Music and mystery fuse in 'Rhythm Thief' game

 

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When faced with repeated failures of a specific rhythm mini-game, there is no way to bypass the difficult activity. There are a few items you can purchase to help, but they are not all that useful. Be prepared to play many of the rhythm games over and over again to win. Rhythm games for the masses work better if the player can control the difficulty, the puzzles get easier after repeated failures or the player can opt to bypass the ones that are giving him trouble. This game doesn't use any of those mechanisms, and thus it is best for players that have great rhythm and don't frustrate easily.

Controlling the purloining prankster is exciting, particularly when Raphael is dancing, leaping and sliding over rooftops. And there are many musical puzzles that aren't about responding to a beat. Players will have fun solving concentration-type games about matching musical tones. They will also play back melodies by plucking violin strings and listen to tones to figure out which one doesn't have a match. If you can feel the beat and your reflexes are quick, this game is a lot of fun to explore.

Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure

Score: 3 stars (out of 4)

Rating: E10+ (Alcohol Reference, Cartoon Violence, and Mild Suggestive Themes)

Best for: Ages 10-up

Publisher: SEGA, www.sega.com/rhythmthief

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Cost: $29.99

Gudmundsen is the editor of Computing With Kids magazine (www.ComputingwithKids.com). Contact her at techcomments@usatoday.com.