Crossovers with Rhythm Heaven
| Rhythm Heaven | |
|---|---|
Logo used for Rhythm Heaven for the Nintendo DS | |
| First installment | Rhythm Tengoku (2006) |
| Latest installment | Rhythm Heaven Megamix (2015) |
| Series | Rhythm Heaven |
| Related franchises | WarioWare |
Rhythm Heaven, known as Rhythm Paradise in Europe, is a rhythm game series produced by Nintendo in collaboration with Japanese musician Tsunku♂. The games has the player play a collection of minigames that test their sense of rhythm. Unlike most other rhythm games which use visuals to help facilitate gameplay, Rhythm Heaven places emphasis on auditory cues that play in time with music.
Because the series shared the same development team as the WarioWare series since WarioWare: Twisted!, Group No.1 of Nintendo Software Planning & Development, before Nintendo SPD was merged with Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development to create Nintendo Entertainment Planning and Development, the two series have frequently crossed over with each other. This includes Ko Takeuchi, whose artstyle is used for both series. This trend has continued into the WarioWare games developed solely by Intelligent Systems.
Overview[edit]
The Rhythm Heaven games consist of a collection of rhythm games, minigames that are played in rhythm to their associated music track. The scenarios in these games range from situations known for rhythm like dancing to unconventional situations like assembling robots. During these games, the visuals may change drastically as an attempt to distract the player. At the end of a rhythm game, the player is judged on their performance, and given one of three ranks: "Try Again", "OK", or "Superb". Obtaining a Superb rank gives the player a medal, allowing them to access bonuses such as Rhythm Toys and Endless Games. Rhythm games with a Superb rank are also eligible for the Perfect Campaign where the player is tasked with beating the game without making a mistake.
The rhythm games are organized into sets. The final rhythm game of a set is a remix that combines the previous games in the set into one game. After the credits, harder variants of the rhythm games are unlocked. The tenth and final remix combines all of the rhythm games into one medley.
Prominent crossover elements[edit]
Characters[edit]
Reporter & Wrestler[edit]
- Rhythm Heaven Wiki article: Reporter & Wrestler
The Reporter & Wrestler are characters who originate from the Ringside rhythm game in Rhythm Heaven Fever. In the game, the player takes the role of Wrestler who must perform actions in time to the Reporter's different exclamations.
The two usually appear next to each other in the WarioWare series. In Game & Wario, the two appear in front of the clothing store during the prologue for the Pirates minigame. In WarioWare: Get It Together!, the Wrestler appears in the first level difficulty of Get Swole. Upon completing the microgame, the Reporter may appear. In WarioWare: Move It!, they appear as spectators during the Caresaway Grand Prix in the prologue for Dribble & Spitz's stage, "Makin' Waves". The Wrestler is referenced in Mr. Sparkles's Rank A character card in WarioWare Gold. They also have a trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and a spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate which use their artwork from Rhythm Heaven Fever.
Hair Vegetables[edit]
- Rhythm Heaven Wiki article: Hair Vegetables
The Hair Vegetables are vegetables that have faces which originate from Rhythm Datsumō in Rhythm Tengoku. During the rhythm game, the player is tasked with pulling out the hairs that grow from these vegetables. The most prominent of the Hair Vegetables is the yellow onion, who is given the name Harry Onion in Game & Wario.
Harry Onion appears in the prologue to the Ashley minigame in Game & Wario and the Rhythm Tweezers microgame in WarioWare Gold, alongside the beet and potato Hair Vegetables. Plushies of Harry Onion also appear in WarioWare: Get It Together and WarioWare: Move It!.
Barista[edit]
- Rhythm Heaven Wiki article: Barista
The Barista, known simply as Dog in Rhythm Tengoku and Rhythm Heaven, is a white dog with red headphones that works in the various cafés in the Rhythm Heaven series. He serves as an assistant to the player, skipping rhythm games that the player is struggling with, stating the next rhythm game that will receive the Perfect Campaign, and making small talk with the player. While he does not appear on-screen when talking to him in the café until Rhythm Heaven Megamix, he does make appearances elsewhere such as in rhythm games and their epilogues.
In WarioWare Gold, the responder to Phone Code 22 is implied to be the Barista as the speaker mentions that they work in a café that features a doll of Ashley, a feature of the café from Rhythm Heaven Megamix. In WarioWare: Get It Together!, Chuck from the Ground Control team holds a mug with Barista's head on it during the stage prologues for Wario and Wario Bug. A plushie of the Barista appears in Mona's room during the prologue of her stage. Artwork in the character galleries for Dribble, Spitz, and Jimmy T feature the Barista. In the prologue for Dribble & Spitz's stage in WarioWare: Move It!, "Makin' Waves", the Barista is among the crowd watching the Caresaway Grand Prix.
Cicada[edit]
- Rhythm Heaven Wiki article: Cicada
Cicada is one of the playable characters in the 2 Two-Player Endless Game Kung-Fu Ball from Rhythm Heaven Fever, where she and a boy (later confirmed to be Young Cricket) juggle stone balls. She was initially left unnamed, but she received the name "Cicada" when appeared in WarioWare: Move It!. She is named after the cicada insects, following the pattern set by Young Cricket's and Master Mantis's names.
She is often associated with Young Cricket and Master Mantis. In the WarioWare Gold character trailer for them, younger versions of her and Young Cricket train under Master Mantis. A later scene show them as they appear in Kung-Fu Ball, kicking the stone ball. In WarioWare: Get It Together!, she appears in one of piece of artwork in Master Mantis's character gallery, once again training under him alongside Young Cricket. In WarioWare: Move It!, she appears in the epilogue to Young Cricket's and Master Mantis's stage, "Battle on Flashfreeze Cape!", revealing herself as the leader of the penguin warriors in disguise.
History in the Super Mario franchise[edit]
WarioWare series[edit]
WarioWare: Smooth Moves[edit]
In the epilogue to the stage "Enter Young Cricket", the Dancing Monkeys appear. They take their appearance from the Tap Trial monkeys seen in Remix 7 and Remix 8.
In the prologue to "The Multiplayer Test", three monkeys appear in the background of Toy Express, each with the appearance of a monkey from Tap Trial, Remix 7, and Tap Trial 2.
WarioWare: D.I.Y.[edit]
The Speed Up! graphic in Orbulon's stage features stars that resemble the full-sized stars from Night Walk.
Game & Wario[edit]
In the opening cutscene, the Chorus Kids appear alongside Sal Out on Wario's television. Soon after, a monkey best resembling the one from Hole in One is seen standing in the crowd surrounding the television showing off the new game console. In the opening cutscene for the Ashley minigame, Harry Onion appears on top of the rightmost stack of books. During the opening cutscene for Pirates, the Reporter & Wrestler can be seen standing in front of the clothing store in Diamond City. During the cast roll, these characters are named and appear on the GamePad.
In the epilogue for the Pirates minigame, three Alien Bunnies fly through the air. One of their poses is taken from their appearance in Working Dough 2.
A microgame features the Wandering Samurai called Samurai Slice, matching the title of the rhythm games that star him. His design most resembles his appearance in Rhythm Heaven Fever, though his posture with his sword in its sheath better resembles his appearance in Iai Giri from Rhythm Tengoku and Samurai Slice from Rhythm Heaven. Additionally, description for this microgame directly mentions Rhythm Heaven.
WarioWare Gold[edit]
In the prologue to Mona's stage, when Mona says, "And cute like a plushie", a plushie version of Tibby appears. In the prologue to 9-Volt's stage, Huebirds of Happiness appear in his math textbook. A microgame based on Rhythm Tweezers, specifically its appearance in Rhythm Tengoku, appears during 5-Volt's stage. The potato seen in the third level difficulty is taken from Rhythm Datsumō 2.
Mr. Sparkles's Rank A character card states "Mr. Sparkles goes to a gym known for its celebrities, like that wrestler who gets interviewed all the time", which references the Wrestler from Ringside. The responder to Phone Code 22 is implied to be the Barista, as the speaker mentions that they work in a café and the café features an Ashley doll, referencing the Ashley doll found in the Rhythm Heaven Megamix iteration of the café.
The promotional character trailers for the game feature several elements from Rhythm Heaven.
- In the character trailer for 5-Volt, 9-Volt & 18-Volt, 9-Volt's drumset has the same layout as the drums from the Live mode in Rhythm Tengoku. The stage lights and support structures originate from Remix 9 in Rhythm Heaven Fever. Additionally, DJ Yellow and Student appear.[1]
- In Mona's trailer, she passes by one of the background from the Police Call Rhythm Toy from Rhythm Heaven Fever. During the montage of her various work uniforms, the café as it appears in Rhythm Heaven Fever appears as one of the backgrounds.[2]
- In Jimmy T's trailer, the room from Love Rap 2 appears.[3]
- In Ashley and Red's trailer, Sneaky Spirits using their artwork for Sneaky Spirits 2 in Rhythm Heaven Megamix appear from the envelope.[4]
- In Penny and Dr. Crygor's trailer, the mechanical claws used by them originate from Screwbot Factory.[5]
- In Kat & Ana's trailer, the Wandering Samurai appears in the fight with Boneheads, using his artwork for Samurai Slice in Rhythm Heaven Megamix.[6]
- In the trailer for Young Cricket and Master Mantis, Cicada, the kappa and ball from Kung Fu Ball, and Karate Joe using an unshaded version of his artwork for Karate Man from Rhythm Heaven Megamix appear.[7]
- In Lulu's trailer, the room from Love Rap 2 appears as the background of Jimmy T's photograph and the drums, stage lights, and support structures from 5-Volt, 9-Volt & 18-Volt, 9-Volt's trailer appear when Lulu flies down to take a picture of them.[8]
WarioWare: Get It Together![edit]
In the prologue to Wario and Wario Bug's stages, Ground Control from First Contact in Rhythm Heaven Megamix appear and are given names in the cast roll. The group consists of Doc, Kevin, Richard, Adam, Zach, Thomas, Furukawa, and Chuck. Chuck also hold a mug that has the Barista's head on it. In the prologue to Mona's stage, plushies of Tibby, the Barista, and Harry Onion are found inside her room.
The first level difficulty of Get Swole has the player help the Wrestler from Ringside lift a dumbbell. After helping him, the Reporter may appear. In the third level difficulty, the white horse from the 37th Rhythm Tengoku The Best Plus Comic can appear, though without its wings and necklace. The wrestling ring in the background is also taken from Figure Fighter from Rhythm Heaven Fever.
The character galleries for Dribble, Spitz, and Jimmy T feature artwork that include the Barista. Additionally, one image in Master Mantis's gallery features Cicada.
WarioWare: Move It![edit]
In the opening cutscene for WarioWare: Move It!, the yellow, cyan, blue, and pink pattern seen on Rhythm Heaven Megamix's key artwork can be seen on the television screen while the garlic burger stand employee is handing Wario the lottery box. Later, when the employee is handing Wario the garlic burgers, the Chorus Kids can be seen on the television screen. In the epilogue cutscene for Young Cricket and Master Mantis's stage, "Battle on Flashfreeze Cape!", the leader of the penguin warriors is revealed to be Cicada wearing a disguise. In the prologue for Dribble & Spitz's stage, "Makin' Waves", the Reporter, Wrestler, and the Barista are among the people in the audience watching the Caresaway Grand Prix.
During 9-Volt's stage, "Quest in the Dark", plushies of Harry Onion appear inside Polario's shop as one of items on shelves that he passes by.
History in the Rhythm Heaven series[edit]
Rhythm Tengoku[edit]
In the Try Again epilogue for the rhythm game Quiz, the scenery of a city and the underside of a bridge is taken from the prologue of Dribble and Spitz's stage from WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!.
The Alien Bunnies appear in the Remix 7 and Remix 8 variants of Marcher, replacing the Squadmates. Their eyes are now open, a change that would be carried into future installments of both the WarioWare and Rhythm Heaven series.
Rhythm Heaven[edit]
Outlines of three Alien Bunnies appear on the moon during the Shoot-'Em-Up segments of Remix 2. Later, they appear in the Superb epilogue image for Remix 9. Both appearances use their marching pose from Rhythm Tengoku.
The background of Samurai Slice reuses the environment from Stick & Move, Arrow Space, and Ninja Vision.
Rhythm Heaven Fever[edit]
- Main article: Rhythm Heaven Fever
The background for the rhythm game Bossa Nova originates from the WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$! intro movie where Bat Wario chases after some birds.
During Working Dough 2, Alien Bunnies descend from the top of the screen in the background. When the dough lady gets launched, the Alien Bunnies trail behind her. Afterwards, they comment on the player's performance, where they are given the name "Space-Rabbit" in North America and "space rabbit" in Europe.
Young Cricket appears in Kung-Fu Ball, however this appearance was not entirely confirmed until it was referenced in the WarioWare Gold character trailer for him and Master Mantis.
Rhythm Heaven Megamix[edit]
- Main article: Rhythm Heaven Megamix
A doll of Ashley appears in the café on top of Saltwater's desk. The space background seen in the epilogue of Wario-Man's stage in WarioWare: Twisted! is reused for the OK and Superb epilogue images for Shoot-'em-up 2. The Try Again epilogue uses a red-tinted version.
After completing all of Paprika World's normal courses in Challenge Land, the player unlocks the "Wario...Where?" course. Beating that course unlocks the "Wario...Where? 2: The Sequel" course. These courses feature WarioWare characters in place of the rhythm games' usual playable characters. They use their designs from Game & Wario, though Jimmy T has his usual outfit rather than the one he wears for Ski.
- Wario...Where?
- Tap Trial with Ashley as the Girl while Red rides the Giraffe.
- Munchy Monk with Master Mantis as the Munchy Monk while Young Cricket rides a cloud in the background.
- Fillbots 2 with Mike as the ROBO M model of the Robots. Penny and Dr. Crygor are also in the background, using their promotional artwork for Game & Wario.
- Super Samurai Slice with 18-Volt as the Wandering Samurai while 9-Volt rides on his back. Sal Out replaces the villager that gets kidnapped and the skateboard that appears partway through is recolored to resemble 9-Volt's skateboard.
- Wario...Where? 2
- The Clappy Trio 2 with Jimmy T as the third member of the Clappy Trio.
- Freeze Frame with Dr. Crygor as T.J. Snapper. Tiny Warios replace the drivers in the yellow cars and Dribble & Spitz race using Dribble's taxi, replacing the carrot-shaped car and its driver. When the Racing Fans show up, Mona on her scooter appears as a part of the group. In photographs, Orbulon may appear riding in the Oinker, using one of his poses from the opening to Game & Wario.
- Catchy Tune 2 with Kat & Ana as Plalin and Alalin. Mona's scooter also appears in the background.
- Ringside with the Wrestler dressed as Wario-Man and the Reporter dressed as Mona. Mona herself appears outside of the Rhythm Arena.
[edit]
Super Smash Bros. series[edit]
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS[edit]
In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, Sneaky Spirits appear as one of the enemies in Smash Run and behave as they do in their origin rhythm game. They move forward by popping up from the ground seven times and lunging the eighth time. Upon defeating one, it drops star boosts that raises all of the player's stats. Three trophies are based on the Sneaky Spirits, Karate Joe, and the Chorus Kids.
| # | Name | Image | Category | American English description | British English description | Unlock criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | Sneaky Spirits | Enemy | Skinny white ghosts that travel with a smirk on their face. They move like they do in Rhythm Heaven, popping up and down in rhythm before trying to run away. If you manage to defeat one, you'll earn a star-shaped stat boost that improves all of your stats. Time your attacks and keep them from escaping. | These white apparitions seem to have permanent smirks on their faces. Much like in the Rhythm Paradise series, they'll pop up rhythmically from a hiding place beneath the floor, then run away to a distant location. If you do manage to defeat one, you'll get a reward for your troubles, So pay attention to the rhythm and strike! | Random | |
| 30 | Karate Joe | Other | Has there ever been a cry more manly than the "Uh!" that appears at the start of every Karate Joe stage? It's like he digs deep down inside himself, reveals his spirit with that "Uh!" of power...and then directs that energy into smashing flowerpots, bulbs, and exploding barrels. Karate Joe knows no fear! | Has there ever been a cry more manly than the "Uh!" that appears at the start of every Karate Man stage? Doesn't it sound like it comes from the very bottom of his soul? Or is that just us? ...Anyway! Karate Joe is a pretty cool guy. He punches flowerpots, bulbs, even exploding barrels without the slightest hesitation. Truly, he fears nothing. | Get at least 20 KOs in 3-Minute Smash. | |
| 31 | The Chorus Kids | Other | There are few games with as many charming characters as the Rhythm Heaven series. Take those groovy Love Lizards, for example. Birds could learn a thing or two from them. And what about the Chorus Kids? They look adorable with their little bowties, but things get odd when they open their mouths... | When it comes to the weird and wonderful, the Rhythm Paradise series has got all other games beat. Take those groovy Love Lizards, for example. Birds could learn a thing or two from them. And what about the Chorus Kids? They look adorable with their little bow ties, but things get a bit freakish when they open their mouths... | Random |
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[edit]
In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, two trophies are based on Marshal, Cam, and Miss Ribbon and the Reporter and Wrestler. When these trophies are view from the back, they show the characters in alternate poses. On the Miiverse stage, two of the available music tracks are the music for Blue Birds from Rhythm Heaven and Monkey Watch from Rhythm Heaven Fever. The Monkey Watch music track incorporates the clapping sound effects from the original rhythm game.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]
In addition to the music tracks from Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, the music for Fruit Basket 2 from Rhythm Heaven Megamix under the name "Fruit Basket" can be played on any stage that uses the other series music track list in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. As of the 8.1.0 update, these tracks can also be played on Final Destination, Battlefield, Big Battlefield, and Small Battlefield.
The Rhythm Heaven series has nine available spirits, the most for any series without a playable character.
| # | Name | Image | Series / game | Type | Class | Strength / effect(s) | How to obtain | Spirit battle | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opponent(s) | Battle conditions | Stage | Song | ||||||||
| 1192 | Karate Joe | Rhythm Heaven Series | Primary (2) | Ace | Attack Fist Attack ↑ |
World of Light (Dark Realm); Spirit Board | Ryu | Rule: Item Tidal Wave
|
Suzaku Castle (Ω) | Rhythm Boxing | |
| 1193 | The Wandering Samurai | Rhythm Heaven Series | Primary (2) | Advanced | Attack Can be enhanced to Wandering Samurai (Rhythm Heaven Fever) at Lv. 99 |
Summoned with a Sakura Samurai and Ghosts core | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| 1194 | Wandering Samurai (Rhythm Heaven Fever) Wandering Samurai (Beat the Beat) |
Rhythm Heaven Series | Primary (2) | Ace | Attack Critical Hit ↑ |
Enhanced from The Wandering Samurai | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| 1195 | Sick Beats Doctor | Rhythm Heaven Series | Support (1) | Novice | Critical-Health Defense ↑ | Spirit Board | Dr. Mario | Rule: Assist Trophy Enemies (Ghosts) Hazard: Poison Fog
|
Wrecking Crew | Chill (Brawl) | |
| 1196 | The Chorus Kids | Rhythm Heaven Series | Primary (3) | Ace | Grab Jump ↓ |
World of Light (Light Realm); Spirit Board | Jigglypuff ×3 |
|
Wii Fit Studio | Monkey Watch | |
| 1197 | Munchy Monk | Rhythm Heaven Series | Primary (1) | Novice | Shield | Spirit Board | Ken, Tiny Kirby ×3 | Rule: Item: Food
|
Spirit Train | Fruit Basket | |
| 1198 | Reporter & Wrestler | Rhythm Heaven Series | Primary (2) | Advanced | Shield | World of Light (Mysterious Dimension); Spirit Board | Pikachu | Rule: Assist Trophy Enemies (Yuri Kozukata); Easy to Launch
|
Boxing Ring (Battlefield) | Title Theme - Punch-Out!! (Wii) | |
| 1199 | Baxter & Forthington | Rhythm Heaven Series | Support (1) | Novice | Rocket Belt Equipped | World of Light (Light Realm); Spirit Board | Duck Hunt, Incineroar | Rule: Item: Throwing Types
|
Pilotwings | Monkey Watch | |
| 1200 | Sumo Brothers | Rhythm Heaven Series | Primary (2) | Novice | Grab Weight ↑ |
Spirit Board | Giant Donkey Kong ×2 | Rule: Earthquake
|
Arena Ferox (Ω) | E. Honda Stage Type B | |
Nintendo Badge Arcade[edit]
- Rhythm Heaven Wiki article: Nintendo Badge Arcade
There are 25 sets based on the Rhythm Heaven series in the Nintendo Badge Arcade. They feature characters and objects from throughout the series, primarily using pre-existing artwork. 12 of them were released internationally while the remaining 13 sets are exclusive to Japan. The last two sets Japan-only sets were released to celebrate Rhythm Tengoku's 10th anniversary in 2016. The first is based on the "Cheer Readers" set where the School Library Pep Squad are given various outfits. The other combined the badges from the "Rhythm Heaven Girls" sets into one catcher and adds one badge based on the Pop Singer.
Nintendo Kids Space[edit]
Ashley no Halloween Night[edit]
The Ashley no Halloween Night comic features Ashley getting dressed to go trick-or-treating with her Creepy Crew. In the 13th panel, Tibby appears with an orange afro styled after a jack-o'-lantern.
Barbara & Ashley[edit]
The Barbara & Ashley comic has Ashley prepare for her first concert. Barbara the Bat, her manager, fantasizes about Ashley's success, but Ashley ends up falling asleep on-stage. Red, Tibby, and the Martian from First Contact appear in the second panel.
Gallery[edit]
Artwork[edit]
Sprites[edit]
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Red)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Young Cricket)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Master Mantis)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Mike)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Dr. Crygor)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Penny)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Sal Out)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (9-Volt's skateboard)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Jimmy T)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Tiny Wario)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Dribble & Spitz)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Orbulon)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Mona)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Kat & Ana)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (Mona's scooter)
Rhythm Heaven Megamix (The Wrestler as Wario-Man)
Screenshots[edit]
WarioWare Gold (Rhythm Tweezers)
References[edit]
- ^ Nintendo UK (November 22, 2018). WarioWare Gold - 5-Volt, 9-Volt & 18-Volt Character Trailer (Nintendo 3DS). YouTube. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Nintendo UK (October 11, 2018). WarioWare Gold - Mona Character Trailer (Nintendo 3DS). YouTube. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Nintendo UK (October 25, 2018). WarioWare Gold - Jimmy T Character Trailer (Nintendo 3DS). YouTube. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Nintendo UK (September 27, 2018). WarioWare Gold - Ashley and Red Character Trailer (Nintendo 3DS). YouTube. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Nintendo UK (November 8, 2018). WarioWare Gold - Penny & Dr. Crygor Character Trailer (Nintendo 3DS). YouTube. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Nintendo UK (December 6, 2018). WarioWare Gold - Kat and Ana Character Trailer (Nintendo 3DS). YouTube. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Nintendo UK (January 10, 2019). WarioWare Gold - Young Cricket and Master Mantis Character Trailer (Nintendo 3DS). YouTube. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Nintendo UK (January 31, 2019). WarioWare Gold - Lulu Character Trailer (Nintendo 3DS). YouTube. Retrieved August 14, 2025.









