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Review of Dancing with the Stars: We Dance! on Nintendo DS

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Oct 2008
Cover image of Dancing with the Stars: We Dance! on DS
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 21 Oct 2008
Genre: Rhythm
Developer: Jet Black Games
Publisher: Activision

Introduction

Ah, dancing! The activity that allows us to embarrass ourselves in front of others while pretending it's all part of the fun. If you've ever dreamed of showing off your foxtrot, or perhaps you just want to tap your way to glory with some z-list celebrities, then 'Dancing with the Stars: We Dance!' for the Nintendo DS might just be the game for you. Yes, it's like a reality show on a handheld device-minus the drama, which is probably a good thing.

Gameplay

Forget about doing the cha-cha in the comfort of your own home; this game takes you to the dance floor of poor rhythm and awkward hand movements. The controls are responsive enough, considering you're using a stylus on a DS touchscreen, but let me tell you, nailing a move here feels more like conducting surgery on an octopus during an earthquake rather than showcasing your smooth moves. You'll be so busy tapping, swiping, and flailing your stylus around that your thumbs may just file for a restraining order. The main challenge arises from how it scales as you attempt to impress the esteemed virtual judges with your dance flair. Each completed move has its own rhythm and timing, and nothing screams 'I know what I'm doing!' more than missing the beat and inadvertently creating your own unique dance style-the "Oopsie Daisy." Honestly, we might just have a contender for a new viral dance fad with those.

Graphics

Graphics are, well, certainly not what you'd call cutting edge. 'Dancing with the Stars: We Dance!' gives you that charmingly dated feel with its somewhat blocky characters and simplistic backgrounds. You could say they're as appealing as your aunt trying to bust a move at a wedding. There's an early 2000s charm, including cartoonish representations of famous dancers, and we all deserve a round of applause for the sheer courage to ever put those designs to screen. But hey, it's a DS; we're not buying it for its cutting-edge graphics, right? No one is expecting a Pixar masterpiece here.

Conclusion

In summary, 'Dancing with the Stars: We Dance!' tries to bring the excitement of the dance floor to your palms, and to some extent, it succeeds. If you're reasonably good at following rhythm or just want to watch your favorite celebs trip over their own feet, it's worth a spin. But be prepared-if your rhythm is as off as a broken clock, maybe stick to simple button-mashing games for now. Overall, this game is perfect for fans of rhythm titles, with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor and an understanding that, often, it's less about the skill and more about the willingness to embarrass yourself. Get out there, show off your moves, and may the cringe be ever in your favor!

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