Keeping a Rhythm

[Solie]

I've played this game off and on over the years and finally bought my own copy. The issue that kept me from playing was always that the heartbeat tempo always felt a little bit jank. Not in the sense that it's unfair or anything, I can do it just fine, it just seems the only real punishment is that I lose coin multiplier? but then in the early levels I'd always get through, it didn't seem like coins and money were that big of a deal when the whole game plays more like a puzzle than a usual roguelike. I'm sure with good movement it'd be easy enough to beat the game with just a shovel, vs using the advanced mechanics of other weapon types.

As the dev said in one interview, he added the heartbeat because the game seemed too easy otherwise, so I'm guessing its just there to stress you out a bit more. I wanted to ask those who played at length or beaten it how they felt about the tempo or if they found it rewarding eventually? I'm probably going to force myself to go through the game on every character I have access to for achievements, but I want some motivation.

[Adelion]

Yep, this forum is rarely visited.

The largest punishment for missing the beat is that enemies still move. So if you stand aside a red dragon and missed the beat, you may be toast. Even if enemies are not in direct vincinity, you lose initiative where multiple one can start to trap you. Although this only happens in later levels where more enemies spawn.

Also, yea. Without the heart beat, it would probably be to easy. I mean you can test it out with Bard or No Beat mode. It is basically a pure puzzle game at that point. Which is nice but would probably be less interesting.
Consider it like the difference between Chess and Speedchess. Everyone can find the right move if you have enough time (and know the rules). Doing the same under pressure though is a different story. It is still the same puzzle but you have to proceed the information fast enough.

It is also a lot more stylish with the heartbeat and the music. Certainly would not have been as successful as it is like this. Especially considering that the whole story is about the music and rhythm.

[Ɛ: ʎɥɔʇɐԀ]

largest punishment for missing a beat is death, and it is still happens only on coda (kinda mid ngl) and aria

[NeloDante]

The general punishment upon missing a beat:
- Coin multiplier loss
- Enemies move and you don't
- Obsidian equipment bonus is lost
- Certain items are destroyed
- If it's in a boss fight, you lose the bonus chest
Like it or not, gold coins matter not only for the score, but to properly buy items from the store and hidden ones. Once you start doing All Zone runs you will start to see how important gold is.

Now in the case of certain characters, like Aria or Coda, you die. Pretty sure missing a beat is a punishment. Now add that certain characters have locked mechanics, such as not being able to equip different weapons and you will start to see how everything stacks.

The motivation to play all characters (not in a row) for an All Zones run should be fun or... achievement hunting due to how absurdly hard most of them are.