The Evolution of Rhythm Games

The Beginning

If you think back to rhythm games, many people might think that Dance Dance Revolution or Guitar hero were some of the earliest inceptions of such an idea. The truth is that the concept started in the late 80s with the creation of the power pads Dance aerobics in 1987, to be exact. This game’s idea served as a template for the surplus of rhythm games in the mid to late 90s. With our professionals here at Full Sized Arcade Games, we will delve into how this concept changed and evolved throughout the years and where it is now.

Beatmania to DDR

It did not take long for other titles to follow suit and try to catch a flame of momentum for a game that followed a similar concept. Many tried through labels such as Beatmania at the arcades, and a new title would take its rhythm concept to a completely different level in 1998. Enter Dance Revolution, which revolutionized the idea of rhythm games by actually dancing to the literal rhythm of a game by using your feet instead of your hands. It’s a game that has become so popular and hit in arcades worldwide but has several differently styled arcades and other consoles available to the public. It’s become a phenomenon that has managed to thrive throughout the years and made it a must for those who see it amongst arcade games for sale.

Rhythm Instruments

Dance Dance revolution has become so popular it’s a staple amongst arcade games. But, the rhythm revolution was far from over. You had other games that adapted such concepts that the title above brought and used them for their labels. Guitar Hero and Rock Band are perfect examples of this. Instead of dancing, you either play a game guitar, play on game drums or sing into a microphone, depending on what game you are playing and creating instant classics. It brought the best elements of rhythm-based gaming while utilizing the best songs that media and history offered. 

New Ideas

Even today, new ideas are still being created and adapted while others are taking a different approach, combining older concepts with new ones to make gems. Good examples of this are Groove Coaster and the wildly popular Beat Saber and how adaptable their concepts are to not only arcades but for the music of today and yesteryear, providing enjoyment for people of different generations. 

Friday Night Funkin

Then you have other games that initially flew under the radar and didn’t seem like they would get anywhere until a massive surge of internet popularity. Friday Night Funkin is a perfect example of this. It’s a straightforward rhythm game found on Newgrounds and played just by using your keyboard. As characters get into musical duels, personality, flair, and music become a prevalent concept as you progress through the game. 

Conclusion

Rhythm games have become a large part of consoles and arcade gaming. It will most likely continue with the example of successful passion projects like Friday Night Funkin, which has received over $2,000,000 in development money from rabid fans and investors alike. With DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) not slowing down too much with the versions of games that it puts out, more fun can be had from them and other innovative rhythm games for years to come.

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