Elite Beat Agents
Release Date: November 6, 2006
Rhythm Game
Release Date: November 6, 2006
Rhythm Game
Just like Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, the beginning of this franchise started in Japan. Under the name, Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan, the game soon reached cult hit status which earned it a sequel, and finally they decided it was time for an english/international localization, and thus, Elite Beat Agents was created, and just as Phoenix Wright again, this game gained cult hit status for both it's fun and exciting gameplay and quirkiness.
Story
You take on the role of the Elite Beat Agents, a top secret government group, led by Commander Kahn, for the sole purpose of....cheering people up!!! (=D) That's right, you've got the beat and it's your job to spread it. Some girl needs help babysitting some troublesome toddlers, these guys will lay the beat down on them, and give them the motivation they need to get those suckers in their place. You go from location to location, helping people with their troubles until you finally face off against the Rhombulans(yes, that is a pun on Rhombus and Romulans), who want to spread their music hate throughout the galaxy.
Gameplay
Since this is a rhythm game, you will be hitting notes to crack up points and multipliers, what's different is how this handles with the DS's touch controls. You will be hitting single notes(as the score zone encloses it), following a path for long gradual notes, and spinning a while to rack up on points for song-enders or other key points. While it may not sound all that great, it gets really fun with this set up and also really difficult and rewarding in the later difficulties.
The whole story scene before the song and during "You're My Inspiration".... T-T
Sound & Music
Again, with this being a rhythm game, this is where it really shines. Having a total of 19 songs(16 standard, 3 unlockable), each being a hit at one point or another, there should be at least a few songs that get you going, or have a hell of a time playing. With songs ranging from David Bowie's "Let's Dance" to Earth,Wind and Fire's "September", the music is varied enough and upbeat to get you in the mood and keep you that way, overall leading to an enjoyable experience.
Extras
While having those 3 unlockable songs, this game also has Wi-Fi multiplayer(single card or multi), send-able replay data, and also a variety of difficulties to keep challenged. When you first get the game, you begin with Breezin'(Easy) and Cruisin'(Normal), after completing both, you will unlock Sweatin'(Hard) and after that, Hard Rock!!!(Very Hard) which features the Elite Beat Divas, your female counterparts in beat.
Upper-left:Sweatin'; Upper-right:Hard Rock!!!; Lower-left:Breezin'; Lower-right:Cruisin'
Final Verdict
I will just go out there and say it but, EBA is my favourite DS game to date! It's just so much fun to play, the music is pretty good, and it just gets you in an overall good mood. A must-have for all DS owners, even if you might not like rhythm games. Review is GO!!!!
