Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure Is An Underrated Gem
March 24, 2025
When Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure was released in 2012, it was one of the more unique titles in the Nintendo 3DS library. A quirky, rhythm-based game wrapped in a mystery-solving narrative, the game didn't gain the widespread recognition it deserved, even though it offered something fresh and exciting from SEGA! In this blog post, I want to explain why I think Rhythm Thief is an underrated gem that still holds up today and deserves way more love than its initial advertising was able to give it.
Rhythm Thief blends rhythm-based challenges with traditional adventure gameplay in a way that’s still rare today. From chase sequences where you tap the beat to solve puzzles, to dancing battles with a sense of urgency — it’s an unexpected mix! What’s amazing is how the game keeps introducing new ways to use rhythm gameplay in each chapter with each character they introduce. It’s a game where every beat matters, and the mechanics are not only fun, but they complement the unfolding story in such a clever way. I personally love how they integrate the protagonist's escape from the antagonists with the rhythm-based gameplay.
The Story
At the heart of Rhythm Thief is a story about Raphael, a young thief on a mission to uncover the truth behind his father’s disappearance. What sets this game apart from other rhythm games is that it’s not just about gameplay — it’s about the characters and the narrative that drives you forward. Raphael’s witty and determined nature makes him an endearing protagonist, while the interactions he shares with other characters, like his dog Fondue, offer a great mix of humor and heart. Even the setting, Paris, adds a sense of elegance and charm to every scene! The whole game makes environment incredibly interactive!
The Game
The art direction in Rhythm Thief is my favorite out of any game. With a hand-drawn style and a vibrant color palette, the game feels like you're stepping into a living, breathing cartoon. I was shocked when I first saw the animated scenes without the context of it being a video game, then coming to find out that those scenes were in fact for the 3DS! The characters are expressive and brought to life with charm. But, of course, the real highlight here is the music. As a rhythm game, the soundtrack is key, and Rhythm Thief delivers an unforgettable array of tracks. Each rhythm-based challenge comes with a catchy tune that sticks in your head long after you've finished the game. The music matches the tone of the adventure, seamlessly pulling you into the action and making each moment feel more exhilarating. You might have even heard one that's gone viral, called "Louvre Museum Invasion", which was popularized by this edited video turning it into a "cursed" version of the song.
Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure is one of those hidden gems that didn’t quite get the recognition it deserved upon release. One of the main reasons for this might be that it was released during a time when the 3DS was still establishing its identity, and many players were still focused on big-name titles. The game’s unique mix of rhythm-based challenges and narrative-driven gameplay might have felt a bit niche for some. Plus, it didn't have the marketing push that other big titles received. In fact, I only learned of this game because of the aforementioned cursed version of the song!
Even though Rhythm Thief didn’t become a mainstream success, the way it merges narrative with gameplay inspired a variety of titles that followed. Even now, years after its release, Rhythm Thief still stands as one of the most creative and enjoyable experiences available on the 3DS. If you haven't had the chance to play it yet, I highly recommend giving it a try — it’s a delightful experience that still feels fresh and exciting.
Just, uh... Be aware of that price tag nowadays. This game had a very limited release, so at the time of writing this, it's current value is over $200.00. I recommend playing this game through here.
My Boy, Charlie!
I'm going to take a moment to geek out here. There's a character you meet — a detective — named Charlie Vergier. The dynamic between Charlie and Phantom R is just so cute, their in-game battles are games of SOCCER. HOW CUTE IS THAT??? Charlie acts tough, but once she realizes what Phantom R's goals are, she becomes a huge helpful hand and joins him at the end of the story for the big last fight.
Charlie is voiced by Rachel Desmarest, who brings out the best in her character. I give her huge kudos to be able to make them sound ambiguous in their gender, which is another key point in the story (and another reason as to why I love her) - While initially introduced as a male detective, Charlie is actually a girl named "Charlotte"! I think they handled this reveal extremely well. Beneath her tough exterior, Charlie cares deeply about those around her. Her actions, especially when she saves Raphael and his companions, and I love her so much for it.
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