Have you got the fever? Dance fever? (Elite Beat Agents (DS))

Member Name: PennyRage

Product:	Elite Beat Agents (DS)
Date:	30/09/08 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Simple rhythm action game with no peripherals, but plenty of challenge.

Disadvantages: Material Girl has never been that good a song...

Recently, rhythm games have become gaming's hot commodity, with Guitar Hero leading the way on home consoles. That franchise recently (and somewhat predictably) made it to the DS, but a far more addictive rhythm game has been available on the system for a while now - and it doesn't come with a wrist crunching peripheral. All you need for Elite Beat Agents is yourself, your DS, the stylus and a reasonable sense of rhythm.

People from all over the world need your help. You just happen to be the leading member of an elite dance troupe, the titular Elite Beat Agents. After the quirky, comic strip-esque cutscenes, the action begins as you tap, slide and spin your stylus in time with the on-screen markers. Keep the Agents dancing to a stunningly choreographed standard and save the world (or at least the poor babysitter, the crocked athletics star or the would-be theatre starlet).

It's a simple and highly addictive concept that can keep you going for hours. The soundtrack isn't too shabby either, even for cover versions. Later difficulty levels will pose quite the challenge to even the best rhythm masters. There are 16 songs - with 3 unlockable as your score adds up through the game.

There's also a multiplayer option for up to four players, ideally this is best if everyone has the game.

Perfectionists will push themselves to the limits achieving the "S" Rank on every song and every difficulty, more relaxed players will just enjoy tapping out YMCA as an old sea dog finds hidden treasures. I cannot recommend this game enough.

Summary: Great fun, easy to pick up and play for short or long periods, imaginatve stories and characters.