VOEZ

VOEZ builds on a simpler principle than Rayark's other rhythm games – instead of the classic falling pattern, notes slide along paths toward the edge, and the player catches them by tapping as well as with sliding gestures, which suits touch controls especially well and makes playing a fluid, almost calligraphic movement of fingers across the whole screen regardless of the screen's orientation. The music selection focuses on the independent and Taiwanese music scene as well as a range of lesser-known electronic artists, thanks to which VOEZ offers a listening experience different from rhythm games built on mainstream hits, and the simple, colorful visual style with paper-craft design and gentle animation complements that nicely. The songs are also accompanied by small, self-contained story snippets that give the gameplay a light narrative touch without needing to follow a continuous storyline.

The game had a more turbulent fate at launch – the original model with time-limited access to songs sparked discontent among players, and Rayark later reworked it into a friendlier free-to-play model with permanent purchasing of individual songs and packs. Even so, VOEZ remains more of a quiet, lesser-known addition to the studio's catalog than its flagship alongside Cytus and Deemo, even though it offers some of the most pleasant touch gestures in the entire genre and eventually got released on game consoles too. Its lower song tempo compared to Cytus also opened it up to players who otherwise avoid more demanding rhythm games.

Why play it: For rhythm game fans interested in independent music and unusual slide controls, who already know Cytus and Deemo and want another, calmer perspective from Rayark.