We’ve always wanted a DDR type of game for the Nintendo systems and were very excited about the prospect of receiving Boogie for the Wii. When the game came in the mail, we ripped it open and we were ready to dance, baby! At first play, the game was fun and energetic. However, after several times around the interface checking all the options and modes and trying them out, it soon became apparent that Boogie was a “light” version of a dance and karaoke game. Easy, and not very demanding.

Boogie offers players a chance to get down with the Wii remote. By moving the remote up, down, left and right, players show their stuff on the dance floor with one of the in-game characters. Unlike many dance games, players don’t have to actually dance, although that is a more fun way to play the game. Players simply shake or wave their remotes. It’s not even necessary to move the remotes in any defined manner that requires skill; it’s sufficient to move them around any old way.

The karaoke component is just as easy and simple. Players use the included microphone to sing along to the selected song while dancing. Supposedly, players need to match their pitch to the notes displayed on the screen. However, in reality, anything will work. Players don’t have to sing the actual words, and it appears that any note will do (my niece is tone deaf and can’t match notes correctly with her voice, and even she was successful!)

While dancing, players can execute special moves like Strike a Pose or a Combo. Players use their Boogie Meters to power their poses. Filling the boogie meter is accomplished by dancing. Once the meter is filled, simply use the “B” button and strike some cool poses. Combos require a bit more effort to earn, as players have to match arrows on the screen to enable a special combo move.

The different modes include an adventure story mode, a Party multiplayer mode, a Video Maker and a Solo Mode mini-game Playing the adventure mode unlocks more songs and dance outfits, but there aren’t that many new items to add. The Party mode is a multi-player mode for some friendly competition on the same stage. The video maker is pretty cool, and allows players to design their own videos. The solo mode is a simple matching game played by mashing a button when bubbles scroll by.

The characters are cartoons and very colorful. They are animated well, move smoothly to the beat and each has a distinct personality. However, even with the pose and combo options, they don’t have many moves in their repertoire. They can be dressed up in some neat outfits, though.

The music choices are varied with classics like “YMCA” and also newer songs like “Don’t Cha” and “Let’s Get it Started.” The music is a lot of fun and is one of the best features of the game. While having older songs included in a game that appears geared toward younger players may seem odd, actually all the teens I know are very familiar with these old songs. Many pop stations play them as “retro” selections in their daily lineups.

Boogie is a fun diversion for younger teens, and will please most for a short time. The young girls that have played it so far here seem to enjoy playing together more by the method of having one sing in the microphone while the other uses the remote to dance in the Karaoke mode, rather than the Party multiplayer mode. They got a big kick from me singing along to “Don’t Cha,” as I didn’t know all the lyrics very well. However, I was American Idol material with “Celebration.” Everyone had fun designing videos in Video Maker.

While Boogie is cute and fun, it simply doesn’t have enough substance to offer lasting appeal. It’s entirely too easy, and using only a remote to dance isn’t such a great idea. Dancing with a dance pad at the same time would be much more fun. Also, the karaoke aspect doesn’t require any skill whatsoever. Boogie is best for families with young teens that don’t have high requirements and just want to mess around a bit on the Wii with their friends.

Gameplay: 6.0
Easy to pick up and play, Boogie is a fun way to show your stuff. However, there isn’t enough depth or variety to keep anyone’s interest for long. While it’s understandable that the designers wanted to concentrate on using the remote for the Wii, it doesn’t replicate real dancing. The karaoke mode doesn’t work well and should have been designed better.

Graphics: 8.0
The graphics are very good. The characters offer a lot of personality and very different from each other. The stages are cool, too.

Sound: 7.0
Love the music, but there aren’t many songs included, even after unlocking the extras.

Difficulty: Easy
It is so easy.

Concept: 7.0
The concept is admirable, but the execution doesn’t work as intended.

Multiplayer: 6.0
The multiplayer option just isn’t much fun, for whatever reason.

Overall: 6.5
It’s fun for a short season, but it won’t hold anyone’s attention for long. It would be much better if a dance pad had been incorporated, and if the karaoke mode really offered a challenge. Maybe a newer version later down the road will include these things.