Groove Coaster
| Developer(s) | Matrix Software |
|---|---|
| Publisher(s) | Taito |
| Release date | July 28, 2011 |
| Genre | Vertical Scrolling Rhythm Game |
Groove Coaster (グルーヴコースター) is a series of rhythm games for arcades, smartphones and Nintendo Switch by Matrix Software and published by Taito. A lot of the original in house songs are created by the group ZUNTATA. The game is well know for its flashy rollercoaster gameplay and unique arcade controller. The series is also known as Rhythmvaders in certain areas outside Japan.
Gameplay
The gameplay consists of a pixelated avatar moving along a thin string representing the track. On this track are various notes that need to be hit in a certain manner. White notes are normal notes that can be hit with a press of either button. A long yellow-white note needs to be held by one of the buttons. A blue note needs to be hit with both buttons at once. A colored arrow needs to be hit by pushing the controller in the given direction, or swiped when played on touch devices. Sometimes these arrow notes can have two directions, and both controllers need to be moved in both directions at once. A green wave style long note requires the controller to be shaken left and right for the duration of the note. Orange square style long notes need to be mashed with both buttons in any way you like. During the game there are various gaps between notes where the game puts invisible notes, called "ad-lib" notes. You cannot know where these notes are when playing a chart for the first time, but they are put in tactical spots on the track or in the rhythm of the song. Missing these will not break combo, but they are required to be hit if you want the max grade. The higher the combo, the bigger the Fever mechanic gives you points, so combo is important in scoring high scores. There is a Groove gauge, which needs to be filled to at least 70% to clear a song.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay showing Groove Coaster.
Releases
Groove Coaster EX is the game known as Rhythmvaders, and Groove Coaster 2: Heavenly Festival is known as Rhythmvaders 2 in certain areas outside Japan.
| Date | Title | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| July 28, 2011 | Groove Coaster Zero | iOS |
| November 5, 2013 | Groove Coaster | Arcade |
| May 26, 2014 | Groove Coaster EX | Arcade |
| January 22, 2015 | Groove Coaster 2: Heavenly Festival | Arcade |
| July 1, 2015 | Groove Coaster 2: Original Style | iOS & Android |
| March 10, 2016 | Groove Coaster 3: Link Fever | Arcade |
| March 16, 2017 | Groove Coaster 3EX: Dream Party | Arcade |
| March 29, 2018 | Groove Coaster 4: Starlight Road | Arcade |
| July 16, 2018 | Groove Coaster | Windows |
| March 28, 2019 | Groove Coaster 4EX: Infinity Highway | Arcade |
| November 7, 2019 | Groove Coaster: Wai Wai Party!!!! | Nintendo Switch |
| April 9, 2020 | Groove Coaster 4MAX: Diamond Galaxy | Arcade |
| 2025 TBA | Groove Coaster: Future Performers | Nintendo Switch |
Trivia
- The arcade version of Groove Coaster shut down on April 1, 2024.
- The mobile version of Groove Coaster shuts down on March 31, 2025.
Notes & References
External Links
- Groove Coaster Future Performers official Website (JP)
- Groove Coaster Arcade official website (JP)
- Groove Coaster Mobile official website
- Groove Coaster PC on Steam
- Groove Coaster Wiki unofficial game wiki