About From Beyond: Arcade Edition
About the Game
An entire '80s inspired rock album turned into a space shoot 'em up complete with leaderboards, stats, achievements, and VHS because... why would we make a game without VHS? Shoot the song lyrics and alien bad guys who are determined to drop your score. Dodge alien attacks while using satisfying powerups to build up that score and then brag to your friends about your position on the leaderboards.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
The Score Loop: Defeat rows of lyrics and enemies without taking hits to stack your points multiplier.
6 Devastating Power-Ups: Combine power-ups like Rapid Fire and the Rebounder to clear the screen and maximize your points. There is even a nuke for those who enjoy full screen destruction.
No "Game Over": There is no health bar here, so focus entirely on how you want to play. Some will like just listening to the music and shooting aliens. Some will want to chase those leaderboard spots. Any way to play is ok with me.
Space Collectibles: Snag rare VHS drops hidden in the chaos to bank currency for ship upgrades.
Boss Fights: Some songs have some boss fights which is pretty cool imho.
Hand Crafted Levels/Songs: Every single part of the game was crafted by hand. Music, lyric and enemy spawn timing, power up placement, and collectibles are all there for a reason. Enjoy the perfectly synced chaos in a way unlike any other.
Key Features
Interactive Synth Rock Album: 10 unique tracks (~45 minutes total playtime) featuring custom enemy formations, shifting color palettes, and distinct enemy patterns tuned to the music. Each song has its own distinct vibe.
Arcade & Peaceful Modes: Put your favorite tracks on repeat in Arcade Mode, or turn off hostile enemies completely in Peaceful Mode to cruise through the album stress free. It's a great alternative for those who love the music and watching the synced lyrics and enemies bop to the album.
Video Store: Trade your VHS tape collectibles for a total of 7 additional spaceships from the starter ship ARTEMIS to the final ship, VENGEFUL FRANK (some ships may or may not have been inspired and named by my 4 year old child). Each VHS you collect has a name and tagline that honestly, has me cracking up over here.
Leaderboards, Achievements, and Stats: Compete with friends and global players on the leaderboards, check your stats like "enemies you have killed in the menus" (hidden achievement for those reading this... hint hint), and a whole host of achievements.
The Story Vibe
Halloween night, 1986. DJ Nasty Nick Nash is broadcasting the new heavy metal album from BCVHS on 96.6 The Lazer when strange lights fill the sky. Tune in to an interactive space rock odyssey as the soundtrack to an alien invasion unfolds from beyond!
(Be sure to check out From Beyond: Album Edition, the standalone soundtrack by BCVHS that serves as the foundation for the game!)
This is an entirely new way to experience a musical album! Brace yourself for the greatest rock and roll space odyssey you've ever played... Since it is likely the only one you've ever played. Still a win, though.