Cassette Beasts is a 2023 indie open-world RPG that puts a retro spin on the monster-collecting genre. Set on the mysterious island of New Wirral, the game follows a group of people searching for a way home while defending themselves against strange creatures. Instead of using traditional capture devices, players record monsters onto cassette tapes and play those recordings to transform into the creatures themselves.
Alongside its turn-based battles, Cassette Beasts combines exploration, puzzles, character relationships, monster customization, and a fusion system that allows players to create new monster forms. The island can also be explored with friends through local and online multiplayer.
Why Should I Download Cassette Beasts?
One of the central features of Cassette Beasts is its monster transformation system. Players can record monsters onto cassette tapes and then use those tapes to take on the monsters' forms during battles. Each form provides its own abilities, allowing players to build a collection of different monsters and choose the right forms for different encounters.
The Fusion System adds another layer to battles. By combining any two monster forms, players can create unique, fully animated fusion forms. Building relationships with human companions can improve these fusions, giving the game's character system a direct connection to its combat mechanics. The game features 120 monster forms that can be combined in different ways, creating thousands of possible fusions.
Exploration is another major part of the game. New Wirral is a rich open world with dungeons, puzzles, and areas that require specific abilities to reach. Some monster abilities can also be used while in human form, allowing players to glide, fly, swim, climb, dash, or become magnetic as they explore the island.
The battle system uses turn-based combat alongside elemental chemistry. Players can use elements to apply additional buffs and debuffs, as well as change an opponent's elemental type. This creates opportunities to plan attacks around elemental interactions rather than relying solely on raw damage. Players can also travel with a selection of human companions. Spending time with companions and helping them achieve their personal goals can strengthen their relationships, while stronger bonds improve the effectiveness of monster fusions.
For additional challenges, Cassette Beasts includes the Gauntlet, a never-ending battle mode where players face fearsome enemies in exchange for materials and glory. Multiplayer also lets players explore and fight together locally, trade monster tapes, challenge friends to 1v1 battles, and team up against Rogue Fusion beasts.
Is Cassette Beasts Free?
No. Cassette Beasts is a paid game. The game is available as a paid purchase on its supported platforms, while additional downloadable content is also available separately. Players can therefore access the main game through a one-time purchase rather than needing a recurring subscription.
What Operating Systems Are Compatible with Cassette Beasts?
Cassette Beasts is available on Windows, SteamOS and Linux, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. On PC, it is available through Steam, while the console versions support Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The game has also been available through Xbox Game Pass.
The PC version requires a 64-bit processor and operating system, with Windows 10 listed as the minimum operating system requirement. The game is relatively lightweight, with the minimum requirements also calling for 8 GB of RAM, 2 GB of VRAM, and 2 GB of available storage.
What Are the Alternatives to Cassette Beasts?
TemTem is a multiplayer-focused monster-collecting adventure that offers creature collection and turn-based battles alongside a large online world. It provides an alternative for players who enjoy building teams of creatures and battling alongside other players. Its emphasis on online play makes it particularly relevant for players who want a more multiplayer-oriented experience.
Nexomon is another monster-collecting RPG featuring a large collection of creatures to discover, collect, and battle. It offers the familiar combination of exploration, team building, and turn-based combat associated with the genre. Nexomon is available on PC as well as iOS and Android, making it a suitable alternative for players who want to play on mobile devices.
Pokémon Champions focuses on competitive Pokémon battles, giving players an alternative centered on team building and strategic turn-based combat. Rather than offering the same open-world exploration and cassette-based transformation mechanics as Cassette Beasts, it puts greater emphasis on battles and building effective teams.
