Bust A Groove 2

"Back with a purpose!"

Bust A Groove is a game that doesn't quite fit into any other category other than Fun. Placing you in the shoes of a dancer, your mission is to outdance the opposition, and make your way to the ultimate prize...the Groovatron.

-Visuals 9/10-

Excellent. BG2 offers you clean cut characters ranging from a street thug, to a zombie, and places these characters in stages that are not only well designed, but with an awesome use of camera angles and screen switchs. Submersing you in the pit of a dance contest, you face off against some stage opponents in some strange stages.

Each dancer has a set of moves that is their own unique style, and it's really quite interesting to watch once you get a combination going. When you go through the game, you'll notice that it takes alot of skill, patience, and hand-eye coordination to pull off the spectacular dance sets for your viewing pleasure.

-Audio 9/10-

First rate music in a first rate game. Coming a way from the first Bust a Groove, BG2 offers you a more modern dance track, stealing you away from the techno/house music that made up most of the first Bust a Groove. You'll be treated to character specific tracks that fit each stage nicely, and compliment the character that you're using at the time.

Sound Effects come in the form of an announcer that tells you weither you're doing the right thing, or you're doing the wrong thing, and that of the characters themselves as they talk their trash, or cry out in frustration when they miss a dance step. It's quite refreshing to listen to.

-Control 9/10-

All I can say is this, you have to keep the beat, and follow the commands on the screen, which aren't that hard when you use a standard PSX controller. The only real control you need to know, is what comes up on the screen, generally a series of directional pushes, and then a button push. It's not that hard to figure out, but you'll have a thumb-jamming time trying to get the timing down.

-Gameplay 9/10-

Ah...away from that camera specific winning, and down to a point system. The game generally works like this: You complete dance sequences, and gain points...the higher the sequence, the better the points..the better the points, the more difficult the sequence becomes, and if you can pull it off after just a few times of playing it, then you're a true BG2 Master.

You have your basic one player, which pits you against the computer in a contest to the finish. You'll be busting your thumbs to keep up with the beat on most of the stages, which is what you to do: KEEP THE BEAT!!Once you have the timing down, you'll have no troubles going through the game, and earning the points you need. One player is the only way to unlock the secret characters {6 in all} and you have your choice of commands.

Easy allows you to just push the D-pad, and is recommended to get some practice to time the beat. The Normal gives you a set of D-pad commands, and then a button press, the Mix is probably the hardest to master, because it gives you button presses and direction pad presses in the same command. This can get real frustrating, so you'd be well suited to stick with normal unless you don't mind breaking your T.V. screen wiht your hand after missing a few combinations in a row.

Two player pits you against a friend in a single round dance-a-thon, and you'll find that it can be quite fun, and really competative once you get started. Nothing in terms of secrets can be gained through this mode however, so you're just playing to show off to a room full of friends.

Dance View allows you to customize your character of choice and let them dance in a wide variety of ways. While this is purly for show, you'll find some enjoyment in watching your favorite character go through a set of dance steps that you've created.

-Overall 9/10-

For a sequel to a strange game, Bust a Groove 2 comes out shining above it's predecessor with a range of visuals, audio, control and even gameplay. With several secrets to find, killer two-player action, alot of dancing, and some pretty wackly characters, you have all the makings of a classic game to your PSX library.

This game is a rental first, and then a purchase, just because of the bizzare nature of the game, it's tough to find another one like it. You won't be disappointed either way, this can be assured.

-Similiar Games-

Pa Rappa tha Rappa
Bust A Groove
Un Jammer Lammy

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/09/00, Updated 11/09/00