'Thumper' is a horrifying, hypnotic, exhilarating thrill ride

"Thumper" is a new rhythm-action game from Drool, a two-person studio comprised of ex-Harmonix employees (the folks behind "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero"), one of whom is in a metal band called Lightning Bolt.

Drool/PlayStation

The result of these ingredients is what Drool calls "rhythm violence," and that's exactly what it sounds like - you'll be matching rhythms like you would in "Guitar Hero," but the whole experience is rough, exciting, colorful, absurdly fast, and somehow physical.

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Also of note is its visual style - like a Stanley Kubrick movie mixed with "Mario Kart," or something. Those visuals, combined with its intense, hypnotic soundtrack, make for one of the most interesting games of the year.

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