Rhythm Heaven

 DS
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 99 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 99
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 99
  3. Negative: 6 out of 99
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  1. D4C
    Mar 15, 2017
    8
    While sometimes being frustrating because of quick taps or quick flicks not registering (I'm looking at you Rhythm Rally 2 and Mo-ai Doo-Wop 2!), Rhythm Heaven is a very fun and wacky rhythm game that you'll find most of the songs being stuck in your head.
  2. ExpEchoX5
    Nov 21, 2011
    5
    I bought this as an impulse buy when I saw it sold cheaply, but I was mostly disappointed by this game. The graphics and sound are okay, but the frustrating game-play and the restrictive game setup is the main reasons for my low score. Not only is the game too hard, but it doesnâ
  3. LordFawful
    Aug 29, 2012
    8
    Have you ever played a game about lizards with musical instruments on their back? No? Then what about a game featuring monkeys at a pop music concert? You haven\\\\\\\'t? Perhaps you\\\\\\\'ve tried a game about using karate to fling dumplings into your mouth? Oh. Well, Rhythm Heaven, Rhythm Tengoku Gold in Japan, is all that, and much, much more. It\\\\\\\'s a game about playing soccerHave you ever played a game about lizards with musical instruments on their back? No? Then what about a game featuring monkeys at a pop music concert? You haven\\\\\\\'t? Perhaps you\\\\\\\'ve tried a game about using karate to fling dumplings into your mouth? Oh. Well, Rhythm Heaven, Rhythm Tengoku Gold in Japan, is all that, and much, much more. It\\\\\\\'s a game about playing soccer (football in Europe) in space, joining an army of birds, and even joining a choir of cutesy bow-tie midgets. Plus more. There\\\\\\\'s 50 different minigames, most of them with a completely different theme to the last, but they all share the same gameplay. Tap, press, and flick your stylus to the beat of a brilliant tune. It\\\\\\\'s even crazier than it sounds, matching Lewis Carrol\\\\\\\'s Alice in Wonderland duo in outrageous insanity. And it\\\\\\\'s been developed incredibly well. The music never sounds unfitting, and the controls always match the stage you\\\\\\\'re playing. Speaking of the controls, they are the only downside to this masterpiece. The DS won\\\\\\\'t necessarily register what you\\\\\\\'re doing properly unless you hold your stylus hand in an annoyingly uncomfortable position. And, on one particular level, you can get your timing one tenth of a second wrong and watch in horror as your little character performs the wrong move, mucking up your \\\\\\\"superb\\\\\\\" ranking. Your success is determined by a ranking. \\\\\\\"Try again\\\\\\\" means you are a miserable failure, \\\\\\\"okay\\\\\\\" means you were decent enough to pass, while \\\\\\\"superb\\\\\\\" means you\\\\\\\'re awesome and get a shiny gold medal. Which is just what I award this game with. If you have a DS, buy it for an amazingly low price.… Expand
  4. TwilightVomit
    May 18, 2017
    0
    This is not enjoyable at all. There's no visual way to track the beat meaning you have to play the anoying sound on full volume and carfully listen to everything, and the sound's pretty annoying. Tapping feels unresponsive on a lot of the minigames and nearly all of them have lame themes.
  5. Pet2323
    Aug 22, 2020
    1
    bad bad game bad bad game bad bad game bad bad game bad bad game bad bad game bad bad game bad bad game bad bad game bad bad game bad bad game bad bad game
  6. JoshW.
    May 20, 2009
    10
    I have never played the GBA game, so I have yet to use the superior controls for the first of this game, but I can say that this is one of the most fun, simple, and challenging games on the DS so far. The voice acting could use some work (can't get that stupid fan club song out of my head), but the music is catchy. The unlockables are fun and just when you expect to have beaten the I have never played the GBA game, so I have yet to use the superior controls for the first of this game, but I can say that this is one of the most fun, simple, and challenging games on the DS so far. The voice acting could use some work (can't get that stupid fan club song out of my head), but the music is catchy. The unlockables are fun and just when you expect to have beaten the very last minigame, BAM, you get 20 more, which exited me to no end. At first I thought the initial 15 minigames were going to be the only ones available, but wow, I was way wrong.… Expand
  7. cindys
    Jul 22, 2009
    10
    Rhythm Heaven is really amazing ! it's simple but unique and fun, most importantly it's not boring . in fact, the songs are good and it has many variations . in my opinion, the remix part is the most enjoyable.
  8. AnonymousMC
    Oct 3, 2009
    9
    Challenging yet so funny and entertaining. The graphics and characters make this game what it is. Awesome quickplay game and just puts a smile on your face. Warning though, if you don't know how to keep rhythm you will quickly get frustrated! I still can't perfect the very first game.
  9. JonathanS
    Jun 7, 2009
    9
    When I bought this game, I had doubts. Usually, when I buy a game, I read reviews then decide whether to buy it. But with this one, I pretty much took a blind shot and hoped it would be good, because I heard great things about the Japan-exclusive GBA prequal. I was blown away. THE GAME IS AWESOME! It's really fun, the music is great, and I am going to be playing this one for a while.
  10. IgorB
    Apr 11, 2009
    8
    Although it's not as good as GBA predecessor due to a little flaw touch screen use (less accurate, which is real deal in such a game), but still it's great fun - music, graphics and gameplay is a top-tier among the music games on DS. And the english translation went quite well, surprisingly.
  11. D.Recon
    Apr 19, 2009
    10
    A terrific, original, and stylish addition to your DS collection. The mini-games are entertaining and when put together into ten exciting (and musically pleasing) remixes, they add more to the already fun experience. Replayability is very high, as it encourages you to earn better rankings in each mini-game and remix, which in turn unlocks more mini-games and "rhythm toys" for further A terrific, original, and stylish addition to your DS collection. The mini-games are entertaining and when put together into ten exciting (and musically pleasing) remixes, they add more to the already fun experience. Replayability is very high, as it encourages you to earn better rankings in each mini-game and remix, which in turn unlocks more mini-games and "rhythm toys" for further entertainment. I highly recommend this for rhythm game buffs and as a great introductory title for newbies! A+… Expand
  12. ripperroo123
    Mar 1, 2011
    8
    Please buy this game. Recommend it VERY strongly. If you don't have a DS get one for this game. The music is nothing short of astounding. It gets into your head forever. There are a few slightly...not as good as the rest...minigames, but they're added for a good reason. The Lockstep one is astounding. Fan Club is catchy. The characters in the game get mad at you if you mess up, which makesPlease buy this game. Recommend it VERY strongly. If you don't have a DS get one for this game. The music is nothing short of astounding. It gets into your head forever. There are a few slightly...not as good as the rest...minigames, but they're added for a good reason. The Lockstep one is astounding. Fan Club is catchy. The characters in the game get mad at you if you mess up, which makes you actually fell bad. The graphics are simple, and the few games with 3D graphics usually work. The second Ping Pong and the Credits minigame don't work as well as the other 3D ones. Basically, it's a great game if you like rhythm.… Expand
  13. nintendoid13
    Sep 26, 2012
    10
    This game is amazing. I, being a drummer for about 5 years, I think this game is a great outlet for anyone who wants to expand their talent in rhythm or just to have fun! A great title for anyone's DS system! I love it!
  14. panaes
    May 28, 2011
    8
    This game is very enjoyable and funny but a little bit too short. There should be more mini-games in it. Anyway, it's an essential title for DS and I'll but RH2 for sure if it will be released one day.
  15. Faxmashine
    Aug 25, 2011
    10
    This game is so memorable. I just HAVE to play it whenever I get my DS to play some old games. Rhythm Heaven is already making me feel nostalgic! Great music, simple gameplay, and there is simply no way to get this game out of your head.

    Play it.
  16. Galjundi7
    Jun 3, 2011
    9
    Me cago en tu puta madre
    It's addictive! Your rhythm significantly improves. But I think it's better the GBA version. Within a 0-to-10 ranking, I would punctuate this video game with a 9'0 The game-play is very innovative.
  17. rexmageuser
    Dec 26, 2011
    10
    The game is very good in my opinion.Downside is the localization.But oh well.The game is fun regardless.

    JP version:10/10
    NA version:9.5/10

    Just play it!You'll be glad if you did.(though I recommend the JP version)
  18. MrHayden4495
    Mar 21, 2013
    9
    If you thought this was one of those colored-indicators-fall-down like Guitar Hero, think again. This game is surprisingly innovative in the way it handles rhythmic gameplay. There are no obnoxious blocks or flashy lights to tell you if you did something right or wrong. In the game, there are creative situations where the rhythm is intuitive, and intuition is the game's strongestIf you thought this was one of those colored-indicators-fall-down like Guitar Hero, think again. This game is surprisingly innovative in the way it handles rhythmic gameplay. There are no obnoxious blocks or flashy lights to tell you if you did something right or wrong. In the game, there are creative situations where the rhythm is intuitive, and intuition is the game's strongest element. It's simplicity is more comprehensible than titles with unnecessarily complex tutorials (Rock Band). But the game also has tension, in which case the game forces the player to not only feel comfortable with the given rhythm but also play other rhythms the player has learned without transition or notice. The only que is the situation the player recognized from an earlier level. I will say this though. The only way to get a "Perfect" on a level is if the game opens it for the chance to get a "Perfect", which makes the player play levels he's already done flawlessly or not. Yes, the game can get a little bit frustrating. For example, missing beat may cost you the win. However, that is to make sure the player understands the game's standards, and soon enough, he will get there.… Expand
  19. ThisMustBeHalo
    Jan 4, 2014
    8
    It's actually a really fun and unique game, but it's not really one for people who either don't play an instrument, or listen to a ton of music(Luckily, I'm the former). However, if you do happen to be either one of those people, Rhythm Heaven deserves at least one playthrough. If you do decide to get it, prepare for a bit of rage on the Remix levels.
    Gameplay +6
    Uniqueness +1    It's actually a really fun and unique game, but it's not really one for people who either don't play an instrument, or listen to a ton of music(Luckily, I'm the former). However, if you do happen to be either one of those people, Rhythm Heaven deserves at least one playthrough. If you do decide to get it, prepare for a bit of rage on the Remix levels.
    Gameplay +6
    Uniqueness +1
    Soundtrack +1
    Rather small audience -1
    Difficulty spikes(Remix 8) -1    … Expand
  20. teoulas
    Aug 12, 2015
    9
    I just love this game. It has a dead simple concept, but polished to perfection. Typical Nintendo. The animations and characters burst with creativity. The music is fantastic. I just can't stop listening to music even after completing all the levels. There are plenty of unlock-able mini games too. I didn't have the chance to play it when the DS was in its heyday, but thankfully my 3DS isI just love this game. It has a dead simple concept, but polished to perfection. Typical Nintendo. The animations and characters burst with creativity. The music is fantastic. I just can't stop listening to music even after completing all the levels. There are plenty of unlock-able mini games too. I didn't have the chance to play it when the DS was in its heyday, but thankfully my 3DS is backwards-compatible and got it very cheap on eBay.… Expand
  21. HoganV
    Jan 4, 2018
    10
    Rhythm heaven is an addictive rhythm game that is weird. But weird is good sometimes. It is frustratingly hard, but sometimes difficult games are very fun. (Dark Souls, anyone?) I had lots of fun playing this. The maximum price i would pay for this game is $45. The soundtrack is fun and original, and Remix 10 is awesome. But i am a huge fan of music, and i play piano, so your opinion mightRhythm heaven is an addictive rhythm game that is weird. But weird is good sometimes. It is frustratingly hard, but sometimes difficult games are very fun. (Dark Souls, anyone?) I had lots of fun playing this. The maximum price i would pay for this game is $45. The soundtrack is fun and original, and Remix 10 is awesome. But i am a huge fan of music, and i play piano, so your opinion might be different.… Expand
  22. ReedYT
    Nov 8, 2020
    10
    This is a good game my favourite character is widget and this game is good it is my favourite ds game besides dark souls, call of duty and Pokémon black and white.
  23. GebusNunes
    Apr 4, 2019
    9
    I think this game is very interesting. I got this game for free at a pawn shop and am very glad to get this game. The music on this game is memorable and interesting. Every now and then I find myself hmmm-ing to the music randomly. If you have a decision to get this game for around or under 18$, you should cop.
  24. ShawnEXE
    May 3, 2019
    9
    Music: 5/5
    Game Play: 5/5
    Graphics: 4/5
    Story: ???/5
    Time-Value: 5/5
    Overall:4.5/5
  25. hector_bcn98
    Nov 7, 2022
    8
    Uno de los juegos más enfermos y bizarros que te puedas echar en cara. Por otra parte, una franquicia adictiva como pocas. Bien!
  26. clickbaiter247
    Dec 9, 2020
    0
    This game is a pretty fun game for the DS, but it has two issues, that being the controls and the remixes. The controls are quite annoying as the flicking, sliding, and tapping is quite annoying compared to a and b controls. The remixes have an issue of being really bland, the only memorable ones usually being (sometimes) remix 7, remix 8, and remix 10. Most of the remix sons just aren'tThis game is a pretty fun game for the DS, but it has two issues, that being the controls and the remixes. The controls are quite annoying as the flicking, sliding, and tapping is quite annoying compared to a and b controls. The remixes have an issue of being really bland, the only memorable ones usually being (sometimes) remix 7, remix 8, and remix 10. Most of the remix sons just aren't enjoyable, such as remix 5. All in all, fun game, annoying controls and meh remixes… Expand
  27. alogangtothepas
    Jun 2, 2021
    8
    I really want to give this game a perfect 10, I really loved it growing up and still find it fun today, but it has it's issue I just can't ignore. Rhythm Heaven is a series I've been in love with for years, I've played all the games, and I can safely say Rhythm Heaven DS isn't the best one by a long shot. But that doesn't mean it's bad by any means, in fact it has some of the most funI really want to give this game a perfect 10, I really loved it growing up and still find it fun today, but it has it's issue I just can't ignore. Rhythm Heaven is a series I've been in love with for years, I've played all the games, and I can safely say Rhythm Heaven DS isn't the best one by a long shot. But that doesn't mean it's bad by any means, in fact it has some of the most fun minigames in the series! But, at the same time, it's controls are a little iffy at times and the minigames are a mixed bag of incredibly fun, timeless games, and boring or frustrating games I wish I could completely remove. I still give it an 8 though, and if you like the rest of the series there's no reason not to give Rhythm Heaven DS a shot. It still has great games like Lockstep, DJ School, Love Lab, Rockers, and Space Soccer (which they should totally bring back in a new Switch game), among many other great ones. Overall, even taking its faults into account, I still think Rhythm Heaven DS is a great game, and you should totally give it a play if you enjoy the rest of the series.… Expand
  28. Smg7
    Jun 29, 2023
    9
    One of my favorite DS games. The rhythm minigames are fun but also challenging, especially if you go for all perfects as i did

    I enjoyed this game a bit more than the wii version, the minigames felt more fleshed out and it was more challenging
  29. child_reviews
    Jul 10, 2022
    10
    This is my favorite ds game of all time. Most of the minigames are charming and the music is catchy. The pixel art isn't the best in the world but that makes the game more charming. The rewards for getting all the medals is a good incentive to do that. One thing i really love thats in every rhythm heaven game is that you can play the entire game with your eyes closed which actually makesThis is my favorite ds game of all time. Most of the minigames are charming and the music is catchy. The pixel art isn't the best in the world but that makes the game more charming. The rewards for getting all the medals is a good incentive to do that. One thing i really love thats in every rhythm heaven game is that you can play the entire game with your eyes closed which actually makes the game a RHYTHM game. 100 percenting the game is a pain, but it doesn't feel impossible unlike fever. If anything this is one of the best rhythm games to exist even if you don't like the gimmick of tapping the screen its very responsive and all mistakes that happen are made by you, not the game. this game is a must play for music game lovers.… Expand
  30. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 2, 2023
    5
    AKA Rhythm Paradise, this is a Simon Says-style music game reminiscent of the Guitar Hero games and their ilk. Mildly amusing in small doses but like all of these types of games, it's very repetitive by nature.
  31. Ryco141
    Aug 20, 2023
    10
    Oh boy, this game is nostalgic for me. I only recently found my old DS and saw that rhythm heaven cartridge was in it and decided to play it. I have played it so much recently that I have 100% it. Thanks childhood.

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best DS Game of 2009
9
#9 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
57
#57 Most Shared DS Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 48 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 48
  3. Negative: 0 out of 48
  1. Impulsegamer
    89
    Although the game is reminiscent of WarioWare in terms of playability and content, Rhythm Heaven’s simplicity is the key to success and without trying to be too clever, Nintendo have once again redefined enjoyable gaming for the masses.
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  2. Pelit (Finland)
    87
    Rhythm Paradise has quirky sense of style, catchy tunes and it pushes you to try harder to master the minigames. Sometimes it’s hard to know what you are doing wrong though. [June 2009]
  3. NZGamer
    80
    It's definitely worth a look if you're the type who keeps their DS for long plane, train or automobile journeys, and I've no doubt that Beyonce's relaxed endorsement of the product will see it enjoy some success.
    Read full review
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