elite beats beaten

i finally crawled out of my retro gaming shell and broke down and entered the 21st century of gaming when i bought a DS lite (onyx) a few weeks ago. i’ve been getting more and more interested in new gameplay experiences, so with the unique interface and the fact there are more than enough games out that interested me, not to mention a color that i liked, i just couldn’t resist. i won’t gush too much about how great the DS looks and feels, in a way that the game boy and game boy advance (as much as we all love them) never did, and how sleek it is. but this article is an interesting look at the changes between the DS and DS lite.

the game that pushed me to the point of no return and made me want to take the plunge was elite beat agents which i encountered on youtube where someone had posted a playthrough of the first level. the quirky story, humor, and the new game mechanics immediately drew me in, and as i’ve worked my way through all the levels i find it amazing that i still haven’t gotten tired of the songs or the game. this is easily one of the best games i’ve played ever, let alone all year, and after the disappointing donkey konga this has restored my faith in rhythm games in general. for me this is the game that has had the most laugh-out-loud moments ever, which if for nothing else would have immediately placed it among the greats. as it is, the controls are tight, the challenge (something i’d been worried about, given the marketing towards “casual” gamers) is wholly satisfying, and virtually every moment is enjoyable. this is a game that i’d buy extra copies of in order to force others to play it.

you can bet that i’ve already started looking to get my hands on copies of ouendan (the original japanese version of the game) and ouendan 2. the only question i have is: when is there going to be a sequel?? according to this article at 1up.com: “sales were still ‘personally disappointing’ to Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime … ‘The developer has been fantastic to work with and our hope is maybe this could become a new franchise,’ he concluded.” here’s hoping!

elite beat links:
– good walkthrough at ign
– fansite that’s setting out to translate ouendan.
– scans of the instruction manual
– good info on the game at wikipedia.org

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