A New Rhythm Heaven Game Is A Rare Treat And Worth Celebrating

A new Rhythm Heaven game is scheduled to release a little over a month from now. Rhythm Heaven games are collections of rhythm minigames where players respond to audio and visual cues by tapping buttons in time with music, then receive ratings based on accuracy. The franchise is known for precise rhythm mechanics, satisfying sound effects, and excellent music, alongside goofy character scenarios. The most recent entry, Rhythm Heaven Megamix, added a story and some new modes but also included many returning games, with fewer brand-new minigames. Earlier releases include Rhythm Heaven Fever, Rhythm Heaven for DS, and the Japan-only Rhythm Tengoku. Despite strong fan appreciation, recent sales have been modest, making the revival notable.

"We’re getting a new Rhythm Heaven game in just a little over a month! Can you believe it?! It’s been over a year since Nintendo announced Rhythm Heaven Groove, and over a decade since the last Rhythm Heaven, and I am absolutely losing my mind over here thinking about how Nintendo actually remembered and cared enough about this silly little microgame franchise to make a brand new one, just in time to send off the original Nintendo Switch."

"The Rhythm Heaven games are, well, collections of rhythm games! Each one contains dozens of little minigames featuring cute characters in goofy scenarios where you respond to audio and visual cues by tapping buttons in a set rhythm, generally in time with music. You’re then rated based on how accurate your responses were. The games are beloved for their very precise rhythm mechanics, silly scenarios, satisfying sound effects, and excellent music."

"Megamix was also only sort of a new Rhythm Heaven while it featured a story and some new game modes, over 100 of its rhythm games were returning games from prior games, and there were only 30 brand new ones added. Prior to Megamix, we got Rhythm Heaven Fever for Wii in 2011, Rhythm Heaven for DS in 2008, and the original Rhythm Tengoku, which was only released in Japan in 2006 for GBA."

"Given that somewhat spotty history, it’s rather surprising that Nintendo is opting to revisit this silly minigame franchise, which may owe its infrequent appearances to the fact that it’s never exactly been Nintendo’s most popular franchise, as much as the fervor for Chorus Kids in Smash would have you believe. While a beloved cult favorite, Rhythm Heaven hasn’t sold exceptionally well in its most recent incarnations."

Read at kotaku.com