Released in August 2023, Headbangers: Rhythm Royale surprised many with its unique blend of rhythm-based gameplay mixed with battle royale mechanics. Now, nearly six months after launch, it’s time to take a small look at the state of the game in early 2024. Is it still worth jamming with these pigeons?
One of the more noteworthy features of Headbangers in 2024 is the abundance of cosmetic options. With titles, clothes, and sound effects aplenty, players have a plethora of opportunities to customize their feathered avatars. The seasonal model, which feels a lot like the one in Fall Guys, ensures a constant influx of new cosmetics, tempting players to keep grinding for a fresh new look.
Cosmetics are fun and all, but the heart of Headbangers lies in its quirky, music-infused mini-games. For the most part, they deliver an enjoyable experience. From identifying music genres at breakneck speed to engaging in a musical game of Simon Says, the diversity of challenges adds spice to the game. Unfortunately, things are getting stale six months later.
While the initial selection of mini-games brought laughter and fun, the absence of new additions since launch has left the experience feeling a bit stale. If Team 17 wants to keep its player base, Headbangers needs fresh blood. The developers would do well to inject some new beats into the mix to rekindle the spark that once had players headbanging with joy. More than anything, new many games would be great.
A concerning obstacle of Headbangers is the gradual emptiness of lobbies. While AI bots thankfully step in to fill the void left by dwindling player numbers, the noticeable decline in fully human-populated games is hard to ignore. Over the past month, it has become a rarity to find a lobby without AI placeholders, with the player count averaging between 10 to 20 during peak times and dipping even lower during off-peak hours.
This raises questions about the game’s long-term support. Will the game go free-to-play? Market sales with new seasons and mini-games? Will nothing happen at all, forcing Headbangers to fall into obscurity? Only time will tell, but it’s clear that if nothing is done, the game will be effectively dead by the end of 2024.
Still, if things do turn around, Headbangers is a delight. Newcomers will at least get a few hours of fun in this quirky little game, so it’s worth trying out if players can grab it on a good sale. For early adopters, there isn’t enough new content to warrant coming back.
