Summary

Release Year: 2016
Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
Developers: ACQUIRE Corp.
Publishers: ACQUIRE Corp., Digital Touch, PQube, XSEED Games

Akiba’s Beat (2016): A Trapped Odyssey into the Heart of Akihabara’s Delusions

Introduction

Akiba’s Beat is an action RPG developed by Acquire and published by Aksys Games. It is the sequel to Akiba’s Trip, and was released in Japan in 2016, and in North America and Europe in 2017. The game takes place in Akihabara, Tokyo, and follows a group of teenagers who get trapped in a world of delusions, and must fight their way through hordes of enemies to escape.

Gameplay

Akiba’s Beat is an action RPG with a focus on exploration and combat. The player controls a party of up to three characters, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. The game features a variety of different enemies, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The player must use their characters’ abilities and the environment to their advantage in order to defeat their enemies.

In addition to combat, Akiba’s Beat also features a variety of exploration elements. The player can explore the Akihabara district, interact with NPCs, and complete side quests. The game also features a number of minigames, such as rhythm games and shooting galleries.

Story

Akiba’s Beat tells the story of a group of teenagers who get trapped in a world of delusions. The delusions are caused by a mysterious entity known as the “Dream Eater,” which feeds on the negative emotions of people. The teenagers must fight their way through the delusions and defeat the Dream Eater in order to escape.

The story of Akiba’s Beat is told through a series of visual novel-style cutscenes. The cutscenes are well-written and feature a cast of memorable characters. The story is full of twists and turns, and keeps the player engaged from beginning to end.

Characters

Akiba’s Beat features a cast of eight playable characters. Each character has their own unique personality, backstory, and abilities. The player can choose to play as any of the eight characters, and can switch between them at any time during combat.

Asahi Tachibana: The protagonist of the game, Asahi is a high school student who gets trapped in the delusions. He is a kind and compassionate person, and is always willing to help others.
Saki Hoshino: Asahi’s childhood friend, Saki is a shy and timid girl. She is a talented singer, and her songs can help to heal the delusions.
Rina Kashiwagi: A popular idol, Rina is a confident and outgoing girl. She is a skilled fighter, and uses her popularity to help others.
Kei Akiba: A NEET who lives in Akihabara, Kei is a knowledgeable and resourceful person. He is a skilled hacker, and uses his skills to help the group.
Mitsuki Azuma: A mysterious girl who appears in the delusions, Mitsuki is a powerful fighter. She is searching for her lost memories, and helps the group in their fight against the Dream Eater.
Takumi Kurosaki: A high school student who is also trapped in the delusions, Takumi is a loner who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is a skilled fighter, and is always willing to protect his friends.
Rio Kanzaki: A nurse who works in Akihabara, Rio is a caring and compassionate person. She is a skilled healer, and uses her skills to help the group.
Kaito Tachibana: Asahi’s older brother, Kaito is a police officer who is investigating the delusions. He is a skilled fighter, and is determined to protect his brother and the people of Akihabara.

Setting

Akiba’s Beat takes place in Akihabara, Tokyo. Akihabara is a district known for its electronics stores, anime and manga shops, and maid cafes. The game faithfully recreates the Akihabara district, and the player can explore many of the real-world locations in the game.

The delusions in Akiba’s Beat are based on the real-world Akihabara district. The delusions are a twisted and distorted version of reality, and the player must fight their way through them in order to escape.

Graphics and Sound

Akiba’s Beat features cel-shaded graphics that are both stylish and vibrant. The character models are well-detailed, and the environments are full of life. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and features a mix of electronic music and traditional Japanese music.

Reception

Akiba’s Beat received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its combat, story, and characters. However, some critics criticized the game’s repetitive gameplay and technical issues.

Overall

Akiba’s Beat is an excellent action RPG that offers a unique and engaging experience. The game’s combat is fast-paced and exciting, the story is well-written and full of twists and turns, and the characters are memorable and likeable. If you’re a fan of action RPGs, or if you’re looking for a game with a unique and engaging story, then I highly recommend checking out Akiba’s Beat.