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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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

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

All reviews »
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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