Rhythm
Here we have all the games in the Rhythm Section.
Playstation
Rhythm
Based on the boy band, bishonen anime with the real voice actors, plus an abundance of footage and an introduction from the series, Kaikan Phrase pits the player on stage needing to successfully hit the beats to progress. Initially only the anime’s intro song is available, but loads more are available to be unlocked. Each band member varies in difficulty regarding the speed and frequency of beats with the drummer being a particularly tough nut to crack. A Tour Mode keeps interest in a very stylish title.
PS2
Rhythm
Winter theme to this instalment of the chance to shine like the Christmas star of wonder (or finally make the neighbours move out.) Plethora of 90’s J-Pop with Chemistry, Globe, Dreams Come True, Kiroro and X Japan amongst others.
PS2
Rhythm
Refreshingly original title playing most like a rhythm action titles except this time players take the role of an orchestral conductor to try and save the concert hall from closing down. As in a rhythm action title such as Samba De Amigo, the backgrounds shift according to player performance so the conductor soon knows if they are hitting the right notes. Rather than simple button presses though, the degree of pressure applied is the important factor in keeping the orchestra together. Bravo indeed. Known as Mad Maestro in the West.
Playstation
Rhythm
Sony’s answer to Samba De Amigo with high tempo soundtrack (including of course Tubthumping) but instead of using maracas, players attach sensors to their wrists and ankles. The player then follows the martial moves of their on screen persona gaining points for successfully landing a kick or punch at the correct time. There is also a visual reward for landing the moves on time such as being able to see a fireball travel across the screen. Done with intent the techniques give a good work out and the graphics are nicely done set in stereotypical Chinese situations. Includes a two player mode where on screen adversaries swarm in for the kill and they are dispatched with a deft flick of the wrist.
Playstation
Rhythm
Sony’s answer to Samba De Amigo with high tempo soundtrack (including of course Tubthumping) but instead of using maracas, players attach sensors to their wrists and ankles. The player then follows the martial moves of their on screen persona gaining points for successfully landing a kick or punch at the correct time. There is also a visual reward for landing the moves on time such as being able to see a fireball travel across the screen. Done with intent the techniques give a good work out and the graphics are nicely done set in stereotypical Chinese situations. Rumours are there’s an unlockable Lupin song in there too for when you’re Chumbawhamba-ed out.
Playstation
Rhythm
Compatible with the Dance Dance Revolution controller, this Mini Moni themed rhythm title allows you to work on your para para step to the all-girl, J-Pop band’s back catalogue. There is also a mini game mode for when feeling fatigued keeping up to the spritely tunes.
Nintendo DS
Rhythm
Based on the hit manga series that was made into a popular live action drama starring the young conductor and the affections of Megumi Noda or the Nodame of the title. The bulk of the game involves conducting the orchestra and the stylus is utilised to near perfection for controlling the innovative rhythm action. The quirkiness of the manga shines through in the madcap mini games – such as running across the moon avoiding falling comets or the funky Taiko no Tastujin tribute taking advantage of the Bandai Namco connection.
Nintendo DS
Rhythm
Bottom Biting Insect might be a good translation of the title, but we are not too sure what the spam detectors will make of it. The NHK phenomena was so big that the song guested on the New Years celebration programme in Japan. Not a good tune to get stuck in your head, but theres great musical variance here as players tap away in very colourful environs to witness the successful bottom bite at the end providing the stages are cleared. Very enjoyable and great for a quick tap rather than an epic adventure.
PS2
Rhythm
The Para Para dance craze swept Japan like the cherry blossom front with deeply tanned girls and bleached blond boys tossing about there limbs in the clubs from Shibuya to Sekijo. The game involves flicking out arms and legs in time to the beat and onscreen prompt proving a fine work out and building up a fine ability to para para!
PS2
Rhythm
Genki is a massive fan of Master Onion and its great to see him in such good form teaching martial arts. Beard Burger is also great fun as Parappa must flip and toast hamburgers in style under the pressure of the watching, hungry crowd. The 2D look works a treat and has aged like a fine claret.
Playstation
Rhythm
Genre defining release from Sony with eye catching graphical style and high degree of variety between levels. Master Onion has to be one of the coolest characters in the gaming world. “Kick, punch: its all in the mind. If you want to test me, I’m sure you’ll find…” It may just be Simple Simon, but when its this much fun…
Playstation
Rhythm
Genre defining release from Sony with eye catching graphical style and high degree of variety between levels. Master Onion has to be one of the coolest characters in the gaming world. “Kick, punch: its all in the mind. If you want to test me, I’m sure you’ll find…” It may just be Simple Simon, but when its this much fun…
PS2
Rhythm
The classic rhythm action series hits a real epoch setting height on the PS2 with street savvy graphics and some cracking tunes to send tingles along the spine. Plenty will ascertain these are the definitive versions and much desired on the system. Genkis secret pleasure is to work on the anime versions of DragonBall Z and Crayon Shinchan for the karaoke. But perhaps that would be better kept in house.
Playstation
Rhythm
Such a funky look to match the groovy beats as those with the music in them tap the button in tune to the toe tapping tracks. A real tour de force of the rhythm action games.
Dreamcast
Rhythm
Off-beat spin off of the Beatmania series with a unique cartoony style masking the challenge lying beneath the surface of this add on disk. Toe tapping, reflex sharpening fun which is very hard to put down.
Dreamcast
Rhythm
Off beat spin off of the Beatmania series with a unique cartoony style masking the challenge lying beneath the surface of this add on disk. Toe tapping, reflex sharpening fun which is very hard to put down.
GameBoy Color
Rhythm
Rhythm based action which is great fun all wrapped up in Konami’s friendly and cuddly graphical style hiding the killer app underneath. Animated characters represent your on-screen persona and react according to how well you are into the groove with successful beats getting a little dance of celebration. Fine anime classic tracks theme tunes make this a collectable. Subtitled Animation Melody.
PS2
Rhythm
Konami’s initial RPG for the PS2 sees you playing as young vagabond called Mouse. The story begins with Mouse, having composed music for a royal wedding, being inruiged as to why the bride looks so glum. Compatible with the ‘Guitar Freaks’ guitar (not supplied.)
Nintendo DS
Rhythm
Update of the GBA original which became a big hit. The use of the stylus adds an extra dimension to the refreshing concept. Combines the refreshing delights of the Made in Wario series with funky, fly beats therefore taking the gameplay on to a higher plane by combining demands on visual and aural reflexes. With such delightful gameplay its hard to put down but unless you got rhythm you wont see the credits roll.
PS2
Rhythm
Enjoy some J Pop rock classics in this rhythm action game complete with foot controller to control the drummer of the band. Although they are cover versions the game features an impressive list of bands: ZARD, B’z, Ayumi Hamasaki, Aiko, Globe, Hide, and Mai Kuraki amongst other equally illustrious artists. Fun and full of funky toe tapping tunes.
Dreamcast
Rhythm
Pop a couple of maracas in the hands of a non-gamer and sit back and enjoy the show. Mould breaking, pure distilled fun from the Sonic Team.
Dreamcast
Rhythm
Pop a couple of maracas in the hands of a non-gamer and sit back and enjoy the show. Mould breaking, pure distilled fun from the Sonic Team.
Wii
Rhythm
Updated version of the arcade smash with plenty more tracks to choose from and where moving the Wii remote and nunchuck around in time to the beat is the central premise. Preach no more: this is the game to convince non gamers to get involved and samba. Bursting with colour and sunshine – at least when you’re hitting the beats. Plus Sega fans will appreciate the appearance of Sonic and Space Channel 5’s Ulala.
Dreamcast
Rhythm
Updated version of the arcade smash with plenty more tracks to choose from including a rock version of A-Ha’s “Take On Me.” Also includes Hustle mode where moving the maracas around in time to the beat is the central premise as opposed to hitting the beats. Then there’s Love Love mode where success is measured by how many beats you can hit together with your partner. Preach no more: this is the game to convince non gamers to get involved and samba. Bursting with colour and sunshine – at least when you’re hitting the beats.
Dreamcast
Rhythm
Gyrate to the beat with the sexy Space Channel reporter Ulala. Just don’t ask about the story! Unique feel to graphics, full of futuristic frolics. A Dreamcast must have.
PS2
Rhythm
Gyrate to the beat with the sexy Space Channel reporter Ulala. Just don’t ask about the story! Unique feel to graphics, full of futuristic frolics.
PS2
Rhythm
Ulala once again bust’s a groove whilst looking fab in her futuristic attire in this sleek Sega production. A great addition over the prequel is the two player co-operative mode which sees control of Ulala split with one player taking the direction pad, the other the buttons and frequent off screen scraps as to who was at fault for the missed hip gyration. Look out for a guest appearance from Michael Jackson on one of the stages, but his moves suffer in comparison to our Ulala. Much more affordable than the DC release.
Wii
Rhythm
An all gal adventure with plenty of rhythm action on the way as the remote is swished around with the grace of the girl band Perfume. The band members encourage each other along and a bit of paper, scissors, stone distracts and settles any tension quickly.
PS2
Rhythm
Bash out some beats to the eternal rhythm of the Japanese festival which celebrates life itself. Coaches players gradually before letting them loose in a drum sticks frenzy.
PS2
Rhythm
The sequel to the genre defining title brings a welcomed save feature and plenty more mini game madness including a Galaga style shoot em up where tapping the drum skin fires shots (Namco not being one to forget its rich gaming roots) and drum rolling to blow up balloons – a tap on the rium when done. But the crux of the fun remains the songs – from Doraemon and Anpanman anime songs to Beethoven via J Pop from the likes on Mini Moni.