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Keylocker will make you scream and curse as its rhythm-based gameplay bores into your soul. Now, I can hear the shouts of “Get Gud”. Frankly, you wouldn’t be wrong. After all, my lack of robotic reactions was just one of the reasons why this game drove me to distraction. Alongside the brutal window of response, you must accept wave after wave of mindless combat. Sadly, this is enough to make the most patient individual scream the house down.
This JRPG turn-based title was developed by Moonana Inc. and published by Serenity Forge LLC. Moreover, it is a single-player experience that focuses on rhythmical action inputs. Accordingly, you need to be alert if you wish to make the most of this game. The desire to stand out from the crowd was a gamble. Unfortunately, it does not pay off as it holds it back.
Keylocker has a fantastic story.
This cyberpunk game is set in a phenomenal environment. Saturn has been colonised and music is banned. The doppelgangers were created to serve the caste for the benefit of the Saturnian Satellites. However, a rebellion is forming and the protagonist BOBO must use her skills to overcome the brutal regime and save music.
The plot unfolds through exceptional character interactions and micro-moments. Furthermore, the plot changes depending on which character build you plump for. This was great as it increases replay value and changes your tactical direction. Yet, no matter what hero you want to be, the core mechanics drag you down. Additionally, the annoying and senseless combat becomes tedious and this was a shame.
Pointless battles.
When a game focuses on rhythm-based combat, you’d expect each encounter to be thrilling and interesting. Unfortunately, Keylocker had other ideas. Many of the fights are used to fill time. What’s more, the Satellites (Saturn’s law enforcement), follow you around in their drones. As such, you do your best to avoid their attention but this is futile.
Unfortunately, no matter how much you try to run and hide, they always catch you. This leads to a turn-based affair of button bashing and luck. As your enemy flashes white, you just execute the button command. If you are successful, you’ll dodge, parry, or attack your foe. This is normally enough to end the encounter, but if you mistime things, you’ll get your ass handed to you. Thankfully, the developers let you restart each failed battle without the need to reload a save. This was necessary as I’m not sure I could stomach any more pointless action.
Keylocker looks amazing.
The biggest disappointment for me is how the exceptional setting and brilliant audio are not the focal points. The world is a glorious wash of neon lights and pixelated art. What’s more, the futuristic edge has a sinister tone that is uncomfortable to look at. Though the combat wasn’t my cup of tea, the animation was solid and well-executed. Yet, I can’t help but focus on the relentless battles and how much they taint the exploration elements.
The audio has a classic synth style that is futuristic, aggressive, and full of drama. The soundtrack complements the story and works well with the combat elements. Furthermore, the sound effects are odd and ridiculous, but perfect for the theme. As such, this is one element that the developer got spot on.
The controls will test you.
Rhythm-based gaming is hit or miss. Unfortunately, Keylocker gets this very wrong. I don’t know if it is me, the responsive nature of the controller, or an issue with the programming. Either way, the inputs felt sluggish and this drove me mad. It was a shame as had the window of opportunity been bigger, I’d have forgiven the never-ending combat.
Frustratingly, this has mountains of replay value and longevity. Each character build has various endings and there is plenty to see and do. Furthermore, the story is great to experience and I loved the lore and the different layers. As such, I wish the other elements were better. Unfortunately, I won’t test every approach, nor will I return for more. Yet, if you have rapid reactions, you may enjoy it.
Keylocker annoyed me.
There is so much potential that I’m annoyed at its shortcomings. Keylocker could and should have been much better. The rhythm-based mechanics are so clumsy and cruel that it leads to unnecessary frustration. Sadly, this will put many people off and that is a shame. Accordingly, if you enjoy this genre, you may wish to buy it here! Alternatively, if you lack razor-sharp reactions, you’ll probably want to give this a miss. Can you and the other rebels succeed? Play your music, overwhelm your opponents, and quash the overlords.
