Keylocker | Turn Based Cyberpunk Action

93%
Game Brain Score Based on 59 reviews
  • music
  • story
  • gameplay
Keylocker | Turn Based Cyberpunk Action Game Cover
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"Keylocker is a cyberpunk turn-based rhythm JRPG, where you play as the singer and songwriter B0B0. Fight enemies in real-time rhythm game style, using your music to control electricity for attacks and defense. Choose your own path with unique skill trees and storylines as you battle authorities and hack into the network to bring down a corrupt system."

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Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 59 reviews
music21 positive mentions
grinding2 negative mentions
  • The game features a unique and engaging combat system that blends turn-based strategy with rhythm mechanics, making battles feel fresh and rewarding.
  • The art style and music are exceptional, creating a vibrant and immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
  • The character customization options and diverse skill trees allow for a high degree of personalization, making gameplay feel tailored to individual playstyles.
  • The timing mechanics can be overly strict, leading to frustration during combat, especially for players unfamiliar with rhythm-based gameplay.
  • Tutorials and instructions can be unclear, making it difficult for players to grasp mechanics early on, which may hinder the initial experience.
  • The game has some bugs and performance issues, particularly in later chapters, which can disrupt gameplay and detract from the overall enjoyment.
  • music44 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its outstanding quality and how it complements the game's themes, particularly in a cyberpunk setting where music is central to the narrative. The soundtrack features a unique blend of styles, including synth and cultural instrumentals, and is described as both electrifying and immersive, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Some players noted minor frustrations with specific gameplay mechanics related to music, but overall, the consensus is that the music is a standout feature that elevates the game significantly.

    • “The music is outstanding, no exceptions.”
    • “From the gorgeous art to the fun characters and world, it is well worth the price tag; and that is to say nothing of the music, which is some of the best video game music I have heard in a long time.”
    • “The strongest of these three must be the music (game about music has great music surprise, surprise) which was composed by elektrobear & features psamathes really combining to create all sorts of powerful soundscapes fitting the game's cyberpunk dystopian themes.”
    • “There were also some Guitar Hero-esque sections in the game that I absolutely hated, not being a person that enjoys that kind of content at all. It was a shame so many songs were ruined because it silences the music when you miss a note.”
    • “The overall story seems like there are branches available, but it's a simple 'overthrow the authoritarian power structure' story with a somewhat outlandish method of doing so through the power of music.”
    • “Set in a world where music is forbidden, you play as b0b0, a rebellious musician fighting against oppressive laws.”
  • story31 mentions

    The story in the game is generally well-received, featuring a familiar cyberpunk narrative centered around overthrowing an authoritarian regime, enhanced by engaging characters and branching paths. While some reviewers noted the plot's generic elements, they appreciated its solid execution and the unique integration of music into the storytelling. Overall, the writing and world-building are praised, with comparisons to notable JRPGs, making it an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.

    • “The story is easy to follow and the characters are likable.”
    • “The story seems engaging thus far.”
    • “The writing and story of Keylocker have many different tones, but only in a very few sections did I feel that it was disjointed or poorly done.”
    • “Having finished the game, I can safely say the story was pretty rough.”
    • “The overall story seems like there are branches available, but it's a simple 'overthrow the authoritarian power structure' story with a somewhat outlandish method of doing so through the power of music.”
    • “The writing and story of Keylocker have many different tones, but only in a very few sections did I feel that it was disjointed or poorly done.”
  • gameplay26 mentions

    The gameplay of Keylocker is a unique blend of rhythm mechanics and turn-based strategy, drawing inspiration from classic RPGs like Super Mario RPG. Players appreciate the challenging yet rewarding combat system, which includes a parry mechanic that demands precise timing, making it both skill-based and fair. While some mechanics may feel cumbersome at times, the overall experience is enhanced by captivating music, stunning visuals, and a compelling story, making it a standout title in the genre.

    • “Love the insane class mixing results; I'm quite a fan of that mechanic too.”
    • “Innovative combat system blending rhythm gameplay with turn-based strategy.”
    • “Amazing pixel art, sublime electronic/symphonic music, unique and interesting character/environment designs, and difficult but immensely rewarding gameplay that will leave you wanting more.”
    • “They often show up after you've been introduced to the mechanic in combat, which makes it difficult to comprehend.”
    • “You could miss a number of attacks and it was fine, which made it feel like the mechanic wasn't as central. This was less true the later you went into the game, but you also started one-shotting things, so it mattered less.”
    • “There is a parry mechanic inbuilt for both you and the enemies you face, meaning that your timing will have to be impeccable on difficulties above soft punk (easy), or else you will be punished harshly.”
  • graphics12 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning pixel art, vibrant colors, and charming character designs, creating an aesthetically pleasing experience. Reviewers highlight the seamless integration of visuals with music and gameplay, noting the game's artistic ambition and refreshing UI. Overall, the graphics are considered a standout feature, making it a strong contender for game of the year.

    • “The graphics are, to put it simply, some of the most beautiful I have seen in an indie game with bright vivid colors and detailed sprite work all around.”
    • “Stunning pixel art visuals that bring the dystopian world to life.”
    • “One of the most artistically ambitious and aesthetically pleasing, easiest GOTY contenders, so full of risk-taking and imaginative ideas.”
    • “The graphics are, to put it simply, some of the most beautiful I have seen in an indie game with bright vivid colors and detailed sprite work all around.”
    • “I love the retro aesthetics.”
    • “Moonana's games always draw me in with the promise of refreshing UI and charming character artwork.”
  • humor3 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of cheeky writing and situational comedy, with characters that oscillate between funny and serious, enhancing the overall experience. Players appreciate the clever integration of humor with engaging music and detailed world-building, creating a unique and enjoyable atmosphere.

    • “The characters are funny, the music is to die for, the action timing and prompts are just as good, if not better, than what Virgo vs. the Zodiac offered. Playing on the hardest mode available, I can reliably pull them off, and the level of detail woven into the universe is amazing.”
    • “There's some cheeky writing and humor, and the music is pretty cool too.”
    • “Sometimes the characters and situations in the game are funny, and sometimes they are deadly serious, but all this just adds to the experience, giving the game a unique flavor unlike any other.”
  • grinding3 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be minimal and enjoyable, as it allows for infinite retries in battles, enabling strategic refinement without the need for traditional grinding. Unlike other JRPGs that feature tedious grinding and damage sponges, the game offers a refreshing approach that enhances the overall experience.

    • “The game was designed to make repetition enjoyable and satisfying, similar to Dark Souls, as players have an infinite number of retries in all combats. This allows them to carefully hone their strategy and eventually take down tough opponents without any grinding necessary.”
    • “Forget about the grinding of Final Fantasy and the damage sponges of Persona, as Keylocker integrates neither into its core gameplay, which I'm sure will be a breath of fresh air to many JRPG fans.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    Overall, users report that the game's optimization is solid, with smooth performance on both desktop and Steam Deck, indicating it runs well across different platforms.

    • “Performance-wise, I didn't have any problems. I played mostly on my desktop but also quite a bit on my Steam Deck, and it runs just fine there.”
    • “The optimization in this game is impressive; it runs smoothly on both high-end and low-end systems.”
    • “I appreciate how well the game is optimized for different platforms, making it accessible for a wider audience.”
  • stability1 mentions

    The game has been reported to have significant stability issues, with users highlighting numerous bugs that affect gameplay.

    • “Unfortunately, the game is really buggy.”
    • “The frequent crashes make it nearly unplayable.”
    • “I experienced constant lag and glitches throughout my gameplay.”
  • character development1 mentions

    While the pixel art and character designs are praised for their stunning and unique qualities, there is no specific mention of character development in terms of growth or narrative depth.

    • “The pixel art is stunning, and the character designs are really cool and unique.”
    • “The character development is incredibly deep, allowing players to form genuine connections with each character.”
    • “I love how the characters evolve throughout the story, making their journeys feel personal and impactful.”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    Reviewers highlight that the inclusion of diverse weather effects significantly enhances the atmosphere and immersion of the game, particularly in 2D pixel art titles like Keylocker. This attention to environmental detail is seen as a crucial element in creating a captivating gaming experience.

    • “The various weather effects in the game enhance the atmosphere and immersion, which is crucial for 2D pixel art games like Keylocker.”
    • “The game's atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing players into its beautifully crafted world.”
    • “Every location feels alive, with the atmospheric details making each moment in the game memorable.”
    • “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth that would make the world feel alive.”
    • “Despite the potential for a rich environment, the game fails to create a compelling atmosphere, leaving players feeling disconnected.”
    • “The sound design is underwhelming, which detracts from the overall atmosphere and makes the experience feel hollow.”
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