Game: Rytmos
Genre: Music, Puzzle
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Steam (Windows))
Developers | Publishers: Floppy Club
Age Rating: US | EU 3+
Price: US $15.00 | UK £13.49 | EU € 19,00
Release Date: February 28th, 2023
Review code used, with many thanks to BigGamesMachine.
Developed by Danish independent game developer Floppy Club, Rytmos is a musical puzzle game released on Switch and Steam. I’ve been playing the Switch version for this review, and it’s great fun and educational too.
Get your Rythm On
Rytmos is set in space, and you must solve the puzzles on each side of the cubic planets in different galaxies. Solving each puzzle creates small musical loops, slowly evolving into full music compositions. The planets are themed around musical instruments and styles from all over the world. For example, the first set of planets is based on traditional mbira music from Zimbabwe.
In each puzzle, you must move a line through sound emitters before returning to the start point to form a musical loop. But of course, with this being a puzzle game, there is a catch. The line you are moving must not cross itself, and the space is limited. Nor do you have direct control over the line, as it will only stop moving when it reaches the edge of the puzzle space.
Strategic Thinking Required
So some strategic thinking is needed, especially in later levels where new mechanics appear. Firstly, an ice cube is introduced, you can move it in a straight line, and it only stops when it reaches the edge of the puzzle. However, using the ice cube, you can position it to block the line from moving too far or changing its course. Furthermore, warp points appear in later levels, and when the line hits a point, it’s warped to a different spot on the puzzle, adding more puzzling fun.
None of the puzzles are overly complicated, and while there aren’t any hints, you can go back and finish a puzzle if you are unsuccessful the first time.
Adds a Layer of Music to the Mix
Your journey through Rytmos’ musical planets directly impacts the planet’s soundtrack. Every puzzle solved adds another layer of music to the mix, each coming together to form a fully-featured melodic masterpiece of your own making.
Once you complete all the puzzles on a planet, you are given the musical instrument tied to that planet’s theme. You can play the instrument by pressing the buttons on the joy cons. Additionally, the game will record the tune you composed.
Music from around the World
The range of music you are introduced to is worldwide, from areas such as Germany, Indonesia and Japan. Instruments such as the Kalimba, the vibraphone, electronic music, and more add unique flavour to the game.
As you start to play each planet, you are given a little information to read about the instrument and music on that planet. So I did learn a few things about the instruments and music I was playing. This makes Rytmos suitable for any age to play. Even though Rytmos is a one-player game, I can imagine families with their children having fun with this game and learning.
Visuals and Controls
The graphics in Rytmos are pretty remarkable; I was impressed by how well the game looks. It’s bright, vibrant and colourful, and the colours pop off the OLED screen on the Nintendo Switch.
Controls are simple, you use the joystick to move the line and the buttons to play the instruments, and it couldn’t be easier.
Conclusion
Overall, I really enjoyed playing Rytmos. While I cannot play a musical instrument in real life, I don’t think that matters when playing Rytmos. The developers have made the game so that it is educational, entertaining and, most of all, fun. Puzzle fans should enjoy this musical trip worldwide; you never know, you might even learn something new.
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up 