Avinash Rohra 
Every now and then, an indie game comes along that doesn’t just nudge the boundaries of genre—it bats them straight out of the park. Bat to the Beat, from solo developer Kunal Joshi under the moniker Baba Black Sheep Games, is one such game. Mashing the staccato precision of rhythm games with the drama of cricket, this musical sports hybrid is possibly the most joyously bizarre thing you’ll play this year. If you’re even mildly into either cricket or rhythm-based chaos, this one should be on your radar.
Let’s break down why this offbeat title has indie fans like me buzzing, and why it’s more than just a novelty act.
Bat to the Beat isn’t just a cricket game with a funky soundtrack. It’s a rhythm-first, action-packed experience where each level transports you to a different musical culture. Think the laid-back reggae pulse of Jamaica or the high-octane, tabla-driven flair of Mumbai’s backstreets. It’s like a playable mixtape that throws bouncers at your sense of timing and rewards your groove with satisfying bat swings.
Rather than slogging your way through generic pitches, you’re batting to the rhythm of global beats, and every successful hit or block hinges on perfect timing. The game isn’t about stats or realism—it’s about feeling the rhythm and knowing when to strike or hold back. Miss the beat, and you risk being caught out. Stay in rhythm, and you dominate the scoreboard.
It’s a wild concept, but it works. And it’s refreshing in a world full of gritty realism and bloated AAA simulations.
A Solo Dev’s Love Letter to Cricket, Music, and Games
Behind Bat to the Beat is Kunal Joshi, a one-man army operating under Baba Black Sheep Games. He’s no stranger to game development, having been one of the early adopters of iOS gaming. But this time, he’s poured his personal passions—cricket, music, and video games—into a singular vision that’s as heartfelt as it is innovative.
Joshi describes the game as “a work of obsession,” which you can feel in the polish of the demo already available on Steam. It’s tight, vibrant, and full of charm. You can almost hear the years of iteration and feedback in every beat drop and bat crack.
In an era where indie devs are competing with big studios for attention, Joshi stands out not just because of what he’s built—but how different it dares to be. Bat to the Beat doesn’t feel like it’s trying to be a cheaper version of something else. It feels like something totally original.
Moment-to-moment, Bat to the Beat is a test of rhythm and spatial awareness. The mechanics are deceptively simple: at each beat, you decide whether to attack or defend. But the pressure builds fast, especially when the tempo changes and the rhythm patterns get trickier.
This isn’t just “press X on the beat” kind of gameplay. You’re forced to make high-stakes decisions under the groove. Swing too aggressively, and you might get caught. Play it too safe, and the score creeps out of your reach. It’s the kind of tension that makes each level an exhilarating loop of learn, fail, retry, succeed.
Fans of Rhythm Heaven, Crypt of the NecroDancer, and Super Hexagon will find familiar elements here—but with a cricket bat twist. It’s not just about keeping time; it’s about reacting in time, with style.
Steam Demo & Wishlist Now Live
As of mid-April 2025, Bat to the Beat is live on Steam with a playable demo. And let me tell you—this isn’t one of those half-baked teasers. The demo showcases the core mechanics and a few musical environments that already hint at the larger game’s potential.
The demo lets you experience the syncopation, the decision-making, and the charm that Bat to the Beat is brimming with. It’s short, sweet, and packs enough flavor to leave you wanting more. So if you’re unsure whether rhythm cricket is your thing (and who could blame you?), the demo is your perfect try-before-you-buy opportunity.
You can check out the demo and wishlist the game on its Steam page.
A Visual and Sonic Experience That Punches Above Its Weight
Built using Unity, Bat to the Beat isn’t pushing photo-realistic graphics, and that’s precisely its charm. The art direction is colorful, crisp, and functionally stylized to support the gameplay. It’s got that snappy, arcade aesthetic that makes every beat feel impactful.
The original soundtrack is another major highlight. Crafted specifically for the game, it leans into cultural variety, giving each level a unique sonic identity. This isn’t background noise—it’s the gameplay itself. It pulls you in and demands your attention.
And best of all? You won’t need a gaming rig from the future to run it. With only 4GB RAM and 1GB of storage required, even older PCs and Macs can get in on the fun.
In a gaming landscape where originality often gets lost in a sea of sequels and remakes, Bat to the Beat is a breath of fresh air. It’s bold, it’s quirky, and it’s exactly the kind of genre mashup that makes you fall in love with indie games all over again.
Whether you’re a cricket fan with a secret love for rhythm games or a beat-head looking to try something new, this is one game you won’t want to miss. Keep an eye on it, wishlist it, and definitely try that demo—it just might be your next indie obsession.
