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62

MONSTER

Star Icon

God of Rock

2023
GenresIndie, Action, Side View Perspective, Fighting, Music and Dance, Strategy, Single Player, Multiplayer
AvailableApr 18, 2023
PlatformPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
DeveloperModus Games
Overview

God of Rock blends rhythm-based gameplay with fighting game mechanics in tense 1v1 matches. Choose from a dozen unique fighters, each with their own design, mechanics, and harmonic attacks. Soften up your opponent by executing normal moves and building meter by hitting notes to the beat of the song, then spend your meter to unleash EX and special moves do damage and add complexity to their tracks. Finally, finish them off with a devastating Super attack! As the battle progresses, the music track will continue to grow in complexity and difficulty until only one fighter is left standing!

Elsewhere
Score icon

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

54

TL;DR

God of Rock’s story is a mixed bag: some praise its quirky premise and campy humor, but most call it shallow, repetitive, and underdeveloped, with weak characters and minimal narrative depth—leaving players more focused on the action than the tale.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

54

Positive Reviews (80-100)

0%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

36%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of God of Rock receives mixed but occasionally positive feedback from reviewers, with some highlighting its unique premise and thematic elements. Critics like God is a Geek acknowledge the game’s tournament-based backdrop and intriguing character backstories, while SpazioGames notes that the narrative, though brief, includes an epilogue that adds some closure. Softpedia praises the game for providing a “suitable narrative for a fighting game” with animated cutscenes and character backstories, and Screen Rant appreciates the minimal but distinct dialogue and the premise of an elder god gathering musicians. Additionally, Hey Poor Player and But Why Tho? emphasize the over-the-top, engaging nature of the storyline, suggesting that its absurdity might appeal to fans of satirical or campy humor. These perspectives highlight moments where the narrative, while not deep, serves as a functional and entertaining framework for the game’s action. However, the majority of critics panned God of Rock’s story for its lack of depth, repetitive structure, and underdeveloped characters. Movies Games and Tech and TheXboxHub both criticized the narrative as “feeble” and “not well-developed,” with XboxAddict calling it “brief and not satisfying” and Gaming Nexus describing character motivations as “paper thin.” Worth Playing lamented the repetitive story mode and dull pre-fight banter, while Shacknews and Softpedia noted that character backstories felt “half-baked.” Even GamersRD compared the plot to a Tenacious D movie, implying simplicity and lack of originality. These critiques collectively suggest that the game’s story fails to engage players beyond its surface-level premise, leaving much to be desired in terms of emotional or narrative investment. The overall consensus among critics leans toward disappointment, with most agreeing that God of Rock’s story is a superficial and underwhelming aspect of the game. While a few reviewers like God is a Geek and Softpedia found some merit in its character backstories and cutscenes, the majority—such as Movies Games and Tech, TheXboxHub, and Gaming Nexus—emphasized its lack of depth, repetitive structure, and minimal narrative. The game’s focus on action over storytelling is evident, but this approach leaves many critics unconvinced that the story justifies the experience. Despite occasional praise for its campy humor or unique premise, the overwhelming sentiment is that God of Rock’s narrative fails to deliver a compelling or memorable tale, making it a secondary concern compared to its gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

God of Rock’s story is a mixed bag: some praise its quirky premise and campy humor, but most call it shallow, repetitive, and underdeveloped, with weak characters and minimal narrative depth—leaving players more focused on the action than the tale.

65

TL;DR

God of Rock's rhythm-fighting fusion is bold but clunky, offering deep mechanics for experts while alienating newcomers with a punishing learning curve and chaotic design.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

65

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of God of Rock is widely praised for its innovative fusion of rhythm and fighting mechanics, creating a unique and dynamic experience. Critics like IGN France highlight the fast-paced action that blends "rhythm and fighting elements," while TheXboxHub compares it to Guitar Hero, emphasizing the note-based input system that demands quick reflexes. XboxEra commends the "dynamic difficulty system" and character-specific abilities, which add depth, and ZTGD notes the high skill ceiling and scaling challenges as a positive aspect. Additionally, GameSpew and PC Gamer appreciate the technicality of the gameplay, where precise timing and rhythm are crucial for executing attacks, while Digital Chumps and God is a Geek acknowledge the satisfying loop once players master its complexities. The game’s ability to merge these genres in a way that feels both novel and engaging is a recurring highlight among reviewers. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks, particularly around accessibility and execution. IGN France criticizes the "lack of a gradual learning curve," making it less approachable for newcomers, while XboxAddict finds the integration of horizontal note scrolling and fighting moves "challenging and not natural." GamersRD and SpazioGames describe the gameplay as "flawed and confusing," with issues in layout and input mechanics. Finger Guns calls the controls "clunky and unbalanced," and Screen Rant notes that chaotic battles can detract from enjoyment. Additionally, Wccftech highlights poor execution in areas like offset setup and motion inputs, while Worth Playing points to problematic note highway layouts. These critiques collectively underscore a game that, despite its ambition, struggles with polish and user-friendliness. Overall, the consensus among critics is that God of Rock is a bold experiment that successfully merges rhythm and fighting mechanics but faces challenges in balancing accessibility and technical execution. While many praise its unique concept and depth—such as Xbox Tavern’s observation that it’s "simple to grasp but hard to master" and Push Square’s acknowledgment of mechanical variance—the game’s steep learning curve and occasional clunky design elements create a polarizing experience. Reviews from outlets like GameGrin and Gaming Nexus emphasize the fast-paced, technically demanding nature of the gameplay, suggesting it will appeal most to fans of rhythm or fighting games who are willing to invest time in mastering its intricacies. Despite mixed feedback on execution, the game’s ambition and creative synthesis of genres earn it a place as a noteworthy, if imperfect, entry in the hybrid genre space.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

God of Rock's rhythm-fighting fusion is bold but clunky, offering deep mechanics for experts while alienating newcomers with a punishing learning curve and chaotic design.

68

TL;DR

Vibrant art direction, colorful visuals, and creative character designs praised, but critics say graphics clash with gameplay or fall short technically—mixed but leaning positive for its stylized appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

68

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

5%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of reviewers praise God of Rock’s graphics and visual design, highlighting its vibrant art direction and creative character models. IGN France commends the "colorful art direction with neon elements" and effective 3D modeling, while Movies Games and Tech lauds the "exceptional graphics," "varied stage design," and "incredible character models." Digital Chumps and GamersRD note the "vibrant" and "zany" character designs, with God is a Geek appreciating the "beautifully designed" characters inspired by real-life icons like Elvis and David Bowie. TheXboxHub acknowledges the game’s visual appeal despite its focus on gameplay, while XboxAddict and Noisy Pixel praise the "visually appealing" stage backgrounds and distinctive flair of characters. Gaming Nexus and Wccftech also highlight the "gorgeous" bright colors and "great character models," with PC Gamer noting the charm of the "pretty" stage designs and unique environments. However, several critics point out flaws in how the visuals integrate with gameplay or fail to meet expectations. TheXboxHub argues that the graphics are "incidental to the gameplay" and don’t enhance the experience, while XboxEra criticizes the "poorly executed" lighting and 3D models. ZTGD mentions that flashy moves are underutilized due to the game’s focus on the highway, and Worth Playing notes that visuals are overshadowed by the note area. GameGrin and Gamereactor UK observe that the fast-paced gameplay makes it hard to appreciate the graphics, while Shacknews and Softpedia criticize some character designs as "uninspired" or lacking a strong sense of place. Screen Rant also points out that stages feel disconnected from the game’s tone, with locations and music often failing to complement each other. Overall, God of Rock receives mixed but largely positive feedback for its visual design, with many critics celebrating its colorful art style, unique character models, and creative stage environments. However, a significant portion of reviewers feel that the graphics are either overshadowed by gameplay mechanics or suffer from technical shortcomings. While IGN France, Movies Games and Tech, and Gaming Nexus highlight the game’s strengths in visuals, TheXboxHub, XboxEra, and Screen Rant emphasize its limitations. Despite these critiques, the consensus leans toward appreciation for the game’s aesthetic choices, with many acknowledging that its visual design contributes to a fun, stylized experience even if it doesn’t fully align with gameplay priorities.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Vibrant art direction, colorful visuals, and creative character designs praised, but critics say graphics clash with gameplay or fall short technically—mixed but leaning positive for its stylized appeal.

66

TL;DR

God of Rock's soundtrack is a high-energy, 40+ track marvel praised for its rock-driven variety and thematic flair, but repetitive, muddled mixing and jarring genre shifts undermine its potential, leaving fans divided between excitement and frustration.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

66

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

8%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of God of Rock received generally positive feedback for its variety, originality, and thematic cohesion. Many reviewers praised the game’s extensive soundtrack, with IGN France noting a diverse playlist of around 40 songs, while TheXboxHub highlighted that the music “fits the style of the game.” ZTGD and GamersRD commended the original tracks for their quality and mood alignment, with GamersRD calling them “extremely good” and “exciting.” GameGrin and Noisy Pixel emphasized the energetic, genre-spanning nature of the soundtrack, describing it as “amazing” and “excellent,” respectively. Additionally, Softpedia and Wccftech celebrated the variety and quality, noting that over 40 original songs enhance gameplay. The music’s ability to complement the game’s rock-centric identity was a recurring strength, with Finger Guns acknowledging the creative blend of rock and rhythm mechanics. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws in the audio design. XboxAddict criticized the prioritization of fighting sounds over music, noting “no standout songs or licensed tracks,” while XboxEra and Xbox Tavern highlighted issues with audio mixing, where combat noises drowned out the soundtrack. Push Square and Worth Playing observed that the 40+ tracks often “blur together” or sound too similar, lacking memorability. GameSpew was particularly harsh, calling the rhythm mechanics feel “like a game of Simon Says,” while Screen Rant noted the electro-pop focus clashed with the game’s rock identity. Additionally, some reviewers, like Shacknews, felt there was insufficient “rock” in the soundtrack and that the music lacked variety. These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack is ambitious, its execution fell short in key areas. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a mixed but largely favorable view of God of Rock’s Sound Design and Music. While many praised the originality, quantity, and thematic fit of the soundtrack—particularly from outlets like GamersRD, Noisy Pixel, and Softpedia—the repetition, lack of standout tracks, and audio mixing issues were significant drawbacks. Critics like IGN France and XboxAddict acknowledged the effort but noted flaws in balance and memorability, while others, such as GameSpew and Screen Rant, questioned its effectiveness as a rhythm game. Despite these criticisms, the soundtrack remains one of the game’s strongest aspects, with its energy and variety offering a compelling experience for fans of rock music, even if it doesn’t fully satisfy all expectations.

TL;DR

music and sound design

God of Rock's soundtrack is a high-energy, 40+ track marvel praised for its rock-driven variety and thematic flair, but repetitive, muddled mixing and jarring genre shifts undermine its potential, leaving fans divided between excitement and frustration.

NA

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

66

TL;DR

God of Rock shines technically on Xbox/PS5 with smooth performance and stability, but PC faces mixed reviews due to input glitches, interface flaws, and minor polish issues despite overall scalability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

66

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of God of Rock receives largely positive feedback across its platforms, though with some variations. On Xbox Series X, IGN France highlights smooth gameplay, acceptable rendering, and short loading times, while XboxEra notes minimal fan noise without significant stability issues. ZTGD praises the online experience for being lag-free and forgiving in controls. For PS5, SpazioGames and Worth Playing both report no noticeable issues or hitches, emphasizing consistent performance. On PC, GameGrin acknowledges minor texture pop-in and audio inconsistencies but otherwise finds the game stable, while Gaming Nexus and Wccftech commend its optimization, with the latter noting it runs well even on low-spec systems. These reviews suggest a generally polished technical foundation across all platforms. However, some platform-specific challenges emerge. On Xbox Series X, XboxEra’s mention of fan noise hints at potential thermal or performance strain, though no major bugs are reported. For PC, the experience is more mixed: Shacknews criticizes keyboard input failures and crashes, while Softpedia points to interface flaws and missing online features like replays or lobbies. GameGrin also notes texture pop-in and subpar audio for one character, indicating minor technical polish issues. While these problems are not widespread, they highlight areas where the PC version may require further refinement compared to console ports. Overall, critics agree that God of Rock delivers a technically solid experience on Xbox Series X and PS5, with minimal hiccups and strong optimization. The PC version, while functional and scalable, faces more varied feedback, particularly around input reliability and interface design. Despite these differences, the consensus leans toward positive technical performance across all platforms, with PC’s issues being more niche than systemic. Critics like IGN France and Worth Playing underscore the game’s stability on consoles, while Shacknews and Softpedia provide cautionary notes for PC players, reflecting a balanced but slightly uneven technical reception.

TL;DR

technical performance

God of Rock shines technically on Xbox/PS5 with smooth performance and stability, but PC faces mixed reviews due to input glitches, interface flaws, and minor polish issues despite overall scalability.

55

TL;DR

Mixed reviews: God of Rock offers creative multiplayer, cross-platform play, and track editors for rhythm fans, but lacks a story, repetitive gameplay, and unbalanced mechanics. While dedicated players may enjoy competitive depth, casuals face a steep learning curve and minimal single-player content. Its replayability hinges on niche appeal—community-driven fun vs. shallow experience. Not a must-play, but worth trying for customization lovers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

55

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers generally acknowledge several positive aspects of God of Rock’s replay value, particularly its multiplayer and customization features. Critics like TheXboxHub highlight the game’s over 40 songs and cross-platform multiplayer support as key draws, while XboxAddict and XboxEra praise the online multiplayer and track-creation tools, which allow for player-driven content. GameSpew notes that skilled players can find competitive depth in online matches, and God is a Geek commends the straightforward online lobbies and intuitive rematching options. Additionally, Multiplayer.it and Noisy Pixel appreciate the unique characters and custom beatmap creation, which add variety to gameplay. These elements suggest that God of Rock offers some engagement for rhythm and fighting game enthusiasts, particularly those interested in community-driven content or competitive play. However, many critics point out significant limitations that hinder long-term replayability. Movies Games and Tech criticizes the lack of a story or career mode, while Xbox Tavern argues that the absence of memorable songs and a steep learning curve discourages casual players. SpazioGames and Gaming Nexus describe the game as repetitive and underdeveloped, with minimal content beyond multiplayer modes. Worth Playing and PC Gamer note that basic arcade modes and limited customization options fail to sustain interest, while Screen Rant highlights unbalanced characters and chaotic matches. Even positive features like the track editor are criticized for being too restrictive—Noisy Pixel mentions limited sharing capabilities, and Finger Guns laments the lack of a campaign or meaningful game mode modifiers. These critiques suggest that the game’s appeal is narrow and may not retain players beyond initial novelty. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward cautious optimism tempered by significant drawbacks. While features like crossplay, track editors, and competitive multiplayer provide some replay value for dedicated fans, many reviewers feel the game lacks depth, variety, and engaging content to sustain long-term interest. TheXboxHub and GameSpew highlight potential for community-driven fun, but Movies Games and Tech, Xbox Tavern, and Gaming Nexus argue that these elements are insufficient to compensate for a shallow single-player experience and repetitive gameplay. The game’s replayability seems to depend heavily on player preferences—those drawn to rhythm mechanics or customization may find value, while others will likely grow bored quickly. Ultimately, God of Rock offers enough tools for creativity and competition to warrant a try, but its limitations prevent it from being a must-play title.

TL;DR

replay value

Mixed reviews: God of Rock offers creative multiplayer, cross-platform play, and track editors for rhythm fans, but lacks a story, repetitive gameplay, and unbalanced mechanics. While dedicated players may enjoy competitive depth, casuals face a steep learning curve and minimal single-player content. Its replayability hinges on niche appeal—community-driven fun vs. shallow experience. Not a must-play, but worth trying for customization lovers.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

62

MONSTER

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

62

Positive Reviews (80-100)

7%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict on God of Rock highlights its ambitious concept and several standout positives, particularly its unique blend of rhythm and fighting mechanics. Critics like Movies Games and Tech praised its "grungy approach," "exceptional graphics," and "superb controls," while ZTGD noted the game’s "sound idea" and potential to create a new genre with more polish. The soundtrack, though uneven, was lauded by some as a key strength—IGN France acknowledged the substantial content, including a significant OST, and GameGrin highlighted "amazing music" and responsive gameplay. Additionally, XboxEra and Worth Playing pointed to its potential for future updates, suggesting that the game’s core concept is compelling despite its current flaws. The mix of genres, while experimental, was seen as a refreshing departure from traditional titles by several reviewers. However, the negatives are equally prominent, with many critics criticizing the game’s execution and balance. TheXboxHub called it a "mash-up that doesn’t work well," while XboxAddict gave it a low score (5.3/10), citing poor design choices and lack of standout elements. Issues like an "uninspiring music" (per Xbox Tavern) and a "tricky learning curve" (as noted by GameSpew) undermined the experience, with some calling it neither fun as a rhythm game nor entertaining as a fighting title. Digital Chumps and Worth Playing pointed to flawed gameplay mechanics, while Gaming Nexus and Screen Rant criticized the lack of modes, memorable music, and narrative depth. Even Push Square, which praised replayability, noted issues with the soundtrack, indicating that the game’s execution fell short of its ambitions. The overall consensus among critics is one of cautious optimism tempered by frustration. While many acknowledge God of Rock’s potential—ZTGD called it an "interesting experiment" and XboxEra believed it could improve with updates—the current iteration struggles to deliver a cohesive experience. The game’s hybrid nature, though innovative, was seen as a double-edged sword: while GameGrin and IGN France appreciated its blend of genres, others like GameSpew and Shacknews found it "a swing and a miss." Despite mixed reactions, the recurring theme is that God of Rock has the foundation for something special but requires significant refinement in areas like gameplay balance, content depth, and polish to fully realize its vision. As PC Gamer noted, it’s a game worth trying for fans of both genres but not yet a must-play.

TL;DR

God of Rock is an audacious mix of rhythm and fighting that dazzles with style but stumbles under uneven execution, offering glimpses of brilliance amid clunky mechanics, a divisive soundtrack, and a learning curve that frustrates as much as it intrigues.

62

MONSTER

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Reviews

42 reviews found

90

GameGrin

PC

May 1, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The overall verdict is that God of Rock is a great combination of rhythm and fighting game elements, with amazing music and responsive gameplay.

Read full review

Full review

80

But Why Tho?

PC

Apr 21, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Easy to pick up and hard to master, one of the most engaging games this year

Read full review

Full review

80

Softpedia

PC

May 3, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

God of Rock is a good mix of fighting and music mechanics, appealing to fans of both genres. It has some interface issues and limited narrative depth but offers a fun experience, especially with friends.

Read full review

Full review

70

ZTGD

Xbox Series X

May 5, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

God of Rock is an interesting experiment that works sometimes. The idea is sound, the characters are excellent, and it has potential to become a whole new genre with more polish.


70

Push Square

PlayStation 5

Apr 18, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the gameplay and replayability of God of Rock, but mentions issues with the soundtrack.

Read full review

Full review

70

GamersRD

PlayStation 5

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

God of Rock is a well-conceptualized game with potential, but the gameplay needs improvement.

Read full review

Full review

70

Movies Games and Tech

Xbox Series X

May 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

God of Rock impresses with its grungy approach, exceptional graphics, amazing audio, and superb controls, but lacks enough content and potential due to the absence of a story and player base.

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Full review

70

Multiplayer.it

PC

May 17, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game shows great potential but lacks depth in combo design and could improve online matchmaking.

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Full review

68

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

May 1, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

God of Rock is an interesting concept that blends rhythm and fighting game elements, with some execution issues but potential for a wild competitive experience.

Read full review

Full review

65

Noisy Pixel

PC

Apr 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as a unique experiment that combines two highly technical genres. It may be frustrating for newcomers, but offers a unique experience worth trying for fans of the fighting and rhythm genres.

Read full review

Full review
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