it may not satisfy those seeking a more complex experience.

    • “Graphics are sweet for a Vita title (better on PS4 is what I'm told), gameplay is well steady and characters are amazing.”
    • “I was looking forward to this game because of Akiba's Trip being super silly with a very unique gameplay (stripping everyone in sight).”
    • “[Endearing characters and some genuinely enjoyable lighthearted humor, simple and easy gameplay and party setup is perfect for genre newcomers.]”
    • “Personally for this game, I usually just want to get through the gameplay as quickly as possible so I can see the next segment of the story.”
    • “When it came to the gameplay, it was a little rough around the edges, but still fun.”
    • “Recycled mechanics / unique art style”
  • graphics
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are generally praised for their quality, especially on the PS4, with a unique art style that stands out despite some recycled mechanics. However, some users criticize the 3D visuals as being of poor quality, suggesting that the overall graphical experience may not meet the expectations of JRPG fans.

    • “Graphics are sweet for a Vita title; better on PS4, I'm told. Gameplay is steady, and characters are amazing.”
    • “Don't hate on the game; it has a unique art style and recycled mechanics.”
    • “Graphics are great, though, for me.”
    • “[minimal gameplay that's far too basic and unchallenging for JRPG fans, mindless and repetitive campaign, 3D visuals are mostly poor quality]”
    • “Recycled mechanics / unique art style”
    • “Don't hate on the game it has a unique art style and recycled mechanics.”
  • character development
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game has received mixed feedback; while some players appreciate the nice progression and are eager for more, others criticize the reliance on clichéd archetypes and predictable plotlines. Additionally, the character designs and voice acting have been noted positively, though some feel they lack originality compared to previous entries in the series.

    • “So far the character development is nice and I'm excited to see more.”
    • “Some of the voice acting in particular is well done, and several of the character designs are pretty good.”
    • “Several of the character designs are pretty good.”
    • “The character development feels stagnant, as the same town and character designs are recycled from the previous game.”
    • “I was hoping for more depth in character arcs, but they all feel one-dimensional and predictable.”
    • “The lack of meaningful choices in character progression makes the experience feel shallow and unengaging.”
  • music
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's music features a limited original soundtrack, with only the overworld theme standing out, while the battle theme is noted as catchy but can become repetitive. However, it shines through its character songs performed by well-known Japanese voice actors, appealing to anime and JRPG fans. Overall, the soundtrack is considered enjoyable, enhancing the gaming experience.

    • “The game excels with its use of character songs from Japanese voice actors that anime fans and JRPG fans are familiar with.”
    • “Some of the music, I felt, was quite catchy and nice to listen to.”
    • “The game has a good soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.”
    • “While there is not much in terms of the original soundtrack, with only the main overworld theme being memorable and the battle theme being addicting yet tiring, the game does excel with its use of character songs from Japanese voice actors that anime fans and JRPG fans are familiar with.”
    • “While there is not much in terms of the original soundtrack, with only the main overworld theme being memorable and the battle theme being addicting yet tiring, the game does excel with its use of character songs from Japanese voice actors that anime fans and JRPG fans are familiar with.”
  • humor
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Akiba's Beat" is characterized by a light tone and self-parodic elements, reminiscent of the series' predecessor, with a consistent focus on otaku culture and playful jabs at NEET lifestyles. Players appreciate the well-written script and engaging voice acting, which enhance the overall comedic experience.

    • “It's not really like Akiba's Trip, but the light tone and self-parodic humor of the series is there.”
    • “The otaku-branded humor and NEET poking is the most consistent aspect of Akiba's Beat.”
    • “Great voice acting, an original story that pulls you into the game, humor, and a well-written script.”
  • grinding
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players note that the game heavily emphasizes grinding, requiring them to backtrack through previously explored dungeons, which can feel repetitive and forced.

    • “The game is designed around the idea of forcing backtracking through dungeons you've already explored, as well as grinding on the player.”
    • “Grinding feels like a chore rather than an engaging part of the gameplay.”
    • “The repetitive nature of grinding makes it hard to stay invested in the story.”
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42%Critics’ scoreBased on 17 critic reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions

Akiba's Beat is a role playing game with fantasy and science fiction themes.

Akiba's Beat is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation and PlayStation Vita.

Akiba's Beat was released on December 15, 2016.

Akiba's Beat was developed by ACQUIRE Corp..

Akiba's Beat has received neutral reviews from players and neutral reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its gameplay.

Akiba's Beat is a single player game.

Similar games include Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection, Persona 5 Strikers, Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth, BLUE REFLECTION, Soul Hackers 2 and others.