Rhythm games have existed for several decades and their popularity has shifted depending on the era and the latest fads. Developers are always coming up with new ways to implement the idea into titles. However, there are also action games and shooters that can be considered rhythm games because of how music factors into the gameplay.
Whatever you're looking for in the genre, there's always a time when you want to throw your own library into the mix. The games below, both new and old, allow you to use some of the tunes and pieces you own to include your personal tastes into gameplay.
Updated on July 18, 2023 by Jouanna Bondakji: Being a fan of rhythm games means you more than likely appreciate music. Rhythm games can really expand your music library by introducing you to new songs. But what about the songs you already love? Being able to play them would be like a dream come true. There are now more rhythm games that let you do that, and it's as satisfying as you think it is.
9 Vib-Ribbon
This PS1 game is seemingly magic. You start up the game, take out the disc, and then put in one of your own CDs to play along to the music on the album. The character runs along a path while you have to help it dodge obstacles coming your way. The graphics are generated by the music. Before you use your own soundtrack, be sure to play the tracks that come with the game, because the music is just as good as the best stuff in your collection.
Vib-Ribbon never came out in the States on its original release. It only came to the USA in 2014 as a PlayStation classic on the PS3. Since modern consoles do not have CD drives, any revival or port would have to find a new way to put your custom soundtrack into Vib-Ribbon.
8 Osu
Would you believe that Osu has been around since 2007? Even more impressive, its community is still very much active. That's particularly good because the game thrives off of members' beatmaps of beloved songs that you can download and play. There are loads of different songs you'll find, but you'll have an especially easy time finding anime and Vocaloid song-related beatmaps that other players have created and uploaded.
You can also make your own beatmaps in a variety of difficulties and game modes for others to play. Not only is the Osu fandom still active, but it's also competitive. If you want to get better at rhythm games and try beating top players' scores while listening to your own music, Osu is a no-brainer.
7 Malody
If you're the type who likes making and sharing your own music charts rather than leaving it to the game to process, Malody is for you. Or, if you're feeling lazy, you can always play other players' custom-made charts to your favorite songs. It's similar to Osu in that way, and in the fact that there are multiple game modes for you to try out.
There's even a multiplayer mode where you can play with up to seven other players, so you can show off your rhythm gaming skills. It's a hit on mobile and does have a PC version called Malody V, though reviews are more mixed on that one.
6 Beat Hazard
Beat Hazard is a shoot-em-up where music factors into how enemies attack and the general speed of gameplay. The game includes its own soundtrack, but it is on this list because of your ability to use songs from your own library.
The original Beat Hazard came out in 2009 and is on PS3, Xbox 360, PC, and mobile platforms. A sequel came out ten years later in 2019 and included streaming services into its functionality, which opens up a whole world of music that otherwise would not be available if it was just using your music collection, especially since so few people buy music anymore.
5 Symphony
Playing with your own music isn't simply a neat option in Symphony; it's actually the entire premise. Like Beat Hazard, it's a shoot-em-up music game where you have to save your music from corruption. However, it's much more than just a cute rhythm game. Your music collection provides weapons for you to fight the villains looking to destroy it.
There are different difficulty levels to choose from, as well as a leaderboard that actually encourages you to use less powerful weapons, as defeating enemies with them will net you more points. The game supports all music format types, though you'll have to pay a little extra to unlock the M4A and AAC formats.
4 Audiosurf
Some rhythm games feel more like adventures through another dimension. The aesthetics are almost indescribable, drawing influence from music visualizers that were so popular in the 1990s and early aughts. Audiosurf falls into this category.
You control a small, futuristic vehicle as it speeds down lanes and collects blocks to score points. The 2008 release uses your music library as a part of the soundtrack, though there is some music included in the game as well. A massive hit on the PC, a version for Zune devices was also created for you to play on the go. The game was essentially created by one person, Dylan Fitterer.
3 Ragnarock
VR has breathed new life into the rhythm genre. Certain games like Beat Saber have found a solid audience on the new way to game and continue to pump out new content. Other games have been adapted into VR, such as Harmonix's Rock Band. A couple of lesser-known titles are also worth exploring, and Ragnarock is one of them.
Judging by the cute pun in the game's title, you can already guess that its theme revolves around Vikings. You use drums to rhythmically hit objects coming down the tracks, slightly reminiscent of Rock Band and Guitar Hero. In addition to the music already available as a part of the soundtrack, you can also play along to your own music.
2 Phase
This one is for those who fondly remember the wheel of their old-fashioned iPod classic. Even though they were made obsolete by smartphones and music streaming services, a couple of games were tailor-made for the device. The most famous of these is perhaps Phase. Using the legendary click-wheel, you play along to songs on your device in a manner similar to games like Frequency and Rock Band Unplugged.
It is appropriate for the gameplay to be akin to these titles because Phase was developed by Harmonix. The format almost works too perfectly for the wheel. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to play the game today unless you still have an iPod classic with all of your songs. However, there are alternatives to Phase on other consoles and platforms.
1 Crypt Of The Necrodancer
Mixing genres is always a tricky endeavor. Some flavors just don't go well together. Crypt of the Necrodancer, however, excellently fuses dungeon-crawlers, rhythm games, and roguelikes. You explore the randomly generated levels and must gain an advantage over enemies and the environment by playing the game in rhythm to the music.
As if this isn't cool enough of an idea, you can use your own music to personalize the experience. You can also play with a dance pad if you so choose. Crypt of the Necrodancer caught the attention of Nintendo, since developer Brace Yourself Games made Cadence of Hyrule, which uses the format to make a unique Zelda game.