Game: Rhythm Tengoku
Console: Game Boy Advance
Developer: J.P. Room
Release Date: 3rd August 2006
Have you ever loved a game so much that you've decided to import the first game in the series, despite the fact it's entirely in Japanese? If so then you'll know the sort of love I have for the Rhythm Heaven series. So far I've reviewed Rhythm Heaven for the DS, and Rhythm Heaven Fever for the Wii. While there's an instalment coming out on 3DS, I'm yet to own that system, and it's not out yet, so I looked to the East for some more rhythm based minigame fun.
As the first game in the series, Rhythm Tengoku set the precedent with many of the features that are included in later games such as Rhythm Toys, Endless Minigame bonuses, Medals for Superb ranks on songs, and the chance to get a 'Perfect' grade. Also included on this game, but not others in the series are drum lessons, with the chance to drum to many of the game's songs once the game is beaten.
There are 48 rhythm minigames featured in total, arranged into 8 sets of 6. Each set of 6 games contains 5 regular games and 1 remix, unlocked when all 5 regular games are cleared. As the player progresses through the game, more difficult versions of previous minigames are unlocked, meaning that the total number of unique minigames lies somewhere around 20. While this may not seem a lot, it's more than enough to keep the level of entertainment high.
Compared to other games in the Rhythm Heaven series, minigames in general seem to be somewhat easier to clear, but far harder to get a 'Superb' rank on. There are certain games where one missed step will be enough to stop players getting a Superb. A few of the minigames also seem a little short when compared to those of later games, though none of the games are short enough to be ruined by their length.
For those that have played other games in the series, there are some familiar faces, and it's fun to see the origins of some of the series' characters. It's a little disappointing that more of the characters from the original game weren't used later in the series, as there are some great minigames and concepts featured.
The bonus games and rhythm toys are great fun as always, though a little harder to work out in Japanese. I was able to get through most of the game without needing to concentrate too much on the language barrier. As I recall only two minigames presented a challenge of this kind; one was a call and response type clapping game where the instructions appeared karaoke style onscreen in Japanese, and the other involved a call of "Left" or "Right" before button input, which meant I had to listen carefully to what was said.
Graphically the game shares its cutesy style with the games that came after it and the simple style works well with the capabilities of the Game Boy Advance. Even in Japanese the game is easy to use and understand on the whole, especially for fans of the series. Musically the game is excellent, as might be expected of a musical rhythm game. While there aren't as many standout tunes/games as on Rhythm Heaven for DS, there's still some highly enjoyable tracks.
Overall Rhythm Tengoku seems to me to be the next logical step for fans of the series that have exhausted the DS and Wii games and are looking for some new fun. While not quite as polished (or easy) as the other games, this instalment has some classic moments, characters and minigames to enjoy.
Rating: 87/100
Grade: B
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