Version played: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Move required, Release date: 4/11/2011
Get up and dance is quite frankly a party in your bedroom every time you press the ‘on’ button. From classic disco hits to chart toppers, your child, partner or even grandparents would love to get down and boogie (the latter might need some further encouragement). Get up and dance gives players the choice to front performances as the main dancer, or crack some moves out as a backing dancer if you’re not quite ready for the spotlight.
There are two main modes, ‘Party’ and ‘Group mode’. Party is based on the grounds of competition where 8 players can play against each other in a number of challenges such as, dance off, party mix, last dancer standing, and tug of war. This is where someone can rightfully claim the best dancer title, and yes, it can get heated at times as my mum found out when my sister accidentally punched her in the face attempting some sort of euphoric arm rave.
Group mode encourages team work where you form a 4 person dance group and put your skills to the test to take on others in the talent competition. As with many games utilizing PlayStation Move, many tasks can be achieved by shaking your body wildly, but this just sucks the fun out of the game, and sidesteps the whole objective. With music videos playing in the background of dancer on screen, players can really immerse themselves in a musical environment adding to its energetic appeal. One flaw with the on screen design is the generic dancer which seems to come as part of a package deal with many dancing games and the movement instructions need to be larger and more emphasised- especially for group performances as it can get chaotic on screen and off.
With a list of songs on offer as long as your arm, there’s plenty to keep you entertained, and in the future, downloads for expansions may be released. Current songs include Gwen Stefani’s ‘what you waiting for’, Timbaland ft Katy Perry ‘if we ever meet again’, and my nans favourite the Pussy Cat Dolls and their steamy hit ‘don’t cha’ (and yes, she tried to mimic all the suggestive poses). Games such as these tend to cater for social gatherings and may not possess the longevity for single player modes, but i guess this comes down to your interests and tastes. It brings a lot to the table but with very few pioneering features, Get Up and Dance doesn’t stray far from its sibling dancing games available now in shops, but with a range of hits and its ability to bring family and friends together, don’t turn your nose up at it straightaway.
There are a couple of additional modes, to which the game entices you with. These are ‘shape up’ and ‘rehearse modes’. Shape up features choreographed moves which target specific muscle groups and offer a fun and unique cardio workout. And with an interactive fitness planner, it may be the answer to shedding some of that Christmas weight some of us inevitably gain after indulging in too many dinners, and mountains of chocolate. As for the rehearsal mode, it offers a practice arena to hone your skills before a talent competition or dance off, or even learn new shapes to impress on a night out. I admit, I need to move on from the robot and worm.
This is a truly social and energetic game which brings people together, and would be a cracker to play at Christmas (excuse the pun) with family and friends. If like me, you wait until the last minute to buy Christmas gifts (when i say wait, i mean i’m too lazy) this would certainly do the trick on Christmas day, and keep you entertained months after. Check out the video below to get a taste of the action.
Rating out of 10:
Tags: christmas games, dance playstation move, get up and dance, o games, ps3, xmas games
