Rhythm Core Alpha 2

Genre: Content Creation Application

Players: 1

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Review:

Rhythm Core Alpha 2 is a Music Creation Application that was originally released on the Nintendo DSi via the DSiWare service in 2013, with a version also releasing on the Nintendo 3DS eShop. As with this Application’s predecessor, Rhythm Core Alpha 2 allows players to compose their own synthesized music. Much of what I have to say about this release mirrors what I have to say about the original Rhythm Core Alpha, and as such elements of this review are copied from my review of that title

As with the first Rhythm Core Alpha, this Application has a multitude of controls that will be mystifying to those just picking it up, and potentially outright intimidating. While I would say that Rhythm Core Alpha 2 isn’t quite as difficult to wrap your head around as Rytmik Ultimate, it is still very, very far from user-friendly. There are no tutorials to guide you through the way this Application is used, and only some help menus to peruse.

There have been a number of changes and improvements made to this software when compared to the first, Rhythm Core Alpha, but a few frustrating issues do still remain. Placing a note doesn’t let you hear what it sounds like, nor can you hear what an instrument sounds like when selecting it as one of your array of instruments from the menu – you have to set it and then play it on the touchscreen piano instead, which is frustrating. Also, trying to scroll horizontally while placing non-drum notes can have the game thinking you’re trying to place a long note, making navigation extremely clunky.

At the very least, some of the other issues have been addressed. The start button is now a shortcut to pause/play, meaning you no longer need to scroll the touchscreen all the way to the top. There’s also a new “mixer” option to individually adjust the sound level of each instrument, all on one screen. And while the quality of the instruments is still a bit lacking, it’s definitely improved from the first Rhythm Core Alpha.

Overall, Rhythm Core Alpha is a huge improvement over its predecessor, though it still has some annoying issues plaguing it, and chief among those is an interface that’s going to be difficult for newcomers to understand. I do think that if you’re looking for a Music Creation Application on your Nintendo 3DS, this is one of the best bets, though I’m not quite sure what sort of target audience that is at this point.

tl;dr – Rhythm Core Alpha 2 is a Music Creation Application that’s still difficult to understand, but it’s a marked improvement over its predecessor. There’s still multiple issues with this software, but Nintendo 3DS owners who absolutely need something to edit music on the handheld may want to give this a look.

Grade: C

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