HarmoKnight's involves a mixture of music/rhythm gameplay with traditional side-scrolling platforming action.
Platforming
The player-character, Tempo, automatically traverses levels, although there is a small degree of player control thanks to multiple routes existing for a number of the levels.
Music & Rhythm
The challenge, and aim, is to collect musical notes over the course of the level by hitting enemies and objects in time with the music.
The number of notes collected by the end of each level determines the player's grade.
Health System
Tempo starts levels with a number of hearts, which are displayed at the bottom of the screen. If Tempo is hit by an enemy or obstacle then he loses one heart. If Tempo loses all of his hearts then it's game over for that level.
Speed Levels
If the player manages to achieve a high enough grade in a given level (which is dependant on the number of musical notes collected, then he/she will unlock a faster, more challenging version of that level.
Boss Fights
HarmoKnight also features bosses, which are similar to bosses in most platformers where a pattern must be learnt and overcome several times.
