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 C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 
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  Rhythm Heaven
System: Nintendo DS Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Tsunku/TNX Retail Price: $29.99 Release Date: April 5, 2009 ESRB Rating: Everyone Players: 1
While the music game genre isn't new, it has certainly blown up in recent years thanks to the exploding popularity of series such as "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band." Since the genre doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon, this seems like a good time for Nintendo to release "Rhythm Heaven" - a sequel to the Game Boy Advance game "Rhythm Tengoku" (which went unreleased in the United States) - into the market. Comparing "Rhythm Heaven" to instrument-based games is probably not the most apt or fair comparison. (For one thing, "Rhythm Heaven" isn't about licensed music.) But for those familiar with such late-1990s rhythm-centered Playstation gems as "PaRappa The Rapper" and "Bust-A-Groove," and crossing it with the weird and randomness of the popular Nintendo "WarioWare" series should give some of you a good idea of what "Rhythm Heaven" is like. "Rhythm Heaven" consists of over 50 games, which on average run about 2 minutes in length. The games ultimately test you on how well you can keep a beat. Be warned though: the games are easy to learn, but often challenging to master. I'm sure some players have an advantage (i.e. actually have a good sense of rhythm, unlike this rhythm-challenged reviewer) but plenty of games will take a good amount of practice and learning certain patterns in the games. Games come at you one at a time (but if you're having a hard enough time after a certain amount of tries, you'll actually get the option to skip over the current game). But unlike the "WarioWare" games, which literally throw you in without telling you what's coming up and how to play it, "Rhythm Heaven" gives you a nice amount of leeway. The game's goal is stated when you tap on a door to open a game, and this is followed by a tutorial to help you practice. The Nintendo DS is held like a book for the game; and the stylus is exclusively used. The games consist of using the stylus to tap, flick or slide on one side of the screen while the visuals of the game take place on the other. For the most part, "Rhythm Heaven" is a pretty innovative experience. Even though you're more or less doing the same actions throughout (flicking, tapping and sliding), there is an impressive amount of variety among the games' objectives that make the games feel fresh. "WarioWare" fans should feel right at home here with the strange characters and unique settings for the levels. In one game you're blasting alien spaceships to the beat, in another you're clapping along with monkeys to a girl pop star. (I personally enjoy the doodle-esque sketches of the Glee Club, as featured on the game's box art.) Even the remix levels are well done and creative, setting all the elements to some games you previously played to clever medleys. Like instrument-based music games, anyone can literally pick-up-and-play "Rhythm Heaven" - per the in-game instructions and tutorials, and using stylus for simple actions. The game though is seriously addictive, and has a tremendous amount of replay value to keep you coming back. If you perform in a level decently, you'll pass with "OK." Do flawlessly (or close to it), and you'll get a "Superb" stamp. When you get a Superb stamp, you'll earn a medal - which in turn helps you unlock toys (think of the fun if useless trinkets in some of the "WarioWare" games) other random games, and even guitar lessons. If you want to unlock these fun goodies, it will definitely keep you coming back. Also adding to the challenge is how sometimes you will randomly be asked to replay a game you've already completed. If you can get a "Perfect" on it (literally not doing a single thing wrong), you'll get a Perfect stamp and unlock more things. But wait! There's even more fun stuff. The Café section of the game features at Barista who will give you hints, music from the game you can unlock and listen to, plus written tips to perform (as well as the option to replay the game's opening flicking tutorial). Those familiar with the "WarioWare" series will also feel at home with the game's visual style. Some games are in crude-ish 3-D (like the ping-pong one), but most are done in 2-D that range from a style that is fun if crudely drawn by a child, to games that have more detail and color. In any case, all the games look different which help enliven things. Music and sound-wise, "Rhythm Heaven" is excellent. The music and original songs in the games are simple but well-orchestrated, and catchy to boot. Players also may want to wear headphones while playing, though. The DS's speakers are good, but being enclosed by the sound makes for a more discrete listening experience - especially in the games where hearing a small sound effect or beat might be the key to your success. "Rhythm Heaven" may seem simple, and a fun time-waster in the vein of the "WarioWare" series. It is, but it can be ridiculously challenging - and sometimes a bit too frustrating. (Maybe those with rhythm in their bones will beg to differ.) Nonetheless though, this game is a fun and addicting experience for all ages, and perfectly ties into the casual gaming Nintendo has now been branding itself in the past few years for the DS and with the Wii. (Why this isn't part of the Touch Generation series - highlighting games for all audiences that are simple to learn - is beyond me.) In all, "Rhythm Heaven" is a worthy purchase for anyone who owns a DS. Here's hoping Nintendo develops a sequel. May I suggest multiplayer if there is another installment?
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