Rhythm Paradise (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

There's no question that Nintendo are great with ideas. They may be simple but they're certainly effective. Everything from the original DS design to the best selling Brain Training backs that up. In fact, most of their truly memorable titles rely on the fact that they are easy to play but challenging to master. Rhythm Paradise is a perfect example of this type of design and unlike the phenomenon which is Guitar Hero, Nintendo's latest rhythm game relies on just a few, stylus driven, controls. That may sound a little dull but trust us, it isn't. However, is it the game you've been waiting for?

Gameplay

Like Wario Ware (which almost everyone is comparing this to) Rhythm Paradise is a selection of mini-games, although unlike the Nintendo title there's absolutely no attempt to follow a plot of any description. Instead you simply work though groups of five mini-games in the hope that the judge will reward you for your efforts with a pass or, very rarely, a medal. The games themselves take some getting used to although you can practise each one before playing it for real. The first game you'll encounter requires you to 'flick' the stylus in order to shoot a bolt though two washers which, just to make it a little more challenging, are dancing across the screen. This is reasonably simple at first until you realise that they move at varying speeds depending on the soundtrack. Another game in the first section has you playing as a member of a monkey filled audience. Yes, we did say monkey. This is slightly more complicated and relies on you not only keeping the rhythm but also remembering the various cues and stylus interactions. This is Rhythm Paradise's downfall as while it's very addictive and fun to play, it's just too difficult. Even the first section is a challenge but just wait until you play Table Tennis against what seems like the best table tennis player in the world. The hints encourage you to react to the music rather than the visuals but, just like in Brain Training, deciphering the word 'red' when it's coloured in blue can be more problematic than it sounds.

Controls

Like Wario Ware this has been developed with the touch-screen in mind so don't expect anything to happen around here. You will though, have to turn your DS on its side to play Rhythm Paradise, which isn't strictly speaking a control issue but we didn't know where else to put it.

Graphics

If you enjoyed the visuals in Wario Ware then there's a good chance you are going to like the overall look of Rhythm Paradise. Both graphics and animation are incredibly simple but also effective and entirely in keeping with the game's feel. There's a real mix here too, with everything from isometric shapes to far more humorous, cartoon based stuff.

Sound

As you'd expect from a rhythm based game the music is fantastic and what's more, some of the tracks are so catchy that you'll find yourself humming them even after you've put the game down. Careful track selection also means each piece of music is perfectly suited to the mini-game it accompanies. More sedate games, for example, feature a slow romantic ballad whilst faster, more frantic ones have a more up-beat theme. It sounds great through the DS speaker system too but for the full experience dig out a decent pair of headphones and then you'll really be in the zone.

Dual screen

The game mechanic here is just as simple as the developers could have made it but you'll be forced to practise it endlessly to perfect your timing. Just pick up your stylus and either tap, hold or flick and sometimes a combination of all three. There, we told you it was simple.

Final comments

Rhythm Paradise is sure to be a hit. It's easy to pick up and play and the catchy tunes and charming visuals should win over the most cynical of gamers. Unfortunately this comes at a price and the game does have one major drawback: it's hard and we mean really hard! Even the first section of five mini-games will prove difficult to experienced gamers. Hopefully this won't put off the mainstream audience though, and if you enjoyed Wario Ware then this should certainly be your next stop.

Pro: Great Cartoon Visuals, Catchy Songs, Simple Engaging Gameplay
Con: Can Be Insanely Difficult, Problems with some Interactions.
Final score: 8.5

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