Rhythm Heaven is a sequel to a totally awesome Game Boy Advance game called Rhythm Tengoku (which was unfortunately released in Japan only). This game's like a mix of WarioWare and Dance Dance Revolution...it's a series of crazy minigames that involve tapping or flicking on the touch screen rhythmically. (The same team behind WarioWare did this game, so it's pretty obvious.) The reviewer is wrong; this game is actually pretty fun if you're in for a good challenge. But the North American version of Rhythm Heaven has songs, cues, etc. dubbed in English (obviously). And while the English dubbing is okay, it just doesn't capture the spirit of the original Japanese game (called Rhythm Tengoku Gold). But that's my only nitpick. If Nintendo put the Japanese songs in this version, this would be a 5-star game. In short, despite the English songs and the hard (but not as hard as the reviewer puts it) difficulty, Rhythm Heaven is a great game.
Tools for this page
Rhythm Heaven
(2009, Video Games - Music, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Rhythm game so unforgiving that it's frustrating, not fun.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
-
Educational value:
What to watch out for
-
Violence & scariness:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Rhythm Heaven was written by Harold Goldberg
Parents need to know this is a game that will frustrate those who aren't blessed with rhythm, very precise rhythm. That's most of us.The game is being promoted by Beyonce in a TV commercial.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about rhythm. Do you like rhythm in music, poetry, or dancing? Where else does rhythm come into to play? What could Nintendo have done to make this rhythm game better?
More on Rhythm Heaven
What’s the Story?
Nintendo has made some wonderful and laugh-out-loud funny minigame offerings for the DS, but this isn't one of them. In Rhythm Heaven, you climb the ladder to sheer heights of rhythm stardom by completing over 50 short, music-based little games, all of which are challenging, to say the least.
Playing the game is so simple a five year old could work the mechanics with ease. As you hold the DS vertically like a book, all you have do is tap the touch screen with your stylus in rhythm to the music or voices. Sometimes, you have to keep your stylus on the screen and flick it to put something together or to hit something. Immediately when the game begins, you're also asked if you're right or left handed, a very handy tool because you're about to play the most rhythmically precise and difficult game of your life.
CloseIs It Any Good?
There's no reason to beat around the bush. While Rhythm Heaven has a charming minimalist art style, it's a royal pain to get exactly right, even with practice, even in the first levels. You might say, well, this is not a game for the rhythmically challenged. But it may not even be a game for those who are schooled in dance or in rhythm instruments like bass or drums.
You have to be so achingly accurate in the game, you'll rarely get the medals that are achievements for getting high scores. Plus, when you're off rhythm, your cohorts onscreen shoot you a dirty look. While this is at first hilarious, it begins to grate on you because the game is so difficult. Plus, content is locked until you pass a certain level of accuracy, which for some can be a game-stopping road block. If Nintendo had just provided modes like easy, hard, and superhard, Rhythm Heaven would have been a lot easier to like. As it stands, it's nearly a failure.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 4/5/2009, price $29.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for Comic Mischief)
ESRB rating: E (for Comic Mischief)
Our Members Say
See all 7 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Safety isn't an issue
It's unforgiving and good at the same time
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Safety isn't an issue
Teaches perserverance and value of practice
My kids (11 and 8) love this game. Yes, a couple of the levels are difficult but can be mastered with practice. The graphics are adorable and irresistible. Nice mix of music types from primitive to jazz to popular. Use this game to educate children on the characteristics of different musical styles. THEY LOVE IT and so do I.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Safety isn't an issue
I really LOVE rythem heaven.its SO FUN when u play.u can do over 50 activities inthis game!I would TOTALLY recommend this to anyone.
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Safety isn't an issue
??!?!?
okay soooo whaddya mean most of us arent blessed with rhythm?!? maybe cuz im a dancer and cheerleader im blessed...anyway this game is the best!!! the games are super FUN!!! :D a good variety. its not too easy but not IMPOSSIBLE... jeez... its a good challenge. not for kids who r very impatient.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Safety isn't an issue
Very suitable, entertaining game for DS owners
I found this game to be very entertaining. As the title suggested this game is all about rhythms. Its also cool that the game starts easy, then gets harder so that way you can get the hang of it. Pretty much anyone 7 and up will enjoy this game in my opinion. There isn't any inappropriate content in this game unless you find doing different task on the DS in a rhythmic sense inappropriate. A must buy.
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents feel the site is safe |
Do you play it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
willowfaierie recommends:
Guitar Hero on Tour: Modern Hits
for kids age 11
See more from willowfaieri ...
Guitar Hero on Tour: Modern Hits
for kids age 11
See more from willowfaieri ...
