Groove Coaster 2 (iOS) Review

Fans of Japanese arcade games, and especially rhythm titles, will find themselves right at home in Groove Coaster 2. Spectacular visual effects, catchy music, difficult gameplay, and extreme high score hunt. All the things that define the Japanese arcade market are found here.

While the first impression when starting up Groove Coaster 2 is that of a sterile affair, with its very computerised menus, that feeling is soon shaken off the moment it actually starts and quickly adds to the visual charm. The gameplay is really simple, yet plays wonderfully thanks to how it entwines itself with the visuals. The goal is to get through the literal roller coasters that the stages take the form of by tapping, sliding, and holding down on the touchscreen of the smart phone - heavily reminiscent of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy (also from Taito's parent company, Square Enix) and Hatsune Miku: Project Diva F 2nd. The layout of stages brings a new dimension and reveals the strongest part of Groove Coaster 2.

This strength is how wonderfully the roller coasters are designed, adding to the feeling of every tune and every button press, swipe, and hold. How it adapts to changes of pace mid song is breathtaking, and gets the adrenaline pumping. It creates a feeling that mixes the visual and auditory impressions into one.

There are, however, some things that are lacking, mainly in the form of the hook for new players. To pull people into a rhythm title it is important that famous names are included on the song roster. However, few are to be found here, especially in the free-to-play portion, yet even the pay-to-play catalogue is lacking in range. While it includes the likes of Hatsune Miku, Touhou, IOSYS, and IA, all of it speaks towards the same very small group of vocaloid lovers. This may act as a repellent for most. The situation isn't helped by how those who want to play rhythm games starring Miku and the rest of the vocaloids actually already have more targeted options.

It is forgivable, though, as the gameplay system itself is strong enough to stand on its own, even without the big names attached, but it might make it difficult to stick to and to justify buying the P2P content if not heavily into otaku culture.