Equally as impressive as the 1st

Author's Rating:

Pros: more challenges, great music

Cons: needs better endings

Author's Review
Bust A Groove 2 is a great comeback to the first. You didn't have to play the first one to understand the concepts of its sequel, but if you haven't played the original yet, you must. Bust A Groove 2 features all new levels with brand new music, thus the compelling rhythms you are challenged to. In fact, some of the songs become so catchy, it's addicting. Sometimes I find myself humming few of the tunes.

There are some additions to this sequel that has helped the game change a bit for the better. For example, once you hit the correct arrows on the sequence of arrows shown that must be played, they become darkened, therefore making it easier for you to see which arrows you have already played, so you can concentrate on what to hit next. For me this has become easier instead of guessing and accidentally missing an arrow to discover that I missed on making more points, losing the round. Also, there's finally a counter now that displays the actual points you and your component gain so you can see how far ahead or behind you are instead of guessing..."Did I win?"

I'm also glad to see that they have added an option to play the game using mixed symbols. Instead of the sequences of randomized arrows then an x or an o, arrows plus the x, o, triangle, or square are thrown about the whole sequence so you can't readily place your fingers on a few specific buttons. It keeps both your mind and fingers working together. You're practicing keeping up with the rhythm, while pressing the right buttons. It's excellent for those who become bored with the uniformed steps of the game and want a challenge. I found it fun and exciting.

Nearly half of the original dance cast has changed, but hasn't had any negative impact on the game itself. of course, the cigarettes and guns are cut out from the Japanese version, but I never really cared for that anyway.

The level screen you're shown before entering the next stage is also an addition. It helps to see exactly where you are, but most importantly, it's hinting that it does pay to get "Dance Fever". It's the only way you'll get to the see the secret boss, Pander. (Who I must say was a very creepy boss.) A cute little panda who transforms into this weird looking dancer person? Weird, but pretty cool. The eccentric part was the music and effects. You start off with a very fast tempo, then it slows down, and then speeds up again. All the techno and visual effects that went along with it make it even harder to concentrate on, well, everything else! But I loved the experience of it.

One of the most disappointing part of the game was the ending....there never really was one. Unlike Bust A Groove, there is no story ending about each individual. I have been spoiled, however, because I had the opportunity to view the Japanese version of Bust A Groove 2 and found it to be the better version. That version had a wonderful ending, complete with the game show host telling a joke, introducing the winning character, and telling their life story. In this American version, however, they cut right to the end where the character dances to the music (which, by the way is missing the voices singing "Bust A Move" that can be found in the Japanese version).

Another disappointment I found were the music that had to be changed from Japanese to English. The transitions were suitable enough, but I thought that the Japanese versions of the songs just sounded better.

This is an excellent game! The new challenges combined with overwhelming changes in tempo and styles keep the mind and body motivated and excited.
Although I prefer the Japanese version of Bust A Groove over the American one, I would still recommend this game to those who love rhythm, music, dancing and want to BUST A GROOVE!!!