Thumper

 Switch
Thumper Image
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 102 Ratings

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  • Summary: Thumper is rhythm violence: classic rhythm-action, blistering speed, and brutal physicality.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Switch Player
    May 26, 2017
    92
    Thumper offers an extraordinary rhythm experience on the Nintendo Switch, and is heightened by its well-oiled reactionary gameplay, haunting soundtrack, and unique aesthetic. As one of the most enjoyable games on the console there's very little it does wrong, but it must be noted that there's not much staying power for those uninterested in chasing S-ranks.
  2. Metro GameCentral
    May 22, 2017
    90
    The best new rhythm action game for years, with a perfect blend of gameplay, music, and a frighteningly oppressive atmosphere.
  3. GamingTrend
    May 31, 2017
    90
    Thumper is a terrifyingly difficult game, but don’t let that deter you from experiencing its rhythm violence firsthand. The Switch port takes advantage of the system’s features quite well, and its speedy performance and killer sound design will rock your world.
  4. NintendoWorldReport
    May 18, 2017
    85
    As has been the case with quite a number of games I’ve enjoyed on the Switch to date I would gladly recommend Thumper to anyone, but would throw out two caveats as well. First, while I don’t think being good at rhythm games is necessarily essential to you being successful in the game, there’s no getting around the fact that being able to feel and anticipate the beats will help you immensely. The second is that this game gets to be extremely challenging, playing it has maxed out my personal intensity to the point that my thumb hurts from me mashing down the A button with apparently all of the force my hand can exert. I would expect that it is a game many people who decide to buy it won’t ever finish just because at some point the bar feels just a bit too high. Regardless, if you like its aesthetics, its pounding beats, and a stiff challenge, there’s really nothing holding me back from recommending it whole-heartedly.
  5. Cubed3
    Aug 14, 2017
    80
    More than living up to the "rhythm violence" tagline, Thumper leaves a lasting impression. Presenting a distinctive and adaptive score, together with an insane visual style and a difficulty level that rarely shows mercy, Thumper is a very effective showcase for the hardware abilities of the Switch, and a highly engaging experience on its own merits.
  6. Vooks
    Jun 21, 2017
    80
    With a heap of stages, designed to let you play a little or play a lot, a decent difficulty level and pretty visuals to match, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Some more variety in sight and sound wouldn't have been so bad, but the gameplay and continuous introduction of new gameplay elements forgive this.
  7. FNintendo
    Jun 27, 2017
    70
    A rhythm game requires intuitive controls and a good sense of progression and Thumper provides both. Players will have to pay close attention to their surroundings, especially to the sound, as their timing will have to be on the spot in order to advance and thanks to its gameplay mechanics, this is a game that easily seduces those who let themselves be wooed by catchy rhythms.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
  1. Bitek
    Dec 28, 2017
    10
    This game is amazingly mesmerizing in VR. You need to just try it. It is so much more immersive to play this game with PSVR on your head thanThis game is amazingly mesmerizing in VR. You need to just try it. It is so much more immersive to play this game with PSVR on your head than on TV. Absolutely no contest. The only way to play this game is in VR. Period.… Expand
  2. CJMoka
    Jan 2, 2021
    10
    I loved this game on PS4/VR, and played it a fair amount, but never finished it.
    This runs so buttery smooth, and on a handheld! Makes it way    I loved this game on PS4/VR, and played it a fair amount, but never finished it.
    This runs so buttery smooth, and on a handheld! Makes it way better to just pick up and bust out a level (or a couple of attempts) any time I have a spare few minutes, gives me a lot more chance to finish it.
    Well and truly tricks you into playing a rhythm game, I'm normally not a fan.
    Easily deserves a 10/10, such a perfect little game.    … Expand
  4. VideoGameLover
    May 24, 2017
    10
    Don't think about it. Just do it. That is, buy this game. For 20 bucks, you'll get at least a dozen thrilling hours out of it, even more ifDon't think about it. Just do it. That is, buy this game. For 20 bucks, you'll get at least a dozen thrilling hours out of it, even more if you try to get the highest letter grade for each level!

    The negative reviews below are a lie: Thumper is a great great addictive game!    … Expand
  5. SolomonRambling
    Dec 21, 2022
    9
    Audiosurf's evil twin, Thumper is an audio and visual delight which beats you over the head with dread and difficulty. The throbbingAudiosurf's evil twin, Thumper is an audio and visual delight which beats you over the head with dread and difficulty. The throbbing industrial soundtrack offers a different rhythm experience, sending you on a dark trip against fragmented and cosmic monsters. The moment-to-moment gameplay is frenetic and unforgiving, but checkpoints are plentiful, making progression possible with patience and practice. The finale, in particular, is mind-blowing and well worth the effort. Although Thumper runs perfectly fine on the Switch, it is enjoyed best through VR.… Expand
  6. StevenGreen
    Jun 6, 2017
    8
    Thumper is unsettling in a way that is super unique, and makes you get pumped into the music way more than most music/rhythm genre games. TheThumper is unsettling in a way that is super unique, and makes you get pumped into the music way more than most music/rhythm genre games. The game just uses metal/EDM style playlists, but even though they are just general beats they really pump you up, and the aggressive nature of the mechanics in which you must slide and slam into the course rather than just pressing a button, really get you involved. The game ramps up at a steady pace, and teaches you the mechanics at a fair clip. The game gets very challenging as you go along, and keeps the game interesting. The game could come across as boring to some, only because they don't use any mainstream music you're familiar with to keep you intrigued and they mechanics, once learned, don't chance much. Anyone who likes rhythm games like Amplitude will also enjoy this game, but it is more of a niche genre, so make sure to check out some gameplay before making the dive.… Expand
  7. DeusGod
    Jun 26, 2018
    8
    A game graphic makes my eyes are a bit sore. But still good ideas and good songs.
  8. Poussette
    Mar 17, 2018
    2
    Jeu trop dur musique toujours pareille je suis au rang 6 aucun checkpoint pour les boss c'est tout simplement frustrant et pas agréable

See all 21 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Switch Game of 2017
63
#63 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
33
#33 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

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