Thumper Reviews

Thumper is ranked in the 93rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10.0
Oct 18, 2016

It's a great game overall. It doesn't pull any punches, and is relentless in its 'rhythm violence' and that makes it one of the most satisfying games out there. Now to try and S rank these songs.

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9.2 / 10.0
Oct 18, 2016

Thumper is far more than a simple, stunning rhythm game: it's an astonishing vertigo at crazy speed that messes up with your brain in a kaleidoscope of psychedelic colors and industrial tunes, an unforgettable trip into a sinister and mesmerizing dimension that thanks to PlayStation VR becomes real. Simply put, an instant classic.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Justin Celani
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Oct 21, 2016

Thumper is one of my favorite games this year, simple yet challenging, visually stimulating, and excellent sound use. Easy to play, hard to master is the familiar phrase that comes to mind. VR only adds to the experience, but even without that added element, the game shines

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9.5 / 10.0
Oct 21, 2016

Out of the entire PlayStation VR launch lineup I’d have to say Thumper is one of the must plays. It’s certainly one of the best music rhythm games I’ve played in years and the best “rhythm violence” game. Playing in PlayStation VR is the best way to experience this game as the sense of speed and being in that visual showcase surrounded by thumping audio is made all the better by it. The fact that it offers plenty of challenge to incentivize return runs is one of the best parts about it and I know I’ll be playing it to improve my scores for quite some time.

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Recommended
Oct 21, 2016

Great art and a distinct approach to rhythm action makes this a brilliantly horrible twitch experience.

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9 / 10
Oct 24, 2016

If you’re a fan of rhythm action games, Thumper is amongst the most intense, pure, and singular experiences within the genre, and its release for the PSVR should make it utterly essential for anyone that owns Sony’s headset.

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9 / 10
Oct 25, 2016

Thumper is a thriving rhythm game that includes an incredible VR mode. That's not to say the game isn't worth it if you have no interest in virtual reality, but indie developer Drool takes the game to new heights when you find yourself enveloped in the game's 3D space. Even being mediocre when it goes to playing on the leaderboards, I keep going back to Thumper every night for just one more run.

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Digitally Downloaded
Matthew C.
Top Critic
Oct 27, 2016

Thumper is a very good rhythm game, if obscenely difficult, and that should make it appeal to any fans of the genre. But it’s a lot more than that, too; it’s an experience unlike any other, one that pushes the bounds of pure audiovisual immersion even with its standard 2D display – to say nothing of its VR capabilities – and that makes it something that I think everyone should at least try.

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GameSpew
Top Critic
8 / 10
Oct 27, 2016

Blisteringly fast and relentlessly unforgiving, Thumper will keep you engaged for hours.

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74 / 100
Oct 30, 2016

Thumper is a well designed game that's more focused on challenging the players than providing a musical experience. If you're wanting to test your pure reaction times, look no further.

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5 / 10.0
Nov 1, 2016

Thumper looks great and has some interesting ideas, but it's bogged down by strange decisions, obstacles that blend in with the environment, and a soundtrack that doesn't have much to do with the on-screen action.

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9.5 / 10.0
Nov 9, 2016

Thumper is a great game that is unique and difficult. Of course it is a specialty game, since rhythm isn’t a lot of people’s “thing,” but for what it is, it does it well. It is a game of pure rhythm that made me bob my head and try, try again.

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90 / 100
Nov 23, 2016

Thumper is a right hook out of nowhere. It’s the right combination of speed, bizarre visuals, music, and difficulty that makes you want to replay it after the credits roll. The single button and stick controls also makes it eminently accessible to everyone, but difficult to master. Come for the bizarre visuals, stay for the even more bizarre bosses.

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games(TM)
games™ Team
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jan 1, 2017

A glorious assault on the senses

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9 / 10
May 18, 2017

Thumper is a fantastic video game, an extravagant rhythm experience that's also a brutal assault on the senses. It's extremely difficult, painfully so at times, yet we feel the need to persevere, retrying tough stages over and over again. Even when that's done the drive for better ranks remains, simply because the game compels us to play on.The level of challenge, though, shouldn't be underestimated - even for strong players short sessions may become necessary in the latter third of the game, in particular. The only real flaw of Thumper, in actual fact, is that it offers so little respite and no 'easy' mode for players. Some may scoff at that, saying it's a game designed to be tough, but the downside is that without that optional concession the game will be inaccessible and impenetrable for some players.That's a pity, as for those up for the challenge it's a wonderful - albeit gruelling - gaming experience.

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May 18, 2017

Everything that originally made Thumper a fantastic game is still here to be found in the Switch version. It's incredibly fun and this time around can be played for both short bursts and long car rides. It's a fantastic addition to the Switch's growing library.

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4 / 5.0
May 18, 2017

By the end of Thumper, the speed is insane, the music wild and oppressive, and the feeling of just barely holding on to a beast that wants to send you flying so it can gnaw your bones is disturbingly strong.

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8.5 / 10.0
May 18, 2017

If you like its aesthetics, its pounding beats, and a stiff challenge, there's really nothing holding me back from recommending it whole-heartedly.

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VGN
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
May 18, 2017

No matter which version of Thumper you will play, you're definitely gonna love it. The first game from Drool offers the classic "easy to learn, difficult to master" gameplay, which feels even better on Nintendo Switch. On the new Nintendo console, the game offers the chance to move between the great TV mode and the awesome Handheld mode in a blink, while the HD Rumble on both Joy-Cons gives you a great sensation. A must-buy for every Switch owner.

Review in Italian | Read full review

ZEFGame.ru
Frostengine
9 / 10.0
May 20, 2017

Thumper is the best rhythm game I had a chance to play, great graphics, designer style, excellent optimization, wonderful music, all in the right combination causes a storm of positive emotions, a special thank you to the developers for working with advanced functions Nintendo Switch.

Review in Russian | Read full review