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The Rise and Fall of Reflect Beat

Apr 22, 2025

Lecture Notes: Reflect Beat - A Unique Rhythm Game

Introduction

  • Topic: Story of Reflect Beat, a touchscreen rhythm game by Konami.
  • Initial Release: November 4, 2010.
  • Background: Part of Konami's rhythm game series, known for innovative gameplay.
  • Mascot: Pastel Kun, a customizable purple mouse character.
  • Director Artists: Includes DJ Yoshitaka, Crispy Joy Box, DJ Toto, and Destro.

Gameplay Mechanics

  • Game Type: Similar to air hockey; involves tapping notes (objects) as they fly across the screen.
  • Rival System: Player battles against a CPU rival with opposite color notes.
  • Note Types:
    • Standard Objects: Fly randomly, creating a challenging playfield.
    • Gold Objects: Trigger rival's color and allow for 'Just Reflect' moves.
    • Chain Objects: Indicate standardized timing across notes.

Key Features

  • Just Reflect System: Allows players to flick gold objects for bonus points and to attack the rival.
  • Reflect Gauge: Builds during gameplay, enabling 'Just Reflect' moves.

Evolution of Reflect Beat

Reflect Beat Limelight (2011)

  • New Features:
    • Top Objects: New note type
    • Gameplay Change: No need to beat the rival for clearing songs.

Reflect Beat Colette

  • Seasonal Approach: Game updates divided into four real seasons.
  • Pastel Adventure Series: Unique song unlock events based on seasons.
    • Winter: Colette Climbing (mountain climbing themed unlocks).
    • Spring: Gardening (plant growing themed unlocks).
    • Summer: Fishing (fishing-themed unlocks with island and bait choices).
    • Autumn: Harvest (forest navigation to unlock songs).
  • All Seasons: Final season with Pastel Wonder Traveler mega-event.

Reflect Beat Groovin

  • Game Updates:
    • Song shop with currency system introduced.
    • Special difficulty charts added.
    • Vertical Objects: New note type added.
  • Crossover Event: Reflect Beat x Coca-Cola.

Reflect Beat Volza

  • Difficulty Scale: Expanded to 1-13.
  • New Note Type: Slide objects added.
  • Unique Events: Reflect Derby and Ultimate Survival.

Home Versions

  • Platform: iOS, both Japan and international versions.
  • Release Year: 2011 with continuous support until 2014.

Final Version: Reflect Beat UQ no Reflesia

  • Rework: Entire game restructured, adding two new note types.
  • Note Changes:
    • Switch Long Object: Requires avoiding and holding.
    • Big Bang Objects: Large notes without much gameplay impact.
  • Impact: Large removal of existing song content due to chart changes.

Conclusion

  • Reflect Beat's Decline: Resulted from drastic gameplay changes, loss of content, and failed adaptation to competition.
  • Legacy: Known for its unique events and gameplay.

Note: The lecture emphasizes the rise, peak, and fall of Reflect Beat as a significant player in the rhythm game genre under Konami's Bomani umbrella.

Full transcript