7 Creative Action Games that Feel Like Rhythm Games
Rhythm games are known for their high learning curve, as they are easy to learn but hard to master. Action games, on the other hand, are also easy to learn but hard to master. What happens when you mix the two genres, resulting in fast-paced games that have rhythmic quick time events? This list has games that are full of rhythm with no need for special equipment to master (looking at you, osu!).
Jet Set Radio
Despite the slow and clunky controls, Jet Set Radio is the first action game that comes to mind. In this game, you skate around Tokyo-to, evading cops and gang members. You spray graffiti by swiping the left-analog stick based on the direction that’s highlighted. It requires timing, similar to rhythm games.
There’s Jet Set Radio Future, but it’s not as rhythm-based as its predecessor. Unfortunately, JSR has been delisted on Steam, so unless you bought it prior to December 2024, you can’t play it. If you love the Jet Set Radio games, look forward to the upcoming title.
Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush is a rhythm-action game where your attacks are attached to the rhythm. Despite receiving high acclaim, Tango Gameworks, the game’s developer, shut down in May 2024. However, it rebranded after being acquired by Krafton in August 2024. Your best hope is waiting for a spiritual sequel.
Like many action games that feel like rhythm games, Hi-Fi Rush has awesome, colorful, cel-shaded graphics and smooth gameplay. If you haven’t checked out this game, do so today.
Space Channel 5 & Space Channel 5 Part 2
Space Channel 5 has Space Michael Jackson. Need I say more? This game is one of those end-of-the-Dreamcast era games that might not have received a lot of attention at release, but it was enough for a sequel.
Additionally, Ulala is in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing and Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Transformed, so she’s not totally forgotten. Hopefully she’ll be a part of the roster for Sonic Racing: Crossworlds. Hey, if SpongeBob’s in, why not Ulala?
No Straight Roads
This game had a small dev team, located in Malaysia, which explains the voice acting. The voice acting consisted of thick accents and regional dialect which required the use of subtitles. That doesn’t mean that the game is bad.
The game stars Zeke and Mayday, two rock musicians trying to fight the EDM overlords. Parts of the city represent each EDM musician currently topping the music charts. From a virtual mermaid to a robot boy band to a pop star heavily inspired by Lady Gaga, No Straight Roads has a very unique charm.
The most annoying part of the game was a rap battle between Zeke and his brother, known as D.K. West. I felt it was long, and I was frustrated that I accidentally retriggered the rap battle, as I got further in the game. I hope that in the sequel, set to come out in 2026, Zeke and D.K. West sorted out their issues.
Sayonara Wild Hearts
This game has Queen Latifah as the narrator. The game focuses on processing heartbreak through each of the zodiac signs. Frankly, I should play this game. As I stated earlier with Hi-Fi Rush, this rhythm-action game is color and cel-shaded, but this game has a neon aesthetic to it. There’s also a motorcycle in it, and that’s pretty cool.
I recommend checking out this game, when there’s a good sale going on.
Metal: Hellsinger
As of writing this article, I almost forgot about this game. It’s the most recent rhythm-action game coming out. There are several legends, from modern metal bands, who have music in the game. This game is the least colorful and least stylistic of the bunch, and the graphics are more realistic, but it’s DOOM but with more rhythm. What can go wrong?
I need to play this game, one day, so I can rock out while blasting demons to smithereens.
Conclusion
These action games, that feel like rhythm games, have stellar soundtracks and have smooth gameplay mechanics. If you can play these games, and enjoy them, with modern hardware, that’s fantastic. If you have to get older consoles to play them, that’s fine. Enjoying these games is what matters.
