Elite Beat Agent released on 13/07/07 for the Nintendon DS is a dance game which scores how well you can follow the rhythm of the track. Based on the very popular Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan released in Japan and the US, you play as an agent who helps those who are in a dilemma by boosting their moral though the power of dance.
When I began playing EBA I was hesitant that it would not live up to I've come to expect with a dance game but it was like any other dance game I've played. Granted the main difference is that your using a stylus rather than your feet, I still got the same rush as if I had been jumping around.
The song is divided into sections which you need to clear in order to complete the level. Do well in each section and you see the character prosper and achieve their goal, but if you finish each section on a poor rating, your character will have to suffer the consequences.
You have a life meter, something which is common with dance games, that needs to stay full or in the yellow safe zone in order to clear each section of the song so you can progress to the end of the level. Going below the yellow section and into the red danger zone is a massive no no for it allows you to fail that particular section and potentially fail the whole song.
Something which makes this game different is the 'hit markers', 'slide marker' and the 'spinning disc' which you need to interact with in order to complete a level. The different markers worked in the same way as stepping on the directional arrows, where timing is everything. 'Hit markers' would appear in numerical order, telling you which one to hit first. To help you follow the beat there is a shrinking ring which begins to close in on the marker in question. As soon as it looks like its going to overlap, tap the marker. The closer the ring gets to the edge of the circle the more points you get.
When it comes to slide markers you follow what looks like a beach ball along a track until it reaches the end with your stylus. You have to get to the end and keeping up with the ball to get a good score. Taking you stylus off before you get to the end makes you loose energy, allowing you to fall into the danger zone.
The 'spin marker' is usually the last thing you do before you can end the song. Unlike the other markers where you need to hit it at a certain time all you need to do is turn the circle marker either clock or anti clockwise. By doing this you fill up an energy meter which is at either side of the spinner. Filling the meter completely not only allows you to get maximum points but to also get bonus points which can make a huge difference to your final score.
The mix of different songs, including Madonna's Material Girl, David Bowie Let's Dance, plus bonus songs which you can unlock including various difficulties which you get from progressing through the different levels keeps the game fresh and appealing to everyone. The mix of songs work very well with the cartoon animation and highly amusing story lines.
I give EBA the Urban Female Gamer score of 3 out of 5!
