Review: Boogie (NDS)

With stiff competition from established (and superb) rhythm games such as Ouendan and Elite Beat Agents, Boogie has its work cut out to impress. Gamestyle would settle for a better game than the Wii version, and thankfully this time EA delivers.

The main problem with the Wii version of Boogie was the lack of any real challenge. The game was completely freestyle, meaning that any movement you created scored you points, providing it was in time. There was little punishment for error, and no real incentive throughout. The DS version seems to have addressed this, and now there are three ways to play the game. The basic mechanics remain throughout; to score points you have to swipe the stylus in a given direction in time with the music. The freestyle game remains, but in addition EA have added a copy-cat game, where you have to repeat back set sequences of swipes, and a choreography game, where you have to perform a long series of swipes in time to the music. Although none of these are particularly taxing, at least it feels like there is more of a purpose to this game, than its Wii relation. Successful swipes build up your “Boogie Power Meter”, and when this is full you can deploy your “Boogie Power”, meaning that the points you earn will be multiplied. You’re encouraged to complete sequences without mistake, as doing so will give you high-scoring combos, and unlike the Wii version, mistakes will cost you. As you dance to the track, little creatures called “Party Freaks” will appear on the top screen. If you perform badly, these Freaks will start to leave, and if they all leave before the track is over, you will be kicked off the stage. Although it appears that you have to perform really badly for this to happen, it does mean that the game has more of a structure to it than the Wii version.

To add even more variety to the game, at certain segments during each song you will be asked to perform a mini game to win bonus points. There are eleven games to play, and there’s a mixture of quality. Some are fun, and involve some degree of skill, whilst others are embarrassing examples of a game trying to make use of as many of the DS’s features as possible. All can be played independently of the dancing sections, but they are best left to adding spice to the main game. They are all rhythm based, and involve performing actions in time with the music, including tapping stars as they pass through circles, drawing pictures with the stylus, and strumming a guitar. Some are actually more fun to play than the main game, but none will keep your attention for long.

There’s a story mode in Boogie which involves taking one of the five characters (called Boogs) on their quest for superstardom. Each of the character’s story is reasonably lengthy, and requires you to visit different locations on the Boogland Map. You then challenge other Boogs to dance offs, or simply try to get high scores on the tracks available. Beating the Boogs, or reaching certain scores unlocks new arenas, tracks, and accessories for your Boog to wear. Apparently there are over 500 wardrobe options in the game, but unlocking more tracks will certainly be more rewarding. There are twenty in total, and although none are performed by the original artists, there is a good mixture, and all sound good through the DS’s stereo speakers.

There’s no karaoke section in the DS version of Boogie, but the game does come to you in 3D. The cartridge comes bundled with a pair of 3D glasses, and there’s an option to turn on the 3D function. It’s a novel idea, but has little appeal, as the game’s colourful graphics are replaced by two-tone images designed to jump out of the screen. It does work to a fashion, but the game is much easier to play without the glasses, and it’s less likely to make your eyes water! The game is well presented throughout, and it does seem that EA have put more effort into the DS game than the Wii version. Both games looked good, but the DS version is distinctly more fun to play.

Boogie on the DS is a vast improvement on the Wii version. The game has more of a purpose, and actually requires some skill to play. The game’s career mode will keep you occupied for a decent amount of time, and with a very decent track list it will appeal to a wide audience. The ability to play against another with only one cartridge is excellent, and the mini games are a nice addition. Boogie is not in the same league as Elite Beat Agents or Ouendan in terms of sheer fun and replayability, but it’s certainly given Gamestyle hope for the future of the franchise.

Rating: 6 / 10

Words by Chris Thornton