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God of Rock

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of God of Rock
Item: God of Rock
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresIndie, Action, Side View Perspective, Fighting, Music and Dance, Strategy, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableApr 18, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X

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!

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

God of Rock has a fun premise with character backstories, but critics slam its story as shallow and repetitive. While some enjoy its whimsical elements, the consensus is that the narrative is weak, lacking depth and engagement, ultimately overshadowed by gameplay mechanics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

36%

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

The opinions regarding the story of God of Rock reveal a few positive aspects that some critics appreciate. For instance, God is a Geek highlights that the game features interesting backstories for its characters, suggesting that there is some level of depth to the narrative, even if it is not the main focus. Additionally, Softpedia notes that the story revolves around an elder god selecting musicians to battle, which provides a suitable narrative framework for a fighting game. But Why Tho? also praises the engaging over-the-top storyline, indicating that there are elements of enjoyment to be found within the narrative, particularly for those who appreciate a more whimsical approach to storytelling. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics points to significant shortcomings in the game's story. Movies Games and Tech and TheXboxHub both describe the story as lacking depth and being feeble, a sentiment echoed by XboxAddict, who criticizes the campy writing and minimal narrative. Many critics, including Gaming Nexus and Shacknews, emphasize that character motivations and backstories feel underdeveloped and do not contribute meaningfully to the overall experience. Furthermore, Worth Playing mentions the repetitive nature of the story mode, which detracts from any potential enjoyment, while SpazioGames notes that the focus is not on storytelling, suggesting that the narrative is secondary to gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while God of Rock has a basic premise that could be entertaining, the execution of its story leaves much to be desired. Many reviewers, such as GamersRD and Screen Rant, acknowledge the simplicity of the narrative and the tournament backdrop but ultimately agree that it lacks the depth and engagement necessary to elevate the experience. The majority of reviews indicate that the game prioritizes gameplay mechanics over storytelling, resulting in a narrative that feels superficial and underwhelming, with critics largely agreeing that it does not meet the expectations set by more robust fighting game narratives.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

God of Rock impresses with its innovative rhythm-fighting blend and dynamic gameplay, but critics slam its steep learning curve and execution flaws. While seasoned players may thrive, newcomers could be frustrated by clunky mechanics and confusing inputs. The game's potential is overshadowed by accessibility issues, making it a mixed bag.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

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 has garnered a mix of appreciation from critics, particularly for its innovative blend of rhythm and fighting game mechanics. Many reviewers, such as IGN France and XboxEra, highlight the unique concept that allows players to engage in rhythm-based battles, with characters possessing distinct abilities that add depth to the combat. Critics like GameGrin and GamersRD commend the fast-paced nature of the gameplay, emphasizing that it requires a combination of quick reflexes and musical timing. The dynamic difficulty system mentioned by XboxEra also suggests that the game can adapt to players' skill levels, potentially enhancing the experience as they progress. Additionally, the engaging format of 1v1 battles, as pointed out by Movies Games and Tech, adds to the overall excitement of the gameplay. However, despite these positives, several critics have pointed out significant flaws in the execution of the gameplay. A common critique revolves around the steep learning curve, with many reviewers noting that the game does not provide a gradual introduction to its mechanics. IGN France and Digital Chumps emphasize that the lack of accessibility may deter newcomers, while XboxAddict and SpazioGames mention that the integration of fighting moves with rhythm inputs can feel unnatural and confusing. Critics like Finger Guns and Wccftech also mention issues with the game's clunky mechanics and input recognition, which can lead to frustration during gameplay. These challenges may overshadow the enjoyable aspects of the game for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that God of Rock presents a compelling yet flawed experience. While the innovative combination of rhythm and fighting mechanics has the potential to create engaging gameplay, the execution leaves much to be desired. Reviewers like ZTGD and PC Gamer highlight the game's technical demands, indicating that it may appeal more to seasoned players than to newcomers. The chaotic nature of battles, as noted by Screen Rant and Shacknews, further complicates the experience, making it difficult for players to fully enjoy the game. In summary, while God of Rock offers a unique concept that excites many critics, its execution issues and steep learning curve may limit its overall appeal.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

God of Rock dazzles with vibrant graphics and stylish character designs, earning praise for its colorful art and 3D modeling. Critics celebrate its rock 'n roll aesthetic and nods to music legends, but some argue the visuals are overshadowed by fast-paced gameplay, making them feel incidental. While many appreciate the eye-catching designs, others feel the graphics don’t enhance the overall experience, leading to a divided reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of God of Rock have received a generally positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's vibrant and colorful art direction. IGN France commended the game for its effective 3D modeling and neon elements, while Movies Games and Tech praised the exceptional graphics and varied stage designs. Many reviewers noted the appealing character designs, with God is a Geek specifically mentioning the beautiful designs inspired by real-life music legends like Elvis and David Bowie. Additionally, critics like Gaming Nexus and Noisy Pixel emphasized the game's gorgeous visuals, bright colors, and unique character flair, contributing to an overall stylish aesthetic that resonates well with the rock 'n roll theme. However, not all reviews were as favorable. Some critics pointed out that the graphics, while visually appealing, often felt incidental to the gameplay experience. TheXboxHub stated that the graphics did not contribute significantly to the overall experience, and XboxAddict mentioned that the flashy effects could be distracting during gameplay. Critics like Worth Playing and Gamereactor UK expressed concerns that the fast-paced nature of the game prevented players from fully appreciating the visuals, with GameGrin noting that the graphics were not very noticeable due to the focus on the bottom half of the screen. This sentiment was echoed by several others who felt that the gameplay mechanics overshadowed the visual elements. Overall, the consensus among critics paints a mixed picture of God of Rock's graphics and visual design. While many reviewers, such as But Why Tho? and Finger Guns, celebrated the game's stylish and entertaining visuals, others highlighted the limitations imposed by gameplay mechanics that detracted from the visual experience. Critics like SpazioGames and Softpedia pointed out that while character designs were strong, the animations and stage presentations lacked depth. Ultimately, the game is recognized for its vibrant and appealing aesthetics, but its fast-paced gameplay often limits the player's ability to fully engage with the visual design, leading to a divide in opinions among critics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

"God of Rock" features a commendable soundtrack with over 40 original tracks that energize gameplay, but suffers from poor audio mixing where fighting sounds drown out the music. Critics praise the diversity but lament the repetitiveness and lack of memorable tracks, calling much of the music generic. Overall, while the game has potential for rock fans, it fails to deliver a standout auditory experience, highlighting a need for improvement in sound design and track selection.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of "God of Rock" have received a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for the sheer volume of original content. Many reviewers, such as ZTGD and GamersRD, commend the game for its expansive soundtrack featuring over 40 tracks, predominantly in the rock genre. Critics like Noisy Pixel and Softpedia highlight the energetic nature of the music, noting how it enhances the gameplay experience and induces excitement during fights. Additionally, the diversity of the soundtrack is acknowledged by IGN France and Digital Chumps, who appreciate the blend of different genres, even if some tracks feel repetitive at times. However, the criticisms surrounding the sound design and music are significant. Many reviewers, including XboxAddict and Xbox Tavern, point out issues with audio mixing, stating that fighting sounds often overshadow the music, leading to a less immersive experience. Critics like GameSpew and Push Square note that while the soundtrack is extensive, it lacks distinctiveness, with tracks blurring together and failing to leave a memorable impression. Additionally, some critics, such as Movies Games and Tech, argue that the complexity of the audio isn't fully appreciated during gameplay, while others like Gaming Nexus and Hey Poor Player describe the music as generic and forgettable. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while "God of Rock" boasts a large and varied soundtrack, it struggles with execution in terms of audio mixing and memorability. Critics like SpazioGames and Worth Playing echo sentiments that the tracks, although well-produced, often feel too similar to one another, detracting from the overall experience. Despite the game's potential appeal to rock music fans, many reviewers suggest that the lack of standout tracks and the overshadowing of music by gameplay sounds hinder its effectiveness as a rhythm game. The feedback suggests a need for refinement in both the sound design and the selection of music to create a more engaging and memorable experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

God of Rock shines on Xbox Series X and PS5 with smooth performance and minimal issues, though Xbox fans can be quite loud. The PC version, however, faces significant challenges, including input failures and crashes, leaving it in need of refinement. Overall, console players enjoy a solid experience, while PC players encounter mixed results.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

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 has garnered mostly positive feedback across different gaming platforms. On the Xbox Series X, critics from IGN France and ZTGD noted that the game runs smoothly with acceptable rendering and short loading times, while ZTGD also highlighted the online functionality, indicating minimal lag issues. For the PlayStation 5, both SpazioGames and Worth Playing praised the game for its solid performance, with no noticeable technical issues or loading screens disrupting gameplay. On PC, GameGrin and Gaming Nexus reported a generally stable experience, with no major bugs or glitches, and GameGrin specifically mentioned that the game runs well even on lower-spec systems. However, there were some notable negatives associated with each platform. On Xbox Series X, XboxEra pointed out that the console's fans were audible during gameplay, although it did not elaborate on any further technical performance issues. On PC, the criticisms were more pronounced, with Shacknews reporting a less than stellar experience due to keyboard input failures and game crashes. Softpedia also mentioned interface layout issues and the absence of certain features like replays or lobbies, which could hinder the online experience. Additionally, GameGrin noted a minor texture pop-in issue and a disparity in audio quality among characters, specifically highlighting that King's audio sounded worse. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that God of Rock performs well on both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, with no significant technical issues reported. The Xbox Series X offers a smooth experience, albeit with some concerns about fan noise. In contrast, the PC version presents a mixed bag, with some reviewers experiencing significant issues, such as input failures and crashes, while others found it stable. This dichotomy indicates that while the game is well-optimized for consoles, the PC version may require further refinement to ensure a consistently positive experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

God of Rock boasts over 40 songs, cross-platform multiplayer, and a track creator, boosting its replayability. However, critics warn it's hampered by a lack of story mode and memorable content, leading to potential burnout and limited engagement. Ultimately, while some aspects are fun, many reviewers doubt the game's long-term appeal without substantial updates.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

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 opinions regarding the replay value of God of Rock present a mix of positive aspects that some critics highlight. Notably, the game features over 40 songs and a multiplayer mode with cross-platform support, which TheXboxHub emphasizes as a significant contributor to replayability. Additionally, the inclusion of a track creator is praised by several critics, including XboxEra and Digital Chumps, who note that this feature allows players to engage creatively with the game. Furthermore, the online multiplayer options are generally well-received, with God is a Geek and Push Square pointing out that the online lobbies are intuitive and provide a strategic layer that encourages players to return for more matches. However, many critics express concerns regarding the game's overall replay value. Movies Games and Tech points out the lack of a story or career mode, which can diminish the game's longevity. Similarly, XboxAddict and Gaming Nexus mention that the absence of standout songs and memorable content can lead to a quick burnout. The learning curve associated with the game may also deter casual players, as noted by Xbox Tavern, who highlights that a lack of memorable songs and depth in gameplay could limit engagement. Critics like SpazioGames and Worth Playing further echo this sentiment, suggesting that the basic nature of the game modes and limited depth may not sustain players' interest over time. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed reception regarding the replay value of God of Rock. While features like online multiplayer, crossplay, and a track editor offer some potential for replayability, many reviewers agree that the game lacks sufficient content and depth to keep players engaged in the long term. Critics such as PC Gamer and Softpedia mention that the game might not hold the attention of dedicated fans, suggesting that unless future updates expand the content significantly, the replay value may remain limited. Thus, while there are enjoyable elements, the game's sustainability as a long-term experience is called into question by a significant portion of the reviews.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

In analyzing the overall sentiment towards God of Rock, it is evident that several critics appreciate the game's unique concept and the potential it holds. Reviewers like GameGrin and Digital Chumps highlight the intriguing blend of rhythm and fighting game elements, praising the charm and ambition behind the project. The visuals have received commendations for their flair, and the controls are often described as responsive, which contributes to a satisfying gameplay experience. Additionally, critics such as GamersRD and Noisy Pixel recognize the game's potential for improvement, suggesting that with future updates, God of Rock could evolve into a more compelling title. However, the criticisms of God of Rock are substantial and consistent across many reviews. Critics like IGN France and XboxAddict point out that the mix of genres does not work effectively, leading to a frustrating experience that detracts from enjoyment. The lack of content, particularly in terms of narrative depth and player engagement, is a recurring theme, with several reviewers, including Movies Games and Tech and SpazioGames, expressing disappointment in the game's limited offerings. Furthermore, the execution of its ambitious premise has been described as flawed, with many reviewers, such as Finger Guns and Wccftech, noting that the game struggles to appeal to fans of either genre due to its clunky mechanics and confusing design choices. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while God of Rock has a solid foundation and an interesting premise, it ultimately falls short in execution and content. Many reviewers express hope for future updates to address these issues, as seen in the opinions of XboxEra and Gamereactor UK, who believe the game could improve over time. However, the current state of the game leaves many feeling that it is difficult to recommend, especially to dedicated fans of rhythm or fighting games. The mixed responses suggest that while God of Rock has the potential to carve out a niche for itself, it requires significant refinement to truly resonate with its audience.

TL;DR

God of Rock impresses with its unique blend of rhythm and fighting elements, earning praise for its charm and visuals. However, critics slam its flawed execution and lack of content, leading to a frustrating experience. While there's hope for future improvements, its current state makes it hard to recommend, especially for genre fans. The game has potential, but it needs significant refinement to truly shine.

MONSTER

Reviews

41 reviews found

GameGrin

May 1, 2023