Review: Bust A Groove 2

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	GALLERY

by Cheat Monkey

(IDG) -- Even if you've got two left feet, there's no excuse to be a wallflower in Bust A Groove 2, Enix's follow-up title in the surprisingly fun dancing game genre. For BAG veterans, there are numerous changes to this sequel, and while it's not the breakout title that the original was, it's still a good time.

Class In Session

The first thing returning Groovers will notice is the change in the character lineup. The dancers themselves are an even weirder bunch than before. There are many returning faces including Hiro, Strike, Shorty, Kitty N, Kelly, and Capoiera. The mutated zombie Bi-o, Comet (a rollerskating waitress), and schoolboy Tsutomu round out the new crew, and there are plenty of unlockable characters, some of whom have their own unique moves, and others who share moves withthe standard cast. It's a good mix of personalities, although some of the new folks don't have quite the personality of the old characters.

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One of the nice things about this sequel is that it gives newcomers and dancing veterans different levels of difficulty to chose from. Easy Mode just uses the digital D-pad. Normal uses the D-pad and the X or O buttons for the final beat, and Mix Mode uses the D pad and all four of the icon buttons on the PlayStation controller. It also randomizes the button sequences so you can't memorize patterns. If you have two left feet, there is a good practice mode that shows gamers exactly when to press the final "beat button," and gives precise ratings on how well you have danced.

It's How You Look

The graphics in Bust A Groove 2 have been pumped up a notch. There are more background animations, but the dancers moves are still as silky smooth as they were in the first game. When you dance well enough, the levels become even more animated, but don't expect any fancy lighting effects. However, you'll sometimes encounter dancers bumping into each other. It doesn't affect gameplay, but it sure looks odd.

There have been a couple of significant changes to the gameplay as well. First, it's great that you can now see your score live, instead of guessing how well you were doing. Second, there are no more multiple move paths to pick from, and while this takes some of the variety out of the game, it's less confusing for beginners. Overall, the gameplay is on the sparse side, but it is tighter, and in some ways more challenging, than the first Bust A Groove.

Music is a focal point in dancing games, and Bust A Groove 2 has a good selection of hip-hop, disco, and J-pop tunes. But while the original Bust A Groove had some fantastic music, this sequel is more competent than great. There are some flashes of excellence in the various songs, and a number of the tracks have solid grooves, but overall, the music doesn't get the blood pumping as hard as the tracks from the original.

Do It In Your Eardrum

Hardcore Bust A Groove fans will probably like the sequel more than neophyte PlayStation dancers, who they might get more out of the original. It's not as compelling as the first Bust A Groove, but there's still enough to get beat and rhythm maniacs out on the dance floor.

Pro Tips

  • Use the practice mode! It's especially helpful for songs that have odd beats and are tough to dance to (like Comet's).

  • Save your attacks for when your opponent is about to begin their solo. If you time it right, they won't be able to dance for their whole solo, and they'll lose major points.

  • You only have to hit the last button in a move on the beat, but to get into the rhythm of a difficult song, it can help to hit the buttons on the beat, at least on the shorter beginning moves.

  •  Mix Mode's button combos are random, so just stay alert, and be prepared for anything!

  •  When you get a Chillin, or Cool, or Freeze, be sure to finish your set of moves by hitting the O button on the next beat (the O symbol won't appear on the beat bar). If you time it right, you'll start higher in the combo tree for your next set, and score more points.

Summary

  • Publisher: Sony Computer
  • Developer: Enix
  • Street Price: $ 29.99
  • Available: Now
  • Genre: ACTION
  • No. Players: 2
  • ESRB Rating: EVERYONE
  • Graphics: 4.0
New camera control mode and excellent dance move animations make Bust A Groove 2 a booty shaker.
  • Sound: 3.0
The music isn't as good as the original BAG, but most of the tracks are fun to listen to and very danceable.
  • Control: 4.0
Graying out icons in the "beat bar" makes it easier to input commands. Mix Mode is tantalizingly tough.
  • Fun Factor: 3.5
A great game to play with a bunch of friends, Bust A Move 2 is nonviolent, lighthearted, and infectious fun.

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