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Minigame guide · Samurai Slice

Samurai Slice

Samurai Slice is a sword-slashing minigame that debuted in Rhythm Tengoku and has recurred across the series. You play a wandering samurai cutting down objects (and enemies) that approach in time with the music.

Perfect timing guide All minigames

How it works

Targets advance toward you, and you slash on the beat to cut them down. The rhythm builds anticipation as foes close in, and precise timing is rewarded with a clean slice — mistime it and the strike whiffs. It's a satisfying, melee-flavored take on the series' "act on the beat" core.

Controls, timing and cues

Samurai Slice lives and dies on listening — the approach of each target telegraphs the timing, but the music is the dependable cue. Learn the song so you know exactly when to commit each slash, especially during faster combo sequences where the rhythm tightens. Earn Superb to unlock Perfect Campaign eligibility, then attempt a no-miss clear; you get three tries per campaign.

Go for gold

Tips for a Perfect

Small habits that keep a no-miss streak alive.

▸ Slash to the music's beat, not just when a target looks close — the visual lags the audio cue.
▸ Faster combo sequences are the high-risk moments; drill them in practice.
▸ Memorize the song so each slash is a committed motion rather than a reaction.
▸ Use headphones to catch the subtle timing cues before each strike.

Appearances & trivia

  • ◆Samurai Slice appears in the original Rhythm Tengoku lineup alongside Karate Man and Rhythm Tweezers.
  • ◆It returns across multiple series entries and is associated with the Wandering Samurai character.
How ranks and Perfects work
Every stage is graded Try Again, OK or Superb — and a Superb makes it eligible for a Perfect Campaign. See the full ranks and medals breakdown and the perfect timing guide.
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Common questions

Samurai Slice FAQ

How do you play Samurai Slice?
Targets advance toward you, and you slash on the beat to cut them down. The rhythm builds anticipation as foes close in, and precise timing is rewarded with a clean slice — mistime it and the strike whiffs.