The object of the game is to out dance your opponent by inputting button combinations which must be completed by the fourth beat (symbolized by a green marker above the on-screen menu). These moves must be accurately inputted in order to access the next stage. You can disorient your opponent by using your character's attack, therefore interrupting their dance moves. However, be wary of this tactic as your opponent (provided they predict the preemptive strike), has the ability to dodge the attack. A character is allowed 2 attacks per round, thus giving you only 2 opportunities to beat your opponent. If you dance the entire segment successfully, you will perform more extravagant dance moves as the combination of buttons raise in length and difficulty. If you happen to mess up in a combo, you'll need to restart the entire segment.

Bust a Groove allows for single or competitive play. Single Player Mode allows you to compete against 12 of 14 characters in total in an all dance brawl, while two-player mode respectively places you and a friend up for some friendly competitive matches. In addition, a Training mode is included, allowing you to learn the mechanics behind button combinations in tangent with the game tempos. Finally, the Options menu allows you to load and save data, adjust difficulty settings, sound, et al. Thankfully, button configurations aren't necessary since the primary buttons used are the X and "circle" buttons, whereas, triangle and square are designated attacking and dodging which will be explained in more detail shortly.

The style of the game is very unique simply for the fact that dance titles are rare item seen on US shores. Personally, I enjoyed playing it because of the great music and the unusual characters that can really get you into the game. This game also has a cool announcer that adds in his animated commentary in accord with the action on-screen: performing extravagant dance moves, attacking your opponent, losing the rhythm or personally getting attacked by your opponent. After completing all the levels on single player mode you should be used to the game. The game duration is moderately short (estimate of 30-40 minutes regardless of difficulty setting). Over a gradual period of adjustment, you'll conform to the games methodic functions of buttons combinations in tangent with the music (especially since the combinations will remain constant for your selected characters).

The music is engrossing and I guarantee you will get hooked on at least ONE of the songs, (my personal favorite - the Kitty-N theme). As I addressed earlier, some stages have different tempos respectively to the various forms of dance tunes. Specifically, a character will dance accordingly to the music played in that stage (the higher the tempo, the faster they'll dance)

In conclusion, the fact that Bust a Groove contains a small degree of Japanese, you may want to consider importing it. After playing at a friend's house, I rushed out to obtain my own personal copy! Although the game can be frustrating at times (playing alone that is); Bust a Groove is a great game to enjoy with friends. Bottom line, get your asses in gear and buy this game, unless you find these games of this nature totally dull or unentertaining. Honestly, I think it's a great game and I'm pretty sure whomever plays this game will agree with me.

· · · Robo-Z