Elite Beat Agents (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

It feels everyone else in the world was introduced to the Elite Beat Agents some time ago and for a while it looked like this clever and entertaining rhythm game would never reach our shores. Fans of the trio became even more concerned when a sequel was announced and it looked like the only way you were going to enjoy this audio charged title was to take the plunge and import it. You can imagine how surprised we were when this landed on our desk complete with an EBA 7 inch single. What it contains is anyone's guess but we can only assume: music. Anyway, back to the review, we may have waited but it's here now so, just what's all the fuss about?

Gameplay

The plot of EBA isn't hard to follow by any means; it's just a little 'out there'. Are you sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin... Elite Beat Agents are a group of trained professionals who are scrambled when there are problems in the world. Now just to get things straight we aren't talking hostage situations, conflicts or even wars but rather more everyday crises. What you will have to sort out are things like getting a film shot successfully, aiding a taxi driver's journey or even babysitting. To solve all these issues you use the power of music and dance and with your stylus you must hit the correct areas of the touch screen at just the right time throughout the track. You'll also occasionally get a rolling ball, which must be tracked but is also an easier way to increase your bonus score and that really is it. To aid your progress there's a meter at the top of the screen although you know when you are failing as the agents keep falling over. Finally the songs, or missions, are split into different scenes where you are awarded a pass or fail at the end of each one. This is then calculated into a score at the end although you'll just want to pass the first run through.

The missions themselves are selected from a globe and at the game's start there'll only be a handful available. This changes as you become more successful at solving the planet's problems when other missions will open up, each more bizarre than the last. The important thing about this interface is that it also allows you to re-visit any of the locations to allow you to improve your high score should you want to impress your friends. Talking of friends this really is a game that works very well as a group activity, and as a result the developers have also added a Multiplayer Mode. This even works with a single copy of the game although given that you are limited to only a few tracks you'll require multiple copies to have a true multiplayer experience.

Controls

Forget your traditional controls, they are useless here. Just grab your stylus and start tappin'.

Graphics

The presentation of the game has been cleverly split into 2D and 3D visuals which work seamlessey together. The 2D make up the bulk of things with some stunningly original cartoon strips which help to tell the rather bizarre stories. Elsewhere 3D is not only used for the dancing Agents but also the rotating earth, which acts as a hub for the different missions. The visuals are hardly pushing the DS's power but the combination is very pleasing indeed.

Sound

As you'd expect the soundtrack is stunning but what is unusual is the sheer variety of tunes so there'll undoubtedly be something for every gamer. There are all sorts from Madonna's Material Girl, Jumpin' Jack Flash EWF's September and even Jamiroquai's Canned Heat. It's not all about keeping up with the more 'up tempo' beats though and there are also some ballads to accompany the more romantic stories in the game.

Dual screen

While there is a tutorial section available you are probably better just diving into the action and learning by trial and error. The reason for this is that the whole thing is played via the touch screen with the stylus. All of this makes for a learning curve of around one song and once you start, it's difficult to stop.

Final comments

The first thing you'll notice about EBA is its universal accessibility and even without the tutorial section it's easy to pick up and play for both expert gamers and the more casual DS owner. The presentation is also very impressive with everything from the wild and wacky storylines to the well drawn and animated comic-book characters bringing everything alive. It goes without saying that the music is outstanding and whether you listen to the various tracks through headphones or the DS speakers you won't be able to help your foot tapping. In short this is a stunning title worth waiting for. Recommended for anyone wanting that DS title to keep him or her going over summer. Get it now!

Pro: Incredibly Original and Fun Gameplay, Great Soundtrack, A Game for Everyone.
Con: Two of More Copies Required for Multiplayer.
Final score: 9.2

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