Like Brain Age for the Rhythmically Impaired

While Harmonix, Activision and MTV battle back and forth over Guitar Hero and Rock Band, an even more authentic music revolution is taking place on the Nintendo DS. First was Ubisoft with Jam Sessions that turns the DS into a guitar. No, not a quick-fingered Guitar Hero-esque game, but a real guitar. A guitar simulator if you like. And now Agetec is putting a Brain Age spin on musical education with Rhythm ’n Notes, due out this fall. While the interface is just as value-priced as Jam Sessions’, the “gameplay” sounds equally insightful and educational.

A wide variety of note lessons encourages players to recognize and identify not only notes but also complex chords. Rhythm exercises teach and test the fundamentals of keeping time as well as advanced rhythmic patterns. Starting lessons initiate the beginner from start to finish while advanced levels keep experts on top of their game. Open practice mode allows players to familiarize themselves with all notes and chords, both by name and sound.

Maybe I’ll finally be able to learn chords and notes, something I’ve longed to comprehend for most of my life. Check out a few screens below and remember, it’s educational so it doesn’t have to look pretty.