Game: Radio Hammer

Game: Radio Hammer
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: Arc System Works
Release Date: 10th December 2015

Radio Hammer is a 3DS eshop rhythm game featuring a group of cartoon DJs who each have to defeat a different type of threat running towards them onscreen. Players use either the touchscreen or buttons to tap in rhythm as the enemies appear, and are rated on their rhythmic accuracy. There are two lanes of enemy on each level, requiring players to keep an eye on whether the threat is appearing from the top or bottom lane.

Each of the four DJ's have 3 stages consisting of 5 levels each, for a total of 15 levels per DJ and 60 levels overall. The average length of a level is around 2-3 minutes, although there are a few which are far longer or shorter. The final level of each DJ's quest is a boss level which demands far greater accuracy and skill than has been needed to reach it. Before each level players are given three star objectives, one of which is to beat the level and the other two relate to point or combo targets, not missing a single enemy or collecting all power-ups. If you're a completionist then these can be frustrating later in the game, as gaining all the stars isn't easy.

Gameplay is simple and not a lot changes between DJ's; the background, enemies and songs of course are different, but there's no added gameplay mechanics relating to their assistant, or personal power-ups. Instead its the same old rhythmic reaction game, with intermittent power-up presents and traps to navigate and squeeze into your already fairly chaotic rhythmic tapping. It's a shame that all of the stages, save for the bosses are so similar as the game becomes a little monotonous after a while, especially if you're replaying levels to reach those star goals.

Besides the main story mode there's random mode, allowing players to face stages on random difficulty levels, track play which allows for any DJ to play tracks that have been unlocked, and a jukebox to listen to any unlocked music. There's trophies to unlock for gaining all the stars in a DJ story mode, gaining a high enough combo and other achievements, but no real reward for having unlocked them.

Graphically the game is very cute and features an enjoyable art style that mixes cartoon ideas with parts of japanese culture. The boss levels present a fun and exciting change up in scenery from the main story levels which lack in background variety for the number of stages which are played on them. Musically the game is good, the rhythmic element is spot on and easy to master, but the quality of the actual music varies from fun and enjoyable jazz funk to some unremarkable electronic tracks.

Overall Radio Hammer is well worth checking out; for it's small price tag there's a lot of levels to check out, and extra modes if you're really into the game, but there's a definite lack of variety after a while. The difficulty level spikes about halfway through the game, and this can be disheartening without enough practice at the game. As a big fan of rhythm games, this one's pretty middle of the road for the genre.

Rating: 72/100
Grade: C