Groove Coaster Review – A captivating audio-visual experience
App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: TAITO Corporation
Version #: 1.1
Date Released: 2011-10-03
Developer: Taito Corporation
Price: 2.99
User Rating:
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Rhythm-based music games may seem limited in the amount of enjoyment they can provide you with. After all, all your doing is keeping in rhythm to songs that you may not necessarily like. However, if such a game is layered with beautiful presentation and plenty of unlockables to spice up the experience, then suddenly it becomes a hugely appealing prospect.
Groove Coaster is more or less what I just described. It is a rhythm-based game in which you control a little avatar gliding along a track and attempt to keep him tapping in time to one of many songs that are built into the game. Admittedly, I’m not a fan of the Japanese electro-poppy soundtrack, but I find myself so captivated to keep in time with the game, that I hardly notice.
Part of this captivation is down to Groove Coaster‘s wonderful aesthetic. It all has a retro-wireframe kind of look that’s complemented by incredible flashes of colour as you tap together rhythmic combos. The track your avatar glides along twists and turns in time with the music, and the audio and visuals work together incredibly to keep you gripped in every one of the game’s levels.
You level up as you play through the game, gaining access to new avatars, items, and flashy new effects. Different avatars – which include pixellated fish and space invaders – have different attributes and abilities, making it worthwhile to play around with them to see which suits you best. The new effects available for unlocking are also fun to play around with, as each of them is unique and gives a whole new look to the game.
As if the mesmerising gameplay wasn’t enough to keep you hooked, Groove Coaster also features online leaderboards and a whole bunch of achievements. The stylisation of this game borders on the artistic, bringing the idea of ‘poetry in motion’ to your iPhone (despite its cheesy soundtrack).
Quick Take
Value:High.
Would I Buy Again:Yes.
Learning Curve:Medium - as soon as you get into the rhythm, you're flying.
Who Is It For:People willing to be captivated by all the pretty colours.
What I Like:Innovative and hypnotic visuals.
What I Don't Like:Limited Japanese electro-pop soundtrack.
Final Statement:A mesmerising rhythmic trip through a wireframe world.
groove coaster ----------------------------------
The game that's taken the world by storm!!
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Gorgeous, challenging and thrillingly different, Groove Coaster is a treat for the eyes, the ears, and the soul.
-Pocket Gamer, Gold Award
"You need to play Groove Coaster. Period."
-IGN, 9.5 Rating - Amazing, Editor's Choice
"Groove Coaster is one of the most beautiful combinations of music and
gaming I've experienced on the iPhone..."
-Kotaku, Gaming App of the Day Award
"The Best Rhythm Game On The iPhone Or iPad"
-MTV Multiplayer
Slide To Play's Game of the Month!
Apple's iPhone Game of the Week!
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A Groove Game in Roller Coaster Form!
From the mind of Reisuke Ishida, creator of the internationally award-winning SPACE INVADERS INFINITY GENE: an exhilarating next-gen groove game!
Touch to the rhythm! This game offers exhilarating groove-filled roller coaster action with simple one-finger controls!
The more you play, the more the game levels up! Persistance is rewarded, with new characters and other elements unlocked through play!
Create an original stage that grows and changes according to your progress through the game! Impress your friends!
The music included covers a wide spectrum, from rock and pop to hip-hop and techno!
Don't just listen to music, game with it!
Language:
English
Français
Italiano
???
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*Advice for players unsure how to proceed to the second stage*
Immediately after the first stage is successfully completed, a tutorial is displayed. Follow the tutorial instructions to proceed:
1. Touch the icon for stage 2, "Play merrily".
2. Touch the location indicated by the hand-shaped icon, at the bottom of the screen.
3. As the hand-shaped icon directs, drag your finger from right to left to change the Avatar in use.
4. Tap the hand-shaped icon to confirm your choice.
You are now able to play the second stage. No extra charge is required to play the second and subsequent stages.
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Platform:iPhone 3GS / iPhone 4 / 3rd, 4th generation iPod touch / iPad / iPad2
** iPhone OS 4.2 or higher is required to play GROOVE COASTER.
Screenshots
Article By Robert Zak
I'm an up-and-coming freelance writer (or so I like to think) specialising in film, apps and gaming. Aside from writing app reviews on what sometimes feels like a mass scale, I've also contributed work to The Independent and IGN.com, and am on the writing team of the popular Lifestyle blog, WhatCulture.com. Like what you see? Follow me on Twitter @Rob_Zed and get in touch!
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