It’s hard to describe this game in a sentence but I’ll give it a shot: Using the DS’s touch screen you control an elite group of ‘male cheerleaders’ into song and dance as they motivate people who find themselves in tough situations. Original? YES.
I won’t go over the gameplay details; I’ll let you see it for yourself.
Elite Beat Agents was my GAME OF THE YEAR for 2006, hands-down. Yeah, I know Gears of War blew everyone away with its rich, detailed, oh-sh*t-I-just-chainsawed-your-face graphics but its gameplay was quite flawed. The A button was used way too often for my liking especially when it came to the cover system. How many times have you found yourself (online) mistakenly taking cover while trying to ‘Roadie Run’ (holding A) away from an opponent, who then makes it rain on your face with a shotgun. Too often for my liking. I’ve heard that this has been fixed in a recent update though. But still, I felt a bit let down but the control scheme. I’d like to see a more Rainbow Six: Vegas-esque cover system for Gears 2. (To explain RE6’s cover system check out the IGN Xbox 360 review at the bottom of the first page)
And yes, there was Twilight Princess, which I still have not beaten (shame on me). From what I’ve played so far (60%-ish) I can easily say that it is one of the best experiences I have ever delved into for a while. A ‘while’ being the last time I played Ocarina of Time. If the game ended where I am right now, I’d still be pleased with it. Honestly. Once I’m done with it I’ll start debating whether or not it tops Ocarina or not, but right now it’s pretty damn close.
On the other hand, EBA delivered something in such a way that no other game did in ‘06: pure fun. I’ve never been a big fan of rhythm games (Guitar Hero being an exception) but this one had me smiling from beginning to end. Who would’ve thought leading male cheerleaders to Madonna’s “Material Girl” would be so effin’ hilarious and enjoyable.
EBA has an awesome soundtrack filled a ton of guilty pleasures. You know, those corny songs that make you dance when no one looking or that leave you embarrassed because you know ALL the lyrics to them. Some include Village People (“YMCA”), Avril Lavigne (Sk8er Boi), Cher (“Believe”) and Destiny’s Child (“Survivor”). The latter two are unlocked as you progress through the game. My personal favorite though is “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire.
I only have only a couple of issues with the game though. For one, your hand often obstructs one side of the screen while you’re playing, leaving you completely unaware of what’s about to appear. Second, the game gets a bit TOO hard at times, especially when you get to the last two difficulty modes. Lets just my chances of developing arthritis at an early age have dramatically increased ever since I beat the game of its hardest difficulty.
Unfortunately, EBA didn’t sell too well in the US, which makes me mad because it’s probably the best DS title out there. That’s okay though; its sequel was just announced in Japan!
This one in worth the $30. No doubt about it. A must-have.
CHU BOI 9.5/10
Other reviews:
1UP 9.0
IGN 9.5
Gamespot 8.9 <—-BOO!
I agree.
There have been some great games, but Elite Beat Agents makes use of the DS amazingly, and it’s so original. I was laughing at them doing Material Girl too. I was disappointed with what GameSpot gave EBA!