Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tap Tap Dance builds upon the intuitive tapping and shaking mechanics of its predecessor, Tap Tap Revenge, while introducing nuanced updates that elevate the player’s engagement. The core rhythm-matching gameplay remains faithful to the original formula: notes slide down coloured lanes, and you must tap or shake the device in time with the beat. Players familiar with the franchise will immediately recognize the satisfying feedback loop of hitting perfect taps, but they’ll also appreciate the fresh complexity that multi-tap notes and tap-and-hold gestures bring to the experience.

The inclusion of four distinct difficulty levels—Easy, Medium, Hard, and Expert—caters to both newcomers and seasoned rhythm game veterans. Each level features its own curated playlist, culminating in a special end-of-level track that serves as a litmus test of your musical prowess. Successfully completing regular tracks with high accuracy unlocks these bonus songs, offering not only greater challenge but also the promise of new themes and visual effects. This progression system adds a compelling sense of reward and motivates repeated playthroughs.

Multiplayer enthusiasts will be pleased to find that the two-player simultaneous mode remains intact. Whether co-op-style or head-to-head, the multiplayer option injects a social dynamic that keeps tap-happy parties lively. While the original game used the CPU for graphics rendering, this sequel takes advantage of an OpenGL port by Guy English and independent developer Mark “Doomlaser” Johns, ensuring smoother performance even during frantic multiplayer showdowns. The controls remain responsive across all modes, making every session feel polished and deliberate.

The carefully selected tracklist spans a variety of electronic and dance subgenres, featuring tracks like Justice’s “Phantom Pt.II (Soulwax Remix),” Daft Punk’s “Technologic,” and Basement Jaxx’s “Where’s Your Head At.” Each song feels thoughtfully mapped, with note placements that accentuate the distinctive rhythms and energy of the original recordings. Whether you’re smashing out Tiësto’s “Goldrush” or grooving to Moby’s “Disco Lies (The Dusty Kids Fears Remix),” Tap Tap Dance keeps your fingers—and feet—moving in time with pulsating beats.

Graphics

Visually, Tap Tap Dance marks a significant step forward from the first title’s basic menu screens and 2D backdrops. The developers have introduced four brand-new graphical themes—ranging from neon-soaked urban landscapes to pulsing abstract patterns—that dynamically react to the music. These custom environments create an immersive audiovisual synergy, enveloping players in a lightshow that complements each song’s mood and tempo.

The switch to OpenGL rendering, spearheaded by Guy English and Mark Johns, translates into smoother animations and reduced frame drops during rapid note sequences. Whether you’re tearing through “Digitalism – Zdarlight” or building tension in “Junkie XL – Stratosphere,” the game maintains a locked 60 frames per second on supported devices. This fluidity enhances the precision of each tap, as visual feedback is delivered instantly without graphical lag or stutter.

Redesigned menus offer a cleaner, more modern interface that’s easy to navigate even when you’re eager to jump straight into the next track. Album art and song details are presented front and center, giving each level a personalized touch. Contextual animations—such as animated progress bars and celebratory particle bursts for high combo streaks—further enrich the user experience, making every success feel earned and visually rewarding.

While some players may miss the minimalist approach of the original game, Tap Tap Dance’s visual overhaul feels appropriate for a premium sequel. The additional effects never overwhelm the core gameplay; if anything, they heighten the sense of spectacle without compromising readability. For fans of rhythm games who crave both style and substance, the graphical presentation here hits the right balance.

Story

As with many rhythm-based titles, Tap Tap Dance doesn’t deliver a traditional narrative with characters and dialogue. Instead, the “story” unfolds through your progression across the game’s curated playlist and the thematic evolution of its visual suites. Each difficulty level serves as a new chapter, culminating in a special end-of-level track designed by Kevin Coulton and Jonatan “cactus” Söderström. These exclusive songs function as mini-boss battles, testing everything you’ve learned up to that point.

The tracklist itself can be viewed as a narrative arc, beginning with groovy remixes like Sunny Levine’s “Daylight (Morgan Page Remix)” before transitioning into more intense cuts such as The Chemical Brothers’ “Midnight Madness.” As you advance, the music’s tempo and complexity ramp up, reflecting your growth from a casual tapper to a seasoned virtuoso. Unlocking bonus themes after mastering each set of songs feels like uncovering hidden chapters in a digital music anthology.

Behind the scenes, Nick Gallant’s contributions shape the bulk of the gameplay experience, mapping most of the tracks with a keen understanding of pacing and challenge. The special levels by Coulton and Söderström stand out for their unique note patterns and surprising breaks, offering a fresh twist on the established mechanics. This collaborative approach to level design lends the game a narrative richness that transcends simple beat-matching.

Although Tap Tap Dance lacks a conventional storyline, its progression structure and track curation create a compelling arc that keeps players invested. The blend of familiar hits and exclusive remixes weaves a cohesive journey through modern dance music, offering a sense of accomplishment as you unlock each new theme and special track. In this sense, the game’s “story” is the personal evolution of every player’s rhythm skills.

Overall Experience

Tap Tap Dance delivers a polished, feature-rich rhythm game that stands firmly on its own merits, transcending its free-to-play predecessor. The updated mechanics—multi-taps, holds, and refined shake gestures—add layers of depth without alienating newcomers. Coupled with a diverse tracklist that spans big-name artists and remix talents, the game ensures that every play session feels fresh and exciting.

Performance remains rock-solid thanks to the OpenGL port, and the four new graphical themes lend a vibrant energy that reacts dynamically to your performance. Even in the highest intensity moments, visual clarity is never sacrificed, allowing you to maintain focus on hitting perfect chains. Redesigned menus and clear UI elements make navigation swift, getting you into the groove faster than ever before.

While the absence of a traditional story might be a drawback for narrative-centric gamers, the progression-driven structure and unlockable bonus tracks keep the motivation high. The multiplayer mode is a welcome inclusion that extends the game’s replay value, encouraging friendly rivalries and cooperative runs. Whether playing solo or with a partner, Tap Tap Dance offers countless hours of rhythmic gratification.

For fans of rhythm games and dance music alike, Tap Tap Dance represents a worthwhile investment. It improves on the foundations laid by Tap Tap Revenge, enriching the experience with refined gameplay, compelling unlockables, and a top-tier soundtrack. If you’re looking to test your timing skills while grooving to some of the genre’s most infectious beats, this sequel will have your fingertips—and your heart—pounding in perfect time.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10