What parents need to know
After more than a decade, the Rhythm Heaven series is back with Rhythm Heaven Groove, the fifth episode of the series. A little-known Nintendo franchise even though it was born in 2006, Rhythm Heaven is a series of rhythm mini-games, developed by the same team as WarioWare. We specify this, because the kinship is obvious, both in the exploded visual style and in the absurd humor of the two titles.
But above all, Rhythm Heaven shares with its “cousin” a gameplay focused on a series of very short mini-games with extremely simplified controls (the most complex games require us to use a maximum of 2 buttons!) However, just because the controls and instructions are simple doesn’t mean the games are easy, on the contrary. In each of the mini-games, we are asked to press the buttons with a very precise rhythm.
However, if they are rhythm mini-games, the presentation of mini-games is generally far from the world of music. In a mini-game, we’re asked to bounce fruit off our biceps to the sound of the soundtrack. Another mini-game puts us in the shoes of a dog who has to catch a frisbee thrown by his owner. In short, you never know what to expect.
The single-player mode offers us 32 unique mini-games, as well as 32 more difficult variations of these mini-games and 16 “remix” levels that offer 4 mini-games in quick succession, for a total of 80 levels. If you are almost perfect in a level, you get a medal that is used to unlock additional content, such as a role-playing mode in which you play as a magician who casts spells by pressing buttons to the rhythm of the music.
In addition to the single-player mode, a multiplayer mode is also offered, with 30 original mini-games that are sometimes cooperative, sometimes competitive.
Finally, the title offers some interactive “toys”, such as a board to create electronic beats .
Details
Level of experience required
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Evaluation
This game is not scary at all. Some games sometimes show monsters, but they are colorful and funny.
Nothing to report!
The game requires almost no reading, and a synthesized voice can read the instructions for us. At the very least, a blind person could have fun with this game, because it is above all a question of reacting to the sound of music. Visual cues are optional.
It doesn’t apply so much here. The mini-games are innocent and do not feature any particular purpose.
Rhythm Heaven Groove is very demanding in terms of rhythm, and it is quite possible that you will need to practice several times if you want to get medals in all levels.
Not only is there no additional monetization, but the game is offered at a lower than average price, $54.99 CAD.
Local game modes
You can play the single-player mode, have fun with the different “toys” offered or play the local multiplayer mode with a maximum of 4 players.
Online Game Modes
None.
Expansions/Add-ons (DLC)
None.
Our opinion
Rhythm Heaven Groove is a great game… aimed at a niche audience. The level of difficulty is high; You can quite easily complete the levels and move on to the next one, but if you want to get a medal, you will have to be patient and practice. I myself played a lot of music during my teenage years, which should give me an advantage, but I really wasn’t immune to raging on several occasions. Controller launchers, be warned.
The absurd humor of the series is not for everyone either. Those who are looking for an epic quest where you save the world from the clutches of a dragon or the threat of a terrorist organization will be disappointed; Here, we are looking to pluck the chin hair of an onion, or to impress the audience with our boy band of young Adonis who sweep the floor. You have to accept to take part in the delirium.
Fortunately, on our side, we were charmed by the overflowing creativity of Rhythm Heaven Groove. Not only is the humor original, but the mini-games are inventive. Even though most games boil down to “pressing A at the right time”, the varied mechanics and contexts don’t make us feel like we’re always playing the same game over and over again.
Let’s also salute the multiplayer mode. It’s not very sturdy, but it’s a fun bonus that should occupy a few hours with a friend on the couch.
Rhythm Heaven Groove will probably be Nintendo’s last game on the first Switch, 9 years after its release, but it’s nice to see that Nintendo is saying goodbye to its console in style.
