I don't know exactly how I got into this genre of games. But for one thing, the first rhythm game I have played is a Japanese arcade game called "Aikatsu" its originally based on an anime geared toward young girls about becoming idols. The whole reason I started playing was purely based on the fact that I really enjoyed the anime and it gives me these shiny outfit cards I can collect and use in games. I barely remember the rhythm game mechanic because that was not the main purpose of my playing. Few years later I came across videos online about this rhythm game called "Osu!" a free-to-play online rhythm game. And seeing that this game had my favorite songs I was eager to try it out, though soon I was hit with the reality that this game is almost impossible to play without the proper equipment. Sure I was able to play it but not as efficiently and I was not willing to spend so much money on tablets and custom keyboards; consequently, I went online to search for more accessible options. I came across this game called "Arcaea" and that was the beginning of my rhythm game spiral...
The beginning of it all. A casual mobile rhythm game, recently its more famous for being really complex within the rhythm game community. But I think it was a really good intro for me as a beginner. A few things about this game that make it stand out is that its not a gacha game unlike most mobile rhythm games these days, the really pretty art and visuals, and most the most prominent, the sky input notes. So what are these notes exactly? Unlike normal rhythm games where all the notes are on the same plane, Arcaea had separate notes where it is above the main notes making the player have to focus on both the upper and lower half of the screen to properly catch all notes. But other than that feature everything else is quite simple such as the game progression. Though a downside is to fully enjoy the game you have to make an in-app purchase to play story mode and unlock many songs, though I never bought it, and if you are just looking for a rhythm game with a unique feature I would really recommend this game.
These would be one of the most prominent mobile rhythm games, all of the feature really cute characters and plots you can enjoy alongside rhythm games. These are the types of games I mentioned previously, rhythm gacha games (and also visual novels). In most of these games since the main focus is on the characters and the gacha mechanic the game as a rhythm game is quite simple and easy, especially for beginners. So if you are looking for games with cute characters and plot (or if you are just searching for an Oshi) I would recommend these games. The only downside is there is a good chance you may get very addicted and spend a lot of money on it but thats all up to YOUR impulse control so good luck!!!!
You may be wondering, why is Project Sekai not in the previous section? Because I play it but I also have so many problems with it. As a rhythm game its quite basic and doesn't have anything different other than it being vocaloid based so its really easy for beginners. But I have a multitude of problems; namely, the fact that you are unable to reach anything above C Rank if you don't have cards and only play it for the sake of it being a rhythm game. And as a person who just wanted to play rhythm games, it was really frustrating for me until I just bent and got some cards and leveled them up to get somewhat better ranks. So I would only recommend this game if you are also interested in the visual novel and gacha aspect.
Classic Bandai arcade rhythm game. You may not know what it is but you have definitely have seemed this before at your local arcade, that big machine with drums on it, yeah its that game. Although I wouldn't recommend it to beginners for the sheer amount of money or equipment you'll need. But if you are serious about rhythm games or you are really willing for the investment I would recommend it. But generally the gameplay is really simple and the graphics are really cute!
The og Sega Vocaloid rhythm game. Honestly, a really solid game that is really good quality for its time and definitely would recommend to every and all Vocaloid players (well if you are a fan you probably know what this game is). Not only to enjoy the MVs but also to broaden your taste and pick up some iconic songs if you are a novice fan. The only downside may be that you need a console and the game is one of the hardest rhythm games. It took me a while to pick up how to play it and I am still unable to play the harder maps. So if you are a rhythm game veteran and want a slightly challenging game with good visuals I would very much recommend Project Diva
Okay, okay. I know this isn't mainly a rhythm game but I just had to put this up here because I absolutely adore this game. But to be real this game is mostly a gacha, visual novel (Gakuen) game and the rhythm game feature is kind of an extra. But I think the visuals are really cute and also its quite simple, but its quite hard to master the skill. The original songs are also a major banger so if you just want a casual visual novel game and maybe do some rhythm games on the side you should play Twisted Wonderland.
The og Sega Vocaloid rhythm game. Honestly, a really solid game that is really good quality for its time and definitely would recommend to every and all Vocaloid players (well if you are a fan you probably know what this game is). Not only to enjoy the MVs but also to broaden your taste and pick up some iconic songs if you are a novice fan. The only downside may be that you need a console and the game is one of the hardest rhythm games. It took me a while to pick up how to play it and I am still unable to play the harder maps. So if you are a rhythm game veteran and want a slightly challenging game with good visuals I would very much recommend Project Diva