Ubisoft, developers of the bestselling videogame dance franchise Just Dance, comes up with The Black Eyed Peas Experience, a spin-off release that utilizes the core gameplay of the Just Dance titles specifically tailored to the Black Eyed Peas’ hit songs.
When Ubisoft released Just Dance in 2009, the critically panned game became an unlikely runaway bestseller, outstripping all other titles and becoming one of the highest-selling Wii games to date. Since then, Ubisoft has let the golden goose lay all the eggs it can muster, coming up with a variety of sequels and spin-offs such as Just Dance 2, Just Dance 3, Just Dance Kids, Just Dance Summer Party, and The Smurfs Dance Party. In The Black Eyed Peas Experience, gamers once again put on their dancing shoes, this time to the beat of the Black Eyed Peas’ music.
Using a Wii remote held in one hand, gamers must attempt to copy the dance moves performed onscreen by hologram images of BEP members’ will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and Fergie. The four Peas alternate performing the moves while the remaining three either dance in the background or else hold a microphone and sing their respective parts of the current song. Nonetheless, the main objective is to mimic the dance moves that are currently being performed by the member at the forefront.
The steps come from a wide range of genres but mostly involve Hip-Hop and Latin rhythms. As an added bonus, they were choreographed by none other than the Peas’ creative director Fatima Robinson, so fans will enjoy the fact that the moves they’re imitating are indeed dance routines that the Peas’ would perform in real life. Furthermore, the player is aided by onscreen prompts that scroll on the bottom of the screen, signaling what the next dance move will be in advance in order to better prepare for it.
The songs included in the game come from past and present albums of the Black Eyed Peas. You’ll hear old hits such as Let’s Get It Started, Hey Mama, My Humps, Shut Up, and Pump It, as well as more recent ones like Boom Boom Pow, I Gotta Feeling, and The Time (Dirty Bit). Every song has its own unique dance choreography, so nothing feels like its being rehashed.
As fun as going solo is, you’ll get the real benefits by playing with some friends. The Wii version of The Black Eyed Peas Experience game can support up to 4 players at once, so it’s an all out dance battle that is sure to be a hit at group gatherings. Some songs are also especially tailor-made for duets, and dancing well (or failing miserably) alongside a partner as friends egg you on can be quite the hilarious and enjoyable experience
If you’ve played Just Dance before and liked it, The Black Eyed Peas Experience Wii game might be the thing for you. However, the game does little to contribute to the series and simply relies on the tried and tested Just Dance gameplay with little to no improvements. Other than featuring the Peas’ music, this game is another rehash of the other Just Dance titles out there. Not that it’s a bad thing, however, as it’s still as addicting as ever, but gamers looking for something fresh might be disappointed.
Another unfortunate aspect is the limited graphic capabilities on the Wii version. Unlike The Black Eyed Peas Experience on the Xbox 360 which features higher quality visuals, sleek background settings, and 3D models of the Peas’ members, the Wii version uses minimal graphics and replaces the 3D models with holograms of the quartet, which somehow feels out of place. Nonetheless, if you can get past the mediocre sights, the game still delivers the same crazy fun.
The Black Eyed Peas Experience can be played on the Wii console with the standard Wii remote. Up to four people can play the game at a time.
The Black Eyed Peas Experience caters to Just Dance fanatics who are into the Black Eyed Peas as well. The entire Peas’ members make their appearance onscreen and dance with you while their greatest hits play in the background. Despite the average graphics, the routines are well choreographed and are guaranteed to get you moving. Although the game does little but repeat the same mechanics of the Just Dance series, it’s still good fun. The Black Eyed Peas Experience is something you may want to try out, especially if you’re thinking of hosting a party.