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Rhythm Heaven

EMAIL PRINT ds

9.5 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 48 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 17 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Nintendo

Genre(s): Rhythm Action, Music

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: April 5, 2009

Summary

(Also known as "Rhythm Paradise") Rhythm Heaven is a simple and infectious rhythm game that anyone can play. If you can tap your finger in time to music, you'll get the hang of Rhythm Heaven in no time. Players hold the Nintendo DS system sideways like a book and tap their stylus on the touch screen to the rhythm of the music. Players tap, slide or flick the stylus to hit the right beat. Rhythm Heaven features catchy tunes, charming characters and a wide variety of rhythm games. [Nintendo]

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Giant Bomb

Rhythm Heaven is a great addition to the DS library that's definitely worth checking out if you've ever liked a WarioWare game.

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100

GamePro

Still, with such a wide selection of games to choose from with over 30 core mini-games, not to mention medals to win, "Perfect" ratings to earn, and incredibly simple yet insanely engaging Endless Games and Rhythm Toys to unlock (never thought I'd spend two hours digitally flicking a coin in tune with an ever-changing tempo), Rhythm Heaven is a must-own for handheld gamers everywhere, plain and simple, and a welcome breath of fresh air for the gaming scene in general.

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Wii Brasil

Although it has little problems that don't make it perfect, Rhythm Heaven is an excellent game which has to be, at least, played by every DS owner who has a bit of rhythmic sense. Those who don't even know how to get sound from a soda can will face problems while playing difficult levels.

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Thunderbolt

It speaks to so many things fans love about Nintendo and their products. The game shows off both the simplicity and complexity of DS, but more importantly, Rhythm Heaven is an insanely good time.

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Meristation

It's more than just a musical game. It's pure rhythm. Nintendo has done it again with an completely original game, and outstanding one that will hit the streets in no time. As soon as it does, it will surely become another instant hit on the market. You just can't stop playing with all the different rhythms of this bizarre but lovely game. A must-have with no doubt.

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Nintendo Power

One of the few titles that does minigames right. [May 2009, p.86]

Nintendo Life

It still stands as one of the finest titles to grace the Nintendo DS. It’s packed full of content and will keep even the most experienced gamers playing for a good length of time due to its deep replay value.

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Wired

Rhythm Heaven is exactly the sort of novel, deep, challenging game that people accuse Nintendo of not creating anymore. Play it.

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IGN

Even if you’re not a music fan you’re going to love Rhythm Heaven. It’s completely off the wall and unlike anything you’ve ever played on the Nintendo DS, not to mention incredibly fun and just as addictive.

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Vandal Online

Music games fans can fall in love with Ryhthm Heaven, or just the contrary, because its proposal is very different in comparison with most of the musical games in the market today.

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Play Magazine

A ridiculous amount of fun packed into a tiny DS cartridge, Rhythm Heaven's only real flaw is a bit of jet lag from its trip across the ocean.

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Destructoid

These musical minigames are ones that will make you laugh, challenge your sense of timing and reflex, and keep you coming back again and again. You'll fall in love.

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Eurogamer Spain

Rhythm Paradise is as awesome as it is difficult to explain how great it is. It should be the reference for future music games, as well as those based on short minigames.

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ImpulseGamer

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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3DJuegos

Rhythm Heaven is a great example of good innovation with a low budget. The great variety in the mini games mix in a perfect way with the rhythm. One of the best musical games in the market. A fresh air in videogames.

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GamingExcellence

Rhythm Heaven is one of those rare portable games that is so addictive it makes you wish you had a longer commute to work.

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Cheat Code Central

Punishingly difficult, yet ostentatiously cute, Rhythm Heaven is the epitome of what a handheld music-based game should be. Forget guitar grips or funky cheerleaders! You won't find a more engaging or entertaining music experience for the DS.

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GameTrailers

Both the music and mini-game markets have become quite crowded since the original Japanese GBA release, but Rhythm Heaven still stands out among the crowd with its charming presentation, catchy original tunes, and addictive gameplay. This is one beat you don’t want to miss.

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Pelit (Finland)

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]

Multiplayer.it

Rhythm Paradise is the game that all Nintendo DS owners were waiting for. It's simple, funny and highly addictive, with plenty of crazy characters that you'll love instantly. If you liked Wario Ware titles, you'll definitely appreciate this one.

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NintendoWorldReport

Fair warning: the game is challenging, and at times you will want to throw your DS against the wall. Regardless, you will likely become addicted to the game's unique traits and simple-yet-fun gameplay.

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Games Master UK

Perfect for beat maestros but a must-play for anyone who likes fun games (everyone?). [June 2009, p.75]

1UP

Rhythm Heaven does its job with style and aplomb, but anyone who's played the GBA original knows that the concept has been done better. No one who enjoys pure fun should miss out on this game...but once you've had your fill, be sure to track down a copy of the GBA original for an even better time.

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Official Nintendo Magazine UK

Like seeing a fantastic movie that only lasts 75 minutes. It's great but over all too quickly.

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Worth Playing

It is my sincere hope that Rhythm Heaven finds its audience, because for a subset of the gaming populace, it's going to be the source of many hours of enthusiastic fun.

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Da Gameboyz

With stylish graphics, amazingly addictive music, and ability to play it in short spurts, all this makes it a great game for those on the go.

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Telegraph

Touches like this elevate Rhythm Paradise from a fun but throwaway music game into an addictive quest for rhythm perfection. It’s not a music game as wonderfully elaborate as the superb Elite Beat Agents, but its ostensibly simple mechanics give it a sense of purity that a lot of games lack.

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Cubed3

Rhythm Paradise is one of those games that makes you grin unwittingly. A lovable bunch of characters, a top notch sound track and addictive gameplay all blend together to create a game that, if you're a fan of music games or anything slightly off-centre, must be experienced.

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Eurogamer

The game has an elegant simplicity when set against the intrinsic fussiness of the Guitar Heroes and Rock Bands of the world.

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Pocket Gamer UK

Funky, fresh and funny, Rhythm Heaven Gold transcends the language barrier with its instinctive gameplay and hilarious scenarios.

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GameSpy

This game demands exact timing and precise inputs. In that sense, it's a much more challenging affair than the prior games.

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PALGN

Rhythm Heaven is a testament to how simple gameplay mechanics combined with ingenuous design can create a highly entertaining and immersive experience.

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SpazioGames

Although it may seem a simple game, Rhythm Paradise offers a large variety of minigames and a surprisingly high challenge level.

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Eurogamer Portugal

If you’re looking for a rhythm game that fits the characteristics of a portable system like the Nintendo DS then Rhythm Paradise is a unique game that can provide hours of fun thanks to his simplicity.

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NZGamer

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.

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Gameplayer

Nintendo has put on the DJ Phones and taken a firm hold of MS Paint and somehow managed to create pure madness on your NDS. If you previously didn't find it enjoyable to have shaolin monks hit you in the face with different dishes, all to the rhythm of techno beats, then you definitely will love it now!

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NGamer UK

Brilliantly odd music game made slightly less good by the replacement of four of the best tracks. not fair! [July 2009, p.75]

InsideGamer.nl

Rhythm Paradise is a game which you can love, but also hate at the same time. Behind the happy visuals, there is a deep gameplay system, which can make you addicted and is not suitable for everybody in the family. If you are a gamer who doesn't give up easily, then this is your game!

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Game Revolution

Though Rhythm Heaven hits a smattering of flat notes, its composition and concept are simply divine.

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Game Informer

Rhythm Heaven ends up being pretty limited in its ambitions and scope, but I can’t deny that it had me toe-tapping along for the ride.

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GameSpot

This unusual music game is as satisfying as it is strange, but the high difficulty limits its appeal.

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The Onion (A.V. Club)

It’s the cutest drum machine on the market.

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GameDaily

Ultimately, its poor music and one note gameplay mar the experience, but players in search of something off the wall will probably dig Rhythm Heaven's imaginative design.

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Gamer.nl

Rhythm Paradise is fun to play. Even though the game has no groundbreaking gameplay elements and has it share of flaws. Furthermore Rhythm Paradise distinguish itself through a unique style of audio and visual and it's rhythmic gameplay. Add a low price tag and you've got yourself a interesting videogame.

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LEVEL (Czech Republic)

Unconventional collection of music minigames comes from Japan and urges all players to find rhythm within themselves. Bizarre, but a funny and creative game. [May 2009]

GamingTrend

It has an unmistakable charm, and it could have been a great game. As it is, it's hard to recommend to anyone except for hardcore rhythm game fans.

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Modojo

Additional mini games and rewards would've made Rhythm Heaven live up to its name. As it stands, however, it's a quirky, entertaining romp that deserves at least one playthrough.

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Teletext GameCentral

A slightly disappointing sequel, but still an addictively bizarre musical mini-game collection.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 17 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

cindy s gave it a10:
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.

Jonathan S gave it a9:
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.

Josh W. gave it a10:
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.

D. Recon gave it a10:
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+

Igor B gave it an8:
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.

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What The Critics Said

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