Rhythm Games Worth Your Time

An inflow of rhythm games brought popularity to the genre last console generation, but that popularity soon faded. Let's take a look at some of the greats of days past.

Following Konami's Dance Dance Revolution craze, Guitar Hero and Rock Band
arrived next on the scene. 

PaRappa the Rapper

PaRappa the Rapper is credited with creating the rhythm genre, but it vaguely resembles the genre of today. Played without any plastic instruments, you tap buttons on the controller to make a rapping dog mimic his teachers. It's an incredibly short game, requiring less than 40 minutes to complete.

Although PaRappa the Rapper 2 received mediocre reviews from critics, it’s an underrated game intended for the fans.

Be on the lookout for the upcoming Amplitude 
reboot, fully funded on Kickstarter.

Frequency

Frequency is the first game developed by Harmonix, the company that later went on to create the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises. It places players in a tunnel with various instrument tracks. Play each track successfully to piece together a full song.

It’s a fantastic game that deserves more attention. 

The 2003 follow-up, Amplitude, is similarly excellent.

RockBand Unplugged for the PSP has similar gameplay but with a different theme and music genre.

Rocksmith

Rocksmith is a revolutionary music game that requires a real electric guitar.

The game adapts to any skill level and requires no musical background. The two entries in the young series have some flaws, but they are very rewarding experiences.

DJ Hero 2

DJ Hero 2 is easily forgotten. Left in the wake of Activision’s milking of the Guitar Hero franchise, DJ Hero was left with an unfortunate name.

The second entry in the short-lived series offers more electronic tracks and less rap. Gameplay is unique and at times euphoric.

Don’t forget to pick up the plastic turntable required for play.

Rez HD

Part music game and part rail shooter, Rez HD is more of an experience than a game. Originally a rare PS2 game, Rez received an HD reissue. To be fully appreciated, play it in surround sound. It’s available on an inexpensive disc called Qubed for Xbox 360.

The Qubed disc also contains two great puzzle games: Lumines Live! and Every Extend Extra Extreme.

Space Channel 5

Space Channel 5 plays much like the children’s game Simon Says. Listen to commands, observe actions, and replicate those actions per the rhythm. The game features quirky characters (including Space Michael) and an onslaught of oddities.

The sequel never received an individual U.S. release, but it’s available on the PS2 port and Dreamcast Collection for Xbox 360.

Gitaroo Man

Gitaroo Man virtually copies the formula invented by PaRappa.

The game is short, features a bizarre story, and uses on-screen button commands for gameplay. Give it a try if you’re looking for a little-known rhythm game worth your time.

Originally on the PS2, Gitaroo Man was later ported to the PSP.