Rhythm Heaven Groove Review: A Funky Farewell to the Switch

Nintendo has been leaning on its decade-old system to bridge the gap to the Switch 2, and Rhythm Heaven Groove feels like the perfect swan song for the platform. It is a cult-classic revival that stays true to the series' roots: elegant, simple controls paired with a unique, quirky presentation. Priced at £33.99/$39.99, it is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a polished, upbeat musical experience.

Mastering the Beat

Unlike rhythm games that demand you hit every note of a song, Rhythm Heaven Groove focuses on timing and intuition. Whether you are catching flying discs as a dog or bouncing fruit as a beach bro, the gameplay loop is simple: press the A button—and occasionally a directional button—to the beat. The game keeps things fresh with art director Ko Takeuchi’s charming 2D style and original tracks composed by Tsunku.

The game does a great job of teaching you the ropes, though it can be devious. Sometimes the screen is partially blocked to force you to rely on your ears rather than your eyes. While you earn ranks based on your performance, the game’s approach to "Perfect" medals is a bit strange; you only get the chance to earn them when the game prompts you to retry a minigame, which can feel anticlimactic if you were already playing perfectly.

Beatspell and Side Content

The standout addition is "Beatspell," an RPG-inspired mode where you cast spells to defeat monsters using rhythmic button patterns. It is surprisingly deep, featuring health stats, leveling, and elemental weaknesses. While it is technically a lighthearted parody, the mechanical depth is impressive, though it is held back slightly by its short length and lack of meaningful challenge unless you are gunning for a 5-star rating.

Beyond the main stages, there is a wealth of extra content. You will find "Score Attack" modes, "Drum Lessons" that turn your controller into an instrument, and a Sound Studio for listening to the soundtrack. The "Rhythm Toy Box" minigames, however, feel a bit like cut content—fun for a quick minute, but not particularly fleshed out.

Multiplayer Mayhem

The multiplayer isn't just a side thought. With 10 rhythm games and 30 total variations, the couch co-op is genuinely hilarious. Games like Rhythm Tweezers or the competitive Cake Wait are highlights that bring plenty of laughter to the table. It is a robust offering that makes the game feel like a complete package for gatherings.