Some of the most fun video games out there are rhythm-based. They get us moving, train our brains, and give us a fun simulation of making music without learning a whole new instrument. That's why I've compiled this list of great music-themed video games for you to try! From 1998 to now and in no particular order, here are 10 releases you absolutely must play. Let's count them down!
10. Dance Dance Revolution (1998)
DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) is the quintessential rhythm game of the previous generation. It's the original arcade game that you've probably seen at your favorite Dave and Buster's. The premise is straightforward. Step on the arrows at the right time. While the concept is simple, the maps get really complex, making for an extremely competitive and challenging experience. Releasing in 1998 and spawning multiple sequels and spin-offs over the years, DDR dominated the 2000s and is still going to this day with the latest installment, DDR World, having just released in June 2024. If you're looking for some classic Y2K goodness, upbeat J-pop tunes, and some exercise, be sure to try out DDR at your local arcade.
9. Guitar Hero (2005)
Guitar Hero took the world by storm, releasing on the PlayStation 2 in 2005. This clever guitar simulator allows players to step into the role of their favorite rock musicians by pressing combinations of buttons on a guitar-shaped controller. The overall experience is a ton of fun, encouraging players to practice and raise their skill level for each song. The Guitar Hero games feature well-known classic rock songs as well as some that were new at the time of release. Although the last official release was in 2015 (Guitar Hero Live), the gameplay lives on in the fanmade customizable version of the game, Clone Hero, where any song can be edited and made into a map! If you've always wanted the experience of playing guitar without the finger pain and music theory, this is the game for you.
8. Osu! (2007)
Osu! is a particularly interesting game, as it has always been open source. The game is 100% free and can be downloaded and modded by anyone. If you're a fan of DDR-style music but aren't very good with your feet, this is a great option for you. Osu! offer players multiple options for play including keyboard, mouse, drawing tablet, and touchscreen. Just like Clone Hero, anyone can make a beatmap in Osu!, so you're likely to find your favorite pop tunes amongst the hundreds of maps uploaded on the game's website. And if not, well, you can always make your own! Osu! is a haven for fast-paced J-pop, K-pop, and EDM jams with lots of anime influence. If any of that sounds interesting to you, I highly recommend it.
7. No Straight Roads (2020)
No Straight Roads is one of my favorite newer games on this list. It's a rhythm-based combat game where you play as the last remaining rock band in a world of EDM. You'll use both platforming and rhythm elements to defeat wacky bosses like SAYU the V-tuber style mermaid and a robotic boyband named 1010. The characters have a ton of personality and funny dialogue that definitely made me laugh throughout my playthrough. If you're looking for a music-themed game with a great story and a killer OST, this is the game for you.
6. Hi-Fi Rush (2023)
This next one is actually still on my list of games to play personally, but it has been on my list for a WHILE. Hi-Fi Rush is the newest game on this list, being released in 2023. It takes on a similar idea to No Straight Roads, combining music and combat in a story-driven experience. However, Hi-Fi Rush sports a lot of its own gameplay elements. Compared to NSR, it focuses more on platforming as well as one-on-one fights with bosses. Due to the protagonist, Chai, having a music player in his chest, everything in his life becomes synced to the beat. This makes for a fascinating concept that keeps players on their toes waiting for the next part of the story. If you're into high-energy battles but want to fight to the rhythm, this might be the one to try!
5. Metal Hellsinger (2022)
Metal Hellsinger is the first game on this list that's available in VR. It's curious because there aren't very many rhythm games based around metal music. Honestly, this is the first one I've ever heard of. If you're a fan of Doom, this is most certainly the game for you. The game is a first-person shooter with a twist. Everything moves to the beat. Every slash, shot, and dodge is felt in the rhythm. I'll be honest, I'm not even a big fan of the metal genre and this game still looks incredibly fun to me, especially in VR. If you're angry and need to blow off steam by hacking and slashing some enemies, this is definitely the game for you. You get the feeling of being really powerful like in Doom but with the satisfaction of hitting the beats on time. Metal Hellsinger is a serious dopamine rush.
4. Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA (2009)
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA takes us back to a more traditional play style, using button presses and holds to hit the beats. Don't be fooled, though. This isn't always easy. It's a game that requires a lot of dexterity and offers a steep challenge. One main feature of Project DIVA is its exclusive use of Vocaloid songs. All of the game's maps are centered around songs made using Vocaloids like Miku, Kaito, Luka, Rin, Len, and more. So, if you're a big Vocaloid fan, this is certainly a treat to play. Another great thing about it is its versatility. Unlike games like DDR and Guitar Hero which require space and special hardware, Project DIVA is a series with installments on handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch. This makes it fantastic for taking on flights or long road trips as an extra activity to kill time.
3. Just Shapes and Beats (2018)
Just Shapes and Beats is a unique rhythm game released on PC and Switch in 2018. Its simplistic nature makes it really intriguing, while the gameplay itself is actually quite challenging. For each stage of the game, you play as a square. Your job is to avoid attacks from other, less friendly shapes. The experience takes the manic shooter genre to a new level, as you now anticipate each barrage of bullets based on musical queues. I think it's really clever how such a neat concept can come from such simple designs. That's what makes this one so noteworthy. It's a great little game that will have you trying again and again to beat that boss you're stuck on. And it is oh so satisfying when you do.
2. Rhythm Heaven/Paradise (2008)
Rhythm Heaven (Or Rhythm Paradise in Europe) is one of my all-time favorites on this list. I remember sinking hours and hours in to this game on my DS as a kid. It's just really unique. The game features several mini-games that require tapping the DS's touch screen in different ways based on beat, rhythm, or melody. One notable thing about the game is that the DS is held sideways, with queues showing on the screen of your non-dominant hand while you tap on your dominant side with the stylus. You learn these individual mini-games as you go along, but as the game progresses, they're mixed together to test your skills. Rhythm Heaven also features some charming memorable characters and audio samples that will just get stuck in your head for years.
1. Beat Saber (2018)
Finally, we're reaching the end of the list with a modern favorite. This one is exclusively played in VR, making it one of the most immersive experiences here. The objective of Beat Saber is simple. You're equipped with two lightsabers. Slash through the notes to the rhythm of the music. It's a ton of fun, but oh boy does it get tiring. If you want a workout, this is a great way to get it. Similar to Osu! and Clone Hero, Beat Saber also allows players to create custom maps for the game, so you can play any song you're willing to program. The VR aspect also makes you feel super powerful, as the sabers feel incredibly real in your hands. It's an awesome experience and it's a game I frequent regularly. If you've got a VR headset lying around, definitely give this one a try.
Thanks so much for making it to the end! What did you think of the list? Are these games you might like to try? Have you already played them? Feel free to tell us what you think on one of our socials below!
Written By Shelbi Baker
*copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.