Looking back on the music game genre, the core of rhythm games has not really changed. Levels are based on a selection of songs that players must progress through by correctly pressing a series of matching buttons as prompted on their screen. There is little to no movement required of the player’s character and the main form of concentration is on timing and precision. Difficulty is increased by increasing the number of buttons to press and the speed at which these button prompts must be pressed. So how does Tinimations, a one-man independent video game development studio, break out from the sea of monotony in the music game genre? Rather than rehash another rhythm game similar to its predecessors, Tinimations forms a marriage between rhythm and 2D platformers, thereby producing Klang.
A New Breed of Rhythm Game
Klang is a rhythm game unlike any other. Players will not only have to press a series of matching buttons in sync with the rhythm but also avoid their environment from attacking them. This chaos is a brilliant formula for hardcore gamers or players looking for a challenge. Klang differs from other rhythm games such that in order to defeat your foes, you must attack in the right direction and in rhythm, while simultaneously moving through the level and jumping to and from platforms. Similar to games like Super Hexagon or Super Meat Boy, any time you fail a level you can’t help but restart the level without hesitation. Klang is as addicting as it is frustrating, pushing players to improve their score and skills. To give players more options with playing Klang, a Xbox One, Xbox 360, or PS4 controller can be used in place of the keyboard. Personally, I preferred playing with a Xbox One controller rather than the keyboard due to issues with hitting the diagonal arrows correctly.
Juggling the music’s rhythm and eye-hand coordination required to avoid pitfalls and instadeath laser beams is what sets Klang apart from the rest of the rhythm game community. Games like Dance Dance Revolution or Samba de Amigo (Wii) are no different from Patapon or Senran Kagura Bon Appétit! such that instead of using your fingers to play the game, you use your legs or arms. Concentration is focused on watching the screen only for the buttons to hit and nothing else. Crypt of the Necrodancer is a rogue-like that does not have buttons to press in sync with the music but requires you to move your character with the music’s rhythm in order to attack monsters effectively. Necrodancer is unique, yet still, does not require a higher demand of concentration to progress through Klang.
For new rhythm games that are a simple rehash of a previous rhythm game, it’s easy to sell if the IP (intellectual property) fanbase is big enough. For example, Persona 4: Dancing All Night was well received simply based on the enormous popularity of the IP even though the gameplay is similar to SUPERBEAT: XONiC. The beauty of Klang relies on the refreshing narrative not truly seen in the music game genre. Similar to silent films, Klang‘s story is driven purely by gestures and the player’s progression through the game’s levels. The music does not entirely convey mood or emotion, but definitely gets the player pumped for the fast-paced action that is awaiting them.
Cons
Klang suffers most from fast-paced levels that end too abruptly. Because the levels are so short, there are no checkpoints for a majority of the levels. If players fail the level halfway, they will have to start the level again from the beginning. This unforgiving element is reminiscent of old school gaming that required players to be precise in their actions. However, with a little practice and patience, players should have no trouble progressing through the story. Another drawback from the short levels is that the song playlist is extremely catchy, but not fully appreciated from level progression. There is a jukebox option to listen to collectable songs throughout the game but effort must be put in to find and collect these songs. Lastly, if players are having a hard time acclimating to the button (or keyboard) configuration, there is little room for changing the default buttons.
Conclusion
Overall, Klang is the best indie rhythm game I’ve played in a while. Tinimations has created a game that should be set as an example for new rhythm games hoping to break the mold and challenge players. The only major downfall are the short levels, but for players who aim to collect all the jukebox songs or achieve the highest scores on each level will find replayability high, whereas others may not. Klang is definitely memorable and is the game you’d want to show your friends.
Klang is available on Steam. For more information, check out http://tinimations.net/ or the trailer below!