Review
Release Date: 08.16.2000
Platform:
PlayStationDeveloper:
MetroPublisher:
Enix of America, Inc.Reviewed by
Wade Monnig on 4.27.2003
| Review Rating: 9/10 | User Rating: 9/10 |
When 989 studios released the first Bust A Groove, the sales were disappointing, which means (of course) that it now sells on e-bay for more than it sold for new. It also meant that the chances that 989 would release its sequel in the U.S. were extremely slim. So, as soon as “Bust A Move 2: Dance Tengoku Mix” was released in Japan, I rushed out and paid top dollar for the import. Little did I know that Enix was preparing to re-launch their U.S branch and Bust A Groove 2 (as it is would be known in the U.S.) was at the top of the list for the big re-launch party.
Falling firmly into the “Don’t say you supported it if you didn’t buy it” clan, I purchased the U.S. version once it was released and, once again, sales for the sequel were disappointing. (Yes, you guessed it; price on this release has also skyrocketed on e-bay). Two poor selling releases from the same franchise have virtually killed any chance that this series will see another release in the U.S. but the quality of these releases assures that I’ll be importing every Bust A Groove release, no matter what the system.
The dazzling character graphics of the original were improved in BAG2, with new moves and outfits for the returning characters. Three difficulty settings are also included so that players could now choose how hard the input sequences will be. This difficulty level selection is also available for each competitor in 2-player games, so that handicaps can be set. The game also underwent enhancements to the input interface and changes to the attack and defense system. The gameplay mechanics still involve the D-Pad and button presses but you are given a choice of what command type to use; you can use only the D-Pad, the D-Pad and the X and Circle, or the whole controller. In the first release, this was restricted to D-pad movements for the steps and a button press for the 4th beat input. Attacking your opponent has also returned but now, you can reflect that attack back to the attacker instead of just evading it.
The AVEX J-pop tunes were the real highlight from the first release but this time around, the music genres have been expanded and a more diverse selection of music has been added. Even with this newfound diversity, it lacks the sheer addictiveness of BAG1. That is not to say the soundtrack is lacking but it just doesn’t measure up to the greatness of the first release. Everything from smooth jazz to metal is represented with dips into rap and disco popping up along the way.
While most American gamers will never notice the changes from the import version, I still feel obligated to note a few. A number of songs have been re-recorded into English from the original Japanese lyrics. While some songs pull this off, others lose some of the flow that they originally had, making them harder to dance to. The other major difference is that the “Dancing Heroes” game-show styled endings have been completely removed (Ouch)! Granted, they were completely weird and generally moronic, but some of the unlockable characters now have no story behind them. Each character still has an ending, but it only shows them performing before the crowd of the T.V. “Dancing Heroes.” Other small changes (you gotta take out Hiro’s Cigarette, because we wouldn’t want you to pick up any nasty habits from videogames…like listening to and enjoying Disco music) were also made.
Even with these changes, Bust A Groove 2 is still one of the best-executed, most enjoyable dance games on the market. The two-player mode is unequaled and the music is ultra cool. If you are a male gamer and looking for that one title to hook your girlfriend into playing games with you, I heartily suggest this title.
