Sing Star and Just Dance Review – Final Part
…continuation
NEGATIVES:
- The Singstar range, especially in disk form for the PS2, can be mildly expensive for some selections that do not include top rated tracks. On the PS2, there is no option to download, restricting your choices to only the published media. Often artists and producers refuse to release certain songs onto the disk formats for some time, limiting the availability of popular tracks for the avid fan. There is, however, the PS3 downloads to combat this should the customer wish.
- The original Singstar tracks provide a very comprehensive singing experience, allowing revelers a real-time attempt at replicating their favourite singers.
OVERALL: Singstar is, without doubt, one of the most prominent entertainment packages on the UK market at present, with a widespread loyal following of avid fans. Interesting and enjoyable to people of all ages thanks to its openly accessible nature and very readable display, there is ample room for differing music tastes and preferences. The whole experience is particularly enjoyable for young and old and is a real party ice-breaker. A thoroughly enjoyable activity for the entertainment occasion.
Just Dance Reviewed:
In an effort to counterbalance Sony’s seemingly stranglehold on the home entertainment games industry, Nintendo have released Just Dance on the Wii to corner the disco-dance market. The system operates using the motion sensing Wii remotes, in order to monitor the movements of the dancers. The idea of the activity is to replicate the movements of the on screen animated dancer, from a variety of well known popular dance tracks and songs. The system, which operates directly from the Wii console, needs no additional peripherals and costs around £30 for the disk.
POSITIVES:
- Pure enjoyment rating and an excellent simple idea combine in Just Dance to create an all encompassing entertainment program. It is hugely popular under reviews from all ages, as the entire program is accessible. Those that might perhaps shy away from the direct pressure of the Singstar style of game, can instead have the opportunity to enjoy a humourous light hearted attempt at grooving to well known hip swinging tunes!
- Fitness program possibilities. The routines are available in either a ‘short version’ or ‘full’ song version. The short versions are certainly sure to raise your heart rate while the ‘full’ versions are a definite workout for the entire body. The main benefits are to your cardiovascular and circulatory systems, while also developing your sense of rhythm.
- The game can be played by up to 4 players all dancing simultaneously, which makes for an exceptionally enjoyable occasion and fantastic photo opportunities! It scores each independently allowing for a leadership competition towards the end of the night. Other modes include the “Strike a Pose” option, where the song pauses while the dancer produces their best John Travolta-esque moves.
- The tunes are of good quality and well conceived with well recorded (if a little bizarre!) dance procedures. They are comical at the very least, with a wide ranging spread of popular modern and classic songs.
- The lyrics to the song are placed on the screen at the same time, enabling you to really get into the groove and belt out your singing to the tune, without fear of being graded on the quality of your vocal talents.
NEGATIVES:
- The styles are not particularly nightclub worthy! The styles of the routines are not, by anyone’s standards, true to life. This is certainly not a dance teaching program, but is instead a family fun activity, where those that take part should be fully prepared to be laughed at and to laugh at others.
- There is only the one disk currently released onto the UK market and in this writer’s opinion the possibilities for expansion look slightly restricted… purely as the medium looks likely to fail to prompt consumers to purchase multiple copies. In comparison to the Singstar merchandise, where songs are the main draw for the purchaser, the draw of other dance moves looks set not to draw the same attention.
- For the cost, and the unlikely possibilities that there will be downloads available, the investments of the disks may prove a rather costly sticking point for the casual consumer.
OVERALL: An exceptionally enjoyable game with a whole host of family orientated possibilities. Just Dance is the ideal party entertainment for the whole family, excluding perhaps elderly grandparents who might struggle to keep up with Katy Perry’s dance moves! It is a thoroughly entertaining form of amusement that thrives upon people getting involved and taking part in the fun of it all. With a range of game options there is also considerable longevity to the game, which looks set to establish itself
In Conclusion:
There is little doubt that both Nintendo and Sony have entered the home entertainment market with nothing short of chart topping entries onto the gaming stage. Providing fun family centered enjoyable experiences looks set to enshrine these two chart toppers as firm party favourites. Cost wise, Just Dance looks set to take hearts and minds; however, at present it is a stand alone purchase. For longevity and individual tailored tastes, Sony’s Singstar platform and the countless downloads available for the PS3 version look set to ensure that their success continue for the foreseeable future indeed!
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