Game Rant: Rhythm Heaven Fever

Developer: Nintendo SPD Group No.1 TNX
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date (US): February 13, 2012
Platform: Wii
Genre: Music, Minigame Collection

Rhythm Heaven Fever is a nice package of music, with easy controls to quickly pick up and play.

The Gameplay is all Rhythm, timed button press. All there is to it. It sounds simple on the surface, but a certain flow is needed to truly succeed. The only buttons used are the A and B buttons, and involve either tapping or holding and releasing them. The different minigames require different timing and controls, and have to be adapted to. Each of the minigames have their own thing and they are all enjoyable to play. The Remix levels throw in some of the minigames into one rhythm and have to have quick reflexes and a knowledge of what to do to change from one game to another effectively. The Remix levels flow nicely from one game into another. At a certain point, some of the minigames get a remix of their own as a 2nd version, which is fine, but I would like to see all the games being unique. You are graded on your rhythm, you earn a Try Again, OK, or Superb. To pass each minigame, at least an OK is needed. If a Superb is achieved, a medal is earned which unlocks extra content. Once in a while, a minigame that has a Superb rank will be able to be played for a Perfect. When a Perfect Chance comes up, you are given 3 chances before it goes away and have to wait for another chance. If a Perfect is achieved, you unlock music and reading material that gives a bit of insight on some of the games. Getting Superb ranks unlocks Rhythm Toys, Endless Games, and Extra Games to play. The Rhythm Toys are small diversions to play around with. The Endless Games are a test of endurance to see how long you can go. The Extra Games are extra minigames to play and are graded like the standard minigames. As you progress in the Single Player, you unlock 2 Player Games as well. This mode takes some of the games from the Single Player mode and adapts them to be played with 2 players. They work just like the Single Player games, except with 2 players. At the end of each minigame, your scores are both added together to get a Rank. Getting a Superb earns Duo Medals to play the 2 Player Endless games. The 2 Player Mode is a nice diversion, but I found the 2 Player Section to be a bit small. The gameplay overall is enjoyable, and I find getting into the rhythm to be satisfying.

The Music is good to listen to as well, it should being a music game and all. You can really get into the rhythm of each song in the game, and the music helps you to succeed in the minigames by going with the flow. It is nice to just sit back and listen to the music play in the audio player.

Bottom Line: This is a nice Rhythm Game, kind of harkens back to Parappa The Rapper a little I think. The game is fairly short, even though there are plenty of minigames, they only last about 1-3 minutes each. The replay value comes in the music, if you don't like the music, you won't be compelled to play the game a lot. I would recommend Renting. If you really enjoy the music, then Buy.