Not sure what the deal is but I found this quite a bit harder than every subsequent game in the series. And this isn't my first rodeo ... I 100% perfected FEVER, okay? I'm not used to seeing anything but "Superb" on my first runs, THANK you very much. Seems like maybe the timing window overall is tighter? Also the songs/challenges just aren't designed as well or with as clear feedback as in the later games. Many feel rushed and awkward. Their overall design ethos isn't exactly locked down yet - some of the songs definitely just require light memorization, and that's not something that I can ever say for anything else in the series after this.

Anyway, the joyous infinity that is RHYTHM HEAVEN's charm is present and accounted for in its debut, definitely. A game of constant smiling and rocking out to what has to be the best collection of music on the GBA. Just not nearly as good as any of the later ones.