Laugh, and the world laughs with you. Flail about like an uncoordinated freak,
and the world laughs at you. Such is the dilemma players face in "EyeToy: Groove,"
an experiment in rhythm gaming that makes you the star of the show. So quit
lounging around, bone up on the funky chicken, and prepare to get down with
your friends at TechTV. Sit back and observe as we become dancing machines on
tonight's "X-Play!"
Play that funky music, white boy
As if it weren't obvious from the title, this sucker's raison d'être revolves
around making you shake your behind. Accordingly, the soundtrack features a
sweeping mix of pop, techno, and electronica that facilitates the process. Noteworthy
contributions from Fatboy Slim ("Praise You"), Jamiroquai ("Canned Heat," "Deeper
Underground"), and famed DJ Paul Oakenfold ("Rubberneckin'") will have players
bopping along in no time. Additional tracks from gonzo, but equally gregarious
acts like Jessica, Junior Senior, Kool and the Gang, and The Cheeky Girls keep
the party going long after it's been started.
Get busy, it's your birthday
And, oh, what a shindig it is. By physically hopping, waving your arms around,
and twisting and turning in time to the music, you'll trip sensors which track
player progress through predefined or custom-made dance routines. Sony's EyeToy
peripheral performs with ridiculous accuracy throughout the endeavor, ensuring
play feels incredibly intuitive, despite its far-fetched premise. Because of
this, casual and mainstream gamers will surely prove incapable of resisting
the title's siren call. Diligent readers take note: if you've got a significant
other or family member who still pooh-poohs gaming, this is the type of experience
that will finally change their mind.
Party like it's 1999
Hard-core enthusiasts won't be quite as amused, unless they're plump hobbyists
keen on losing a few pounds in calorie mode. "Groove" is more an overgrown minigame
or means of chilling out than anything else, despite its numerous solo and multiplayer
options. Striking at colored indicators in sequence -- the concept that drives
the action -- can be addictive at times but doesn't provide for a captivating
diversion from a long-term standpoint. Varied difficulty settings (several of
which are downright diabolical) do add replay value, yet there's no discernable
campaign option that promotes sustained involvement. You simply choose a song
and get busy.
Sweat-inducing multiplayer modes remedy the situation somewhat, ensuring the
title will be a favorite with the party crowd. Quite a few group groove variants
are offered, including battle, team, and tournament options, which encompass
both cooperative and competitive scenarios. Among families or groups of friends,
these minigames and extended duels will be infectious, although we wouldn't
recommend them if activities like exercise aren't high on your list.
In da club
Being a novelty act at heart, the package also ships with a few noteworthy
extras. A so-called chill-out room lets you enjoy music videos, listen to soundtrack
selections, or just enjoy visual presentations sans background noise. Video-messaging
utilities are also included, affording users the option of recording multimedia
clips for acquaintances and loved ones. But our favorite bonus by far? The fact
that you can snap pictures and video clips of performers while they're in the
midst of play, which can then be saved onto and distributed via memory card.
Wiggle it, just a little bit
Quirky but endearing, we find "EyeToy: Groove" a welcome purchase for casual
audiences and those who like to party hearty. Serious gamers shouldn't give
it a second glance. It's simply not designed for them. Anyone looking for a
good time or an excellent gift-giving opportunity shouldn't pass the game up,
though. Frankly, it could render just about anyone sick with dancing fever.
