Thumper

 Switch
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 102 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 79 out of 102
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 102
  3. Negative: 12 out of 102

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  1. Spaceman1
    May 19, 2017
    9
    Awesome, But get prepared to get your ass handed to you on a plate. This is a visual feast as a handheld game ! mixed with tight, hypnotic, intense industrial music. It has the best use of the 3d rumble by far. It ain't easy though you've been warned.
  2. 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 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!
  3. EdwardG
    Sep 14, 2017
    9
    Thumper is an intense rhythm action game with a very high difficulty. With simple but addictive gameplay, interesting visuals, haunting audio, 9 levels and a 'PLAY+' mode, there is a lot of content here to enjoy and replay to get higher scores. At just £15.99, this is an easy game to recommend.
    THE GOOD
    - Gameplay is fun and easy to get absorbed in - I'd find my mind blank, entirely    Thumper is an intense rhythm action game with a very high difficulty. With simple but addictive gameplay, interesting visuals, haunting audio, 9 levels and a 'PLAY+' mode, there is a lot of content here to enjoy and replay to get higher scores. At just £15.99, this is an easy game to recommend.
    THE GOOD
    - Gameplay is fun and easy to get absorbed in - I'd find my mind blank, entirely focused on my beetle's avatar traversing through the many stages of each level. It's easy to play for ages without even realising it.
    - The visuals and audio are beautiful at times, creating a haunting atmosphere whilst also keeping you pumped up. Sound effects also fit in well.
    - Each of the 9 levels is different enough from the rest. With new mechanics consistently introduced, and the difficulty creeping up, I didn't have time to get bored.
    - HD Rumble feels great - when turning a a corner I would feel a powerful vibration in my respective hand. This was even more impressive when using headphones, as the audio would bounce into my right ear as my right hand felt a jolt.
    - The way the game grades you seems fair. Personally, I went for the highest available, 'S', on every stage of every level. I felt this added to my enjoyment, continually replaying stages until I could do them perfectly. I enjoyed this trial and error aspect, as it made me feel as though I'd made a bit of progress each time I got slightly further. It also made finally getting the prestigious 'S' all the more satisfying. However, if you choose to do so, you could set your sights a little lower to alleviate some of the frustration of having to do the same stage over and over again.
    - The ending is superb, dramatically revamping the game in a way I won't spoil here - I only wish we could have seen more of this new mechanic and the particularly gorgeous music and style found here. This is something
    - As mentioned in the intro, the 'PLAY+' mode adds a lot of longevity. You replay all 9 levels, but with just one life per level, no checkpoints, increased speed, and the chance to get even higher scores with a new rank and score multiplier.
    THE BAD
    - I can't think of anything I could say was objectively bad.
    THE BORING
    - Although the music is interesting and definitely has moments of greatness, it could have done with some variety. I found myself getting bored with it towards the latter half of the game. The ending proved that Drool, the team behind the game, had it in them to produce more than what we primarily heard. I wish they could have taken more risks like the one they took here. The same could be said with the visuals, but to a lesser extent. I certainly never found them boring, but a little diversity could've helped - again, I blame this on the ending. It left me with a taste for more, wishing that the entire game could have been as diverse. As this is from a team of just two people, it's easily forgivable, and is more of a subjective thing. I felt I had to include this point, but bear in mind that you may think I'm completely wrong.
    - Although this is more of a nitpick, I think it's worth mentioning that the boss design could also have been more diverse. A lot of them look almost identical, with just a couple of new details added. Again, as this is from a two-man team, it really isn't important.
    CONCLUSION
    Thumper is a must buy if you're up for a challenge. Having already spent 15 hours with it, and barely touching 'PLAY+' (which is very hard, maybe too hard for me), I can definitely recommend this game. At just £15.99, this deserves your time and money. The only thing keeping me from giving a 10 is the lack of audiovisual diversity, something that many might not even have a problem with. Buy this game.    … Expand
  4. Ryijun
    Jul 11, 2020
    10
    The best graphics on the switch from all existing projects to date, awesome visual effects and crazy complexity. The idea of a runner-music game is interesting and well implemented. But, as they say, not for everyone.
  5. RobGaiden
    Aug 3, 2018
    9
    This game feels Brutally good the synchronisation with the music is good and one of the most rewarding I ever play. Also it maintains a fresh progression by introducing a new mechanic every level. If you like challenging games give it a go!
  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. 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 getThumper 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. Tacet
    May 19, 2017
    9
    Wonderful graphics, killer soundtrack, and if you flinch you die. Awesome in handheld or on the TV with no lag. Totally worth it if your into challenging rhythm games.
  8. Poincare
    May 21, 2017
    3
    Boredom and disappointment. I don't see why others, users or critics, give Thumper such a highly rated score. In the game you play the gray space beetle cruising down a track. Granted, from an audio/visual perspective, the game is interesting and scores points on that angle yet after 10-15 minutes, gameplay becomes excessively boring. Push buttons and drift around corners. Seems like theBoredom and disappointment. I don't see why others, users or critics, give Thumper such a highly rated score. In the game you play the gray space beetle cruising down a track. Granted, from an audio/visual perspective, the game is interesting and scores points on that angle yet after 10-15 minutes, gameplay becomes excessively boring. Push buttons and drift around corners. Seems like the developers are influenced by F-Zero so some credit for gameplay should be given there. However, all things considered Thumper just becomes too boring too quickly.… Expand
  9. 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 than on TV. Absolutely no contest. The only way to play this game is in VR. Period.
  10. bulger_paul
    Jul 9, 2018
    7
    Rhythm games just aren't exactly my kind of thing, I guess. I've tried out several, and the only one I've ever completely, thoroughly enjoyed, was Elite Beat Agents on the DS. But, even as somebody who isn't really into rhythm games, there's still something ultra satisfying about striking the beats and hitting the turn pikes in Thumper, a kind of satisfaction I personally don't experienceRhythm games just aren't exactly my kind of thing, I guess. I've tried out several, and the only one I've ever completely, thoroughly enjoyed, was Elite Beat Agents on the DS. But, even as somebody who isn't really into rhythm games, there's still something ultra satisfying about striking the beats and hitting the turn pikes in Thumper, a kind of satisfaction I personally don't experience that often in rhythm games. It's immediately gratifying in a way I can't fully describe. You feel the thumps in your chest and they resonate throughout your body, which means the developers put a ton of thought into the tactile feedback this games gives you, and it all pairs brilliantly with the hypnotic kaleidoscopic visuals.

    Overall, this is definitely worth a go, even though it didn't leave the lasting impact on me that it left with many others.    … Expand
  11. Cesarhawk
    Jul 23, 2017
    10
    Raro, raro, raro... A mi este tipo de juegos digamos que me llaman poco la atención. Aún así su apartado visual y su música están muy bien aunque es casi psicodélico jajajaja.a
  12. scottjl
    Dec 27, 2018
    7
    Rhythm game? I guess it can be described as that. Most of the time what you need to do aligns with something in the beat, but not always. It also is not very obvious just what you need to do, so be prepared to hit the same tracks over, and over, and over as you incrementally learn what moves need to be done. The visuals are different, interesting, bizarre, but they do get very repetitiveRhythm game? I guess it can be described as that. Most of the time what you need to do aligns with something in the beat, but not always. It also is not very obvious just what you need to do, so be prepared to hit the same tracks over, and over, and over as you incrementally learn what moves need to be done. The visuals are different, interesting, bizarre, but they do get very repetitive and boring after a while. The concept, a silvered beetle racing down a track, no idea where that came from. It's fun to play if you enjoy the genre, but spectators will be bored silly, so keep this one to yourself. I didn't feel there was any difference between the small screen or a large, a good sound system helps, so use headphones on the small screen if you don't have a good sound system on your TV, even then you might want to so the neighbors don't complain.

    Props for the save system, you can just pick up where you left off unless you purposely reset the game. If I had to start over each time I played I would delete this one fast.

    I bought it on a whim, on sale, so I can't complain much. But I'd only recommend it to rhythm game fans looking for something different. Anyone else, you might just want to skip this, especially at full price.    … Expand
  13. 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 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,    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
  14. Jack5switch
    Dec 18, 2017
    6
    Thumper's gameplay can be described with one word: gruelling. This word specifically packs a lot of punch because it was one of the difficulty settings in Shrek the Third on PS2. This is by far the most hardcore and frustrating video game in my entire library. It conveys the idea of rhythm violence exceptionally, but new concepts are constantly being introduced with every sub-level, thusThumper's gameplay can be described with one word: gruelling. This word specifically packs a lot of punch because it was one of the difficulty settings in Shrek the Third on PS2. This is by far the most hardcore and frustrating video game in my entire library. It conveys the idea of rhythm violence exceptionally, but new concepts are constantly being introduced with every sub-level, thus the game becomes less about timing notes and more about memorising when they'll appear. One specific sub-level in Level 8 forced me to pull out my pen and paper in order to write down the exact timing so I could get an S rank, but with me being very skilled at rhythm games, players unfamilliar with the genre will struggle to keep up past Level 3. Only if you are a rhythm god will you have a chance of fully completing this game, and even so, you should buy it on Steam because it's cheaper there.… Expand
  15. Keenanu
    Aug 10, 2017
    8
    Really unique and intense rhythm game that starts out pretty easy, but with each of the 9 levels comes a different time signature and a higher difficulty. You may find yourself hitting a skill ceiling with this one. The superb HD rumble and handheld option make the switch version the definitive version IMO (unless you want to play in VR). Get it.
  16. insx
    Jun 4, 2018
    9
    A great rhythm game that's different to any other that I've played and hard to explain to anyone who hasn't played it. Some people say they have finished all the levels in 8 hours, I think it will take me at least twice that, they must have great reflexes. The only minor complaint I have is that occasionally there is no discernible rhythm to the moves and it's hard to rely on visualsA great rhythm game that's different to any other that I've played and hard to explain to anyone who hasn't played it. Some people say they have finished all the levels in 8 hours, I think it will take me at least twice that, they must have great reflexes. The only minor complaint I have is that occasionally there is no discernible rhythm to the moves and it's hard to rely on visuals alone. It's great with the Switch's small screen and headphones but it's amazing on a big TV with good speakers with bass filling the room and the controller(s) rumbling in your hands.… Expand
  17. 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
  18. DeusGod
    Jun 26, 2018
    8
    A game graphic makes my eyes are a bit sore. But still good ideas and good songs.
  19. Pimplup
    Nov 30, 2019
    10
    If this game's trailer and/or the rhythm game genre appeals to you at all, you're gonna love this game. For $20 ($5 if you get it on sale!) this is a must-have.
  20. jens76
    May 22, 2022
    8
    den Schwengel über die Harfe ziehen; ein Beatle fliegt schnell und rhythmisch, beständig, kein Windbeutel.
  21. 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 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 withAudiosurf'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

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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. 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.
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  2. 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.
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  3. 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.
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