Nintendo's latest rhythm game, Rhythm Heaven Groove, evokes a unique blend of WarioWare's unrestrained absurdity and the focused timing of traditional rhythm titles. The game's core appeal lies in its unabashed weirdness, a hallmark that makes each micro-game feel like a developer's clever oversight. While the connection to WarioWare is apparent, Rhythm Heaven Groove distinguishes itself by offering individual games that last significantly longer than a few fleeting seconds.
Gameplay in Rhythm Heaven Groove centers on mastering rhythmic button prompts set to music. Most commands are assigned to the A button, with the D-pad introduced for more complex sequences. For instance, one early game requires players to accelerate with the A button and brake with the D-pad Down to maintain pace with other stunt cars in a commercial shoot. This integration of rhythmic precision and varied input makes for engaging challenges that evolve as players progress.
The game's art style, a curious mix of simple, chunky cartoon characters and occasional bursts of hyper-realism, mirrors the eccentric spirit of its gameplay. Players might find themselves controlling a cat doll, bouncing fruit with a bodybuilder, sorting pudding as a factory robot, or jumping over windshield wipers. This constant introduction of novel scenarios, even with mechanically similar inputs, keeps the experience fresh and surprising. Distractions within the background also add a layer of challenge, requiring players to maintain focus and rhythm amidst changing scenery. Subtle cues, such as a fellow performer's disapproving look for slightly off-beat timing, offer immediate feedback on performance.
The auditory design of Rhythm Heaven Groove provides excellent feedback, with sharp snare sounds punctuating perfectly timed beats. The game is structured so that nearly every action has a distinct sound cue, making it possible to play effectively with eyes closed. This emphasis on sound is reminiscent of Elite Beat Agents, another rhythm title known for its charm and music integration, though Rhythm Heaven Groove focuses more purely on percussive accuracy.
A standout feature is the Remix stages, where four individual games from a column are combined into a single, remixed challenge. These sequences often feature original J-pop songs and cleverly integrate the mechanics of the earlier games, creating a cohesive experience. The seamless transitions between game elements mid-beat demonstrate a sophisticated design that ties disparate challenges together.
However, the game is not without its frustrations. The mapping of D-pad commands can sometimes be inconsistent across different minigames, leading to memorization hurdles, especially when returning to Remix stages after a break. The lack of an immediate way to refresh these prompts without replaying individual practice modes can disrupt the flow.
Playing Rhythm Heaven Groove on a television presented further challenges. Despite an in-game calibration for potential TV lag, maintaining precise timing proved difficult with a Pro Controller, even in games mastered in handheld mode. While the game acknowledges that TV performance can vary, this input lag can detract from the intended experience.
Multiplayer, however, often shines, particularly on the big screen. The game includes a variety of cooperative and competitive modes, offering new twists on familiar mechanics. Even with fewer than four players, the game fills empty slots with bots. Engaging multiplayer titles include a virus-busting game where players must time injections to a rotating quadrant system, an RPG-like tennis game to save a prince, and a cake-grabbing game that tests rhythmic countdowns. An Arkanoid-style game involves breaking bricks to detonate a bomb first, and a card-flipping game requires matching drum rhythms. These modes, delivered with the game's characteristic humor, foster a lively party atmosphere.
Despite some issues with inconsistent controls and potential TV lag, Rhythm Heaven Groove offers a unique and captivating rhythm experience. Its peculiar charm and inventive gameplay, reminiscent of indie sensibilities despite its Nintendo origins, make it a welcome and oddity in any Switch collection. The game delivers moments of pure, disarming fun, whether you're tapping your toes to a tadpole march or competing in a bizarre lucha libre race.