Super Crazy Rhythm Castle, the brainchild of Second Impact Games and published by Konami, is a burst of rhythmic joy on the Nintendo Switch. This co-op game, brimming with eccentricity and vibrancy, puts Konami back in the spotlight as a purveyor of one-of-a-kind games.

Party in the Rhythm Castle

Adventuring into an absurd realm, you and up to three friends enter the Rhythm Castle controlled by the unhinged King Ferdinand. The madcap monarch, embodied as a talking rhythm-obsessed TV, inflicts a series of multifaceted tasks. Moving through the castle’s many rooms to steal the king’s crown, you’ll have to overcome every obstacle he places in your path. Throwing cans of beans into a ritual, defending yourself against a giant eggplant DJ, and playing a 2D fighting game by matching beats are just some examples you’ll need to navigate, all while keeping your head on straight.

While basic, the story serves as a delightful backdrop to the game’s musical mayhem. It unfolds as you embark on the mission to conquer the Rhythm Castle with a comedic undertone prevalent throughout. Amusing dialogues and absurd scenarios will keep you grinning from ear to ear. The characters contribute to the game’s comedic charm, and the unpredictable nature of each level adds an element of surprise, making the game as humorous as it is rhythmically engaging.

The twist is you’re not just playing a rhythm game; you’re embarking on a wacky quest, solving puzzles, and engaging in co-op and competitive play. The game’s unpredictability is its charm – one moment you’re grooving to a rhythm, and the next, you’re herding rats with a magical pot and pan. The variety keeps you on your toes, adding to the fun.

Co-op carnival

The rhythm gameplay is simple yet enjoyable, using three buttons (shoulder buttons and a face button) to hit notes. Although straightforward, it quickly gets complex when multiple objectives, puzzles, and obstacles are flung at you during the middle of a high-tempo song. If you’re an absolute master of rhythm games or simply enjoy chaos, you can adjust the difficulty by adding a fourth button for more of a challenge. The ability for each player to set their own difficulty level accommodates diverse skill levels within a group.

Between levels, the castle’s areas offer puzzles and exploration, making the overall experience deeper than just a minigame gambit. They aren’t overly complex and serve more as a hub level to access each rhythm game scenario. Still, these areas offer interactions with the peculiar cast of friends and acquaintances met along the way, including removing a bucket of chicken off a little creature’s head and giving them a pair of glasses so they can see and will let you pass. It’s cute and quirky in all the best ways.

The game’s co-op aspect shines, turning it into one of the best party games of 2023. Playing solo is an option, but the real magic happens when you share the pleasure with friends. Particularly when levels get way more complicated and difficult, thriving in the chaos with a friend or three is much more fun than solo anguish. What it lacks is an immobilising stomp or some other action to annoy your friends if you’re that sort of player (ie. me).

Chaotic beats and whimsical feats

The exceptional audio and visual elements, coupled with its innovative gameplay, make Super Crazy Rhythm Castle a standout title in the rhythm party genre. The delightful world design, filled with piano walkways and a baked bean fountain, adds to the game’s consistent visual appeal.

Super Crazy Rhythm Castle envelops you in a vibrant, whimsical universe. The game’s visuals on the Nintendo Switch aren’t impressive graphically but deliver an art style perfectly synchronised with its musical theme. The castle itself is a riot of colours, featuring a manic combination of wacky, colour-blocked rooms and fantastical contraptions emerging from walls akin to the oddity of the Wonka Chocolate Factory. The cartoon designs of the characters reflect the humour of the adventure, each one exuding a unique charm that contributes to the comedic atmosphere.

The audio, however, steals the spotlight, boasting a soundtrack of over 30 original tracks spanning various genres. While these tunes might not be mainstream hits, they are undeniably catchy and well-produced, seamlessly integrating with the game’s charm. The inclusion of hidden Konami classics adds a nostalgic touch, catering to long-time gaming enthusiasts. The auditory excellence extends beyond the music, with a bouncy and jovial soundscape complementing the gameplay.