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Cytus α (Switch eShop)
Switch gets the 'Definitive Edition' of yet another beat-based offering from rhythm kings Rayark and with over 200 tracks, it's another great game from the developer with two other entries on this list. Cytus α has a bouncing black bar passing through circular notes that appear which you tap in time to the beat. Notes can materialise anywhere on the screen and the gameplay is decidedly different from VOEZ and DEEMO. It's hugely satisfying to nail the hardest songs and the only real negative is the game's hefty RRP. Wait for a sale and you're golden.
Runner3 (Switch)
As you can tell from its title, Runner3 is the third in the BIT.TRIP series of Runner games starting Commander Video as he runs, slides, jumps and kicks his way through courses collecting gold and avoiding obstacles. The movement is tied to the beat of the soundtrack and with narration from Charles Martinet (Mario himself) Runner3 is a quirky, vibrant addition to Switch's tracklist that is bursting with fun and creativity.
Fitness Boxing (Switch)
Fitness Boxing is a breezy, energetic game that gets your blood pumping. It takes pointers from the Just Dance series and various rhythm games to deliver some light CV in time to the beat. It’s no substitute for hard hours at the gym, but there’s certainly potential to tone up those arms and shed a few pounds - something many of us currently in lockdown would welcome. It would be a mistake to buy this thinking you’re getting some magical antidote to your spare tyre or a game in the traditional sense, but it kept us coming back for more. If the full body workout of Ring Fit Adventure feels too much like hard work, this rhythm-based alternative splits the difference nicely.
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MUSYNX (Switch)
Musynx doesn't get bogged down with peripheral narrative nonsense - it strips back non-essential parts to the bare essentials of pure rhythm game fun. Its beat-based gameplay and inputs are top-notch however you decide to play and, while it may not stand out in the crowd, there's a straightforward arcade purity to it which we very much enjoy. With an upbeat tracklist and great presentation, Musynx is a fabulous option for rhythm fans on Switch.
Octahedron: Transfixed Edition (Switch eShop)
A 2D platformer where the rhythm and flow of the soundtrack dictates the movement of the environment, Octahedron: Transfixed Edition has you creating your own platforms and 'surfing' them across the screen in a game which is worth the price of admission for its music alone. It's an intense, neon-drenched indie offering that you're sure to fall for if you give it a chance.
Groove Coaster Wai Wai Party!!!! (Switch eShop)
Incorporating elements from Taito's rich back catalogue of gaming icons, Groove Coaster Wai Wai Party!!!! is a fun rollercoaster of a rhythm game with varied, accessible input options that let you get into the groove much quicker than some of the other winning entries on this list. Chaining combos together in time to the addictive Japanese catalogue of tracks is brilliant fun, and with over 100 tracks on offer in the base game, Groove Coaster is definitely worth hitting up if you're game for a (wai wai) party.
Hexagroove: Tactical DJ (Switch eShop)
One of 2019's biggest surprises, Hexagroove: Tactical DJ adds a layer of strategy to its beat-based mechanics which sets it apart from the crowd. Switching between instruments in order to please the throng of dancers before you, whether they cheer or jeer is entirely down to your skillz. It's up to you to read the room and one of Hexagroove's greatest successes is replicating the feeling when you're in a club and the initial notes of a familiar favourite drop in. And the crowd goes wild! It's far deeper than we have space to go into here, but rest assured that it's a thrilling ride.
Songbird Symphony (Switch eShop)
Combining laid-back platforming with listen-and-repeat musical phrases, developer Joysteak hasn’t stumbled upon some magical undiscovered gameplay fusion of rhythm-game and platformer. However, if you’d like to play a nice and easy game in a rather unique space--with some headroom for more advanced music gaming--Songbird Symphony delivers with style and humour.
Sayonara Wild Hearts (Switch eShop)
Short and sweet, Sayonara Wild Hearts takes you on an emotional rhythm journey where you'll run, jump and ride motorcycles all in time to the beat. It's not a game that outstays its welcome and is all the better for it. Featuring a hypnotic art style, excellent audio and a famous narrator, it was one of our favourite experiences from 2019 and a short trip you should definitely take.
AVICII Invector Encore Edition (Switch)
Avicii: Invector is a fitting tribute to an artist who died tragically young. It’s a huge boost if you already enjoy his music, but even haters will have to respect the work that’s gone into this fast-paced, well-designed rhythm action title. It’s just a shame that Tim Bergling never had a chance to see it come together so nicely. Still, until we get Pet Shop Boys: Invector, it’s the best single-artist music game we’ve had the pleasure of playing.
Mad Rat Dead (Switch)
With its wacky storyline and stylish graphics, Mad Rat Dead would be a confident platformer even without the rhythm mechanics. But with the help of an excellent soundtrack, it’s an rhythm-based platforming experience that feels wholly original, even if it’s not the first game to blend those genres. It can be tricky at times, but with the help of the rewind function, it’s one that feels relatively breezy overall, letting you just sink into the music and bust out those sick moves.
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Comments 79
Don’t play thumper under the influence, you WILL freak out.
I just want another EBA game but I know it will never happen.
Play Thumper under the influence, because it WILL make you freak out.
I doubt I will ever find a rhythm game as great as Theatrhythm Curtain Call on the 3DS, In most other collections I can count the number of tracks I like with 1 or 2 hands, not so with that one. I just wish there were other rhythm games that were focused on nothing but video game music.
Ring Fit Adventure!!!!
I've played a bunch of rhythm games on Switch and most of them are really fun but the one that's really hooked me is Groove Coaster. It's such a blast in handheld with a flip grip. 260+ hours and counting, can't stop going back to it. It'd have to be the most enjoyable rhythm game I've ever played (despite my 400-500 hours in Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call).
Also really love Just Shapes & Beats. One of my favourite games of 2018.
NL: "...wait, why do I hear Boss music...?"
RFA Rhythm Mode: SOPHIA! DUN UN, DUN UN
@aznable Challenge accepted
The thing that put me off Deemo immediately is that a lot of the music is extremely low bitrate (like 96kbps mp3) and clips frequently. It just feels so amateurish to me. What happened to games like Elite Beat Agents and Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai that put in so much damn effort?
@aznable How would you know?
I'm looking forward to Fuser from Harmonix later this year.
Cytus A was finally cheap enough for me to pull the trigger. Now I'm just waiting for Hatsune Miku.
If you are able to obtain it, Hatsune Miku Project Diva Mega39's is fantastic. You don't need to know much Japanese to be able to navigate it, especially if you've played Future Tone.
The frederic games are alright for a time waster that’s usually on sale for pennies.
Groove Coaster is my favourite from this line up.
Looking forward to Project Diva the most. When's it coming out SEGA? Will it be physical and will there be a special edition?
I think Pianista is also well worth looking into. It also provides classical music, which I am not sure that a lot of rhythm games out there do!
It's not on the list, but Project DIVA Mega 39's is my favourite music/rhythm game for Switch. The series doesn't require any knowledge of Japanese and it has a decent amount of content (100+ songs, hundreds of costumes and outfits as well regularly updated season pass adding old favourites)
Unless you have already played Future Tone on PS4/Arcade I would definitely recommend it! Pretty sure it's coming to the West in 2020
I’m a huge rhythm game nut so my 3DS is still played just as much as my Switch. We’ve had Theatrhythm Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, they should do a Nintendo one or just a general Squeenix one with Nier, the original KH tracks etc.
UNTIL RHYTHM HEAVEN COMES TO THE MIX!!!
Thumper is incredible. At first I didn't like it because it's more noise than music. Or at least it doesn't have melodies like typical rhythm games. However, it's an incredible experience once you embrace it.
I just clicked this article to make sure Sayonara Wild Hearts was on the list. Everything seems to be in order, carry on.
Just shapes and beats is my favourite
Quite a few on this list I had either forgotten about our hadn't heard of. Need to add some to my wishlist.
Theathrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call is my favourite rhythm game yet followed by Rhythm Paradise on Wii.
A new Elite Beat Agents would be cool.
Waiting for Hatsune Miku to be available in the West
@aznable @sketchturner Thumper is absolutely brilliant and it makes sense that it’s the guy from Lightning Bolt who made the soundtrack, it’s insane. I went to see them live last year and my ears were genuinely in pain, which means it was a great night 😂😂
Not on the list (and never reviewed by NL), but Old School Musical is amazing
Thumper, Cadence of Hyrule and Sayonara Wild Hearts are all highly recommended.
@dartmonkey sleeping on Ring Fit Adventure.
Taiko is great, Cadence of Hyrule and Crypt of the Necrodancer are great too, plus their gameplay makes you want try it just that "another" time.
Never tried Groove Coaster but I need to get it, Superbeat Xonic was fun on the Vita (Switch is same but expanded game) but it can be unforgivably hard.
Not on the list but the upcoming Hatsune Miku game is a nice classic in the rhytm game genre, got the import myself because of it, however for beginners I would advice Taiko no Tatsujin more because of the huge song variation and easier gameplay.
I seriously need to look into Groove Coaster Wai Wai Party (albeit at a much cheaper price)...
I really liked Harmoknight on 3DS. Going to eventually give Cadence of Hyrule a try when it goes on sale.
Superbeat Xonic FTW!
💕💕 Loved Wandersong. 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾
The Rayark games are curently on sale. Definiyely worth it.
Lanota is pretty fun too.
Don't forget Ring Fit Adventure...I own several of the games on your list, but I play the rhythm mode of Ring Fit Adventure way more than I play the others
Whenever I'm filling out a form of some sort where I select the genres I like, I always leave off rhythm games. I've never really been a fan.
Now that being said, I own several games on this list, and absolutely adore them all, so now I'm really starting to question how well I think I know what I like. If I'm not honest with myself about the games I like, then what else am I lying to myself about?
Uugghh... I'm going to go play Thumper under the influence and go freak out for a while.
Thumper is awesome, even if rhe second half is somewhat repetitive. But the growing challenge and atmosphere, coupled with an high score chase makes it one of the best Switch games overall for me.
throwing my comment in for Old School Musical. Totally banging retro.
@AnnoyingFrenzy @mrmememan @nessisonett All I’m saying is doing so is a great way to bring a premature end to a perfectly pleasant evening with friends.
My favorite Rhythm games on the Switch so far have been Taiko, Groove Coaster, Muse Dash and Project Diva. Highly recommend Muse Dash, it's not expensive and comes with plenty of unlockable music. Also gets updated every couple months with new song packs.
Crypt of the Necrodancer should be in here, in spite of the fact that it is what Cadence of Hyrule was based on. It is its own game and a very, very good one!
@aznable Well don't worry about me, I'm not even old enough to drink
@Lordplops So amazing in vr!
Another one you guys seemed to have missed is Muse Dash.
I just want a physical copy of “Cadence of Hyrule”, (possibly in a two pack with “Crypt of the Necrodancer”)?
Wait for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA MegaMix, or import it like I did. It may not be the most impressive of it’s series, but it’s still impressive on it’s own merits.
Good, Thumper is on here, I STILL play that game sometimes. Also, it's classified as a horror game for some reason. lol
@DockEllisD Thanks, I didn't know this, I m going to check this out
I'm with those wondering where Old School Musical is...it should certainly be on this list. The soundtrack is GREAT, and the gameplay is a ton of fun. The remixed chicken rpg bonus with the extra effects on the game is great fun too. Going to have to check out some of the other games on this list. I think one of the reasons I don't have more of them already is price...a lot of these are some seriously pricey games...and I just don't know if I can pay $40 or more for a rhythm game (as much as I enjoy them) when there are others I can get into more for the same price (namely RPG's).
I'm not sure how well Pianista plays on the Switch, but I absolutely adored it on my iPhone. Super fun daily leaderboards, plus you get to enjoy and learn about some classical music!
That said, I've played some Rhythm Heaven Fever on my Wii today, and words can't express how good that game is. I need it on the Switch badly.
@DockEllisD this was soooo good
@Highlar Good shout , Old School Musical is a great game , like finding an old treasure trove of unreleased SEGA and Nintendo tunes - Chip tune at it’s very best , combined with familiar tried and tested rhythm gameplay.
No Miku is a cardinal sin.
This list is regrettably incomplete as Arcaea isn't on there.
I wish there is Dance Dance Revolution and Beatmania IIDX on Nintendo Switch. 😟
@Anti-Matter
I wish there was too, so you wouldn't keep wishing for it on every article. 😆
You guys left out pianista, which is a fun piano rhythm game.
Ever since I played frequency on the ps2 I have loved music games. I wish that one could get rereleased someday.
Where is Rythem heaven remix remaster?
I don't know what it is with this genre. I am never drawn to a game when its genre is "rhythm" or "music". But on the other hand, Cadence of Hyrule is nice, Sayonara Wild Hearts is EXTREMELY satisfying and an absolute overload on all my senses when I play it, and they often make me smile or look amazing (like Thumper). Rhythm Heaven on DS is stuck in my head forever with those choir boys and Wario Ware animations, the music levels in Rayman Legends were awesome, Bit Trip Runner and its sequels are fun and hilarious,... It's probably something in the brain that gets intense satisfaction from rhythm based stuff, silly humour, bright colours, and lots of visual feedback. And of course the physical activity in some cases, like when playing Jungle Beat with the bongo's, it wasn't even a rhythm game, and as a DK game it would have been a bad one, but with the bongo's, it's suddenly one of the most fun platforming games I ever played, and have the fondest memories of playing a single player game with 8 people local "co-op".
Muse Dash and Groove Coaster are definitely the rhythm games I frequent the most on my Switch
Taiko no Tatsujin is super fun!
Also, everyone, time tobring "elite beat agents" to Switch, although, license might be a problem.
Groove coaster is so, so good! It’s so fun!
Groove coaster is simply the best, voez second.
I could really just use a port of Parappa the Rapper and UmJammer Lammy...
Kick, punch, it's all in the mind!
Hextech Mayhem: A League of Legends Story
I feel this deserves some praise. Musical themes are rock and metal, it's a side scrolling auto runner platformer with a great soundtrack composed by Grant Henry (Metroid Metal fame).
Play Mad Rat Dead
These ‘best of’ posts are just turning into lists of games.
SUPER MARIO PARTY has some AMAZING music/rhythm games that are soooo much fun and VERY under appreciated!
PS I am very excited for Samba De Amigo
I can't believe you left out Tetsuya Mizuguchi's sublime - Lumines from this list!
No Muse Dash or Deemo Reborn?? And Lumines???
Finally, my genre has been recognized! Rhythm games are my favorite games. But this list is too long, all you need is Everhood, Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun!, and Cadence of Hyrule. Those are the best. All others kind of suck to be honest. Especially the Runner games. Although Bit Trip Core was awesome.
Where is A MUSICAL STORY?? It`s the epitome of "groovy", the (simple) story without any dialogue is extremely well done, the style (a hommage to 70ies posters and animation) is great, it has beuatiful tunes (okay, only one, but if you like the different rock instruments, the variant arrangements are like a whole world) and in no other game you are that deep down in to the beat (brothers and sisters).
I'm not even an AVICII fan (may he RIP), but I enjoyed the demo and bought the full version at launch. Certainly one of the better modern pop acts (though I don't really follow popular music at all anymore).
The dearth of karaoke games this generation is also really disappointing. The Let's Sing series, unfortunately, has adopted this infuriating anti-consumer practice of gatekeeping about 33% of the advertised songs via a one-time use download code, which is absolute crap. That leaves only 20 measley songs/videos on the cart. If they're insistent on having 20 "international" songs and 10 or so region-exclusive songs for other markets, then they should damn well print separate cartridges for each region (as Mindscape did during the Wii days with the U-Sing series).
Taiko no Tatsujin is my go-to music game though. It would have been nice to have a more Western-focused instalment with mostly English-language songs as the games are all rather "samey" (we already have four Taiko games on Switch), or perhaps a Switch-exclusive instalment that mostly features music from Nintendo franchises.
Great list overall. Though, no mention of Muse Dash here hurts, lol.
This is off topic )somewhat) but Hi Fi Rush is one of the best, if not the best, rhythm game ever made.
These lists are becoming far too bloated for their own good - they tend to feel more like comprehensive lists of every prominent game in X genre on the Switch rather than curated lists of the best, even including games with more middling reception like Runner3
I have approximately half of these games and my household has enjoyed them immensely. Many of them are better than me at the playing them as it's one of their fav genres. It's not quite the same as many on here in terms of "action", but my fav is Tetris Effect
I’ve only got Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory.
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