Get ready to get up off the couch with the smash hit Dance Dance Revolution.
Dance Dance Revolution Universe Bundle
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: Xbox 360
Rating: E – Everyone 10+
Game type: Music
**** (out of 5)
What’s the premise?
Get up off that couch and get ready to shake your groove thing! The arcade smash hit Dance Dance Revolution makes the leap to next-gen systems with plenty of ways to play and a smokin’ soundtrack to keep your feet moving well into the wee hours.
This game is most similar to…?
There’s nothing like it — that’s why it’s so good.
Can I let my kid/kid brother play it?
This one’s recommended for kids 10 and older, simply because the game play can get a little tricky and younger kids (and old folks, for that matter) may get fed up fast.
One player or more?
The DDR Universe Bundle comes with a giant floor-mat controller for you to dance on, but unless you want to pony up a bunch more bucks for a second, third and fourth mat, you’ll have to take turns.
The (not-so) secret to success is…?
Don’t rush in. We can’t all be Tony Manero (John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever), so don’t think you’re going to be able to bust a move the first time out. It’s OK to start out with the tutorial modes until you get your feet wet.
What’s missing?
The towel to wipe off all your perspiration after playing the game all night.
And in the end?
DDR is an arcade classic that has made a near-seamless transition to home console and should provide hours of fun for regulars and newbies alike.
SSX Blur is a natural fit for the Wii’s motion-sensitive controllers. Once you get the hang of some of the cooler moves, you won’t want to put it down.
SSX Blur
Publisher: EA Sports Big
Platforms: Nintendo Wii
Rating: E – Everyone
Game type: Sports 10+
**** (out of 5)
What’s the premise?
Hop on your board and hit the slopes — SSX has arrived on Nintendo’s Wii.
Compete in races and trick events with one of a dozen different racers (four of whom are Canadian) and try to become king of the mountain.
This game is most similar to…?
This is SSX 5 and the look and feel is similar to its predecessors.
Can I let my kid/kid brother play it?
My three-and-a-half-year-old son loves it, but younger kids definitely won’t be able to take advantage of some of the wilder tricks you can pull off with some wrist twisting and Wii-mote shaking.
One player or more?
Flip on the split screen and outrun or out-trick your pals.
The (not-so) secret to success is…?
Get your groove on. Doing tricks, even in a race, will help fill up your groove meter and let you pull off übertricks — the hottest moves on the hills.
What’s missing?
The Myoflex for your wrists after playing for a while.
And in the end?
SSX is a natural fit for the Wii’s motion-sensitive controllers, and once you get the hang of some of the cooler moves, you won’t want to put it down.
JONATHAN P. KUEHLEIN/metro toronto
