Elite Beat Agents review

It's hard to explain the impact Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan had on many importers last year. Here was a rhythm-action game that functioned in such an intuitive and intelligent fashion, made possible only by the touchscreen, and which oozed a universal charm and enthusiasm that even the language barrier couldn't quash. Its popularity spread quickly through word of mouth alone, and clearly this has sparked inclination to release a 'westernised' version on US shores; but the fear was always how it would translate. What would it lose? Would it really be a comparable experience?In short, what Elite Beat Agents has done is become one of the best localisation efforts Gamestyle has ever seen. How can a trio of male cheerleaders, whose sole purpose is to cheer people on as a means to overcome their troubles, be converted for a western audience's tastes? By making them an 'elite' squad of professionals, sent on missions by their moustachioed Commander Kahn. The mission structure is basically the same, but each target is given a data profile before hand, so it comes across as more professional. The charm and sheer lunacy is still here, however; the team turn up at the start of each song and then proceed to strut their stuff in time to the music, while their target gains confidence and ability to overcome their troubles. In one scenario, a washed up baseball star has to win back his fans' admiration... by defeating a fire-breathing golem. In another, a lost dog has to make a 400 hundred mile journey home, hitching rides along the way. It all uses the same comic-style art and presentation, too. In fact, if it wasn't for the English text-boxes, this could pass as an extended mission pack for Ouendan.The tunes aren't awkwardly overlaid, either; they fit the theme of each scenario beautifully... although those averse to popular music might take issue with some of the choices. Madonna's Material Girl plays during a level in which two glamorous sisters have to survive being stranded on a desert island; and The Village People's YMCA compliments a sailor's plight to find buried treasure at sea. There are rockier tunes such as SUM41's Makes No Difference and Good Charlotte's The Anthem, not to mention the final epic showdown (we'll save that surprise for you)... as well as a few mellower tunes, one of which occupies a very heartwarming Christmas-themed level. In truth, this selection is more or less a point for point equivalent of Ouendan's style of songs... albeit in English. Even if you don't like many of the songs here ordinarily (Gamestyle is not fond of Destiny Child's Survivor even a little bit), their inclusion in a tapping-along-in-time-to-the-music game might just make you like them - at least, in context.It's not just tapping to the beat, though - it's sliding and spinning too, almost like you're conducting a score. The game's easy and normal modes (named Breezin' and Cruisin' respectively) are an excellent entry into how to play, but it's only when you open up the aptly-named Sweatin' mode that EBA comes into its own. The beats match the songs far more closely and it becomes much more satisfying as a result (Canned Heat, on the lower difficulties, is a nightmare to play, due to there being so many off-beats, but it's improved on Sweatin' mode). The difficulty is pitched just right, too. Like Ouendan, there is a definite learning curve where you can feel yourself getting better all the time, and there aren't any difficulty spikes this time, either. Challenges are introduced gradually and thoughtfully. By the time you get to the final tracks of the hardest mode, the music seemingly coming to life under your stylus, your hand managing god-like feats and keeping up with the rapidly appearing circles on screen, you'll feel amazing. It's utterly engrossing and your attention will be glued to the screen, and a smile glued to your face.Elite Beat Agents has also benefited from several technical improvements. The multiplayer mode is no longer limited to just those with their own copy of the game, although the co-operative mode is. You can also save a replay of any performance and use it to battle against, or wirelessly send it to another player to do the same. There is also a training mode and a demo game that you can transmit to another DS. Ranks and scores are easier to fathom this time, and increasing your points unlocks three bonus songs, bringing the total to an impressive 19, with the sound quality maintaining the high standard set by its predecessor. On top of that, the game even supports the rumble function, although to little benefit. Finally, song introductions can now be skipped, which will be a great relief to anyone who repeated Ouendan's final stage.Naturally, Elite Beat Agents won't bring any revelations to Ouendan aficionados; that sense of fresh creativity will only be new to the uninitiated. Regardless, EBA performs admirably, making improvements where needed and retaining the same charm, humour and enthusiasm as its imported cousin. It's a more accessible entry into the franchise, but there's nothing to stop anyone from picking up both. The best game on the DS finally has a rival, and Gamestyle is overjoyed.