Rhythm games are one of the most interesting genres out there. These games are played by hitting the beat of the song in order for the moves to count. This is where they become challenging. But once players figure out the tempo of the songs, these games become manageable. Rhythm games can also be mixed with other genres, enhancing these other styles. For example, first-person shooters that use platforming as mechanicscan be hard; however, when a rhythm is incorporated into the play style, players can feel more powerful.
On top of that, these games can start to feel very organic once players learn the beat. They’ll be pulling off maneuvers in a fluid manner. Rhythm mechanics don’t work well in every genre, but one that’s helping popularize it is the action genre. These games on this list use the explosive nature of action games, plus the technical approach for gameplay by using rhythm.
5Pistol Whip
Players who haveVRwill have a fun time playing this outlandish shooter. Having the same aesthetic as games likeSuper Hot,playerswill have a blast repelling enemies' attacks, all while keeping the beat. While the idea of VR may feel jarring to some players, the end result is the polished first-person shooter with the style of an action movie. Players will need to shoot, dodge, and melee enemies on the beat, while on paper this may seem hard, but because it’s VR, players will need to use their whole body to manage everything the game demands of them.
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However, that’s not a bad thing.Pistol Whipcan bean intense workout. As they play, and as more chaotic the game becomes, players will start to get the meta. This will allow them to fight better, all without breaking much of a sweat. Once players master the tempo and the beat,Pistol Whipbecomes easier to play.
4Sayonara Wild Hearts
Players who have experience in the rhythm games sphere should trySayonara Wild Hearts,mainly because everything has to do with the beat. This game can be less forgiving, especially in the platforming sections. The combat can be an issue at the start, since the songs inSayonara Wild Heartsare fast-paced, and players will be required to study the beats as they play.
However, while it has a steep learning curve, players who stick with the game will be treated to a unique look. The purples and dark colors mixed with the bright colors of the beat markers blend neatly together. It’s a great way for players to immerse themselves deeper into howSayonara Wild Heartsplays. Just like the rest of the rhythm games on this list, once players learn the beat, things become easy. Players will be able to hit combos more often, and more efficiently.
3Metal: Hellsinger
Shooter rhythm games can be hard, andMetal: Hellsingerhighlights just that. The first thing players must learn is that, sinceMetal: Hellsingerhas a few different guns, each one shoots at a different tempo. So stayingon the beatwill be something they’ll need to learn for each gun. The second is that not all gunsperform the same way, and each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses. Players need to experiment with all the moving parts ofMetal: Hellsinger.
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However,Metal: Hellsinger,isn’t just hard for its rather steep learning curve, but the overwhelming amount of enemies that players fight. This, plus the over-the-top boss battles,make it almost impossible to overcome. But if playersavoid these mistakesand keep their momentum up, things can go their way easily.
2Soundfall
Soundfallis a very interesting game. Many rhythm games don’t use RPG mechanics or use the dungeon crawler play style, because both genres are on very different sides of the spectrum. ButinSoundfall’scase, it works, and very well for that matter. It features the typical play style of an RPG, where players can get better armor, weapons, and other items to make the fight easier.Soundfallhas something for everyone.
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On top of that, it’s multiplayer, which is unusual for a rhythm game to include. But much like the RPG looter inSoundfall,this aspect works as well. It allows all players to be creative, and fight on their own all while progressing toward the same goal. Plus, sinceSoundfallis an RPG, each player can make their own unique build, creating more dynamic play styles.
1Bullets Per Minute
BPM (Bullets Per Minute)andMetal Hellsingershare a lot of the same qualities. Both are roguelike shooter, that use rhythm as a component. Just likethe rather difficultplay style ofDoom,bothBPMandMetal: Hellsingershare that learning curve. Plus, likeMetal: Hellsinger, BPMforcesplayers to experimentwith the guns that offer different options for different play styles. However, while there are a lot of similarities, there are also a lot of differences. The first is that inBPM,players can use different valkyries, each with their own attributes. Some of these may makeBPMhard, and others may make it easier.
The other difference is that the game gives players more help in the form of things they can take with them for each run. This helps players fight in many ways, which is something they need to do in order tostay on beat. Once players get into howBPMplays, they can feel the rhythm better, and in turn, fight with more skill.