| Developer | Licthund |
| Publisher | Team17 |
| Release Date | Coming Soon |
| Price | Not Available at the Moment |
| Platforms | PC |
| Where to Buy (Wishlist) | Steam |
The game “ROCKBEASTS” was generously provided to TheDailyGamepad.net for free by the developers/publishers. On behalf of TheDailyGamepad.net, I’d like to thank them for the opportunity to review and share this game.
If you’ve ever dreamed of running a rock band while trying not to get eaten alive by diva guitarists or malfunctioning amplifiers, ROCKBEASTS might just be your jam. The early demo, provided by Licthund and Team 17, drops players into the Florida Keys of 2009 with a heavy dose of ‘90s indie rock nostalgia, complete with dialogue-driven storytelling, retro vibes, and more quirks than a band on their third coffee of the day.
You step into the role of a band manager for a ragtag group on the brink of collapse: Vernon on vocals, Keith on drums, Carlton on bass, and Paz on guitar. Each member has a personality that’s hard to ignore—some charming, some downright exasperating—and they rely on you to turn chaos into a concert that won’t make you weep into your setlist. Early interactions revolve around picking a band name (because of who I am and to be on brand with my stream, I went with “Power of Flower”), signing standard management contracts, and diving into the messy, money-losing life of indie music.
Gameplay mixes narrative choices with resource management, balancing health, hype, and cash while navigating the city to keep your band functional and motivated. Time is your enemy here; every gig, radio spot, and café visit eats away at it, making each decision feel like walking a tightrope in leather pants. The demo makes it clear that managing a band isn’t just about calling shots—it’s about putting out metaphorical (and sometimes literal) fires, from broken amps that may be possessed to under-promoted shows that leave you praying a crowd shows up.
Speaking of performances, the demo’s first gig is a rollercoaster of awkward solos, lyric slip-ups, and small victories. You plan the setlist, assign light shows, and tweak sound equipment, only to be rewarded with a humble $17 at the end—because nothing says “rock ‘n’ roll” like financial despair and sweaty camaraderie. Post-show discussions among band members further underline the realism: grievances, encouragement, and strategic debates all give the world a lived-in, gritty feel.
Despite some rough edges—bugs, unfinished features, and the occasional copyright music hiccup—ROCKBEASTS shines in its storytelling and player-driven choices. The game oozes charm from its stylized graphics, retro aesthetics, and the very tangible passion of its small indie team. Early impressions suggest that, with polish, it could become a standout in the music-management genre, offering both heart and challenge in equal measure.
If you’ve got a soft spot for narrative-heavy management sims, quirky indie rock vibes, and the thrill of keeping a band from imploding, ROCKBEASTS deserves a spot on your Steam wishlist. Just don’t forget to pack your patience, your problem-solving skills, and maybe an extra amplifier or two.
