Music is the language of the soul. Hence, music has a special place in our hearts. Then what about music games? While they are termed “rhythm games,” the MSP is undoubtedly the musical element of the game. Such games challenge players’ ability to follow the rhythm of a song. Although they require gamers to take specific actions, such as tapping on objects in tandem with a soundtrack, it is clear that music plays an integral role in gameplay. Hence, these games come in various settings, but the concept remains the same. The following article lists several rhythm-based or music-based games that have left a mark on the industry.
Music Games: Definition
Music Games are games that have a focus on music. Whether it be guessing the lyrics, or pressing buttons to match the rhythm, music games have been fun to play. These games usually come with different modes such as single-player, multiplayer, online battles, etc. Music games may not be as popular as other genres of PC games, but they are still played by millions worldwide.
What are the Best Music Games for PC?
Picking the best can be a tedious task, especially when it comes to games. To make your life much easier, we have collected some of the most popular music games for PC –
1. Metal: Hellsinger
The game Metal: Hellsinger is set in Hell. The gamers have to navigate Hell using Metal (a genre of music). That’s the whole premise of the game. However, while it sounds simple, it is unbelievably fun to play, especially if you are a fan of Metal and Rock music. Want to fight monsters? Blast them with your tunes. Here, you have to time your attacks with the correct notes to maximize your damage. But what makes the game a classic is the musical journey that grows more and more intense as you progress through the gameplay without missing a beat. The game features some of the legendary Metal music of singers like Randy Blythe, Serj Tankian, and Tatiana Shmayluk.
Features
- Navigate Hell using Metal music.
- Time your attacks with correct notes to maximize damage.
- Features legendary Metal music from singers like Randy Blythe, Serj Tankian, and Tatiana Shmayluk.
2. Intralism
While Intralism stands out in a genre where being different is in itself an MSP, it stays true to its musical roots. The gameplay and interface offered are too different from other titles in the genre. However, if you are a fan of Osu, another rhythm game, then surely you will appreciate Intralism. The game offers a round layout that offers notes for the players to hit. The initial experience might be somewhat jarring, but it eventually grows on the players. But the best thing about Intralism is not even the music it offers, but the community. The vibrant and active community is what makes people stay.
Features
- Unique gameplay and interface.
- Offers a round layout with notes for players to hit.
- Active and vibrant community.
3. Just Shapes & Beats
Just Shapes & Beats is one of those games that is easy to play but harder to master and still hard to love. Either you will like it or you won’t. There is no middle ground when it comes to gameplay. You can engage in single-player or multiplayer modes as you move to the rhythm, trying to dodge incoming bullets while at the same time shooting at rhythmically moving targets. Hence, those who can hear notes clearly often have an advantage.
Features
- Easy to play, hard to master rhythm game.
- Single-player and multiplayer modes available.
- Dodge incoming bullets and shoot at rhythmically moving targets.
4. Audiosurf 2
Audiosurf 2 is already better than its predecessor, as it allows gamers to connect to the internet. Thus, it provides players more freedom and choice when it comes to using music. They no longer have to limit themselves to uploading a file saved on their system; they can easily stream songs online and use them in the game. The title can be said to be a perfect amalgamation of gaming elements and music.
Features
- Connect to the internet and use music from streaming platforms.
- Amalgamation of gaming elements and music.
- Allows players to use their own music for gameplay.
5. DJ Max Respect V
What music-themed game list is complete without DJ Max? The franchise has had a long stay in the genre and has kept on improving itself. The latest version, Respect V, offers tracks from various artists. Added to the gameplay and visuals, the game is one of the best rhythm games in history. It offers around 30 packs that players can choose from, ensuring there is no shortage of content. The gameplay itself is simple, as you need to keep tapping along with the beat.
Features
- Features tracks from various artists.
- Simple gameplay with tapping along with the beat.
- Offers around 30 packs of content.
6. Beat Saber
Beat Saber is a music and VR game that has players flashing sabers to beats. While it sounds simple, it is actually a pretty difficult game to master. In the game, your controllers act as lightsabers that you use to slash colored cubes. But that’s not it, as you have to synchronize your slashes with the music. There is a leaderboard that keeps track of your progress while fueling competition. And at the same time, there are different music levels with varying difficulty.
Features
- PC VR game where players slash colored cubes with lightsabers.
- Synchronize slashes with the music.
- Multiple music levels with varying difficulty.
7. Rocksmith 2014 Remastered
Rocksmith is one of those games that prides itself on imparting real-world musical knowledge. Unlike other games in the genre, Rocksmith 2014 was made for music junkies, where the gameplay utilizes addictive controls, easy mechanics, and fun as learning tools. In short, you can learn how to play a guitar or bass by playing this game. In order to play the game, you have to plug in a real guitar. It is the perfect example of skill gamification.
The game comes with almost 66 songs and over 1000 others as DLC. Furthermore, the PC version allows users to import custom songs from the community. There are also tutorials, multiple levels with varying difficulties, and a customizable learning curve. It is more like a learning tool than a game.
Features
- Real-world musical learning tool for guitar and bass.
- Over 66 songs and 1000+ DLCs available.
- Import custom songs from the community.
8. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
Guitar Hero 3 was launched in 2007, more than a decade ago, yet it is still one of the best rhythm games of all time. It had a carefully curated soundtrack featuring guitar and bass. However, the game was not limited to music fans. In fact, we can contribute the generalization of the rhythm gaming genre to this title. The game offers multiple difficulties for a variety of players. It has slow songs for newcomers and solo-heavy anthems for hardcore players. Even today, after more than 15 years, the game still has a thriving community, a testament to its popularity.
Features
- Curated soundtrack featuring guitar and bass.
- Multiple difficulties catering to different players.
- Thriving community even after years of release.
9. Sayonara Wild Hearts
Sayonara Wild Hearts lets you experience an album. The game offers monster hunting, racing, dancing, and battling all to the rhythm of a custom-made pop song. Although the full game isn’t strictly attuned to music, it is fun nonetheless. It offers 23 levels, each with its own music and challenges. The game isn’t that old. It was released in 2019 and offers a tight storyline. It is available on both Windows and macOS, as well as the Nintendo Switch and PS4.
Features
- Experience an album with various gameplay elements.
- Custom-made pop songs for each level.
- Offers monster hunting, racing, dancing, and battling.
10. Rez Infinite
Although the first ever Raz game was a PS4 original, two decades later it was finally available for PCs. However, the great thing about the latest Raz Infinite is that it didn’t do injustice to the original title. The gameplay allows users to affect the in-game environment with each click. It is an abstract game and has a beautiful art style. It is an on-rails shooter that allows users to target eight simultaneous targets, and anything hit changes the soundscape.
Features
- Abstract on-rails shooter game.
- Affects the in-game environment with each click.
- Beautiful art style and immersive soundscape.