Classic arena FPS games have been around for a very long time and many of them continue to do well due to their simplicity and high-octane action.Metal: Hellsingeris aiming to switch up the pace of these games and give players a completely different challenge in a familiar environment.
Metal: Hellsingerwas first announced in 2020 but has only recently received a release date along with a new trailer duringSummer Game Fest. The announcement was accompanied bySystem of A Downlead vocalist, Serj Tankian, which should only further excite fans of this unique mix of heavy metal music with fast-paced combat. Notably,Bullets Per Minutewas the outbreak title for this type of FPS andMetal: Hellsingerlooks to be following the same formula.
RELATED:Metal: Hellsinger is Like a Musical Version of DOOM
What Makes Rhythm-Based Games Works
ThoughBullets Per Minuteis the most recent iteration of a rhythm-based combatgame, it is far from the original. Music fans and gamers alike know of rhythm games such asRock BandandGuitar Herothat really began to combine music with video games. Even players who were not musically inclined were able to navigate their way around the beat and successfully play a song. Rhythm-based combat games took the formula one step further by having players fight or move to the background music of the game, letting them subconsciously find the beat once again.
Thumperis a standout example of how rhythm games have evolved and incorporated different elements and challenges that all revolved around moving to the beat of the music. And games likeCrypt of the NecroDancerandits spin-offCadence of Hyrulefurther explored this style of gameplay and introduced different combat elements that also had to be performed with the music.
The next progression of these rhythm games camein the form ofDoom-like FPS,Bullets Per Minute. Aptly named, this game had players fight off demons with different weapons and powers but were only allowed to shoot and reload to the beat of the rock music playing on each level. And though there are visual cues that help show when the beat and off-beat are, just like previous renditions of rhythm games, players excel when they find the groove and the actions and music are combined seamlessly.
How Metal: Hellsinger Can Expand the Genre
Bullets Per Minutehelped kickstart thisunique combination of rhythm games and first-person shooters andMetal: Hellsingerlooks to be enhancing the experience even more. With the latter set to release just one year after its predecessor, it is easy to see the resemblance between the two games. However, this newer title looks to be further expanding upon the initial idea while adding more variety to the formula.
The roguelike formula and level design ofBullets Per Minutefit the game’s quick and simplistic playstyle, but it could have benefited from further expanding upon these ideas.Metal: Hellsingeris adding more layers to the environment by featuring larger, more versatile arenas and creating a more engaging and dynamic playstyle by making the game more intense if the player successfully kills enemies to the beat.
Metal: Hellsingeralso takes someinspiration fromDoomby featuring a variety of different guns, melee, weapons, and abilitiesall of which will likely fire and reload at different rates, which will provide a unique challenge if the player wants to effectively use them in conjunction with the beat. Many famous heavy metal artists such asTriviumandLamb of Godhave collaborated to create an original soundtrack for this game, which will surely include some hard-hitting music to go along with the fast-paced gameplay.
Rhythm-based combat games definitely have a niche audienceandBullets Per Minutewas released under a lot of people’s radar. That being said, it is an interesting take on a traditional FPS, and polished gameplay and popular heavy metal artists attached toMetal: Hellsingergive it the potential to expand the popularity of the genre.
MORE:Metal Hellsinger Shows New Gameplay and Confirms Musician List
