Sometimes, a game surprises you by being far better than expected. When I first saw the trailer for Dead as Disco, I was a bit skeptical: a great idea, a rhythm genre I love, plus a bunch of fist fighting – what could go wrong? The incredible part is how perfectly the rhythm mechanics work, allowing you to import your own songs and choose the BPM. While the demo did give a taste, it felt more like an early alpha than a proper demo, offering only a tutorial and a slight story tease without even a boss fight. Still, the infinite mode gives a good preview of the fun awaiting in the full game.
Simple Yet Really Fun Gameplay
The gameplay is simple: attack, dodge, parry (with optional visual cues that can be turned off), and chain together finishers and charged attacks for powerful combos. These combos are crucial for high scores on the leaderboards in infinite mode. But the real intrigue lies in the story mode. It’s a non-linear, handcrafted tale of reunion, revenge, and redemption set in a world broken by music, fame, and betrayal. A decade after their band split, the surviving members of Dead as Disco are planning a reunion concert for Charlie. They have no idea he’s returned from the grave to confront them and reveal the truth of his death.
While the demo effectively showcases the combat mechanics – from impressive finishers to enemy recoil and dodgeable heavy attacks – it also highlights how to recover health by collecting the pods on the ground or how to get back your step by refocusing on the rhythm. This game doesn’t require perfect timing; it aligns with the beat, but your main focus remains on the visual cues and enemy actions. Your character will ensure hits land on time and combos flow perfectly with the rhythm after you stun an enemy for example.
Dead as Disco tests your strategic thinking
Visually, the game is stunning, with a strong neon and cyberpunk vibe. While the ability to import your own songs is a great idea, it could be smoother. Manually matching the rhythm can be tricky and imprecise. Thankfully, the game also offers a streamer-safe original soundtrack and various licensed tracks. This built-in selection already gives you a clear idea of what the full experience will be like.
Dead as Disco plays perfectly with both mouse and keyboard, and a controller. Devs are also considering adding multiplayer, though it’s unclear how that will work. Just like in games such as osu!, the global and friend leaderboards are surprisingly competitive. Even if you’re in the top 10, aiming for first place is incredibly fun. The game isn’t overly punishing if you get hit; instead, it focuses on building combos and using all available tools. While osu! tests reflexes, this one truly tests your strategic thinking.
Demo is going to be part of the Steam Next Fest
Another great feature in Dead as Disco is the invulnerability you gain during special cut scenes while fighting, which is a welcome addition. Personally, I would have preferred this to be an optional setting for players. I enjoy a tougher challenge, for instance, instead of being fully invulnerable during an attack, it would be interesting to be forced to parry or dodge to avoid damage. A bit more difficulty in such moments could be a great addition.
Demo is available now, likely until the end of Steam Next Fest, and it’s already convinced me: this is a must-try for any fan of rhythm, action, or music games. The sheer replayability, thanks to being able to import your own songs, combined with the immense satisfaction of beating down waves of enemies, makes Dead as Disco incredibly fun to experiment with. While the animations might eventually feel a bit repetitive, you’ll constantly be surprised by how immersive it truly is.
English (UK) 
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