| Author | Review |
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phatal1ty
Posted on 23 October 11 at 14:44, Edited on 23 October 11 at 15:52
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This review has 32 positive votes and 3 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
Dance Central 2
The TL;DR version:
Harmonix set the bar pretty high with its Kinect launch title Dance Central, we've compared every dance game to it and all have fallen short however this second installment does not disappoint and the new golden standard has now been set. A tad on the short side but a very rich experience none the less. Ideal for beginners or people new to Kinect dance with a varied setlist there is something for everyone.
Gameplay Basics:
Clear and concise, perfection is in the details. Like its predecessor the game it shows where you are getting your moves wrong which no other dance game to date has managed to do.
A much improved break it down mode shows you exactly how to better your technique and with its new video playback and voice commands this is a vast improvement but the best new feature is the customizable "Focus on Select Moves".
Also enhanced local multiplayer this time round the game wants you to play side by side local co-op but this is optional and not necessary for the point heavy crew battles but works flawlessly and brings a new element to Dance Central as DC1 was rather solo centric.
Graphics and Sound:
The music is fairly wide spanning but like its Rockband peers this setlist is geared to the 25+ age groups but that gives a chance for a younger audience to pick up some classic hits. The one disk setlist of 53 songs is fantastic but you have the power to import all the songs from DC1 along with any DLC you've bought for a small fee (400msp)
The menu and graphics haven't had the dramatic face lift of the break it down or multiplayer modes but nor did it need to be improved upon it worked and looked good as it was.
Tracking and Controls:
Fantastic tracking there is nothing to say but that this truly showcases what a great Kinect game can be and again the use of a standard controller for menus is available and its seamless with Kinect gestures and Voice commands
Replay Value
This is my only draw back with the game being that it is simply too short with only 6hrs of solo in song time (not inc menus / load screens / cut scenes) I am done with the game as this time round you had the option to start on hard right away there was no need to grind though easy the medium finally on to hard. However with the much improved multiplayer this is now a viable option at parties and can be enjoyed by friends (of all skill levels)
Achievements:
I felt like it was much less of a kudos for completing this game than DC1 it was less of a grind and much more forgiving the 5 star comes much easier than the previous game and the achievements much more evenly spaced and clear which are both good things especially for new comers.
There are a handful of two player local coop achievements and one requiring three warm bodies.
Conclusion:
By in far a much improved version of DC1 which already stands head and shoulders above any other Kinect dance titles, this is a definite own and not a rental, Also highly recommended for those who might be new or those seeking to improve skill levels. Easily enjoyed with company and is user friendly. A fantastic showcase title for the Kinect hardware.
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Please let me know if you want any more info or help :) |
LitaOsiris
239,180
TA Score for this game: 3,121
Posted on 04 July 12 at 00:39, Edited on 04 July 12 at 00:39 |
This review has 12 positive votes and 2 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
Originally reviewed for gamingirl.com in November 2011
Dance Central 2 is the sequel to Harmonix’s very successful Kinect launch title (and is truthfully what made me buy a Kinect in the first place). The good news is its successor does not disappoint!
When you first load up the game you will see the styling is very much the same as the first with even the main menu controls being quite similar. However, the tracking has been enhanced. This is noticeable during a performance and also from the small on-screen display in which you see yourself as you do appear more detailed. There is also an added voice control option which allows you to make dance selections from the main menu, pause the game while dancing and control the different features in Break It Down. It does recognise what you say nine times out of ten so it’s definitely quite a cool addition.
So many choices!
The 44 song setlist has a nice selection and features mainly hip hop dance tracks. However, there are plenty of expansion songs already available since all of the original Dance Central tracks are compatible with Dance Central 2 and can be imported for only 400msp. (As an FYI, this does require having a copy of Dance Central as the process involves using a code on the manual.) The DLC for the original is also fully compatible and I was pleasantly surprised to see my downloaded tracks already loaded into the menu when I first started the game.
For all the new tracks, the length of each song has been extended which is fantastic. I always thought the songs didn’t go on long enough in Dance Central so this is very much welcomed!
Time to party!
Dance Central 2 contains a Crew Challenge mode which features as the game’s story mode. Crews are comprised of two characters, some of which were brought over from the original game including Angel, Miss Aubrey, Emilia, Taye and Mo. There are five different crews with various dances assigned to them. To beat their challenge, you have to earn a certain amount of stars before getting to dance to their final song. If you beat their main song you then get to move on to face the next crew until you face the “main boss”.
The Break It Down mode has been greatly improved upon since the first game. Now the mode allows you to focus on specific individual moves rather than having to play through an entire song to get to the section you’re having problems with. You can also video record how you’re doing the move and then watch it being compared to how it should be done.
There is a Fitness mode which allows you to load up a set of songs to dance to rather than having to go back to the main menu to select another song. Similar to the original, the game allows you to track the calories you’ve burned across all modes but doesn’t allow you to set your weight. It’s probably just a general calculation but I do wonder if the improved tracking is good enough to estimate your weight. Obviously to avoid any lawsuits in case it is, that information is not displayed on screen 
Two is more fun anyways!
The multiplayer has been enhanced and now allows for side by side gameplay as opposed to taking turns. This setup is available immediately and simply requires two people in front of the sensor at any stage to be activated. It’s very much a nice streamlined process. However, the multiplayer mode is still local only which is a shame as it would be fantastic to be able to dance online against people who know what they’re doing rather than just casual friends.
Summary
Dance Central 2 is a fantastic sequel and definitely improves on many areas of the game. However, the only drawback for me was the lack of an online multiplayer which I honestly thought would be one of the improvements from the first. That being said, Dance Central 2 is still a gem and certainly is the best dance game out there without a doubt.
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Skycaptin5
125,277
TA Score for this game: 258
Posted on 29 October 11 at 19:39 |
This review has 7 positive votes and 0 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
Back to the Dance floor
The Campaign
-Dance Central 2 comes sporting a new mode called Crew Challenge where you make your way up the ranks impressing the various crews. Impressing them though, will require you to gain a certain amount of stars out of a variety of songs, until you have collected enough to get the final battle for the crew. Moving up through the ranks will force you to play tougher crews and the songs will become more challenging. This mode will allow to unlock extra character outfits and levels. Aside from the Crew Challenge, the quick song area has been updated with the ability to select music using your voice, or of course using traditional hand methods with a faster menu. There is a large collection of songs to choose from featuring three levels of difficulty each. The more advanced songs will feature some intense and rather interesting moves that will give you quite a workout to pass. The dancing grounds, despite there being few are really well done all changing depending on performance throughout. Break it down mode has been upgraded allowing faster selection to just the moves you need to get a little work on in comparison to the last one.
Multiplayer
-You are now able to do coop at once with another player, which can jump in at anytime, even during a song. The mode is a lot of fun and its much more fun to be dancing with another person, just wish this was available over Live. The dance battle has been slightly changed to make the battles a little faster paced and more competitive.
Gameplay
-The game plays even smoother than the last, with even faster menus, farther detailed graphical environments and enhanced looking characters. The idea of the game is the same mirroring the dancer, but the screen is far more interesting with all kinds of lights and effects going on making for a more unique experience.
The Conclusion
-Still probably at the top of Kinect games Dance Central is the top of genre and will give an awesome workout. The game has evolved in all fields and has a host of new songs, which has something for everyone. Tons of new moves, specifically designed for each song and more DLC to dance to in the future. The game is awesome and Harmonix has really amped it up on this one.
Written by me on Gamerheadquarters.com
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CSJS2010
43,660
TA Score for this game: 2,273
Posted on 28 October 11 at 15:36 |
This review has 1 positive vote and 2 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
| this game is just like the first but with a lot more options. if you need to work on a move, all you have to do is select it instead of playing the whole "Break It Down" routine, very helpful and time saving. also, i got to keep all my songs from DC1 and the new songs are great. also, the voice commands and genius and so very helpful. i like that i can do playlsits and keep track of my workouts. this is helpful to do my weigh watchers. as you play the game, you get pop up messages letting you know how you are doing and what you are doing. very good game. |