Dead as Disco Review: Early Access Promises Big Things for the Future According to The Gamer

Let's dive together into the neon-lit universe of Dead as Disco, the musical beat 'em all from Brain Jar Games in early access on Steam since May 5, 2026. We play as Charlie Disco, drummer of an iconic rock band back from the dead, for a night of vengeance with his former bandmates, the Idols. The narration is non-linear, bringing together reunion, revenge and redemption around a tribute concert, with interludes between levels as fluid as frenzied music clips. After this appetizer, let's now see what The Gamer's journalist thinks of this early access.

The heart of the game is the gameplay: the combat system is inspired by Batman Arkham (for the better!), where every hit, every dodge, every combo syncs with the track for a masterfully controlled blend of combat and rhythm. No need to be a rhythm pro like in Beat Saber, the timing is forgiving and enemy attack tells are clearly visible. We take on a horde of different goons - riot soldiers, shooter mannequins, charging brutes - before confrontations with bosses, ancestral band members in their fitting arenas. The central hub lets you return to chapters, revisit them to unlock challenges and always get higher scores in Infinite Disco mode.

Graphically, it's a festival: colorful environments with particle effects, an 80s art direction that pops, and punchy electro track sound that even lets you import your own songs. The 25€ price tag is affordable for the content offered, not to mention the many promises still up its sleeve: co-op, talent trees and a real endgame yet to discover.

Even in early access, Dead as Disco is a delight with its polish and immediate fun, despite a narrative that's still underdeveloped. An indie hit in the making that grooves well, according to The Gamer!