Rhythm Doctor

Rhythm Doctor is a transcendental experience. This game is loosely modeled after Nintendo's Rhythm Heaven series but goes so much further in both premise, gameplay, and accessibility than Nintendo has to date. The premise is simple: you use one button to follow the rhythm cues, but the cues get more complicated and layer on top of each other over time... pretty much until you're a music theory god.

While the minute-to-minute gameplay is addictive, the character writing, chart design and set pieces are what truly make this game shine. The game is subdivided into "acts", and in each one are 4-5 levels with front and back sides to enjoy. However, you also are introduced to a new pair of characters and experience the game through a series of cutscenes--many of which are weaved into the gameplay itself. Crazy, I know, but in that time you really do start to feel for and care for the characters introduced.

While the final act of the game isn't out at the time of this review. I'm counting down the days to the 1.0 release and what I can only assume is the conclusion of the story.

Rhythm Doctor is a must-play for rhythm game fans, but its accessibility and gradual introduction to rhythm concepts make this an apt pick for those who maybe haven't gotten into rhythm games before too. Other reviews mention that you can probably play the game blind, and I tend to agree.

On top of all of this, Rhythm Doctor features a level editor and extensive community support through custom levels. I'm not a charter, but the few levels I downloaded through Steam Workshop were insane testaments to how powerful this editor is.

On a personal note, I picked this game up due to its rave reviews without watching trailers or much previous research at all. I don't regret going in blind and I think this is probably the best way to go into this game.

If you're on the fence, this game is well worth your time and money. I loved this game so much I bought it two more times for friends. Rhythm Doctor has shaped up into one of my favorite gaming experiences of the year and I'm looking forward to many more hours with it in the future.