Spin Rhythm XD review

Spin Rhythm XD has a moderately complex input system that’s more involved than most of its peers. But once you wrap your head around the different techniques, the game reveals its wonderfully immersive groove.

A recent play session with a Dance Dance Revolution coin-op provided a reminder: rhythm games are best with some kind of physicality. Sure, Taiko no Tatsujin is entertaining when you’re replicating drumrolls by tapping buttons. But add Hori’s Drum Controller and play becomes truly energetic, as you pound away with a pair of plastic bachi. Unfortunately, these kinds of peripherals are often premium priced. It can also be difficult to justify the expense when compatibility is limited to a single title or two.

Cunningly, Spin Rhythm XD doesn’t just task you with pressing buttons. Sure, there’s the occasionally conventional input, requiring a precisely-timed tap when a larger note hits the bottom of the playfield. But that’s just one element of the game’s input system. Although the title makes use of buttons and analog sticks, it does so in novel and interesting ways that are designed to mimic the movements of a DJ. You’ll be performing actions that vaguely feel like turning knobs and rapidly switching between tracks, even if any multitrack mixing isn’t evident in the song. Yes, it’s a bit confusing at first. But soon, the dissonance disappears and you’re grooving through Spin Rhythm’s 60-track library.

Don’t Call Me, “DJ Gaming Mouse”, Please

You’ll use either a mouse or analog stick to rotate the game’s eponymous, bi-colored spinner. When smaller note bars or streams fall downward, you’ll line up the corresponding color on this wheel with the icon. Often, you’ll face the paths of falling notes that are synced with everything from a song’s drum beat to the snaky tone of an arpeggio. In execution, the movement recalls a DJ twirling a turntable platter combined with a keyboardist performing a pitch bend. Initially, you’ll probably miss a note or two when the game tosses some sharp bends at you. But mastery never feels unfeasible. If you don’t quite have the physical coordination, leaning into repetition is a recipe for success.

Periodically, you’ll also encounter color sections that require a slide of your mouse or analog stick. These can feel like you’re flipping a cross-fader, especially when encountering several of these movements in a sequence. At first, I missed a few notes, likely from being too cautious with my Steam Deck’s sticks. But pleasingly, Spin Rhythm XD allows you to adjust controller sensitivity. With just a slight tuning, the game’s input felt faultless, allowing for unblemished combos- at least on the lower end of the game’s five difficulty settings. But likely those razor-fast reaction times will find the same kind of responsiveness on the Expert and XD challenge levels. Spin Rhythm offers an ample amount of calibration options.

Universal Rhythm

It’s also rich with accessibility features, extending a wealth of customization options. From disabling color flashing, offering high-contrast color options, or reducing some of the dramatic graphical effects, players can tone down the game’s vibrant visual delivery. Likewise, some of the game’s input settings can be adjusted, allowing for everything from a no-fail mode to an assist with note holds. Don’t like the default color scheme? Spin Rhythm lets you change the color of every component, apply different skins to its rotating wheel and menus, and even adjust the appearance of its note highway. Spin Rhythm XD’s flexibility recalls a game with a multiplicity of mods already installed. Best of all, none of it is DLC.

That said, there’s a bit of a learning curve on anything but the easiest difficulty setting. Most rhythm games incorporate a single input method and add in a variation like note holds. But Spin Rhythm XD enjoys tossing a rapid-fire succession of button presses, bends, sustains, and rotations. As such, it can take a while before it all comes together. But the game eliminates almost all potential aggravations. One example: at the end of a slide section, the game automatically twists your spinner, so it’s in the correct position for the next inbound note. This kind of assistance helps to make you feel like a seasoned badass rather than a struggling beginner.

Blemished Steam Deck Performance

Spin Rhythm XD’s ample licensed songlist explores the different EDM sub-genres with tracks infused with everything from dream pop, dub step, glitch, drum and bass, industrial to deep house. Like any music rhythm game, there’s will be a few songs you’ll probably ignore after an initial listen. But given the size of the game’s library, a few duds won’t hamper enjoyment. Smartly, play rewards participants with payoffs of experience points. Every time that you level up, you’ll unlock new songs, which helps incentivize medium-term play. If you want to dive deeper, there’s a component where you can make your own chartings for songs on your hard drive. Creating a satisfying track is a protracted process, but the integration of a level editor is an attentive feature. However, if you just stick to chasing after every unlockable, the game will provide at least 8-10 hours of enjoyment. That feels very reasonable for a twenty-dollar game.

I spent the majority of my time playing on Steam Deck where I witnessed Spin Rhythm XD move out of early access and into a full release. Unlike the gradual enhancement of most titles, the interface was given a surprisingly significant overhaul, providing attractive menus. Save for some frustrating hiccups that can break your cadence, Spin Rhythm is a performer, flaunting effects like chromatic aberration and treats like a Daft Punk-looking performer that who shows up during transitions.

Conclusion

If developer Super Spin Digital can eliminate the micro-pauses that can break your tempo, Spin Rhythm XD will undoubtedly be one of the better music games found on PC. Sure, Hatsune Miku and Beat Saber provide some tough competition, but Rhythm absolutely nails the sense of flow that is so vital for any respectable entry in the genre.

Spin Rhythm XD was played on PC with review code provided by the publisher.