E The Weirdo

rare instance where I used blender to help work out the shape

Main thing, it's rhythm heaven, it's fun. I would be surprised if it wasn't. That being said it does feel a little lacking in ways. UI is really lame a lot of times, I miss having the translated songs (though getting other languages was neat, not sure it's a real trade off), and while there's more minigames, I don't think they really hit the same as the other rhythm heavens.

I didn't expect it to surpass fever, so it being my favorite overall was never really in question. But the question on my mind was would I like it better than megamix and that's a hard one. I think they share some flaws like how easy/simple the early minigames are, not having a story is a plus in groove's favor, but megamix just like, looks better. I think megamix is the better package, but groove is much easier to just play. The last half of groove probably pushed it over megamix, though I'll see how I feel later.

I don't want to be too negative though, I think when groove is good it really shines. While not all winners, I think sneezy moon, ribbit rocket, lightning bolting, and a lot of others are really good. I'd probably put some in just my favorites in the series.

But I don't think I've ever been so like, unimpressed than games like soccer dreams, soda hop, and synchro wings. They genuinely felt so like, forgettable. Even ones I disliked in previous games like Shrimp Shuffle at least looked interesting. I think there being so many games here kind of had them keep some that might've been cut in another title?

The side games I played were very fun too. I think Beat Spell is my favorite in any of the games, not that I think it was a high bar to clear haha. I probably spent like 1/3 of my time doing that mode though.

Over all, great game held back by a lot of little issues I have by it. Right now my ranking of the ones I played are

Fever

Groove

Megamix

DS

Subject to change, but here's my ranking on the games. Though this series is really hard cause anytime I replay a game I get recency bias and want to move everything lol. Remixes are especially all over the place.