While I could tap quite well, holds and swipes were difficult for me to land, and I felt that it was nigh impossible to clear songs exclusively with the touch screen/handheld mode. It’s not a big issue, as the more finicky method involves the touch screen. In a nod to PM Studios’ previous games, you can trigger fever mode by hitting enough notes in succession, though you’ll lose it the second you break your streak.įor those used to the PlayStation 4 or Vita versions, you might have to adjust your muscle memory a tad because of the placement of the Joy-Con analog sticks, it can feel a bit awkward changing from swipes to button taps due to the sticks placed unevenly rather than side-by-side. In order to clear a song, you’ll have to stay with some life remaining while you can still keep playing after you lose your life bar, it’ll count as a failure at the end of the stage. I really enjoyed the spiritual successor to the DJMax Portable series (which had its lanes placed horizontally), and while I did struggle with getting used to the lane placement, it becomes second nature after a few songs. Additionally, you’ll have to use both analog sticks to swipe up or down (as well as utilize holds), so the simple presentation can lead to complex gameplay pretty quickly. In an unlockable mode, you’ll have to use the L and R buttons in tandem with the six lanes, so you’ll have eight different inputs to worry about. Each button correlates to one of the face buttons on your Joy-Con, and you can even use the touch screen to hit them.

Like most rhythm games, the aim of Superbeat: Xonic is simple in execution: You’ll have to control either four or six lanes of buttons, which are laid out in an oval shape. An insanely difficult but rewarding experience, rhythm game experts will feel right at home with the Switch version of Superbeat: Xonic.

Continuing the porting trend is PM Studios’ Superbeat: Xonic, a new game from the people who made the DJMax series. Hatsune Miku Project Diva Future Tone and The Metronomicon: Slay the Dance Floor were amazing titles on PS4, and the Switch has provided great ports of Voez and Thumper.

I love the joyous feeling I get when I play a great rhythm game.

Rhythm heaven interview green screen