Summary
The Nintendo DS was an incrediblypopular handheld devicewhen it was first released due to the variety of games that could be enjoyed on it. Out of all the available titles for release in both Japan and North America, rhythm games were some of the best titles to be played on the DS.
From games that allow players to experiment with music, to those that test the reaction time of the player, being able to use the stylus to tap along to the beat made rhythm games perfect for this handheld console. Among the assortment of rhythm games to enjoy, these were by far the best on the DS.
8Princess Debut
Metascore: 71
Starting off the DS rhythm games strong,Princess Debutis an adorable title about finding love while also completing various ballroom dances through the rhythm gameplay. Unlike other games that are to be mentioned on this list,Princess Debutis also an Otome title, which means players will likely be searching for all 14 endings of the game as well as trying on different outfits as they find the prince of their dreams.
As a game that is predominantly directed at ayounger female audience, it highlighted that the Nintendo DS could be enjoyed by anyone and that there was more to rhythm games than simply rock bands.
7Jam Sessions
Metascore: 72
Jam Sessionsis an interesting title as many consider this game developed by Plato to be more of a tool than a rhythm game. WithJam Sessionsin hand, players have the power tolearn the guitar. The player is able to use the D-pad to select the chord they wish to play and then use the touch screen to strum the strings of the guitar.
Besides playing the guitar, players were also able to sing along with the songs they played or even plug the DS into an amplifier to make the guitar sounds from the game feel more natural.
6Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades
Guitar Herois a well-remembered and loved rhythm game genre that has also seen a variety of titles on the Nintendo DS. Out of all the games that were released on the Nintendo DS,Guitar Hero On Tour: Decadeswas one of the best rhythm games to be released out of the bunch.
As a sequel to the originalGuitar Hero On Tour, players were able to share songs between the two games, though players had more choice of characters in this second game. Besides these choices,Guitar Hero On Tour: Decadesnaturally had plenty of interesting songs for players to jam to as long as they had the Guitar Grip attachment for their DS.
5Zubo
Metascore: 75
Combining action and rhythm gameplay,Zubowas an interesting title to release on the Nintendo DS in 2009 for North America. The world of Zubalon is under attack from Big Head and his army ofZuboclones. It is up to the player and the actual residents ofZuboto go around the various worlds, defeat bosses, and eventually defeat Big Head himself through combat that relies heavily on thetouchscreen of the Nintendo DS.
4Rock Band 3
Metascore: 79
Rock Band 3was the first mainline game in theRock Bandfranchise to be brought to the Nintendo DS. Like many of the previousRock Bandgames, it received high praise as it allowed a player to join up with some friends using the local co-op of the Nintendo DS to bring a band together and play a variety of well-known rock songs.
Besides the usual rhythm game modes, unlike previousRock Bandtitles, in this game, players can even experience ‘Pro’ mode. This allowed the players to realistically play the instruments available to them, which became a learning process as well as a game for players.
Besides the originalRock Band 3title that was released on the Nintendo DS, the company behind thisincredible rhythm franchisealso partnered with TT Fushion to bring a Lego version of the title to the Nintendo DS.
Lego Rock Bandplays exactly like the other games, meaning up to four players can work together to play a variety of instruments as well as the vocals from numerous rock songs to make a ‘family-friendly’ rock experience. Besides the regular gameplay, players could dress up their plastic figurines to truly get into the Lego feel, as well as there also being various other game modes that make the most of the Lego look.
2Rhythm Heaven
Metascore: 83
Unsurprisingly,Rhythm Heavenis another prominent rhythm title that was released on the Nintendo DS. This game has countless memorable levels and tunes that some fans of theRhythm Heavenfranchise can still remember to this day. Many players have likely challenged themselves to get a perfect score onRhythm Heaven, which requires a player to always tap on the beat of the rhythm they are attempting.
It’s difficult for players not to get distracted by the various animations ofRhythm Heaven, as interesting stories are likely to be unfolding on the top screen while players are meant to be paying attention to when they are supposed to be joining in.
1Elite Beat Agents
Metascore: 87
Out of all the rhythm games that were released for the Nintendo DS, the highest-rated of all and loved by many after its release wasElite Beat Agents.This rhythm title was a Westernized version of the rhythm gameOtsu! Tatakae! Quendan,which was just as popular in Japan asElite Beat Agentswas when it graced the handheld console in 2006.
By completing these rhythm levels, players take on the role of theElite Beat Agents,a government-controlled group that has the main focus of helping people. While some ofthe music levelshave the players defeating monsters, others are a lot more lighthearted, such as helping a babysitter ask out a friend.
