The Metronomicon is a new attempt at mixing the rhythm and RPG genres, and Puuba Games have largely succeeded in doing both genres justice. The game has the flow of a Harmonix title like Frequency/Amplitude and the RPG elements are deep enough to be rewarding without bogging down the experience. The developers were able to secure smart song choices that offer variety along with some known artists, and the game's presentation oozes with charm. The music and immediately recognizable rhythm elements are likely what will draw people to the game, but the sidequests and item collecting really flesh out the game. There is actually a lot to dive into given the game's reasonable price tag. While rhythm gamers might not see the highest challenge coming from the rhythm carts, The Metronomicon is a really satisfying experience when it all comes together and comes highly recommended.
The game doesn't hold the player's hand through every step of the way, yet, still many of the mechanics are generous to the point where a very wide range of players will find Wandersong accessible and fun. This is a great game that was hard for me to put down and shouldn't have troubles finding a dedicated playerbase.
The Persona Dancing: Endless Night Collection tops off an already impressive 2018 for rhythm gaming. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight both dance to their own beat, making them a unique experience that should satisfy fans of the Persona series and rhythm game players alike.
The lack of bells and whistles might drive some players away, but those who embrace the straight-forward attitude of the game will find a lot to like in Cytus Alpha. It also helps that Cytus Alpha is a music title that plays great in the Nintendo Switch's tablet mode, so the game is a good recommendation for players of the system who want some quality music gaming on the go.
Klang might not be for everyone, but players looking for a true, simultaneous platforming/rhythm gameplay will find a fresh experience in the title. The great presentation is very noticeable, it's easy to get into the early gameplay's flow once you adjust, and the game's world is impressionable. It isn't the longest game experience available, but the price is reasonable for what is provided, and there are incentives to return to Klang a number of times as players uncover the game's secrets.
While the original title might not have held the spotlight for long, Chime Sharp hits all the right notes to make the sequel recommended. It’s a no-brainer for those who liked Chime, and those looking for a new puzzle experience and are willing to put a short amount of time into learning the game will get a solid game experience for about the price of a music CD on a store shelf.
VOEZ on the Nintendo Switch offers up classic rhythm gameplay with a dynamic playfield that livens up the gameplay. The title's mobile origins and the tablet-only restriction on the Switch leads to a few minor setbacks, and the player's mileage will vary on the content outside of the main gameplay. Still, a generous amount of songs is included with multiple difficulties, so there is a lot to come back to in the meat of the game.
Taiko no Tatsujin on the Nintendo Switch will likely find itself in consumer limbo in North America - the lack of a way to purchase the TataCon locally will likely drive away some dedicated players, and the $50 price tag might drive away new players. That's unfortunate because the overall Drum 'n' Fun package is very enjoyable if you can accept a few minor setbacks. Drum 'n' Fun might not match the arcade version pound for pound, but it's a faithful version picked ripe from Japan and has a lot to offer to rhythm game fans on the Switch.
Through the title's launch period on Steam, Akihabara is $5.94 (10 percent off normal price), which is well worth the overall package. The title is solid all around, and is a good match for puzzle fans looking for something new or rhythm fans looking for more timing mechanics in the puzzle-rhythm hybrid of games. Akihabara has vibrant art, chill music and scoring that takes a bit of time to master, making it easy to recommend for bursts of puzzle gameplay.
In the long run, Riff Racer is a very competent title that places a couple eggs too many into the procedurally-generated basket of game mechanics.
Overall, Dance Magic is a solid title - what it offers is satisfying in bursts of gameplay, but nothing it does excels over similar rhythm game titles. It’s actually fairly involved for a rhythm game at this price point, but, at the end of the day, it is a three-year-old game and its longevity might be questionable for seasoned players of the genre. It can easily scratch the itch of someone looking to sink 3-5 hours into a reasonably-priced music title, but don't expect Dance Magic to shake up the genre.