Featured Reviews Spin Rhythm XD review – EDM heaven ByRichard Seagrave 8 July 20248 July 2024
If it released 20 or so years ago, Spin Rhythm XD undoubtedly would have been the sort of game to come bundled with some bespoke controller, designed to give you the sense that you actually were a DJ, controlling the music in some way. However, as a modern game, finally making its way to PS4 and PS5 after being available on Switch and PC for some time you simply play it using a standard controller. And, thanks to its clever control scheme, it’s an absolute blast.
As music rhythm games go, Spin Rhythm XD isn’t as focused on you tapping buttons as others. Instead, it employs a range of inputs and gestures, getting you more engrossed in the action. Making your way through its impressive collection of 60 or so songs, you primarily need to rotate a dial at the bottom of the screen to make sure the correct colour is lined up with the incoming notes. It’s only when you crank up the difficulty that things get much more complicated — and challenging.
Play on easy, for example, and all you have to worry about is making sure the dial at the bottom of the screen is aligned correctly to collect dots, and if there’s a line, you also have to press the X button at the right time. Throw in having to flick the left analogue stick left or right, and that’s about it. Move on up to Normal, however, and you also have to scratch left and right with the left analogue stick, as well as hold X and trace the path of some notes using the dial.
Needless to say, the difficulty of Spin Rhythm XD really ups the ante when you select Hard or above, with two more inputs to worry about: beats, which require the press of a shoulder button, and button releases, which require you to release the button at just at the right time on the hold notes introduced at Normal difficulty level. Along with the charts also simply being harder and the speed being faster, Spin Rhythm XD is welcoming to newcomers but has plenty of depth for those who wish to master it.
Related: The Best Music Rhythm Games on PS4
While there’s no real campaign to make your way through, you do earn experience for every song you complete. And as you complete songs and level up, you unlock a wealth of customisation options, allowing you to change the appearance of the notes, dial and more. You also earn keys, which can be used to unlock a whole host of bonus songs, allowing you to keep the fun going until you’re spoilt for choice.
Of course, while completing songs is fun, it’s those who have a competitive streak that will get the most out of Spin Rhythm XD thanks to its leaderboards, which will have some players returning time and time again in order to aim for the top spots. Those picking up the game on PS5 who also own a PSVR 2 headset are likely to get more out of it too, thanks to VR mode that allows players to get further immersed in the action.
The only thing players might not like all that much about Spin Rhythm XD is its EDM-laden soundtrack. There’s a good chance you won’t be familiar with any of the tracks on offer here, and if you’re not a fan of electronic dance music it’s not likely to win you around any time soon. It’s a criticism you can aim at most music rhythm games in one way or another, however, and if you do happen to like EDM music or have an open mind, you’ll have a blast.
This review of Spin Rhythm XD is based on the PS5 version, with a code provided by the game’s publisher. It’s available on PS4, PS5, Switch and PC.
Spin Rhythm XD review — GameSpew's score
Spin Rhythm XD 8 10 0 1Spin Rhythm XD is one of the most enjoyable music rhythm games we’ve played in a long while, being easy to pick up but having a lot of depth as you ramp up the difficulty. It’s the control system that impresses us the most, though, making you feel like a DJ. It’s just a shame that unless you love EDM, its track list has nothing for you.Spin Rhythm XD is one of the most enjoyable music rhythm games we’ve played in a long while, being easy to pick up but having a lot of depth as you ramp up the difficulty. It’s the control system that impresses us the most, though, making you feel like a DJ. It’s just a shame that unless you love EDM, its track list has nothing for you. Total Score
We like…
- Sizeable track list
- Clever control system
- Lots to unlock
We don't like…
- If you don't like EDM, then you're out of luck
