Groove Coaster is my 2018 Game Of The Year
By: RJ (@rga_02)
2018 was a lackluster year for me in terms of video games. Sure, there were some great releases such as Forza Horizon 4, DJMax Respect, Tokimeki Idol and Soulcalibur IV – but 2018 was alright for the most part. However, there was a game that was released this year that was more than “alright.” A game that not only captivates my imagination but also places me in a trance that I never thought I would experience from a home setting.
My game of the year for 2018 is Groove Coaster.
For those who aren’t familiar with the title, Groove Coaster is a rhythm game developed by Matrix Software and published by Taito – whom most of you might know developed Space Invaders which this game borrows some aesthetic elements from.
Groove Coaster carries over the basic elements of rhythm games. As you reach the music note, you press a button. What this game does differently though is that it isn’t a traditional lane-based rhythm game. The notes appear along with a track filled with zig-zags, loops, sharp turns, etc. just like a roller coaster.
As you are guiding your avatar through the roller coaster of tunes, you are treated to an immersive visual in the background. Combine that with the music, and you got yourself a game filled with joy, wonder, and captivation. Those three are the reason why I fell in love with this.
Wherever you play Groove Coaster, you get sucked into the music blasting into your ears. I’ve first played this game at my local Round1. Even with the noise of people and other arcade cabinets around me, I felt immersed and almost in a state of blissful trance. I think I felt more of a connection to the Groove Coaster cabinet than the supposed father-son bonding of Kratos and Atreus from God of War.
Even when the game was ported over to mobile devices, I felt at peace while playing compared to the other mobile titles. I was more focused and in-tune with the beat of the music. Groove Coaster is a pure rhythm game experience.
So you could only my imagine my happiness when Taito announced the release of Groove Coaster for the PC. When the delays started rolling in, that just fueled my thirst for the game. I think I haven’t felt this genuinely excited for a video game since Namco announced they were going to bring THE iDOLM@STER for the current generation of consoles.
Apart from the limited song choices and awkward keyboard controls, this port of Groove Coaster was a near faithful experience to its arcade cabinet counterpart. It gave me the same experience that I would find myself if I were playing this at Round1, except this time I can play from the comfort of my bed.
The game isn’t much of a challenge, but it shouldn’t be. There are other games out there if you feel the need to be challenged. Sometimes you need to take it easy for once and just live for the experience and immersion, and Groove Coaster does that well.