Rhythm Heaven

Rhythm Heaven

System: DS / DSi
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Rhythm / Music
Players: 1

Rhythm Heaven is not the sort of game to be taken lightly. In fact, despite it being another music game competing in a crowded market, this is definitely one with a difference. It is probably the most unique music game available on the Nintendo DS. The same can be said for its predecessor Rhythm Tengoku. This GBA title was only ever released in Japan. It would be fair to say that this was one of the more unique games created for the GBA library also. Having imported the GBA version when it was released in 2006, I have already had a taste for what was to come from Rhythm Heaven. Boy was it worth the wait!


There is no core story to Rhythm Heaven. Rather it is a compilation of over 50 rhythm-based mini-games grouped together in no apparent order or theme. Much like the Wario-Ware titles seen across all key Nintendo platforms, the mini-games provide a wide range of challenge. In fact both Rhythm Tengoku and Rhythm Heaven were developed by the same team behind the Wario-Ware franchise. But the essence is in this game is the rhythm. If you have no sense of rhythm, then you are probably best to avoid this game as it all hinges on the rhythm.

Rhythm Heaven sees you turn your DS on its side to play. Control of this game is 100% stylus driven. So holding your DS like a book, you use your stylus to tap, touch and flick your across the touch-screen in time with the music. The other screen is where all the action takes place and where all of your attention will be focused. There are a couple of variations to stylus use, but the guts of it are flicks across the screen. Just to make sure, there is a tutorial at the start of the game and also prior to each mini-game commencing.


As mentioned, the mini-games are grouped in no apparent order, but are more a random collection of challenges that are each brief - lasting usually less than 2 minutes. Whilst this may not sound like much of a challenge, you will soon discover that Rhythm Heaven is no push-over. For you to move from one mini-game to the next is based on your ability to harness your rhythm and meet each challenge. The mini-games are compiled into groups of five challenges. The first four are unique mini-games with the fifth being a Remix (or compilation) of the first four, seamlessly strung together to a new tune. Your ability to complete the Remix will then allow you to unlock further compilations.

Added to the core game are the Medal Corner and the Café. Depending on how flawlessly you complete each mini-game will see you awarded Medals. These Medals allow you to unlock additional mini-games. These include Endless Games, Rhythm Toys and Guitar Lessons at both a basic and advanced level. These are welcome little distractions from the core game especially when you get stuck on a particular mini-game and need a change of pace. The Café is a strange little place in the game. It allows you to Talk to the Barista who will give you advice on game-play. There are other options in the Café that include the ability to Listen to Music (songs from within the game), Read Something (a collection of tips, credits and general information about the game) and finally Practice Flicking that allows you to fine tune your rhythm action.


Completing a mini-game with a perfect rhythm will award you a Perfect record for that game, as well as the desirable Medals. Also throughout the game you will randomly receive a message advising that a previously unlocked mini-game is available for you to achieve a Perfect performance. These additional challenges are hard to ignore as they are just begging to be beat.

This game has some of the oddest variations in graphics depending on which mini-game you are playing. Some look to be from the GBA era. Others are definitely using the graphic capabilities of the DS. But I am not judging either other than to say they just fit. Every game is bright and sometimes exquisitely disgusting in color use that it clearly defines the title’s Japanese roots. Animation is succinct and this is absolutely critical in a rhythm-based game of this caliber. The mini-games are obscure and often beyond comprehension. They range from hitting a ping-pong ball across a table to an opponent, to keeping in time with your peers in performing a task. One such example, to highlight just how weird this game can get, sees you in a purple body suit, bouncing a soccer ball on your knee whilst flying through space atop a green podium. My personal favorite is a game that sees you stomp through a radish patch to the rhythm and then flick the up-rooted radishes into your backpack.


Nintendo took no chances with the audio and music component of this game. They enlisted the apparently legendary Japanese pop music producer Tsunku to compose for this title. Every mini-game has its own track and for the most part they are instrumental only pieces. For those that do have vocals, again you can just feel the flavors of Japan thrumming through this title. Each tune is catchy, fun and gets your toe tapping to the rhythm. Kind of helps with this kind of game. If you are a master of your rhythm then the track sounds smooth and you will often hear audiences cheer in the background. However if you are offbeat, then the track falters to indicate that you are not quite hitting the mark.

Rhythm Heaven is a must have in your DS library. It speaks of everything that is Japanese and Nintendo-ish about Nintendo. It is a well placed and expertly matched game to the DS as it uses the hardware and interface simply but highly effectively. There is no showing off here – just pure intentional fun.


Score: 9/10 - "Absolute Get"

Want a rhythm game that will offer an experience like no other rhythm game – then this is the game for you. It is packed full of bite-sized rhythm snacks.

Review by Greg(Magus)