Anyone who’s into PC gaming has most likely tried a rhythm game. With the awesome soundtracks, interesting designs and in-depth plot, these kinds of games are suitable for any demographic. From kids to the elderly, everyone wants a piece of the latest rhythm game.
But if you’re a beginner or are simply looking for a change, which rhythm game should you pick? This article has 10 rhythm games that will, quite literally, rock your world.
Beat Saber
Beat Saber gained immense popularity after the virtual reality counterpart of the game went viral. This game focuses heavily on the rhythm game aspect, so there’s not much plot. Despite this, the high-contrast visuals and immaculate rendering makes this game worth playing.
The aim of the game is to use sabre-like structures to slice blocks in time to the music. Each block has properties, such as arrows, which signify the direction you’re meant to slash the blocks. The higher precision and frequency of your cuts, the higher your score.
Beat Sabre has a large variety of music packs for you to choose from, all of which include trending tunes. However, this game is known to require steady hands, so if you’re looking to improve your multitasking skills and manual dexterity, this game is for you.
Hi-Fi RUSH
Hi-Fi RUSH is an action-packed rhythm game with 2D-style 3D animation. The game revolves around Chai, the character you play. Chai has a robot arm that synchronises everything with the music blasting from the music player embedded in his arm. Because of this, Chai is seen as defective.
The aim of the game is to disband the corporate company that has labelled Chai as defective, by attacking each boss. Hi-Fi RUSH uses niche music throughout the game, so you may not be able to recognise some of your favourite songs while playing.
This game is perfect for people who are looking for a rich plot within a rhythm game, especially if you’re not concerned about selecting your own music to play along to. The 10 tracks playing throughout the game have more than enough bass for you to enjoy.
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix +
Not only is Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix + on PC, but it’s also been released on the Nintendo Switch, so is suitable for a variety of controls. This game is centred around everyone’s favourite Vocaloid character Hatsune Miku, who flies to you from another planet to sing together.
This version of Project DIVA includes improved features, such as the huge range of costumes, and the ability to customise outfits for performances. In addition, you can make playlists of your favourite songs to listen to and play, really immersing the player into the world of song.
Aside from the musical aspect, the graphics are unique, allowing the player to choose between the Future Tone and Mega Mix rendering, to suit your PC’s specification, and, of course, your own taste. If you’re new to Hatsune Miku, this game is great to introduce yourself to the wonderful world of Vocaloid.
DJMAX RESPECT V
DJMAX RESPECT V, as the name suggests, is a game with primarily DJ songs. This game is wholly unique in the sense that it’s the only game in this list to involve multiplayer competition battles. The game includes exclusive videos and over 150 songs, so you will never get bored.
The charming videos include a variety of animation styles that are different for each song. The game is fairly simple to play, as you stack up points through clicking on bars in time to the beat. The higher your combo, the higher your overall score.
With freestyle, you can choose to play without the pressure of competing with others. However, the game requires a constant connection online, so you can only play in areas with wi-fi. This is the case for many games, though, so your PC is likely prepared to play this one-of-a-kind game.
Rhythm Doctor
Rhythm Doctor is an 8-bit style rhythm game that involves music entirely of its own.There are many unique features to this game, such as the ability to customise your player’s sleeve, and the ability to add more players offline at any time throughout the game, making it family friendly.
The basics of the game is that the player is hired as a remote intern, and must press a button in time to the 8-bit time playing in the background, in order to recover patients. However, don’t be fooled by the simple graphics, as this game gets pretty tough when you’re handling multiple patients at once.
There’s foreshadowing throughout the game that hints to hardships that will occur to the player, keeping you hooked. All in all, this is a well-constructed game, with a detailed plot and simple-yet-challenging gameplay.
MUSYNX
MUSYNX is a rhythm game that focuses more on the music aspect of the game. It has adorable characters and breathtaking animations that adapt to the music you choose. This game is also available on the Nintendo Switch and mobile, so you can play it even if your PC is occupied.
The game only requires the keys D, F, J and K to play, and you achieve a combo by tapping or holding on each button in time to the music. The game has many music packs, and contains a range of styles, including traditional, contemporary and even classical music.
It’s hard to lose in the game, as it’s all about developing your skills over time. That’s what makes this game so popular; there’s practically no end to the game until you’ve mastered every single track there is available.
Crypt of the NecroDancer
Crypt of the NecroDancer is a highly innovative game like no other. It’s an 8-bit style dungeon crawler game, but with a twist - you must move to the beat of the rhythm. Unlike many of the games listed here, the music is fully integrated into the gameplay, and has a full plot.
The game is about Cadence, the in-game character that you play. Her father went missing after hunting for treasure, and it’s her job to look for him. However, the NecroDancer manages to swipe her heart from her, and Cadence must get it back by battling the NecroDancer’s minions.
This game is action-packed, and has an incredible amount of depth. There are tons of side-quests and stores in the game that’ll help you through. There won’t be any dance battle’s here as the game is only single-player, but there are plenty of sword battles to make up for it.
Everhood
Everhood, also known as Everhood: An Ineffable Tale of the Inexpressible Divine Moments of Truth, is a PC rhythm game that also has an 8-bit animation style, but is very smooth. The simple graphics and captioned story-telling makes the game suitable for a wide range of players.
The game is about an anthropomorphic doll who has lost their arm, whom you play as. Throughout the story, the events and locations change, as you try to recover the arm. You meet other creatures that have lost various limbs too, such as the Blue Thief, who lost their legs. You team up with Blue Thief to defeat the immortal being who has stolen your limbs, Gold Pig.
The game involves the player diving and jumping away from attacks directed at them by the villains. Each attack is timed to the 8-bit style music in the background. This lighthearted game and its surreal approach to its characters makes it a good RPG for you to get your hands on.
Muse Dash
Muse Dash is a rhythm game that originated in Japan. It has an incredibly cute animation style, and even the villains you battle against are adorable. The game involves a mix of Japanese and English songs, and even includes Vocaloid songs too, owing to the collaboration Muse Dash did with Hatsune Miku.
There are 85 songs you must clear to complete the game. Play as artistically designed heroines and avoid obstacles as you dance your way through each level to defeat the bad guys. The aesthetic of this game is dream-like, but don’t be fooled, your playable characters can pack a good punch.
The better your gameplay, the higher your score, and, of course, you can get combos to increase it. In addition, each character has a bonus skill that improves your score. Muse Dash is a trending game that’s popular among all generations, so you should give it a try too.
Geometry Dash
Geometry Dash is arguably the most well-known game on this list. Everyone and their mother has attempted this addictive rhythm game. Although there are only seven soundtracks, there are a few ways for you to import your own songs into the game.
There’s a lot to do in this game. Each level tells a long story of how light and dark once lived in harmony. The playable character, cubeman, must jump to the beat in time to avoid the sharp spikes. Cubeman is customisable, and there are no in-app purchases, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally draining your bank account.
There are 10 main levels, but after you’ve completed them all, you unlock what’s called the ‘endless mode’, where you can play as much as you like. Simplicity and complexity, light and dark, work together in harmony to make this game the best rhythm game you can get your hands on.
