Rhythm games, while inherently competitive, often struggle to reach the mainstream esports scene due to their niche appeal. With a steep learning curve, lower popularity compared to genres like MOBAs and FPS games, and limited financial backing, their growth is frequently restricted. However, this hasn’t hindered the vibrant rhythm game community, especially in regions like Japan and Korea.
Here in Malaysia, passionate players have cultivated a thriving competitive scene. Recently, Imotogekai Gaming, a local group of rhythm game aficionados, organized the first-ever Sound Voltex Score Rally ’24 mini-tournament on June 23, 2024. You can check out the complete live stream of the tournament here:
A Historic First for Malaysia
The tournament took place at Cross Fire @ 1 Utama Shopping Centre, the only location in Malaysia with a Sound Voltex arcade cabinet. Imotogekai Gaming, through collaboration with the arcade operator, turned their vision into reality.
Despite being a self-funded, small-scale team, they pulled off an event that exceeded expectations, showcasing their dedication and the community’s enthusiasm. Their well-equipped setup and the tournament’s scale impressed everyone, highlighting the growing interest in rhythm games in Malaysia. A Community Unites
Thirteen active community members competed in a double-elimination bracket format, performing on a carefully curated song list. The playoffs lasted about five hours and were filled with excitement and energy. Cheers erupted from participants, bystanders, and even random shoppers who were captivated by the vibrant event.
| Round | No. | Song Name | Tech. | Level | Int. | Ver. |
| Round of 16 (Winner) | 1 | Wheel | 地力 | HVN 17 | C | B |
| 2 | Booths of Fighters | 鍵盤 | EXH 17 | A+ | II | |
| 3 | Blossom | つまみ | MXM 18 | E | EG | |
| Loser Round 1 | 1 | Second Heaven GravityPfArrange | 鍵盤 | MXM 16 | E | HH |
| 2 | The setting sun | つまみ | EXH 17 | E | GW | |
| 3 | Double Universe | 地力 | GRV 17 | B+ | II | |
| Quarter Finals (Winner) | 1 | Butterfly Twist | 地力 | MXM 18 | D | VV |
| 2 | croiX | 鍵盤 | INF 18 | B | B | |
| 3 | Venomous Firefly | 地力 | MXM 18 | A+ | HH | |
| Loser Round 2 | 1 | New Leaf | つまみ | MXM 18 | D | HH |
| 2 | Prayer（ぺのれり） | 地力 | EXH 18 | C | GW | |
| 3 | Leviathan | 鍵盤 | MXM 18 | C | VW | |
| Loser Round 3 | 1 | HAELE III ~Angel Worlds~ | 鍵盤 | GRV 18 | C | GW |
| 2 | Onigo | つまみ | HVN 18 | B | B | |
| 3 | ENDGAME | 地力 | MXM 18 | A | EG | |
| Semi Finals (Winner) | 1 | キュリオシティ | 鍵盤 | MXM 18 | A+ | HH |
| 2 | HAVOX | つまみ | EXH 18 | A | GW | |
| 3 | Got more raves? | 地力 | HVN 19 | E | GW | |
| Loser Round 4 | 1 | SHARK IMPACT | つまみ | MXM 18 | C | EG |
| 2 | Aerial Fortress | 鍵盤 | MXM 18 | A+ | VW | |
| 3 | Lord=Crossight | 地力 | GRV 19 | F | GW | |
| Loser Round 5 | 1 | Fox4-Raize- | つまみ | EXH 18 | C | GW |
| 2 | WINNING ROAD | 鍵盤 | MXM 18 | A+ | EG | |
| 3 | BLACK or WHITE? | 地力 | GRV 19 | F | II | |
| Finals | 1 | [ ]DENTITY | 地力 | MXM 19 | B | EG |
| 2 | For UltraPlayers | 地力 | HVN 19 | A | II | |
| 3 | ENDYMION | 鍵盤 | MXM 19 | S | VW | |
| Loser Finals | 1 | 大宇宙ステージ | 鍵盤 | GRV 19 | E | B |
| 2 | TWO-TORIAL | 地力 | MXM 19 | C | HH | |
| 3 | Absurd Gaff (Metallize Remix) | 地力 | MXM 19 | C | EG | |
| Grand Final | 1 | Xb10r | 地力 | MXM 19 | S | EG |
| 2 | VOLAQUAS | 鍵盤 | MXM 19 | C | EG | |
| 3 | Bl∞min’ | 地力 | MXM 20 | S | EG |
While all participants showcased their skills, only one could be crowned the champion. After a day of intense competition, HAKU emerged victorious. FLXCATUS and KIYUN secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively.
A Champion’s Insight
In an exclusive interview, HAKU shared his experiences and insights:
Q: Is this your first tournament win?
A: “I’ve won programming competitions before, but this is my first rhythm game tournament victory.”
Q: Anyone you’d like to thank?
A: “Thanks to the organizers and their staff. Organizing a tournament for a game like Sound Voltex with a smaller community is challenging. This event wouldn’t have been possible without them and the participating players.”
Q: Favorite songs/charts?
A: “‘Xb10r’ by 隣の庭は青い(庭師+Aoi) chosen by my competitor Chee Hong (IGN: FLXCATUS).”
Q: Grand Finals strategy?
A: “I chose ‘VOLAQUAS’ by BEMANI Sound Team “DJ TOTTO VS 兎々” because it’s my most stable song, consistently achieving S Rank on Maximum difficulty.”
Q: Most difficult song/chart?
A: “‘ENDYMION’ by fallen shepherd ft. RabbiTon Strings (MXM 19).”
Q: Exceptionally challenging songs outside the tournament?
A: “‘Erm, could it be a Spatiotemporal ShockWAVE Syndrome…?’ by かめりあ (MXM 20).”
Expanding the Sound Voltex Community
HAKU acknowledges the smaller size of the Sound Voltex community but believes that increasing the player base and the availability of arcade cabinets are crucial for its sustainability. He suggests Sunway Velocity Mall in Kuala Lumpur as an ideal location for additional cabinets, given the existing player base.
Beyond Sound Voltex
HAKU also sees potential in Beatmania IIDX, another Bemani game, to thrive in the Malaysian market. He advocates for more events, including small competitions, mini-events, and score attack challenges, to strengthen the community further. With all four Sound Voltex cabinets currently available at Cross Fire @ 1 Utama Shopping Centre, there’s a significant opportunity to host such events.
Learning and Growing Together
HAKU highlights the supportive and collaborative spirit within the community. He mentions the strategic use of the built-in Mirror Mode by participant “KIYUN” during the tournament, showcasing the players’ ingenuity and willingness to share knowledge.
Looking to the Future
When asked about future event ideas, HAKU suggests a token-based challenge where the first player to clear a difficult song wins the tokens. He concludes by expressing his gratitude to the tournament organizers, underlining the importance of their efforts in fostering the rhythm game community in Malaysia.
