Jung Rhythm #BestOfSaturn

The fine folks at Japanese software house Altron Corp. were clearly into the good stuff, and in early 1998, they conjured up the absolutely bananas Jung Rhythm!

Conceptually reminiscent of that lesser 32-bit console’s PaRappa game, Jung Rhythm has players taking the role of Vanilla Essence — a young girl enamored with Chorking, the geologist “rock star” (ha ha). Essence sees superstardom in her future — but to get there and fulfill her dream of a duet with Chorking, she must navigate six song-and-dance-filled stages.

Gameplay consists of observing, then copying various button presses in rhythm to each song, which is much easier said than done. Occasionally, freestyling is allowed for bonus points. This is important because each scene ends with Essence being rated on her groove, rhythm, style, ad-lib, and impact. Do well enough, and you live to dance another day.

Visually, the game is an exaggerated, colorful cartoon, and the songs are complete chaos for your mind… but surrender to the music and you’ll feel Jung again as you bust out your moves! Practice and two-player battle modes are also available.

This lovely title was translated to English in April 2024 by the quartet of Derek Pascarella (ateam), Shadowmask, Malekno, and wiredcrackpot.

	Peter Malek
		A Saturn fan since the beginning, Peter plays Saturn almost exclusively. For Peter, Saturn represents a moment in time where 2D games were at their best, 3D was just rising, and fascinating gaming 'firsts' were commonplace.  There are very few Saturn games that Peter cannot find some enjoyment in!