The Best Rhythm Games on PS Vita
Over the last year or so, I’ve been playing loads of rhythm games on every device I’ve found something on. I’ve even done a lot of reviews of rhythm games like SUPERBEAT: XONiC and Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX. This has made me want to try out more rhythm games and I’ve come to the conclusion that my favourite platform for rhythm games is the PlayStation Vita. The combination of buttons and a responsive touch screen allow for loads of flexibility with controls and being portable makes things a lot better for me. In a time when a lot of people have given up on it, I’ve discovered a treasure trove of rhythm games both available in English and Japanese only. Since the console is region free, I’ve imported a fair few of them as well. Here are the best rhythm games for the PlayStation Vita that any fan of music focussed games should check out:
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F 2nd
A name you’re probably familiar with if you’ve had any inclination to rhythm games because the Miku games are the most popular ones of the lot. I got into rhythm games thanks to a combination of Project DIVA F and Theatrhythm Final Fantasy. Project DIVA F 2nd is a great introduction to the world of Hatsune Miku as well and is accessible to both veterans and newcomers to the genre with varied difficulty options and catchy songs. Gameplay involves you pressing buttons correctly when notes fly across the screen and also using the touch screen for a bit of swiping when needed. There’s tons of customization for characters and costumes with the edit mode as well if you’re inclined to tweak the visuals to your liking.
Song Highlight: Miracle Paint
Persona 4: Dancing All Night
Atlus has released more Persona 4 spin off games than there are amiibos Adam owns and Dancing All Night is a great rhythm game with great remixes of some of the most beloved songs in video gaming. While the story is serviceable at best, playing through multiple remixes of songs and unlocking costumes is the meat and bones of Dancing All Night. The interface is more along the sides of the screen with notes coming out of the middle. This makes keeping an eye on the dancing a little harder in the latter difficulty modes. Dancing All Night is only recommended to fans of Persona 4 and if you own a Vita, chances are you already love it and know Chie is best girl.
Song Highlight: Backside of the TV Lotus Juice Remix
SUPERBEAT: XONiC
My favourite rhythm game on any platform. The combination of touch and button control along with a slick interface makes it play better than anything else. The only downside to Superbeat is that you might not find the song selection as good as other games. If you have an open mind, and are willing to take a chance on something new from the team that brought the DJMAX games, Superbeat will impress the hell out of you. Even the tutorial music is fantastic.
Song Highlight: Heavy Day (Guilty Gear Xrd Sign)
Taiko no Tatsujin V Version
This is where the imports begin. Taiko no Tatsujin V Version is a Taiko no Tatsujin game developed specifically for the PlayStation Vita. If you aren’t aware of Taiko no Tatsujin and how crazy it can get in arcades, watch this ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGY1gmVZVlo]). If that wasn’t enough and you need more, Taiko no Tatsujin V Version has the most eclectic selection of songs out there ranging from popular anime openings to game music and even some classical music with a few Namco originals. When I tried the demo, I was blown away by the lush visuals and just how much fun it is playing with Don-Chan, the mascot. Taiko also has a Don Quest mode which is an RPG with rhythm combat that is a lot of fun. If only I understood Japanese so I’d know what the heck was going on in the story. This game is very import friendly and there are tons of guides online with menu translations to get you started.
Song Highlight: Ashita e no Koduo (Trails of Cold Steel Opening)
IA/VT Colourful
This Marvelous published game dedicated to songs by the amazing vocaloid, IA won’t ever see a release in the west but fret not friends, because it is super easy to play without any Japanese knowledge. IA/VT is also a vocaloid focussed game and if you liked the Miku games, you will enjoy this for sure. The music selection is really great and I actually prefer the overall song selection here as compared to both Project DIVA F games. Visually the gameplay is similar to the Project DIVA F but feels a bit more dynamic and the visuals behind the notes are gorgeous.
Song Highlight: Party Party
