In addition to an overview of the DSi’s new hardware features, Nintendo had two big DS game announcements at the Game Developers Conference. I use the word “big” very loosely here, because neither game is huge surprise. They announced Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, which frankly I find hard to get excited about. I mean Zelda is cool an’ all but I’m not sure why you would want to put Link on a train. It would be far better if they gave him a more mobile vehicle like a Teddy Ruxpin blimp or something…

But I digress…

I was far more interested in Nintendo’s decision to bring Rhythm Heaven to North America, or Rizumu Tengoku Go-rudo as it’s known here in Japan. Initially I was really disappointed because they were not really announcing a new game at all but rather a translation of a game that had been already out in Japan for quite some time. But it was one of the top games of 2008 here, and after you play it for a few minutes you’ll quickly know why. Rhythm Heaven is one of those rare games that will make you laugh out loud as you play. Yes, it was a great decision for them to bring it over to North America. I’m just not sure that it was “keynote worthy.”



Nintendo passed free copies of Rhythm Heaven at the GDC event, and according to the Go Nintendo website there was a ROM leaked online shortly afterwards. Whether that’s going to affect games sales or not on the April 5th release remains to be seen. But you can bet that Nintendo is going to rethink that kind of giveaway come next year!

Regardless of how it sells, Rhythm Heaven is remarkable because it represents what Nintendo’s success over the past few years is all about. It’s not fancy, no bells and whistles — it’s just plain fun. The graphics are mediocre at best, but the game compensates with innovative play. One level called Chorus Men (it will be called Glee Club in the North American version) requires you to control one of three singing cartoon figures. Hold down on the stylus to keep his mouth shut, and lift it off the screen to allow him to sing. You can also use a flick gesture to do a more aggressive wailing. Idol is a similar game where you control one of three monkeys cheering on their favorite pop star. I know, I know… Only in Japan, right? Both games require you to keep in time with the tune or risk the scorn of your peers.

If you can’t wait until next week to get a look at Rhythm Heaven you can check out this behind-the-scenes video of Beyonce’s new promo ad for the game. Not surprisingly Glee Club is her favorite level!