A gaming genre that has been gradually gaining global popularity is rhythm games. These games became more accessible during the inception of mobile gaming, and this is still one of the most common methods of playing them; however, this prompted more attention to console-based rhythm games too.
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Pure rhythm games have a significant market now, and there are plenty of options for fans of the genre. However, the growth in popularity of rhythm games has impacted other genres, and there are now more and more games that include rhythm elements. A common hybrid is rhythm action games that use rhythm-style gameplay to enhance the action. So, what games are the stand-out in this niche genre?
9Metal: Hellsinger
A common style of rhythm action games takes inspiration from popular action titles and twists the gameplay to include rhythm elements. A popular example of this isMetal: Hellsinger, which takes inspiration from theDoomreboot series.
Metal: Hellsinger is a first-person shooter like the Doom games, but uses rhythm elements to make the gameplay more intense. Like many other rhythm action games, the skills you’re able to perform in the game are enhanced if you keep in rhythm, and the heavy metal soundtrack helps it stand out from other rhythm games.
8Thumper
Thumper is perhaps one of the more experimental and unconventional rhythm action games. At first glance, the visuals of the game are closer to a standard rhythm game, with the scripted tracks for to stick on. However, when you start playing through the intense levels, you realize that your beats are actually attacks hitting the obscure enemies at the end of the track.
The gameplay is deceptively simple, but the difficulty to master the system is what keeps every level of Thumper engaging. The abstract rollercoaster sense of momentum makes this one of the most thrilling rhythm experiences possible.
7Pistol Whip
Rhythm action games are a way to make rhythm games more engaging and give the gameplay more tangible stakes for gamers who may not usually care for rhythm games. A way to make this gameplay even more intense is to implement aVR element as well.
That is exactly what Pistol Whip does, being a VR-exclusive title that takes full advantage of the technology it is working with. The gameplay has you working through pre-set endless runner-style tracks with rhythmic targets to hit. The gameplay is pretty simple to grasp, and, with the variety of difficulty options, you can perfectly tailor the challenge to what you are looking for.
6Patapon
For a more classic take on the rhythm action genre, the Patapon series takes a more strategic approach. The strategy style gameplay takes place with the amount of options you have when customizing and equipping the members of the Patapon tribe that you control.
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Once you are prepared, you will be ordering the soldiers of your tribe to attack their enemies. You do this by using the face buttons to give orders. If you give these orders in rhythm to the beat playing during the level, your team will be given buffs, and will have an easier time beating their opponents. The game was popular enough to spawn two sequels, making the trilogy a fun cohesive challenge.
5Kingdom Hearts Melody Of Memory
Throughout the history of theKingdom Heartsseries, the gameplay has been relatively consistent, being a classic action RPG combo. However, another consistent element of Kingdom Hearts has been the amazing soundtrack.
Because of this,Melody of Memorywas created, a rhythm game that highlights the amazing soundtrack of the series, and has an original story featuring the often-overlooked character, Kairi. The vast variety of tracks available creates a lengthy campaign, and each track is completed by hitting the series' enemies, Heartless, on beat to create the notes of the track.
4Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Series
TheFinal Fantasyseries is also well known for its incredibly strong soundtrack, and a celebration of this manifested in theTheatrhythm series. These games feature plenty of different modes of playing through the tracks of the Final Fantasy series.
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Some of these modes feature more traditional rhythm gameplay; however, there are certain tracks that you play by simultaneously attacking iconic Final Fantasy bosses to the beat of the tracks that accompany their fights. With how many Final Fantasy tracks there are available to play through, and the popularity of the original, it’s so surprise that the series has spawned two sequels.
3Sayonara Wild Hearts
If you are looking for a shorter rhythm action experience that will keep you engaged throughout the entirety of its runtime, then Sayonara Wild Hearts is perhaps the best option. This game is designed to fit the strong soundtrack that fits in with the narrative being told.
The landscape and aesthetic of the game are incredibly stylised and designed specifically to engage you with the rhythm of the tracks. The action featured in the game is incredibly varied, and the protagonist’s actions match the vibe of the music perfectly. For a short but entertaining rhythm game telling a story, Sayonara Wild Hearts is one of the best.
2Crypt Of The Necrodancer
A genre crossover that very few gamers expected was a rhythm game with a roguelike, but that is exactly whatCrypt of the Necrodanceris. The game features the player character in a grid-based world, with everything inside moving to the beat of the same track.
The movements and actions are enhanced when moving on beat, and this is essential to succeeding. The formula of the gameplay was so popular that it spawned a spin-off featuring the characters and world ofThe Legend of Zelda, namedCadence of Hyrule. Both versions of the game are incredibly entertaining, but if you want to demo the gameplay style, the original is usually more accessible.
1Hi-Fi Rush
The world ofHi-Fi Rushis imbued with the melody of the tracks that are playing in the background. The entertaining story, paired with the vibrant visuals, makes the campaign an entertaining package. The gameplay is simple to grasp, but the challenge comes in properly taking advantage of the rhythm that improves your damage.
Each battle will be graded, giving the game great replay value, but even one playthrough to experience the high-stakes adventure of Chai and his friends is enough to enjoy what this game has to offer. The balance of story, gameplay, and pure charm is part of what makes Hi-Fi Rush such a satisfying game to play.
