This week Epic Games store is giving away a turn based cyberpunk action game – Keylocker. It takes you to a sad world where music has been banned for hundreds of years. But now its up to you to change the status quo.
A World Without Music
Imagine a dystopian future on Saturn, year 801, where music has been banned for 141 years. This is the setting of Keylocker | Turn Based Cyberpunk Action, a unique JRPG developed by Moonana and published by Serenity Forge. You play as B0B0, a rebellious singer and songwriter who defies a totalitarian regime that enforces a strict caste system. B0B0, a Doppelganger born to serve in the lowest caste, rejects her assigned fate. With her illegal band, including a newfound music robot drummer named Rocket, she uses the power of melody to challenge the oppressive Saturnian Satellites and uncover the secrets of the mysterious Keylocker. The game’s narrative is gripping, blending cyberpunk aesthetics with themes of rebellion, freedom, and self-discovery.
Rhythm Meets Turn-Based Combat
What sets Keylocker apart is its innovative gameplay, combining classic turn-based JRPG mechanics with rhythm-based elements inspired by Mario & Luigi and Chrono Trigger. Combat isn’t just about selecting moves; it requires precise timing to maximize damage or block enemy attacks. Players must sync their button presses to the beat of the game’s electrifying soundtrack, transforming music into a weapon. Whether you’re aiming shots, parrying strikes, or charging attacks with Electricity Points (EP), the real-time execution adds a thrilling layer of strategy. The absence of random encounters, with enemies visible on the overworld, encourages exploration and tactical engagement, much like Chrono Trigger.
Choose Your Rebel Path
Keylocker offers deep customization through its class system. Players can choose a unique class for B0B0, each with its own skill tree and storyline, affecting quests and even romance options. This allows for multiple playthroughs with varied narrative outcomes, as choices shape alliances, betrayals, and story endings. You can befriend or betray NPCs by hacking their profiles, unlocking resources or altering the story’s course. The game’s world, filled with neon-lit streets and maze-like areas, rewards exploration with hidden items and tutorials that deepen gameplay understanding. However, some players note that class imbalances can make certain battles feel uneven, adding challenge for some paths.
A Visual and Auditory Feast
The game’s 2D pixel art, presented in an isometric view, is vibrant yet gritty, capturing the cyberpunk vibe with neon pinks and teals. While some critique the color palette as muddy, the character designs and animations shine, bringing Saturn’s dystopian landscapes to life. The soundtrack is a standout, perfectly complementing the rhythm-based mechanics and reinforcing the theme of music as rebellion. From band concerts to intense battles, the audio immerses players in B0B0’s fight for freedom.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite its strengths, Keylocker has its flaws. Some players find the combat grindy or the timing inconsistent compared to its inspirations, which can frustrate those less adept at rhythm mechanics. The narrative, while compelling, can feel dense with lore, occasionally overwhelming players with unfamiliar terms. Still, the game’s ambition shines through, offering a fresh take on the JRPG genre with its blend of rhythm, strategy, and story.
Conclusion
Keylocker | Turn Based Cyberpunk Action is a bold and creative JRPG that dares to blend rhythm gameplay with turn-based combat in a richly crafted cyberpunk world. While it may not hit every note perfectly, its engaging story, unique mechanics, and stunning presentation make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Join B0B0, crank up the music, and rebel against the system in this unforgettable adventure on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Claim the Giveaway
In order to claim the giveaway game, you can visit Epic Games store webpage https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/keylocker-622bcc, login to your Epic Games account and then click on the Get button. You will have to use Epic Games Launcher in order to download and install it.