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Quick Grade for Impatient Readers: 9.0/10 (A highly entertaining game as addicting as it is challenging)
This one actually found this Nintendo DS game a few years ago for a younger sister. The younger sister was never too interested in video games, but this one noticed that she preferred games with cute graphics, simple play mechanisms, and something she didn’t have to invest much time in. Combined with decent reviews found online, this one bought “Rhythm Heaven” for cheap and gave it as a Christmas gift. The younger sister immediately fell in love with it (though still growled at it during the difficult parts), and ever after it became known as the ‘addiction game’ because she had a hard time staying off of it.
This year, the younger sister bought “Rhythm Heaven” as a Christmas present for this one- and the game was just as addicting as she claimed it to be.
As the name implies, “Rhythm Heaven” is of the rhythm genre. You tap, hold, and flick your way through various mini games, each with a different theme. The real challenge (and addiction) comes trying to get through those games. If you don’t follow the beat exactly, it is very easy to fail one of these mini games. The game does give you the option of skipping past games that are giving you difficultly, which can be very helpful. However, getting past a game with a “superb” grade gives you metals which can be used to unlock extra items as well as giving the player opportunity to unlock more content later on.
Pros: As mentioned many times before, the deceiving simplicity of the mini games makes the entire game addicting. Plus, you are given 50+ games without having to unlock anything extra. You can also set this game aside and come back to it very easily, since almost each game gives you a short practice session if you need it. The younger sister once ignored “Rhythm Heaven” for half a year, and was able to get back into it without any trouble.
Music-wise, it is delightfully upbeat and catchy. You’ll probably find yourself singing some of the songs, especially if you’ve spent a long amount of time trying to get a high score. Humor is light, and may even pull out a few chuckles, but most of the focus is on the game mechanics.
Speaking of, game mechanics are flawless. If you find that tapping or flicking is not working, don’t blame the game. Instead check your DS screen’s sensitivity, or blame yourself. Breaks from the game can help if you find yourself having difficulty getting even the simplest moves done correctly.
Cons: Make no mistake, these games are challenging, even in the early stages of the game. Even a single mistake can mess up your timing, which can cause a domino effect for the rest of the mini game. For some of the sections, even passing with an “okay” can be difficult in and of itself. Luckily, the game offers you a chance to pass the game completely if a particular mini game is failed 3 times in a row.
Final Verdict: “Rhythm Heaven” is an under appreciated game, and one that this one would recommend to any video game player. It’s cheap (under $20 every time this one has seen the game), it’s accessible, and best of all the game is fun. There’s really no reason not to purchase this game unless you don’t have a Nintendo DS or you hate rhythm games with a burning passion.
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Robot Reviews 