15 PlayStation Rhythm Games You Need to Play

With the recent release of Rock Band 4 and Guitar Hero Live launching this month, rhythm game fans should be ecstatic. Well, besides their suddenly depleted wallets.

But the real story is that rhythm games are back in the spotlight, even if they never really went away as a whole. To celebrate these two new releases, we took a look back through the PlayStation catalog and picked out 15 PlayStation rhythm games that we feel are must plays for video game fans. From dance pads to real guitars, these titles pushed gaming into a new direction. Check out our list below!

We hope you enjoyed our look at the 15 PlayStation rhythm games you need to play. While we only named 15, there are plenty of other great games that didn’t quite make the cut.

Let us know in the comments what your favorite PlayStation rhythm game is, and if you’re going to pick up any of the new releases.

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15 PlayStation Rhythm Games You Need to Play
Amplitude

The first of several Harmonix titles on this list, Amplitude was the sequel to Frequency. With a wider soundtrack, featuring more than just electronica, Amplitude became a cult classic due to its fast paced gameplay. A new title in the series is in the works and will release in 2016.
Dance Dance Revolution

While we have Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2 pictured, all of the DDR titles are good fun. We all remember the first time we played the series at either an arcade (remember them?) or on a console mat. This dancing game brought a new mainstream appeal to the genre.
DJ Hero 2

DJ Hero 2 was a fantastic game, but sadly it launched at the very end of the plastic instrument craze. Few could be convinced to buy a plastic turntable, but those who did were treated to a fantastic rhythm game. It should come as no surprise that the developer, FreeStyleGames, is now working on Guitar Hero Live.
Gitaroo Man

Gitaroo Man is pretty weird, even for a rhythm game. While the actual gameplay isn't the best on the list, it makes up for it with an insane story. This PlayStation 2 title even got a PSP remake, so it's not the hardest game to obtain.
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F

Everybody's favorite Japanese vocaloid, Hatsune Miku, has taken North America by storm recently. SEGA has been able to capitalize on her recent stateside popularity with a series of rhythm games including Hatsune Miku: Project Diva. Surprisingly, these titles have been really solid rhythm games. Even if you don't love the J-pop soundtrack, the solid gameplay should get its hooks in.
PaRappa The Rapper

Whenever someone brings up the possibility of a new PaRappa The Rapper game, I always tell them that they gotta believe. Someday we'll get another installment in Sony's funky fresh rapping title. Players have to press the correct buttons in time with the rhymes that PaRappa is spitting, but the real fun comes in learning the game's freestyle system.
Patapon

While the PlayStation Portable never reached its full potential, games like Patapon showed that it had more to offer than just watered down versions of console games. Patapon had the unique concept of being a rhythm combat game, where the player had to instruct their adorable soldiers into battle by drumming. It was successful enough to spawn 3 entries, but it may have been too much too soon as we haven't seen a game since.
Persona 4: Dancing All Night

While Persona 4 may not scream rhythm game, Atlus somehow managed to make it work in Persona 4: Dancing All Night. Playing similar to the Hatsune Miku titles, it sports an even better soundtrack, and all of your favorite Persona 4 characters.
Rocksmith

While games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band both let you feel like a rock star, Rocksmith actualy taught you how to be one. Making a game out of learning how to play a guitar is a genius idea, and it's the one that has made Rocksmith a successful brand. If you're looking to learn how to play an instrument, we can't think of many better ways to learn one.
Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien

The Bit.Trip series had a successful run on 3DS and Wii, but the best installment came in the form of Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien. This game puts a unique twist on the runner mechanic, as all of your jumps, punches, and slides line up with musical cues. Throw in a bunch of unlockables and you have one of PSN's best games.
Singstar

If you enjoy karaoke then it doesn't get any better than Singstar. Sony's successful singing franchise has been a big hit for them, and it's available on both PS3 and PS4. If you want to have some fun with friends, then give it a download.
Space Channel 5

SEGA has made some of the most memorable rhythm games, and one of them is Space Channel 5. The game, which features Michael Jackson, has players play as Ulala, a news reporter who has to dance to save hostages. Yeah, we never said the plot made any sense. That said, Space Channel 5 is a ton of fun to play, even if it's no Samba de Amigo.
The Beatles: Rock Band

The best of the Rock Band and Guitar Hero titles was The Beatles: Rock Band. Players finally got to play some of the best music ever made, and got to see beautiful dreamscapes in the background. If you are a fan of The Beatles, then you can't go wrong.
UmJammer Lammy

This spin-off of PaRappa the Rapper features ripping guitars, rather than spitting bars. Players get to play as Lammy, who gets to rock out with some new and familiar faces. If you beat the game, you even unlock an extra mode starring PaRappa. It's the best of both worlds!
Vib Ribbon

Vibribbon went from PS1 obscurity to national spotlight in the past year, thanks to some press conference teases by Sony. While we never got a full blown sequel, the game did make its way onto the PlayStation Store. What makes this rhythm game so unique, is that players can use their own music! Throw in a brilliant art style, and you have a cult classic that has endured many years.