Rhythm Tengoku

released on Aug 03, 2006

A rhythm-action game like no other from the same team that created WarioWare. Rhythm Tengoku contains 48 minigames that put your rhythm to the test in a variety of crazy scenarios.

Rhythm Tengoku was developed by Nintendo R&D1 and released exclusively in Japan for the GBA in 2006 and in arcades with Sega's help in 2007. Being developed by the same studio responsible for the WarioWare games, Rhythm Tengoku mixes the mini-game based gameplay with rhythm game elements, featuring unusually high-quality music for a GBA game. The game started development in 2004. A 2002 prototype for a GBA drum sequencer was incorporated into Rhythm Tengoku as well: the player can freely drum within the Sound Test or take on 19 drum lessons. (Source)

The game contains eight stages with five rhythm games and one remix of the previous five each, adding up to 48 different mini-games total. Each game can be completed without hitting every note perfectly, although doing so will unlock various rhythm-related bonus games and modes, such as a drum set where you have to mimic what the drummer does.

Much like the Wario Ware series of games, Rhythm Tengoku is all about following your senses and trying to be aware of various cues in the visuals and audio. This emphasis on sense instead of language makes it quite easy for anyone to pick up and play, even though the game is entirely in Japanese (and consequently only available in the Asian region or through an import website).

For example, one of the game's levels has you rapping with a computer-controlled character. He'll speak a colour-coded Japanese phrase, and the player must press 'A' in different rhythms. Although the game explains what rhythms to do for which phrase, non-Japanese speaking players can watch hand movements on-screen to figure it out without the need for language.

Occasionally, challenges will crop up, asking you to complete a level without any mistakes. Doing so earns you a certificate for that level, and a pink heart with a 'P' on it appears in that level's description.


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Although I admit some of the minigames were a bit lackluster, there are a few great ones, such as Bon-Odori, Night Walk, and Samurai Slice. Overall, it was a good time, though definitely a weaker entry compared to the DS sequel.

First game I ever imported because emulator lag is lame. This is the first in the rhythm heaven series and it pretty much set the bar for rest of the series to follow. Minigames are fun and varied, the OST goes hard, and the visuals are excellent. Released rather late in the GBA's life so yea the chances for it to be brought overseas were practically zero. Still an absolute banger. I think there's a fan translation for this out there, but ngl reading comprehension isn't even that necessary to play this I played this back when my japanese reading abilities were like infant-level and 100%ed it.

Not a bad start for the series, there are a couple games I really liked in here that haven't returned for any other rhythm heavens.
Very solid, no major complaints, just a bit dated. Doesn't help that a few audio cues don't quite work for me since I do not speak Japanese.

One of two rhythm games I've ever aspired to be good at. Gotta shoot them ghosts in the nose, man. Got to.

Let's address my biases first: this is a rhythm game, so no way this is getting anything below three stars.
It's a quite simple (sometimes too simple) and elegant rhythm gameplay. There's not an ounce of fat on this thing, it's a quick barrage of interesting ideas and wildly absurd concepts for rhythm-based minigames.
Short and sweet, it's great fun for quick play sessions, which is perfect for the GBA. Would recommend.