Rhythm games, outside of the Guitar Hero and Rock Band series, have rarely interested me – largely due to the lack of recognisable songs in other franchises. Games like Theatrhythm Final Fantasy are one of rare instances due to my knowledge of its track list.
When Superbeat: XONiC appeared on my radar, it too got a raised eyebrow from me. While I didn’t recognise the track list, I did know its history in terms of the DJMax series; a series that has always been popular. So I decided to see what it was all about.
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• Developer: Nurijoy
• Publisher: Rising Star Games
• Reviewed on: PlayStation Vita
• Release Date: Available Now
Firstly, a history lesson: the DJMax series was created by developer Pentavision who unfortunately folded last year. Rising from its ashes, Nurijoy features a number of former Pentavision members. They announced Superbeat: XONiC as a ‘spiritual successor’ to the DJMax games and fans rejoiced. After playing the game, I can now confirm that Nurijoy delivered for them and for newbies like me.
Superbeat: XONiC’s core game-play uses most aspects of the Vita to make the game easier to play. The game uses a central display, with notes coming from the centre of the screen. Depending on the location of the note, you will need to press either a face button or a direction on the pad. For instance, a note heading to the top right will require the triangle button but the bottom left will require the down directional pad button.
There are also sustained notes which require timed movements and yellow directional notes which require flicks of the corresponding analog stick in the relevant direction to hit. Personally, I found the touchscreen controls easier to pull off as they were in one location. Moving from a single hit note, to a flick note to a sustained, moving note could all be pulled off without moving my thumbs very far or onto different buttons.
While I didn’t recognise any of the tracks, there is huge variety in the songs chosen, ranging from super-happy pop music, K-pop, techno tracks and garage music. Each song is short too, meaning that it suits the portable system. While the songs themselves are not entirely memorable, I did find enough in the list that I enjoyed playing multiple times.
Progression in the game is marked by experience points. These can in turn be spent on unlocking new music tracks or DJ icons for your profile. Extra challenges in the World Tour mode are also unlocked by the EXP you earn which forms the main mode of the game. Unfortunately, it also forms practically the only mode in the game! However, as I see this as a rhythm game (a genre I primarily use as comfort gaming), a wide variety of modes is not a huge issue for me.
The much-maligned Vita needs a new game to champion the system and Superbeat: XONiC certainly ticks all the boxes of a classic Vita title. It is easy to pick up and play, has depth in terms of difficulty (to insane levels I might add) and is perfect for short bursts of play. It even uses the system’s multiple control schemes well. For existing fans, there is a lot of content here, with over 50 songs to tackle as well as difficulties to conquer. But new players will also have plenty to get stuck into too.
If you have been looking for a game to play on your commutes, Superbeat: XONiC is a good candidate to choose. Be warned however, you may spontaneously start pumping your fists in the air, which could connect with other commuters. The game is fun, addictive and colourful – all the things I need for my journey into work every day. No black eyes yet though, thankfully.
