Rhythm Doctor, a new two-player co-op game, has been released on Xbox, giving rhythm fans something new to check out. While Rhythm Doctor is console-exclusive to Xbox, it was previously released on Steam, where it has already earned widespread praise.
Despite 2025 winding down, December remains a busy time for Xbox. New games have been added to Xbox Game Pass at the start of the month, while others have departed the service since then, such as Mortal Kombat 11 and Still Wakes the Deep. In addition to the subscription service, new games have been added to the Xbox Store for purchase. Among the releases is Rhythm Doctor, a new rhythm game that could appeal to co-op players.
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Rhythm Doctor is a New 2-Player Co-Op Game on Xbox Consoles and PC
Available as an Xbox console exclusive, Rhythm Doctor arrived on the Xbox Store on December 18. The title, which is also handheld optimized, comes in at a relatively cheap $19.99, making it potentially more tempting for rhythm game fans. Furthermore, Rhythm Doctor is an Xbox Play Anywhere title, meaning that players only need to purchase the game once to play on their Xbox-supported devices. It is worth noting that the game has been playable on Steam via early access since 2021. Since then, the game has earned "overwhelmingly positive" reviews on the platform, with 98% of them being positive.
As the name suggests, Rhythm Doctor tasks players with keeping time as they attempt to cure illnesses. Specifically, players must heal patients by “defibrillating in time to their heartbeats.” Interestingly, the game features an incredibly simple control scheme, requiring only one button to be pressed to keep the rhythm. However, this simplicity has earned praise from many reviewers, who have also highlighted the songs for having a strong emotional connection to the story.
Additionally, Rhythm Doctor features local two-player co-op, allowing a friend to drop in and out during the story. Unfortunately, developer 7th Beat Games has noted on the game’s Steam page that online multiplayer currently does not work properly due to latency issues. Nevertheless, those who have a spare controller will likely get a lot of enjoyment out of playing the game with a friend, based on user reviews so far. The game also features a single-player option for those who want to take on the levels solo.
Some of the other features of the game include over 20 “handmade” levels, each having a unique story. Interestingly, the developer notes that each of the game’s levels “introduces a different concept of rhythm theory in an accessible way,” suggesting it could help players become more musically savvy.
Rhythm Doctor joins the lineup of other rhythm games available on Xbox platforms. A quick perusal of the Xbox Store will find other titles in the genre, but it is difficult to spot options that have as much fanfare as 7th Beat Games’ latest project. Unfortunately, it is unclear whether Rhythm Doctor will come to other consoles, such as PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2, in the future. Given its popularity, it is possible the developer could bring the game to other platforms. However, fans will have to wait and see.
While Rhythm Doctor coming to Xbox consoles is big news for fans of the genre, there is more to be excited about regarding the brand. Recently, Xbox announced its next Developer Direct would be coming in January 2026. Head of Microsoft Studios Matt Booty confirmed the news and revealed that a game from Playground Games would be featured during the event. Time will tell whether a new rhythm game will be announced. However, in the meantime, Rhythm Doctor looks like it could entertain fans of the genre for a long time to come.
- Released
- February 26, 2021
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- 7th Beat Games
- Engine
- Unity
WHERE TO PLAY
Save lives with your spacebar!
Rhythm Doctor is a rhythm game in a world where defibrillating patients' hearts in sync with their heartbeats has healing properties. Slam your spacebar in perfect time on the 7th beat, and they might just come out okay. But beware - every patient has unique illnesses based on complex music theory: polyrhythms, hemiolas, irregular time signatures...if you don't know what they mean, don't worry. Rhythm Doctor is designed to make you learn music and rhythm theory without even realising it!
20+ handmade levels, each with their own story. Every level introduces a different concept of rhythm theory in an accessible way. A large cast of doctors and patients feature in an overarching, character-centric storyline.
Play the story solo or grab a friend for drop-in drop-out local multiplayer throughout the whole campaign! Robust level editor to make, share, and play community levels! Use your own music, place notes snapped to the beat, and use 50+ different visual effects and backgrounds. Challenging "Night Shift" versions of each level for the brave.
- Genre(s)
- Rhythm
- Platform(s)
- PC
