Music and rhythm games are a genre of video games that challenge the player’s sense of timing, coordination and musicality. They often involve matching the player’s input to the rhythm of a song or a soundtrack, using various input devices such as keyboards, controllers, touchscreens, microphones or motion sensors. Music and rhythm games can be fun, immersive and rewarding, as they let the player experience music in a new and interactive way.
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There are many music and rhythm games available for different platforms, genres and tastes, but some stand out for their quality, innovation and popularity. Here are some of the best music and rhythm games that you can play on PC or mobile devices.
Beat Saber
Beat Saber is one of the most popular and acclaimed VR rhythm games ever made. It combines the thrill of wielding lightsabers with the satisfaction of slicing through blocks that fly towards you in sync with the music. The game has a simple but addictive gameplay that requires precise timing, accuracy and movement. You can choose from a variety of songs, modes and difficulty levels, or import your own custom songs and mods. Beat Saber is a great way to enjoy music while also getting a workout.
You can play Beat Saber on PC with a VR headset and controllers, or on mobile devices with Oculus Quest or Quest 2.
Thumper
Thumper is a rhythm game that is also described as a “rhythm violence” game. It puts you in control of a metallic beetle that races through a nightmarish and psychedelic landscape, dodging obstacles and confronting enemies in time with the intense and pulsating soundtrack. Thumper is a game that tests your reflexes, nerves and endurance, as it creates a visceral and immersive experience that is both exhilarating and terrifying.
You can play Thumper on PC with or without VR, or on mobile devices with iOS or Android.
Crypt of the NecroDancer
Crypt of the NecroDancer is a unique blend of rhythm game and roguelike dungeon crawler. You play as one of several characters who have to explore randomly generated dungeons full of monsters, traps and treasures, while moving and attacking to the beat of the music. The game has a charming pixel art style, a catchy and varied soundtrack, and a lot of replay value thanks to its different modes, characters, items and secrets. You can also use your own music files to create custom levels.
You can play Crypt of the NecroDancer on PC or on mobile devices with iOS or Android.
Friday Night Funkin’
Friday Night Funkin’ is a free browser game that has become a viral sensation thanks to its catchy songs, quirky characters and fan-made content. It is inspired by classic rhythm games like Dance Dance Revolution and Parappa the Rapper, as it involves pressing arrow keys in time with the music to rap battle against various opponents. The game has a colorful and cartoonish style, a humorous tone and a lot of personality. It also has a huge community of modders who create new songs, characters and scenarios for the game.
You can play Friday Night Funkin’ for free on PC with any browser that supports HTML5.
Metal: Hellsinger
Metal: Hellsinger is a recent entry in the rhythm FPS genre, where you shoot your way through hell in sync with the metal soundtrack. The game features an original score composed by renowned metal musicians from bands like System of a Down, Trivium, Lamb of God and more. The game also has a dynamic music system that adapts to your performance, increasing the intensity and complexity of the songs as you hit more enemies in rhythm. Metal: Hellsinger is a game that appeals to fans of both metal music and fast-paced shooters.
You can play Metal: Hellsinger on PC or on mobile devices with iOS or Android.
MUSYNX
MUSYNX is a classic-style rhythm game that features over 200 songs from various genres such as pop, rock, electronic, classical and more. The game has a simple but elegant interface that displays notes falling from the top of the screen to match the music. You can use different input methods such as keyboard, mouse, controller or touchscreen to tap or press the notes at the right time. The game also has multiple difficulty levels, customizable skins and backgrounds, online leaderboards and achievements.
You can play MUSYNX on PC or on mobile devices with iOS or Android.
Muse Dash
Muse Dash is a colorful and cute rhythm game that combines music with action. You play as one of several anime-style girls who run along a side-scrolling stage while hitting enemies and obstacles in time with the music. The game has over 100 songs from various genres such as pop, rock, EDM, jazz and more. The game also has different outfits, skills and pets that you can unlock and customize for your characters. Muse Dash is a game that is easy to pick up and play, but hard to master.
You can play Muse Dash on PC or on mobile devices with iOS or Android.
Vectronom
Vectronom is a rhythm game that is also a puzzle game. It challenges you to navigate a 3D geometric world that changes shape and color in sync with the music. You have to move your cube along the platforms and avoid the hazards by following the rhythm and the patterns. The game has a minimalist but vibrant aesthetic, a catchy and diverse soundtrack, and a level editor that lets you create your own stages and share them with others. Vectronom is a game that stimulates your senses and your brain.
You can play Vectronom on PC or on mobile devices with iOS or Android.
DJMax Respect V
DJMax Respect V is a comprehensive and polished rhythm game that features over 150 songs from the DJMax series, as well as new songs and collaborations with other artists. The game has a variety of modes, such as arcade, mission, online and freestyle, that cater to different skill levels and preferences. The game also has a lot of customization options, such as skins, notes, sound effects and more. DJMax Respect V is a game that offers a lot of content, quality and challenge for rhythm game enthusiasts.
You can play DJMax Respect V on PC.
A Dance of Fire and Ice
A Dance of Fire and Ice is a simple but elegant rhythm game that involves controlling two orbiting planets that have to move along a path in time with the music. The game has a minimalist but beautiful art style, a soothing and atmospheric soundtrack, and a smooth and intuitive gameplay. The game also has a lot of variety and depth, as it introduces new mechanics, obstacles and patterns as you progress through the levels. A Dance of Fire and Ice is a game that is relaxing and satisfying to play.
You can play A Dance of Fire and Ice on PC or on mobile devices with iOS or Android.
Spin Rhythm XD
Spin Rhythm XD is a rhythm game that simulates the experience of DJing. It involves spinning, tapping, flicking and scratching a virtual turntable to match the notes and beats of the music. The game has over 40 songs from various genres such as EDM, pop, rock, hip hop and more. The game also has different modes, such as career, arcade, custom and online, that offer different challenges and rewards. Spin Rhythm XD is a game that lets you feel like a pro DJ.
You can play Spin Rhythm XD on PC or on mobile devices with iOS.
Rocksmith 2014 Remastered
Rocksmith 2014 Remastered is not just a rhythm game, but also a learning tool that teaches you how to play real guitar or bass. It involves plugging in your instrument to your PC or console and following the on-screen instructions to play along with over 1000 songs from various genres and eras. The game adapts to your skill level and provides feedback, tips and exercises to help you improve your technique, speed and accuracy. Rocksmith 2014 Remastered is a game that makes learning guitar fun and rewarding.
You can play Rocksmith 2014 Remastered on PC or on consoles with PS4 or Xbox One.
These are some of the best music and rhythm games that you can enjoy on PC or mobile devices. Whether you prefer slicing blocks with lightsabers, shooting demons in hell, exploring dungeons in sync with the beat, or playing real guitar along with your favorite songs, there is a rhythm game for you. So grab your headphones, turn up the volume and get ready to groove!
You need a VR headset and controllers that are compatible with SteamVR, such as HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index or Windows Mixed Reality.