**This review is also on Ciao, under my username "MonsoonBaby88"**

Want an energetic, fun game that makes you look pretty silly in the process? Then look no further then "Samba De Amigo." Created by the Sega team, Samba De Amigo first graced gaming systems on the short-lived Dreamcast console in 2000. The Dreamcast version featured two maracas that's motions were picked up by a sensor bar that is plugged into one of the slots on the front of the console. Eight years later, the Samba De Amigo is released once again but is updated to work with Wii controls.

Samba De Amigo is a perfect choice for the Wii. Unlike the Dreamcast version, there are no wires needed, due to the Wii operating wireless controllers via the sensor bar that is positioned either at the top, bottom of the television. Players are able to use the Wii mote and nunchuck combination to work as the two maracas, but there is an option of using two wii-motes instead to make it a completely wireless experience. To make them look more authentic, the player is able to purchase third-party made covers that can slip on top of the controllers to make them look like they are holding a pair of maracas. These are often not much more than £5 for the pair.

Gameplay is exceedingly fun for the most part. There are six target areas that are displayed on screen, with the notes that need to be hit emerging from the centre. These target areas are arranged in a hexagon-shaped pattern which allows you to aim for high, middle, or lower targets, depending on where the note is heading. In order to hit these high, middle or low areas, the wii mote/nunchuck must be tilted upwards, straight ahead, or faced downwards. These controls can be rather frustrating at times however. For first time players, the controls seem a little complex, and thus take a while to get used to. Once they are picked up after a few sessions, the controls are quite easy to keep up with on the easy and medium difficulties. However, problems are run into when the player encounters the hard and superhard difficulties. Typically with harder difficulties on rhythm games, the notes come faster, and require more accuracy in order to hit the notes and progress. With Samba De Amigo on the Wii though, it the Wii mote does not always register fast changes from the upwards, straight forward and downwards motions, meaning that many notes are missed, which could forbid you passing the song. This is one game that would really benefit from the Wii's new "Motion plus" controlling, which allows for a more accurate judge of where the wii controls are being aimed.

This version on the Wii supports the Wii's "Mii" system, allowing for the players created character to join in with the dancing along to the catchy in-game music. These Mii's are also supported in the online version of Samba De Amigo, that sees Wii players from all over the world competing against one another. This mode is incredibly fun. The songs included in Samba De Amigo are catchy and varied, and make the player feel like they have been transported to an exotic location. Many of the songs are quite familiar, such as Reel Big Fish's cover of "Take On Me" which proves to be one of the catchiest tracks on there. With 44 songs available, the player has plenty to get on with, however more songs are available to download via the Nintendo Wii Marketplace.

Samba De Amigo happens to not only be a rhythm game, but a bit of a workout too. OK, not as gruelling as Wii Fit perhaps, but after playing a hour or so of this game, you will notice how much your arms are aching from the game. For the more lively of players who feel the need to dance along to the beat, you may find yourself breaking out in a sweat too. The Hustle section of the game is where you will feel the exercising benefits especially. This requires the player to dance in front of the tv whilst trying to match the dance-moves that are being displayed. This involves players frantically swinging their arms up, down and around in order to get the Wii-mote to pick up their moves.

Samba De Amigo is an enjoyable game, even through the flaws of the control system. However, it really depends on what type of gamer you are if you enjoy it or not. Samba De Amigo requires a lot of energy, and players that do not mind making a fool of themselves in front of a TV screen. It is also best enjoyed when played as a two-player, or as a party-game or ice breaker in groups. This game does not require the expensive plastic instruments that most other rhythm games require, and the game itself is also of a reasonable price. You can now get it for less than £10 in most shops. The songs are all incredibly catchy and it is hard not to dance in front of the TV whilst playing this. Samba De Amigo is definitely worth a play, even if the controls can mess up from time to time.