Beatblock is an indie rhythm game with a simple goal: block the beats with Cranky’s – your character's – paddle. The game has a unique concept of the head-spinning mechanic, blocking the beats as they come towards you from all around.
Whilst only releasing in late September 2025, the game released a free demo on itch.io in July 2024, updating it regularly until the early access version came out on Steam. The demo is compatible with Windows 10+, MacOS, and LinuxOS, making it widely accessible for majority of devices.
Beatblock comes with a variety of levels with music from various artists. The music ranges from 8bit style music, jazz, rock, and many more. However, there is also the option of customs levels, where you can create your own levels with any music and personalised visuals. In addition, you can also download and play levels from other players if made public on online (either on Cranky’s Customs Discord server, or on beatblockbrowser). With the simple design and mechanics of Beatblock, players have found ways of making the game incredibly difficult and visually hypnotising in certain levels.
Other than the expected rhythm game levels, you can also customise with accessories you unlock through completing levels. There are many accessories to unlock, some with benefits to help you through levels, and others just for aesthetics. There is also a fishing minigame, where you swing your paddle to cast your rod, and then wait patiently for a bite. The descriptions of each item you fish is fully voiced, and includes a book of all the fish you have and will unlock. There is currently over 30 fish to collect, and more to come!
It is important to remember that Beatblock is still in early access, and will continue to be for around a year, where they claim the level increase will go from the initial 27 songs to over 40 songs! The small team will continue to update and improve the game over time, and the continuous making of customs levels by other players will keep the game interesting to play if one gets tired of the initial levels. The developers will keep a close eye on feedback given to them by players, acting on it during their development and updates.
It is a promising unique game, and worth giving a try through the free demo before deciding whether to pass on it, or buy the full version.