Game: Beta Max
Genre: Puzzle, Platformer
System: Steam (Windows)
Developer|Publisher: Nexcide | TheGamePublisher.com
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: playable
Price: US $12.99 | UK £10.99 | EU € 12,99
Release Date: November 22nd, 2024
A review code was provided, and thanks to Nexcide.
Beta Max: Puzzle Like It’s the 80s
Beta Max is a first-person puzzle game dripping with 80s nostalgia. Think Portal, but instead of a portal gun, you wield a remote control that rewinds time. This quirky mechanic leads to some truly creative puzzles that reward out-of-the-box thinking. If you’re a fan of cerebral challenges and retro vibes, Beta Max is an indie gem worth exploring.
Find Your Way Home
The story is straightforward and cheekily nostalgic. You’re a teenager left home alone, and instead of doing chores or homework, you find a mysterious VHS tape labelled “Do Not Play.” Naturally, you ignore the warning, pop it into the player, and are transported to another dimension. Your only hope of escape? A time-manipulating remote control and your wits.
This setup is presented in a short, lighthearted cutscene that establishes the tone and throws you right into the action. It’s a simple but effective way to get the ball rolling without bogging the player down in lengthy exposition.
Click and Rewind
The gameplay revolves around solving puzzles to find the exit in each level. You’ll move blocks, activate switches, avoid hazards like lasers, and navigate crushing traps. It’s classic puzzle-platformer fare, but the rewind mechanic gives it a fresh twist.
With your remote, you can rewind your character’s actions, allowing you to retrace your steps or undo mistakes. For instance, you might drop down to a platform to activate a switch but then use the rewind button to return to your previous position while leaving the switch activated.
The remote doesn’t just rewind your actions; it can also manipulate objects in the environment when used within special time chambers. These chambers let you rewind items independently of your character, adding another layer of strategy. For example, you can watch a block reverse its path to uncover how it interacts with the level’s layout.
The puzzles are well-designed, requiring creative thinking without being overwhelmingly difficult. If you enjoy a challenge, you can replay levels to complete them within a set time limit or hunt for hidden collectables tucked away in each stage.
The 80s Looks and Sounds
The game’s aesthetic is a love letter to the 1980s. The neon, Tron-inspired visuals give each level a sleek, futuristic vibe, while nods to pop culture, from Rubik’s cubes to retro album covers, add a sense of nostalgia. One standout detail is a reference to the ZX Spectrum loading screen, a small touch that will delight retro gaming fans.
As expected, the soundtrack leans heavily on synth-wave, complementing the visual style and enhancing the atmosphere. The game runs smoothly on both PC and Steam Deck, making it an excellent pick for handheld play.
If there’s one minor quibble, it’s the lack of visible arms on your character, which can feel a bit odd. It gives the impression of a VR game, though it doesn’t detract from the overall experience.
A Few Nitpicks
The rewind mechanic, while mostly seamless, can occasionally feel sluggish when rewinding long sequences of gameplay. If you’ve spent a lot of time exploring a level, rewinding your movements might take longer than expected. Still, it’s more of a minor inconvenience than a deal-breaker, and the feature often works as a safety net, saving you from small platforming missteps.
Conclusion: More Than 80s Nostalgia
Beta Max is a standout puzzle game with a unique mechanic that makes familiar gameplay elements feel fresh. The rewind feature adds depth and creativity to the puzzle-solving experience, striking a satisfying balance between challenge and accessibility.
While the 80s aesthetic might feel overdone in some corners of gaming, here, it’s executed with charm and attention to detail, making it a perfect fit for the game’s premise. If you’re a fan of the genre or just in the mood for a clever, nostalgic trip, Beta Max is a must-play. Plus, with a free demo available on Steam, there’s no reason not to give it a try.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot 
Do you like our content? Support LadiesGamers on Patreon!
Check out our Tiers and Benefits and join us.