One of the most fun rhythm games I've played in a while. I was excited to finally get the chance to play this, as I've been wanting to for years, and it did not disappoint despite my overhyped expectations. I'm not a shmup guy but the elements are there and make for a fun experience. This has got to be one of the more engaging rhythm games out there imo. It's like when you first get into sound voltex and are like "wait what do I do with my hands there?" because of the knobs+buttons, but adds another dimension due to the control stick in the center with the buttons on the side; oh also because of the two sets of lane buttons lol.
At the same time, I'd say this is the least "rhythmic" rhythm game I've played. I've only played for two sittings and I'm only entering level 12s; but, up until now patterns have been pretty plain due to all the other mechanics going on. I'm not saying this as a knock or anything, I've seen higher level play and it certainly gets demanding, but I found it interesting how much focus there is on the mechanics opposed to performing intricate patterns to the rhythm of a song. It's probably more lopsided in charts being simple in patterns from levels 1-11, getting hard at 12-13, and crazy at 14-15. It's hard to balance that difficult curve due to the nature of the game.
Oh I'm also not an idol fan so this doesn't even appeal to me in that respect, but this is still one of the most fun games I've played. I like games that combine genres, and this pulls together shmups and rhythm game elements really well imo. I'm also a fan of games that have you multitask actions. For example in the world ends with you for DS, how you have to use the touch screen to fight with the character on the bottom while having to use the buttons to fight with the character on the top screen. Also, in mario 3d world and captain toad how you have the option to use the gyro (switch) and touch screen (wii u or undocked switch) to interact with objects as you run around as the main character. This definitely scratches that multitasking itch due to the layout of the controls and how songs are charted around it. I'm always one to play the hardest songs I can pass, but I ended up finding myself S ranking all the level 10s with the purpose of unlocking their master level difficulty and it was really nice. Normally I wouldn't want to play songs I could clear without any issue in rhythm games, but it was a fun experience in this one. I haven't learned a new rhythm game in a while but this has me wanting to dedicate time to be proficient enough to clear top level charts. The execution in this game is really satisfying and fun.
At the same time, I'd say this is the least "rhythmic" rhythm game I've played. I've only played for two sittings and I'm only entering level 12s; but, up until now patterns have been pretty plain due to all the other mechanics going on. I'm not saying this as a knock or anything, I've seen higher level play and it certainly gets demanding, but I found it interesting how much focus there is on the mechanics opposed to performing intricate patterns to the rhythm of a song. It's probably more lopsided in charts being simple in patterns from levels 1-11, getting hard at 12-13, and crazy at 14-15. It's hard to balance that difficult curve due to the nature of the game.
Oh I'm also not an idol fan so this doesn't even appeal to me in that respect, but this is still one of the most fun games I've played. I like games that combine genres, and this pulls together shmups and rhythm game elements really well imo. I'm also a fan of games that have you multitask actions. For example in the world ends with you for DS, how you have to use the touch screen to fight with the character on the bottom while having to use the buttons to fight with the character on the top screen. Also, in mario 3d world and captain toad how you have the option to use the gyro (switch) and touch screen (wii u or undocked switch) to interact with objects as you run around as the main character. This definitely scratches that multitasking itch due to the layout of the controls and how songs are charted around it. I'm always one to play the hardest songs I can pass, but I ended up finding myself S ranking all the level 10s with the purpose of unlocking their master level difficulty and it was really nice. Normally I wouldn't want to play songs I could clear without any issue in rhythm games, but it was a fun experience in this one. I haven't learned a new rhythm game in a while but this has me wanting to dedicate time to be proficient enough to clear top level charts. The execution in this game is really satisfying and fun.