Rhythm Heaven Groove is a fantastic return to form from Nintendo and producer Tsunku. If you have been waiting for a new entry in the series since the Nintendo DS era, this title is the dream come true you have been hoping for. It earns a 9/10, serving as a must-play for series veterans and a perfect entry point for newcomers.
Fresh Beats and Familiar Fun
Developed by Kazuyoshi Osawa—the mind behind WarioWare—and legendary musician Tsunku, Rhythm Heaven Groove delivers over 80 new minigames. Each one introduces a unique art style, control scheme, and catchy track. The game utilizes the Nintendo Switch’s ABXY buttons and directional arrows, allowing for complex, satisfying patterns that feel comfortable in both docked and handheld modes. The tutorials are exceptionally well-paced, offering a preview of the correct rhythm before you jump in.
The soundtrack is a highlight, featuring plenty of Japanese music that avoids the localization issues of past entries. With renowned artists like Yui Sakurai of the idol group Fruits Zipper contributing to tracks, the music is consistently infectious.
Beyond the Minigames
While the core minigame structure remains the heart of the experience, Rhythm Heaven Groove packs in significant side content. The standout is Beatspell, a rhythm-based RPG mode where your timing dictates your offensive and defensive capabilities in a monster-filled cave. It rewards rhythmic accuracy with critical hits, offering a deeper tactical layer than the standard stages. Combined with the Drum Lessons and the Rhythm Toy Box, there is no shortage of things to do.
For those who prefer social gaming, the title includes over 30 cooperative and competitive multiplayer games. Supporting up to four players, these modes are a great alternative for game nights, allowing you to share the joy of the series with friends.
Accessibility-First Design
It is worth noting that Rhythm Heaven Groove places a high priority on accessibility. The character Li'l Miss Reeds acts as a built-in screen reader, narrating on-screen text and instructions, which makes the game highly playable for those who are blind or partially sighted. Additionally, the ability to adjust button inputs for Beatspell ensures that players with different mobility needs can enjoy the full experience.
- Over 80 fresh, creative minigames
- Excellent, accessible screen reader features
- Deep and engaging Beatspell RPG mode
- Strong soundtrack featuring diverse Japanese artists
- Local multiplayer setup may not suit every player's preference