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Rhythm ‘n Notes Review for the Nintendo DS (NDS)

Rhythm ‘n Notes Review for the Nintendo DS (NDS)

Rhythm ‘n Notes should come with a disclaimer as to all of the things that it doesn’t offer

Rhythm ‘n Notes is supposed to teach you about music. We’re talking music theory, not rhythm or dancing games. And any similarities to games such as Guitar Hero or Karaoke Revolution are merely wishful thinking.

Rhythm 'n Notes screenshot

The game is aimed at a very limited market to begin with, and further alienates this demographic through the lack of detailed instructions, coaching, and overall presentation which is rife with design flaws. If this is your first introduction to music theory, I would not recommend this game. It just doesn’t give you enough information on the subject. Those that would get the most out of this game would already have some general understanding of music theory. A well-developed ear wouldn’t hurt either.

Rhythm ‘n Notes is divided into two sections: Rhythm and notes. How would you ever guess? The rhythm part is more closely related to an actual game. You will have to play back various rhythm patterns that you hear by tapping on the touchscreen. As for the notes, you will have to recognize the various notes in a chord that’s played on the virtual piano. A chord consists of three or more notes sounded at one time. It’s difficult enough to recognize one note let alone three. That’s why there is so much trial and error in this gameplay. Those who may already be gifted with perfect pitch will have little to gain by playing this game, and those who wish to attain perfect pitch, will be advised to dream on since you won’t develop it here.

Rhythm 'n Notes screenshot

Ear training will help develop one’s sense of pitch, but don’t expect miracles. Most of us have what is called relative pitch. It’s the ability to perceive pitch by basing it on an already established pitch. That’s why you may see a choir use a pitch pipe to establish a key. Or a singer may ask as a guitarist to play a “G chord” for example, to get them in the proper key signature of the upcoming song. Those who are more interested in developing their singing skills than learning a musical instrument are advised to check out karaoke video games that have pitch meters. They determine how sharp or flat your pitch is. This is a much more effective way to train your ear as the results are immediate. I feel that Rhythm ‘n Notes should come with a disclaimer as to all of the things that it doesn’t offer.

There is no tutorial in Rhythm ‘n Notes, and there is little in the way of instructions. You’re not coached in your progress, or lack thereof. Despite the overly cute lady-beetle that acts as the hostess, the game has a very cold vibe to it. Perhaps that lady-beetle should be replaced with a strict nun holding a ruler in her hands just waiting to smack you if you hit a wrong note. That would be more in keeping with the feel of this game. You have to score perfectly in order to progress. One wrong answer and you have to start over, so if you get something wrong, which you will be informed of immediately, you might as well abort and start over again since that’s what you’ll have to do anyway.

Rhythm 'n Notes screenshot

In the Notes part of the game, a piano chord will sound. You will then have to pick out that same chord from a series of other chords that the game will play for you. You don’t have to identify the chord, they are never named, you only have to identify the sound of it. All of the notes that comprise the chord are identified onscreen since the graphics show the three notes on a virtual keyboard. Even if you don’t play piano, you can eventually learn to associate each key with a letter. It takes a bit of practice, but it’s not rocket science. Unfortunately learning all of the notes on the piano won’t help you with this game. Not only that, but there’s nothing in this game to help associate these notes with any kind of musical theory. You may learn something from playing this game, but the game makes it clear that it’s your responsibility to determine what exactly it is that you learned.

The downside here is that you can’t replay the target chord. You only get to hear it once. That would be fine in the later stages of the game when you’re expected to have developed a better sense of pitch, but in the early stages this is a detriment to ear training progress. Not only can you not hear the original chord again, but you can’t hear the chord that you selected as the answer until you’ve already selected it. This forced method of trial and error will only help to develop frustration with the musical learning process.

Rhythm 'n Notes screenshot

Now we touch on the rhythm component of the game. This will be more familiar territory for some as it follows a Simon-style of rhythm pattern recognition. However, it’s almost as frustrating as the Notes part of the game in that there is little instruction, direction, suggestions, or criticism. You’ll start out with the lady-beetle (her name is Tsunami if you must know) playing a very simple pattern on a can. When she’s done, all you have to do is replicate that exact pattern by tapping on the screen. You can opt to use the L and R buttons if you wish. The patterns start out ridiculously easy but soon progress to what could be construed as drum solos. Not only will you have to remember lengthy rhythmical passages, but other drum pitches will be added to the mix requiring you to press more than one button or hit another drum onscreen.

These complicated rhythms soon become a lesson in memorization which detracts from the musical quality that should be the focus of the game. I would have just as much fun memorizing phone numbers from the Yellow Pages. All of the beats have to be played back at the exact time in relation to the internal metronome which can be extremely hard to hear. If you don’t have the rhythm perfectly memorized in you head, you’re going to have a hard time getting to the next level.

Beginning students rely heavily on aids such as metronomes, repetition, and instant feedback, not to mention direction. Rhythm ‘n Notes seems to almost berate the student, forcing them to repeat various sections right from the beginning. While I agree that students don’t have to be coddled and rewarded for every lame attempt they make, neither should they be continually punished. The game forces them into a mode of learning that is definitely not nurturing. It’s my guess that most potential students will pass on this game and get their musical appreciation the old-fashioned way, by playing a recording of their favorite band.

Features:

  • Practical music exercises are kept light and fun thanks to your musical tour guide, Tsumami.
  • Rhythm lessons teach time signatures and patterns on an array of percussion instruments.
  • Note lessons teach the player to recognize both individual notes and chords on the piano.
  • Gameplay that starts off easy, but grows gradually more complicated as you progress.

    RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 2.8 Graphics
    Limited color palette. Budget-title graphics lack charm. 3.6 Control
    Solid control system, perhaps too simplistic. 2.2 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
    No voiceovers. Weak metronome beat during rhythm section. 2.4

    Play Value
    The game forces you to replay various sections and learn by rote.

    2.7 Overall Rating – Average
    Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

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