The first entry in the rhythm heaven series is a surprisingly enjoyable one despite it feeling a little awkward when coming in from the later games which standardized the "rhythm heaven formula" that all of them follow.

The remixes are interesting as they use a different format to the rest of the series, with this game's "final remix" compilation being followed by two other remixes that experiment with interesting ideas like a compilation remix of previous remixes and the true final remix introducing new visual distractions to previous games. Most of the remixes don't have very memorable music (outside of WISH ~ Can't wait for you) but they are all solid gameplay wise.

The individual minigames are a mixed bag. The game has some really great ones like rap men, rhythm tweezers, spaceball, polyrhythm and tap trial, and yet the game also has some of the worst minigames in the whole series, like Night Walk, Bon Odori, Tram and Pauline, Sneaky Spirits and the dreaded Quiz Show. It also introduced Sick Beats, the only endless game I actually enjoy playing! Rhythm Tengoku is not a game I would recommend as an introduction to the series, but it still has plenty of good stuff those more acquainted with the series should check out!