Can you get into the rhythm?

The Rhythm Paradise series returns with a brand-new entry: Rhythm Paradise Groove! Play a wealth of eclectic rhythm games along with music produced by the renowned Japanese musician Tsunku♂

This is my first Rhythm Paradise game, though it’s called Rhythm Heaven in the US and Japan for whatever reason. The original came out exclusively to Japan on GBA back in 2006, while DS entries would be the Western debut of the franchise two years later. The last entry was on the 3DS in 2015/2016, so a new entry has definitely been long overdue. Why a Switch version didn’t emerge sooner is anyone’s guess, especially now that the Switch 2 has been out for over a year.

History lesson aside, what exactly is Rhythm Paradise? It’s a collection of rhythm based minigames that would look right at home alongside a WarioWare game. What is surprising is that the game relies on button prompts and not motion controls, which is what I expected from a Switch game like this. I honestly got the Joy-Cons all prepped to go along with the beat and was quite shocked that it was button input only.

I’m pleased though, it doesn’t need that as a gimmick to stand out. The minigames vary from your character jumping through hoops, opening and closing an umbrella and dozens of other scenarios in rhythm. It will take some getting used to and in the main single player mode, you will need to perform to a decent enough level to unlock the next scenario.

The minigames are good fun, though some will have preferences over what ones they like and which ones they find more challenging. The multiplayer mode is more fleshed out than I expected and there’s a nice variety of different tracks scattered across the game’s modes.

The visuals are pretty basic, but they don’t need to be fancy for a game like this. I did experience a bit of latency lag with my TV, but you can recalibrate it as many times as needed to get it right.

The Verdict

Rhythm Paradise Groove is an impressive collection of rhythm based minigames. It has a decent multiplayer and a nice variety of modes and tracks. If you can calibrate your TV right, then this is well worth your time and energy.

Score: 8.0