Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Crisis Beat delivers a classic 3D beat ’em up structure, tasking you with fighting through multiple decks of the sea-jacked “Princess of the Fearless.” From the moment you step aboard, the game emphasizes tight, combo-driven combat. You’ll string together light and heavy attacks, launch enemies into the air, then juggle them back down for extra damage. The pacing is brisk, and the combat flows smoothly once you’ve learned to master the lock-on counter system.

One of Crisis Beat’s standout mechanics is its Lock-On Counter. By timing your block just as an enemy strikes, you break their guard and open them up for devastating follow-ups. This adds a satisfying risk-and-reward element to every encounter. You’re also encouraged to use environmental objects—pipes, bottles, even chairs—to extend your chains or break up enemy clusters. Experimenting with these weapons keeps the action fresh and underscores the “beat ’em up” roots of the genre.

The game further spices up its replayability by offering two playable pairs: Keita and Karen or Yusuke and Mai. Each duo has slightly different move sets, voice lines, and story beats, meaning you’ll unlock new dialogue and cutscenes by replaying on different character routes. While the core levels remain the same, learning each character’s unique combo routes and special attacks provides enough incentive to return for a second (or third) run.

Graphics

Visually, Crisis Beat embraces an anime-inspired aesthetic, from the character models with their sharp facial features to the vibrant color palette used in environments. The interior of the Princess of the Fearless is well-detailed—rusted metal corridors, glamorously lit luxury suites, and dimly lit engine rooms all present distinct visual themes. Each deck feels like its own mini-stage.

Character animations are fluid, with distinct poses for each attack and counter. Combos feel impactful because of the solid hit reactions and motion blur on stronger hits. Background objects shake, crack, and shatter convincingly when you slam an enemy into them, giving the world a tangible quality. Occasional frame-rate dips during large crowd scenes are rare and generally don’t interfere with the flow of combat.

That said, environments can occasionally feel repetitive—corridor textures repeat after a while, and certain enemy designs reuse the same model with different color schemes. Still, the overall presentation is bright, clean, and true to the high-energy style you’d expect from an arcade-style brawler. If you love that late-’90s/early-2000s beat ’em up vibe, Crisis Beat nails the look.

Story

The narrative in Crisis Beat is straightforward but engaging in its own right: a peaceful cruise on the Princess of the Fearless is violently interrupted by Colonel Whigen and his band of terrorists. Your mission is simple—fight your way through shipboard security, foil the hijackers, and uncover Whigen’s motives. It’s familiar, but the confined ship setting creates a tense atmosphere that keeps you invested.

Storytelling unfolds through in-engine cutscenes and character dialogues between levels. Each playable pair has unique banter and backstory revelations, which adds personality to what might otherwise be a generic rescue mission. Karen’s sharp wit contrasts nicely with Keita’s more measured approach, while Mai’s optimism offsets Yusuke’s stoicism. These character dynamics provide small narrative rewards for playing through each route.

While Crisis Beat doesn’t aspire to be an epic drama, it delivers enough twists—such as a mid-level betrayal and a ticking-clock moment in the engine room—to maintain momentum. The dialogue can veer into “so-bad-it’s-good” territory at times, but fans of action-heavy anime and pulpy plotlines will likely appreciate the over-the-top flair.

Overall Experience

Crisis Beat is a solid modern take on the classic beat ’em up, with satisfying combo mechanics, a variety of environmental weapons, and a dual-route system that boosts replay value. Whether you’re a seasoned brawler veteran or new to the genre, the controls are responsive and the challenge curve feels balanced. Boss fights offer the right mix of pattern-learning and reflex testing without ever feeling unfair.

On the downside, the levels can grow repetitive, and the lack of online or local co-op limits your options if you were hoping to team up with a friend. Still, the two-character routes and multiple difficulty settings help mitigate repetition. It’s a concise package that clocks in around six to eight hours per route, making it an ideal choice for players looking for a focused action experience rather than a sprawling epic.

All told, Crisis Beat stands out as an entertaining, well-polished beat ’em up. Its anime-style presentation, fluid combat, and replayable story paths make it a compelling pick for fans of the genre. If you’re hungry for fast-paced melee action with enough depth to master, the Princess of the Fearless awaits your rescue mission.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10