Rhythm games have an obvious appeal, as they not only allow players to listen to their favorite songs but also immerse players in the shoes of hit musicians. How bizarre, then, that one series that's fallen off the map is Guitar Hero. Making players the lead guitarist in countless rock songs, it's among the most recognizable properties in the industry and a go-to franchise for the musically inclined. Sadly, there hasn't been a new entry in years, leaving fans nostalgic and hungry for more.

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Luckily, several rhythm games provide enticing alternatives. They may take the formula into other genres besides rock, but the interactivity remains undeniably engaging. Even for the most despondent fans, these admirable IPs may just fill the void left by Guitar Hero.

Updated on January 30, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: There was a time when Guitar Hero reigned supreme as the best rhythm game fans could get their hands on. Over time, the popularity of this franchise dwindled to the point where most people assumed that rhythm gaming had become a thing of the past. However, hybrid genres and VR gaming have ensured that rhythm gaming continues to occupy a small section of mainstream gaming, and there are many titles fans can check out if they miss the simple and engaging gameplay of Guitar Hero.

1 Hi-Fi Rush

An Amazing Combination Of Third-Person Combat And Rhythm Gameplay

The fact that a quality game like Hi-Fi Rush was shadow-dropped out of nowhere continues to surprise players even now. The presentation and art style of this game are top-notch, and that isn't even the best part of the game.

Instead, where Hi-Fi Rush excels is its rhythmic gameplay, with players banging their heads to a killer soundtrack as they smash enemies to smithereens. More players need to check out Hi-Fi Rush if they love unique, enjoyable titles that don't overstay their welcome.

2 BPM: Bullets Per Minute

Combines FPS Action And The Rhythm Genre In One Excellent Package

Before BPM: Bullets Per Minute exploded in popularity, most people scoffed at the idea of combining rhythm gameplay with FPS action. So, fans were glad to see just how enjoyable this hybrid of genres turned out.

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BPM: Bullets Per Minute's action-packed gameplay and catchy songs make it one of the most unique first-person shooters players can get their hands on. It opened the floodgates for other games to try their hands with this genre, which is a net positive for indie gaming as a whole.

3 Synth Riders

A Fun VR Rhythm Game Where Players Are Encouraged To Dance And Move With The Beat

Rhythm games have flourished in the realm of VR, with one of the most popular virtual reality games wholly immersed in this genre. Synth Riders is another VR rhythm game that compels players to move in tandem with the beat, letting them dance to the song.

The unique gameplay of Synth Riders, coupled with its extensive song list, makes it a must-play in the rhythm genre. Anyone who owns a VR headset should make it a point to check this game out, especially if they get their hands on the numerous song packs for this title.

4 Rock Band

Guitar Hero's Main Competitor

Here's an obvious one when looking for the best games like Guitar Hero. Rock Band was Guitar Hero's main competitor during the latter's lifetime, and it's easy to see why -- they cover similar ground since they frequent the same musical genre. They even sport the same developer for some titles: Harmonix.

Given those ties, it stands to reason that Rock Band would expand on the formula. It carries over the guitar controls, but it also includes singing and drums. These tools are just as instrumental (sorry) to any song. Allowing players to control them makes the rock star experience more complete. By its very nature, Guitar Hero could never evolve in this way.

5 Kingdom Hearts: Melody Of Memory

A Rhythm Game Set In The Kingdom Hearts Universe

This may seem an odd choice. After all, the music here has nothing to do with rock. That said, many commend Kingdom Hearts for having some of the finest music in gaming. Any fan would jump at the chance to revisit the series' best tracks in an interactive format. However, they're not just playing the music; they also fight the forces of evil.

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In Melody of Memory, the heroes run along a track while familiar enemies attack them in tune with the song. Only by hitting the buttons at the right moment can players dodge the obstacles and vanquish their foes. Of all the gimmicks that Kingdom Hearts has thrown into its action RPG gameplay, this is easily the weirdest. What's even weirder, though, is that it works.

6 Dance Dance Revolution

A Legendary Dancing Game That's Still Going Strong To This Day

This series may not involve instruments, but players must still keep the beat. Dance Dance Revolution presents four platforms with arrows, and dancers must step on said arrows as they show up onscreen. The concept is simple to grasp and easy to jump into, which is probably why it's endured for so long.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." That's the policy that this series runs on. Since its gameplay suits so many music genres, the series has spanned decades and covers countless songs. Rock is just one area where it's left its mark. The addictive allure never fades, as people will always love nailing the steps to their favorite tunes. Whether at home or in an arcade, Dance Dance Revolution never fails to excite the masses.

7 Beat Saber

The Most Popular VR Rhythm Game Where Players Use Colored Sabers To Hit Blocks

This is not how one would imagine using a lightsaber. In Beat Saber, players wield two of these glowing weapons as a barrage of blocks approaches them. They then slash through these blocks to avoid being hit. Depending on the block, the saber may need a different angle or style of cut.

That's not the only catch, though; the blocks also come in line with musical beats. The notes determine the type and timing of each slash. This lends more strategy to the typical rhythm gameplay loop, calling for finesse beyond simple button presses. Not to mention, it's refreshing to use one's hands to dance instead of one's feet.

8 Metal: Hellsinger

Doom's Aesthetics With Rhythm-Focused Gameplay Is A Winning Combination

If rock is not hardcore enough, there's always heavy metal. Shredding guitars, screaming vocals, and intense drum beats permeate this genre. These usually make for a faster pace, meaning each song is more challenging in a rhythm game format. However, that's not the only reason to give this game a try.

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Metal: Hellsinger features another unconventional blend. Namely, it's a first-person shooter crossed with a rhythm game. Players progress through Hell and slay demons by keeping in line with the music. The whole scenario is every metalhead's dream. Like Kingdom Hearts, it raises the stakes beyond just playing the songs. The format is arguably more effective here, thanks to the satanic aesthetic. Nothing gets the blood pumping like fighting the legions of Hell.

9 PaRappa The Rapper

An Infamously Hard Rhythm Game With Fun Characters And An Imaginative Art Style

Considering all the rhythm games out there, it's surprising how few of them hang their hats on rap. Of course, people can debate the musical merits of that genre, but PaRappa the Rapper nevertheless fills the void. That said, the music isn't the only aspect setting the game apart from its peers. Most other rhythm titles derive their difficulty from both timing and button combinations.

PaRappa largely forgoes the latter. Instead, players perform most verses using one button at a time. Some might think this lessens the depth, but it maintains the nuance, albeit in a different form. Players must focus more on matching the beat and less on finding the right input. That's not always easy, given the speed of the notes. They'd better hope their thumbs are up to the challenge, or else the iconic dog will never live it down.

10 Crypt Of The NecroDancer

A Rhythm Game With Fun Dungeon Crawling Goodness

No one goes into a roguelike expecting a rhythm game. Regardless, that's what Crypt of the NecroDancer delivers. Players proceed through traditional dungeons with all manner of gothic horror monsters. Slaying these creatures requires pressing buttons to match the music. The title is similar to other entries in that respect.

Unlike those entries, Crypt of the NecroDancer doesn't use licensed music. Instead, it boasts an original soundtrack. This choice could have gone south, but the game storms ahead with unbelievable confidence. Crossing techno beats with the old-school style of a Metroidvania creates an infectious theme. More importantly, the rhythm of that theme is easy to grasp and fun to play along with. In the end, fans may want to work their way through the game for the music alone.

Guitar Hero (2005)

Platform(s)

PS2 , Xbox 360

Released

November 8, 2005

Developer(s)

Harmonix Music Systems