"magical realism Australia-based Yakuza side-quest about a gay cop investigating a murder. 10/10" - Doogie4Ever

"lovingly designed" - Planet Randy

"A strange but intriguing affair" - checkpoint gaming

In the The Beat you play as Leo, a closeted detective investigating a murder in the gay community. Using a unique story balancing AI, each choice you make in this game affects it in a meaningful way. The more drama you create the higher your score.

Can you solve the crime before Leo's world completely disintegrates?

The Beat is available now for Windows, MacOS and Steam/Linux.

The Beat has:

• A true crime narrative inspired by historical events;
  
• A stylish noir world recreated from real locations;
  
• A genuine multi-path experience (play it straight or gay);
  
• Real performances by actors/dancers created in-game with motion capture;
  
• Hand-sculptured character models by noted 3D artist Mark Payne;
  
• An advanced declarative AI engine responsive to your choices; and
  
• A full original soundtrack by DOS4GW.

The Beat is a turn-based narrative adventure that takes place over seven days and nights. Immerse yourself in the world and get to know the street life. Interviews with suspects turn up new clues and lead down darker paths.

At the end of each turn the declarative AI engine shifts characters around the world and replots the intertwined narratives, resulting in a reactive, living story. Bad decisions make good drama and the more drama Leo causes, the higher your score.

Seven characters, each with secrets of their own. On the surface they are strangers but calm waters run deep.

Up Multimedia and VicScreen present The Beat: A Glam Noir Game. This is the third release in a string of gay-themed games from Up Multimedia.