Though time hasn’t been very kind to PlayStation Vita, the handheld has gained a cult following as an RPG machine thanks to theAtelierseries,Persona 4 Golden, andTrailsseries. It was also known as an indie paradise with games such asFezandHotline Miami. However, there is more to the PS Vita than just indie or RPG titles. The little machine boasts great music-based titles, packed with songs that rivalthe best on offer in theJust Danceseries.
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The handheld isa hotbed of rhythm games (much like Nintendo Switch)that made it a darling within a niche group of gamers. The PS Vita’s rhythm lineup offered everything ranging from exclusives to ports that brought the atmosphere of the arcades to someone’s commute or bedroom.
10DJMAX Technika Tune
DJMAX Technika Tuneis a port ofNeowiz’slong-running arcade franchise. What makesDJMAX Technika Tunedifferent from other traditional rhythm games is that it relies on touch control. The gameplay requires fans to tap and slide the notes as they appear on the screen.
DJMAX Technika Tunealso boasts a diverse library of tracks that are not usually featured on other titles. Instead of the usual Eurobeat, J-POP, or Vocaloid, the game boasts songs of a more Korean flair. Tracks from K-POP groups such as KARA and prominent Korean DJs fill up the library with a variety of tunes.
9MUSYNX
MUSYNXis a no-nonsense rhythm game. There are no other distractions, just a pure rhythm game experience. The game has two button modes; four and six keys, and two difficulty options. While that may seem like a dreary experience, aesthetically it is one of the morecolorful and vibrant games (a route taken by many indie developers)out in the market. These qualities combine to make for a simple yet pleasing experience.
LikeDJMAX Technika Tune,MUSYNXoffers a different taste of music that is not found elsewhere. Here the tracks are heavily Chinese-influenced. From chiptune, folk tunes, to Vocaloid, it highlights the fantastic ways in which others can interpret music and make it their own.
8Deemo
Deemois one of those few rhythm games that has a story attached to the gameplay. A girl named Alice stumbles into a strange and mysterious world. There she encounters an individual by the name ofDeemo, who agrees to help her get back to her world by playing the piano.
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Deemorelies on touch controls where accuracy is key. It is frustrating at first, but the charm of the story makes it worthwhile.Deemohas a diverse library of music featuring beautiful melodies and outstanding, emotive vocals, making for a fascinating experience.
7SUPERBEAT XONiC
SUPERBEAT XONiCwas developed by former employees of theDJMAXseries. While the game takes cues from its spiritual predecessor, it has its own personality and flair.SUPERBEAT XONiCis stylish and fast-paced, but at the same time, very forgiving. Those new to the genre can ease themselves into things with the fluid control scheme.
The game can be played using button inputs, touchscreen functionality, or a mix of both. There are also DJ icons that a player can equip to have an additional health bar, or a shield to prevent a combo chain from breaking. The game offers a vast selection of tracks, ranging from EDM to Hip-Hop.
6Persona 4: Dancing All Night
WhilePersona 4: Goldenoften appears in all-time best RPG lists,Persona 4: Dancing All Nightgets the cold shoulder treatment from somePersonafans. This is due to the title’s unique blend of gameplay, but this quality is also exactly what makes the game worth checking out.
The core experience offers a lot, from character selection and customization options to remixed tracks from an already beloved soundtrack. It offers a fresh breath of air for those who want to escape the mundane RPG grind and enjoysomething laid-back and fun.
5IA/VT -Colorful-
There is more to Vocaloid video games thanHatsune Miku.IA/VT -Colorful-is one of those titles. Based on 1st Place Co.’sIA Project,IA/VT -Colorful-brings a fresh face to the Vocaloid gaming scene, something that hasn’t really been seen sinceMegpoid the Musicfor the PlayStation Portable.
While this game does not have the bubbly personality found in theHatsune Mikuseries, it presents a more serious yet comforting tone. Compared to other rhythm games, the songs are at their full length, so players can expect them to last for between four and eight minutes.
4Lumines: Electronic Symphony
Lumines: Electronic Symphonyis not a traditional rhythm game. It blends music and puzzles into one package. While that formula has gained traction in recent years, with titles such asTetris Effect, the overall package is hard to replicate. LikeTetris, the premise is simple: chain blocks together to make them disappear.
However, the trance-like presentation of the game offers a vibe thatTetriscannot. The music in the background blends in perfectly with the vibrant gameplay. It makes players feel like they are in a different world every time they start a new puzzle.Another title that may not be for everybody, but boasts fantastic music.
3Taiko No Tatsujin: Must Songs
Combining two of Bandai Namco’s franchises (the industry pulls off some fantastic crossovers sometimes),Taiko no TatsujinandTHE iDOLM@STER,Taiko no Tatsujin: Must Songsbrings the gameplay of the former and songs of the latter together in one package. There are two versions of the game.
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Original fans ofTHE iDOLM@STERwill find themselves at home withAka-ban(Red disc), which contains songs found in the original arcade and Xbox 360 games.Ao-ban(Blue disc), on the other hand, contains songs from the anime and PlayStation games. Newer players, then, will probably be more familiar with that version.
2Magical Beat
Arc System Worksis usually known for its fighting games, such asBlazBlueandGuilty Gear. Occasionally, though, they do venture into other genres, are the results are nothing if not fascinating each time.Magical Beatis another block-based puzzle game where the objective is to stack those shapes up to the rhythm of the beat. While the game takes some cues fromLumines,Puzzle Fighter, andTetris, it still feels original.
The game’s soundtrack matches the overall pixel art style, with bubbly Vocaloid tracks and samplings from otherArc System Workstitles.
1Orgarhythm
Orgarhythmdoes the improbable by blending the RTS and rhythm genre together. Players take control of an army as they stomp their way to victory. Unlike a traditional RTS game that offers a list of commands, there are just three colored icons to tap along with the beat. There are no physical button controls available, and only the touchscreen is available for use.
The ever-present electronic and rock music fits in with the overall presentation. The game is short depending on the difficulty and can get repetitive, which is unfortunate. However, the uniqueness of the game makes it well worth checking out. At points, the experience is almost as tense asthrashing through a great track in theGuitar Herogames.
