Dancing with the Stars represents a perfect example of multiple parties trying to cash in on multiple fads all at the same time. Unfortunately, following the hottest trends is usually a recipe for disaster, and in this case, the combination of Reality TV, rhythm games and the most popular console out there is no exception. Whatever fun there is to be found is short-lived and far outweighed by its missteps.
The game, created by Activision and Zoe Mode studios, gives players the opportunity to pick from one of nine pairings of a celebrity and a professional dancer, and, using the Wiimote and nunchuck, “dances” to various songs in an attempt to win a trophy and move on to the next couple. Along the way you’ll be congratulated or chastised by the judges from the show, all of whom have lent their likenesses and voices for the express purpose of telling you that you have a sub par Cha-Cha.
The game follows the standard dance game formula of presenting the player with a string of arrows in time with the music. Unlike other dance games that use a dance pad, the Wii version requires you to use the Wiimote and nunchuck to point in the direction of the arrow and hit either the B button on the Wiimote or the Z button on the nunchuck when the arrow gets to the center of a circle in the bottom middle of the screen. To further mix things up, random dances such as the Twist, the Mashed Potato and the Hand Jive must be replicated using various combinations of flailing around with the Wiimote and nunchuck.
The motion recognition for the basic arrow steps is spot on with the various dance moves being a mixed bag. Dances that require faster back and forth motions, such as the Twist or the Maracas work well, however anything needing a slower pace, such as the Wave, or the Mix It Up, barely register. Luckily the majority of your performances will be made up with arrow steps, so the recognition problems with the dances won’t affect your score too much.
While you’re moving your hands around, your couple will be dancing up a storm, doing their best to impress the judges. This is where one of the biggest faults of this game appears: namely the complete and total disconnect between your motions and the actions of your couple. While you’re going through the motions, your couple will dance impeccably, regardless of how poorly or how well you’re hitting all your moves. In fact, putting the Wiimote and nunchuck down and not doing a blasted thing while the song plays results in your couple having the time of their lives with the only indication that you’re not doing so well being the boos of the crowd and the disgusted looks of the judges.
On a similar note, the only people who manage to have character renders that look even remotely like them are the judges, with each of them looking very close to how they do in real life. The stars of the game’s title, on the other hand, look nothing like the real life version and all have a vaguely shiny, Barbie and Ken doll look to them. Luckily the dancing animations are well done with some impressive foot and leg work that accurately represent the dance in question. Unfortunately, the quality of these animations didn’t spill over to the celebration/dejection animations as dancers that receive good scores explode in a frenzy of celebratory glee unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Similarly, when your couple receives a bad score, their reaction makes you think that you should have the suicide hotline on speed dial.
The game has a number of different game play modes including a career mode where you’ll pick a couple and have to score highly enough on each of your four songs to win the trophy and unlock the next couple. There’s a quick play mode that allows you to pick any unlocked couple and dance any of their songs. Co-op allows you and a partner to either dance against one another or cooperatively. Finally, there’s a practice mode if a particular song or song section is giving you fits.
