Are you ready to rock your socks off with some of the best rhythm games ever made? Do you want to feel the beat and treat your ears to quality music as you slash, tap, and dance through colorful and challenging levels? If you think the answer is yes, then it probably is, and luckily for you, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll show you six fantastic rhythm games that will make your heart race and leave you craving for more.
If you haven’t had the chance to try them yet, rhythm games are a genre of video games that challenge your sense of timing and coordination. They can range from simple button-pressing games like Guitar Hero to complex motion-controlled games like Beat Saber.
No matter what kind of music you like, there’s a rhythm game out there just for you, regardless of whether you’re looking for a hardcore action game or a relaxing musical adventure. We’ve got something for everyone, so grab those headphones, turn the volume to the max, and let’s get started!
1. Crypt of the Necrodancer
Starting off our list is a game everyone can enjoy because of all the platforms it covers. Crypt of the Necrodancer is available on Linux, OS X, Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and even iOS and Android! You can play it on your computer, console, phone, or tablet.
You control one of 15 unique characters cursed by the evil Necrodancer to move and fight to the rhythm of his music. Play levels full of monsters, traps, and treasures while grooving to a banger soundtrack or even your custom playlists if the tracks in the game don’t suit you!
The best part? The game features several multiplayer modes to play with friends in online co-op or versus modes.
The game is challenging but rewarding once you master each character’s abilities and weapons and adapt to different music genres and tempos. In addition, the game has a lot of replay value thanks to its procedural generation and mod support from the lively community.
2. Thumper
Next on our list is a game that will make your pulse shoot up and your palms sweat like crazy. Thumper is a rhythm action game proudly described as “rhythm violence” by its developers. It is available on Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Android.
In Thumper, you get to control a metallic space beetle that hurtles down a twisted track at breakneck speed. You must press buttons in sync with the music to dodge obstacles, jump over gaps, and attack enemies.
The game has nine levels of increasing difficulty and intensity, each with a terrifying boss battle at the end.
Thumper is different from your typical rhythm game. It perfectly blends psychedelic visuals with some dark and oppressive soundtracks, creating a sense of dread and an adrenaline rush that will keep you on edge throughout. Ready to challenge your reflexes and test your nerves? Get Thumping!
3. Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory
If you enjoy the series and its iconic music, you’ll love this! Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a rhythm game that features over 140 songs and 20 characters across the series. It is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Windows.
Be in charge of four teams of three characters as they travel various worlds from Disney movies and original locations from the series. How does one play? Smash buttons in sequences that coincide with the music to attack enemies, dodge obstacles, and perform special moves.
The game has different modes such as World Tour, the primary story mode; Track Selection, where you can replay any song; VS Battles, where you can compete with other players online or locally; and finally, Co-op, where you can team up with another player to increase your chances.
The game is not just a mere celebration of the music of Kingdom Hearts but also a continuation of its story and will make you relive your favorite moments from the series and discover new ones.
4. Friday Night Funkin’
Friday Night Funkin’ is a musical rhythm game that features freestyle music battles. It is available on Windows, Linux, and macOS and online on various websites.
You play the character of Boyfriend, a blue-haired rapper who wants to impress his Girlfriend by winning rap battles against various opponents. You must time your presses on the arrow keys with the music to match the notes and outdo your rivals.
The game has seven weeks of story mode, each with three songs and a different antagonist, including Daddy Dearest, the Girlfriend’s father, Pico, a school shooter, and even Senpai, a character from a dating sim the Girlfriend avidly plays!
Friday Night Funkin’ combines catchy music with hilarious dialogues and characters. The game has a retro style inspired by flash games and features original songs by Kawai Sprite. The game also has many mods created by the player community that adds new songs and characters and enhance the game’s graphics. Friday Night Funkin’ is guaranteed to make you groove and giggle each time you pick it up.
5. Beat Saber
If you have a VR headset, you NEED to try this! Beat Saber features many handcrafted levels and music and brings the experience to VR. It is available on Windows, PlayStation 4, and the Oculus Quest.
You use your VR controllers in Beat Saber to wield two sabers of contrasting colors. You must slash the blocks representing musical beats as they fly toward you. Each block indicates which saber you need to use and the direction you need to match. You must also avoid obstacles, such as walls and bombs, that hinder your progress.
Beat Saber is a fusion of smooth gameplay with stunning visuals and sound effects. The game features original songs by various artists and licensed songs from Imagine Dragons, Green Day, and Linkin Park. If these fantastic artists aren’t enough for you, don’t fret, the game supports custom songs created by the community via modding. Experience moving with the Beat and grooving with your Sabers in VR!
6. Sayonara Wild Hearts
To end our list of the best rhythm games of all time with a bang, we bring you a “pop-culture gem.” Sayonara Wild Hearts is an action music game that follows the story of a heartbroken young woman through a surreal but beautiful landscape. It is available on macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, and iOS.
This young woman transforms into different personas based on the tarot’s Major Arcana. You can ride high-speed motorcycles, skateboards, cars, and other vehicles while collecting hearts and fighting enemies. Each level of the game is set to a song by Daniel Olsén and Jonathan Eng featuring vocals by Linnea Olsson. The game has 23 levels that form an album-like narrative.
Sayonara Wild Hearts blends stunning visuals with catchy music and smooth gameplay. The game has a vibrant neon aesthetic inspired by pop culture from various decades. The game also features dynamic camera angles and transitions, creating a cinematic experience. Download the game now and break your heart at 200 mph!
Found Your Groove Yet?
We hope you enjoyed our list of the six best rhythm games to get your groove on. Hopefully, you found a couple of titles to get hooked on. Whether you’re looking for a game that will make you dance, sing, slash, or shoot, the rhythm genre has something in store for you.
Rhythm games are fun and exciting and good for your brain and body. They can improve your memory, coordination, mood, and fitness. So what are you waiting for? Try any of the mentions on this list. You’ll be surprised by how much fun you can have with music and beats.
