Here at EonMusic, we covered the renowned guitarist Steve Vai’s new tour, which really drove home why people play music games. We mere mortals have no chance of matching Mr. Vai’s truly ludicrous playing speed and harmonies in real life. However, in music games, it’s different. By simply pressing buttons, we can at least imagine ourselves in his position, if only for a fleeting moment.
Music-inspired video games have typically lagged behind mainstream genres like action, adventure, or sports. A huge reason for this is game developers’ difficulty in truthfully recreating the experience of being on stage or ripping a heinous guitar solo. There is only so much you can do with game controls, after all, and modern video gaming is generally more interested in super HD graphics and online multiplayer capabilities.
Nevertheless, the past few decades have seen some fantastic music games hit the shelves. Titles like Guitar Hero or Just Dance have lit up countless birthday parties, while others such as DJ Hero were instrumental in anticipating the cultural shift toward electronic music. All of this got us thinking; what are the best music-themed games of all time? Keep reading to find out.
A Quick History of Music Games
Music-inspired games rely on fairly complex software, so it’s a genre that took a little while to kick off. While there were some incredibly simple music-based games in the 70s and 80s, they didn’t really catch on. Most experts agree that the modern history of music games started in the late 1990s with a hilariously bizarre Japanese game called Parappa the Rapper. You play as a rapping dog, hitting button combinations on the screen to ensure the perfect flow.
Most games following Parappa the Rapper used slightly less peculiar themes, but the general mechanics stayed largely the same. Pressing the right buttons in time to the music was an easy way to represent how to play an instrument. It was also straightforward enough for players of all musical skill levels to grasp. Consequently, a wildly fun and hands-on new music genre was born.
Some Of The Best Music Video Games Ever
Despite its hilarity and cult status, you probably won’t see Parappa the Rapper listed as one of the best music video games ever. Although, there’s no denying its importance. Developers like Activision and Nintendo have really pushed the boat out over the last couple of decades. Look below for a few of our favourite music-inspired games of all time:
Music video games aren’t the only way to get some hands-on music entertainment. There is an abundance of apps out there nowadays that can help complete beginners learn the ropes. Try Apple’s Garageband for an accessible introduction to music production or Fender Play for beginner guitar lessons.
Alternatively, mobile games like SongPop 2 or Beat Racer and music-themed online slots such as Motorhead and Jimi Hendrix offer unbeatable music-inspired entertainment and are becoming increasingly popular. Technological and commercial progress has enabled developers like NetEnt to sign exclusive deals with iconic bands. For example, the Guns N Roses slot features an exclusive soundtrack from the legendary rock band. Not all online casinos offer these next-gen games, so doing your research first is important. Sites such as CasinoReviews are the best place to read online casino reviews, enjoy free spins, and find the most generous welcome offers. Furthermore, these sites offer the latest software from reputable slot developers. Alternatively, if this doesn’t suit your fancy, you could always go old-school by playing music-inspired board games like MTV Game or Game That Song.
Nevertheless, the past few decades have seen some fantastic music games hit the shelves. Titles like Guitar Hero or Just Dance have lit up countless birthday parties, while others such as DJ Hero were instrumental in anticipating the cultural shift toward electronic music. All of this got us thinking; what are the best music-themed games of all time? Keep reading to find out.
A Quick History of Music Games
Music-inspired games rely on fairly complex software, so it’s a genre that took a little while to kick off. While there were some incredibly simple music-based games in the 70s and 80s, they didn’t really catch on. Most experts agree that the modern history of music games started in the late 1990s with a hilariously bizarre Japanese game called Parappa the Rapper. You play as a rapping dog, hitting button combinations on the screen to ensure the perfect flow.
Most games following Parappa the Rapper used slightly less peculiar themes, but the general mechanics stayed largely the same. Pressing the right buttons in time to the music was an easy way to represent how to play an instrument. It was also straightforward enough for players of all musical skill levels to grasp. Consequently, a wildly fun and hands-on new music genre was born.
Some Of The Best Music Video Games Ever
Despite its hilarity and cult status, you probably won’t see Parappa the Rapper listed as one of the best music video games ever. Although, there’s no denying its importance. Developers like Activision and Nintendo have really pushed the boat out over the last couple of decades. Look below for a few of our favourite music-inspired games of all time:
- Guitar Hero: On Tour (Nintendo DS): The Nintendo DS has become one of the most iconic handheld consoles of all time. It resonated with a generation for various reasons, and Guitar Hero: On Tour was one of them. Featuring a custom grip with the Guitar Hero controls, this is undeniably the best music game for players on the move.
- Just Dance: Ubisoft’s Just Dance takes vital inspiration from dance arcade machines. The premise and controls are essentially the same, but with Just Dance, you can play from the comfort of your own home. After several iterations over the years, Just Dance has become a bona fide cultural institution.
- Rock Band: When the original Rock Band was released in 2007, it blew the music game industry wide open. Basically, a supercharged version of Guitar Hero, Rock Band enabled players to control all the parts of a modern rock band. Drummers could use the dedicated drum kit controller, and singers even had a microphone. IGN couldn’t rate it higher with their review.
Music video games aren’t the only way to get some hands-on music entertainment. There is an abundance of apps out there nowadays that can help complete beginners learn the ropes. Try Apple’s Garageband for an accessible introduction to music production or Fender Play for beginner guitar lessons.
Alternatively, mobile games like SongPop 2 or Beat Racer and music-themed online slots such as Motorhead and Jimi Hendrix offer unbeatable music-inspired entertainment and are becoming increasingly popular. Technological and commercial progress has enabled developers like NetEnt to sign exclusive deals with iconic bands. For example, the Guns N Roses slot features an exclusive soundtrack from the legendary rock band. Not all online casinos offer these next-gen games, so doing your research first is important. Sites such as CasinoReviews are the best place to read online casino reviews, enjoy free spins, and find the most generous welcome offers. Furthermore, these sites offer the latest software from reputable slot developers. Alternatively, if this doesn’t suit your fancy, you could always go old-school by playing music-inspired board games like MTV Game or Game That Song.
