"O2Jam Storms in to the Rhythm Game Scene"

[[ O2Jam Storms in to the Rhythm Game Scene - 9.6/10 ]]

O2Jam NX is a multi-player on-line game where you pound out keys on your keyboard to match notation and rhythms on the screen. You compete against your friends and other dedicated community members to see who can be the most accurate, and the quickest.

This is a refreshing new spin to the steadily more prominent genre of rhythm games, the most apparent of these being Dance Dance Revolution. However, O2Jam has much more to offer then your conventional rhythm game. Let me show you exactly why, by breaking up a review in to four different sections.

[[ GAMEPLAY ]]

For most serious gamers, this is the most important aspect of a game. Without well built ideas, anything can be unappealing and offer the alternative option of boredom.

The essence of the game is like any role playing game. However, instead of fighting battles, you compete against each-other in a competition for accuracy and speed to the sound of music. The better you compete, the more GEM (in game currency), and EXP points you gain. GEM can be used to purchase more items and music. EXP will raise the level of your character.

Unlike Dance Dance Revolution, which features four arrows scrolling upwards, O2Jam features seven bars scrolling down. These bars go down the left side of the screen as you try to match each bar to its respective key on your keyboard. You get to choose your own songs and own difficulties. You can even play with special modifications to hide notes or make it randomized.

As you pound out the keys, music is played through your speakers to re-enact the song you chose to play. For the musically inclined, this is a very fun way to spend those boring hours.

The game has a very dynamic skill range. It offers entertainment to the range of completely new players, to even the most skilled players. No one has been able to reach the end to this game yet, people are still pushing towards the limitless goal of achieving perfection. However, it's all about having fun.

Finally, O2Jam's greatest addition to the rhythm game genre is missions. Every four levels you must complete a specific task before you may advance to the next level and continue receiving GEM and EXP.

O2Jam has everything possibly imaginable in a rhythm game.
>>> Gameplay (10/10)

[[ GRAPHICS ]]

Another aspect that makes O2Jam's quality superior over any other rhythm game is its stylistic approach reflects that of many other graphics from the Asian gaming culture. From the loading graphics, to the in-game avatars, to the general theme and template, it's all very well thought out and very pleasing to the eyes.

Several different schemes can be chosen before you play a song, to have the background image, combo and note bursts to your preference.

Hundreds of different items can be selected to personalize your appearance and reflect your unique style. Items range from a Divine Angel, to a Knight, to a "sk8er-boi" and everything else imaginable.

The only negative is the avatars look a little odd, taking on the looks of what seems to be an alien. But this is just the style, and you very quickly become accustomed to it.

For having loads of graphics, customizable images, and a clean style...
>>> Graphics (9.5/10)

[[ MUSIC ]]

Music is the heart of this game, it is the strongest factor on whether you like the game or not.

It's hard to go in to detail about this because music is of such broad and opinion-related content. Here is a list of the thirteen genres (of music) displayed in this game. See if your favorite kind of music is there:

Classical, Rock, Dance, Techno, Funk, Ballad, Trance, Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Jazz, Piano, Traditional and "Etc". I am certain your musical preference is somewhere in that list!

>>> Music (10/10)

[[ COMMUNITY ]]

If you wonder why I added this in here, it's because community is a very important part of this game. Sure, most of it is listening to music. But the other half is making friends, finding them, and playing with them. It's almost another world to escape to and make new friends in.

Community members in O2Jam NX come from all across the world. Most of the players are situated in Malaysia (Asia), but many come from places such as Canada & America (North America), Italy & Germany (Europe), Brazil, and many other countries.

The only downside is those who are not as fluent in English as you and I may have a hard time understanding you. However, this should not stop you from "jamming" and having a good time.

O2Jam has a unique community of people like you and I.
>>> Community (9/10)

[[ CONCLUSION ]]

Gameplay 10/10
Graphics 9.5/10
Music 10/10
Community 9/10
>>> Overall 9.6/10

Out of all the games I have ever played, none rival the number of hours I've spent playing this game. O2Jam's refreshing new spins to the genre of rhythm games has kept me pounding keys to all styles of music for hours on end.

If you are thinking, "Oh, I wasn't too great at the flute back in grade seven", well consider this: You do not have to be good at music to appreciate this game, but you must appreciate music to love this game.

If you like to spend time listening to music, this is definitely a game you would appreciate and enjoy.

So try it out, jam to a couple songs. Trust me, you will become hooked!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/27/06