It may be a season of tricks and/or treats, but not all treats are made with sugar. Some are more of the banger variety—music-based games that makes your ears happy!
The following games are music-based games where all have some type of rhythm-based gameplay, such as swinging a sword to the beat or trying to keep up with a sentient drum. We hope you enjoy these musical journeys and earworm-y soundtracks!
Soundfall
Soundfall is a fast-paced music-based dungeon crawler that combines looter-shooter action with rhythm-based gameplay. You are a Guardian of Harmony–a musical genius transported to the world of Symphonia by the Composers to battle the forces of Discord. As you can guess, fighting to the beat will make you deadlier on the battlefield.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival
Free demo available! Aim to become a Taiko Master together with DON-Chan and Kumo-kyun. 76 songs including Gurenge, Feel Special, and Into the Night are available in the game. You can also work on your drumming skills with the Improvement Support feature.
Crypt of the NecroDancer: Nintendo Switch Edition
Players must move on the beat to navigate randomly generated dungeons while battling dancing skeletons, zombies, dragons, and more. This game can be enjoyed anytime, but it is a perfect mix of rhythm-based spookiness for the Halloween season.
Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda
Enjoy the gameplay of Crypt of the Necrodancer in the setting of The Legend of Zelda™ series! As Link, Princess Zelda, Cadence, and more you’ll explore the randomly generated overworld and dungeons on a quest to save Hyrule. Every beat of each remixed The Legend of Zelda tune is a chance to move, attack, or defend to stay one step ahead of your enemies.
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix
Take the stage with Hatsune Miku in the hit rhythm game series. Choose from two playable modes—traditional button control-based Arcade Mode or the motion control-based Mix Mode—and play over 100 songs. Customization features have also been expanded with 300 costumes and a T-shirt editor.
Just Shapes and Beats
In this chaotic co-op musical shoot-‘em-up, the directions are simple: avoid Shapes, move to the rad Beats, and die…repeatedly. Take on 35 handcrafted stages with licensed tracks from over 20 chiptune and EDM artists.
Thumper
Can a music game be…scary? You betcha! Another Halloween treat, Thumper is described as rhythm violence: classic rhythm-action, blistering speed, and brutal physicality. You are a space beetle who needs to brave the void and confront a maniacal giant head from the future…so yeah. Every action is weaved into an industrial (and kinda intense) soundscape.
GROOVE COASTER WAI WAI PARTY!!!!
This is what happens when you cross a rhythm game with a roller coaster! This game features a large lineup of 102 songs, including J-pop hits like “Lemon” and “U.S.A.,” anime songs, Vocaloid and Touhou Project arrangements, VTuber Songs, as well as popular original songs from the Groove Coaster series. More songs can also be added via DLC (sold separately).
KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory
Dive into rhythm-action gameplay with memorable tunes and relieve moments from the entire KINGDOM HEARTS series! In this game, you’ll play as familiar faces from the KINGDOM HEARTS series, including Disney guest characters who will appear to lend you a hand. Enjoy a massive variety of music from both the KINGDOM HEARTS series and Disney, with a collection of over 140 songs.
The Artful Escape
In an attempt to escape the musical legacy of his uncle, a teenage guitar prodigy embarks on a psychedelic journey to inspire his new stage persona, searching for who he isn’t in an adventure spanning stolen opera houses, melodic alien landscapes, and the impossible depths of the Cosmic Extraordinary.
Wandersong
A musical adventure where you use singing to save the world! Play as a silly bard who embarks on a globe-trotting journey to learn about the mysterious Earthsong, said to prevent the universe’s imminent end.
Hextech Mayhem: A League of Legends Story™
Hextech Mayhem is one more music-based games. In this fast-paced rhythm runner, every action has an explosive reaction (and no amount of mayhem is too much). Take on the role of yordle and Hexplosives expert Ziggs as you rampage through the neighborhoods of Piltover.
FUSER™
Welcome to FUSER™—a nonstop virtual music festival where you and your friends control the music! Mix elements of songs like “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa, “Old Town Road (Remix)” by Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus, “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd, and more! You’ll dig through your DJ Crate to craft your own unique sound.
Source: Nintendo
