HarmoKnight

HarmoKnight is a Game Freak product, through and through. While its nods to Pokémon are apparent in unlockable content and a Gengar-esque antagonist, the truth behind my assumption is actually buried a little deeper.

HarmoKnight is a wonderful bundle of charm and joy that doesn't really punish failure but rather encourages perseverance and dedication. There isn't even a "Game Over" when you die! Instead, the screen reads, "Oh Dear..." Reminds me of a mother who picks up a child who fell off the jungle gym, dusts him off, and gently urges him to try again. It's such a minor touch, but it's nonetheless uplifting. Maybe I'm sentimental like that.

HarmoKnight is a chaming rhythm game with good music, so far, a unique experience on the eShop of 3DS.

From start to finish, the experience is so enjoyable that it's easily recommendable to any 3DS owner with an affinity for rhythm games. If only Game Freak would step out of their Pokémon shell more often, because the result of the developer's experimentation is awesome.

Puts many retail games to shame. [June 2013, p.79]

HarmoKnight is among the best the 3DS eShop has to offer. Playtime only clocks in at around 4-5 hours, but it is a full experience. With its diverse levels, rhythm-focused gameplay, great music, and charming characters, HarmoKnight will be a memorable experience for those lucky enough to discover it.

There’s a hefty amount of content in place for your money.

HarmoKnight is one of those games that instantly charms you. The creators of Pokémon know their stuff, and among the things they know best is pure creative power, lively music and exciting creatures, all of whom are represented in this short, but sweet musical experience.

While it lasted (unfortunately not too long) it kept me entertained, since the combination of jump&run and rhythm game works surprisingly well.

HarmoKnight is a fun, rhythmic endless runner for all ages and skills. The rather low initial difficulty level coupled with inviting graphics make it good for players just getting their feet wet with the genre. The bonuses from the gold medals provide some appeal to genre veterans or those looking for a challenge. Having a much more memorable selection of music to run with would have been ideal, but as it stands, this is another fine entry in the system's eShop.

Different, original and very rhythmic. Game Freak surprises us with a videogame which isn't a Pokemon, but an original title based on the fun of pressing buttons with precision. Its direct gameplay is highly recommended for rhythmic games fans and owners of a Nintendo 3DS in general.

A thoroughly enjoyable experience from start to finish, HarmoKnight offers a simple concept to understand and enough challenge and variety to keep players involved.

Harmoknight has that deceptively simple, cheery, Rhythm Heaven-like quality that belies just how addictive it can be.

It’s refreshingly exacting about timing, though too forgiving when it comes to grading – you can miss several prompts, take plenty of damage and still earn gold.

HarmoKnight manages to combine attractive cartoon-like visuals with engaging, rhythm-based gameplay to create an experience which can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with genre classics like Vib Ribbon, Gitaroo Man and PaRappa the Rappa.

Albeit short and sometimes frustrating, HarmoKnight is a gorgeous and enjoyable eShop title which deserved a cartridge on its own.

Lovely art design and catchy tunes make this a pleasure to play, but it lacks the precision of, say, Elite Beat Agents or Maestro! Jump In Music.

HarmoKnight has the Nintendo polish, but you’re spending $14.99 for what is essentially a glorified mobile game.