Samba De Amigo Video Game Review

Samba De Amigo, a music-rhythm video game released on Dreamcast several years ago, is returning to stardom in an exclusive Wii special. Is the $40 worth the price of admission? Or should one just rent? Read on to find out.

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Platform: Wii

Developer: Gearbox Software

Genre: Music Rhythm

MSRP: $39.99

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Shake your maracas.. err, Wii Remotes/Nunchunk to the beat! Technically speaking you can purchase maracas for the Wii as well, but I found them a bit too heavy to hold, and they were only for a wiimote/nunchuck combo instead of two wiimotes.

They only cost me $5, thanks to the special deal Best Buy had, but for the most part I don’t use them. I use two wiimotes for maracas, and in my opinion, it works the best out of all the options.

The game is basically shaking your wiimotes to six different icons on the screen. Think of them as drums, if you like – and you have to hit them. When they reach the selected icon.

I highly recommend calibrating your Wiimotes through the game options every time you play, as this allows for slightly better controls in the game. It takes some time to get used to the gameplay, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really fun.

Frustration does kick in once you get to Hard mode in Career mode, but try and find better “shaking rhythms” and try and get into the groove. While I did not score many A’s, I managed to complete most of the songs without repeating them more than once.

One thing that is extremely annoying is the grading system. Why is it when I get 95% it’s a C? Last time I checked, that is an A. Because of this unfair and complex grading system, it takes a lot of fun out of the game, especially since the controls are not exactly accurate.

Nevertheless, the songs are so much fun dancing too! I really liked many of the songs – it was especially nice to hear “Mexican Flyer”, a Space Channel 5 song. There is a variety of mini-games and other modes to play, with over 40 songs (and more- if including downloadable content, which is being released at 500 points per pack)

For $40, you get a great music game that is sure to be in your Wii for awhile. Stick with it and you will become better, just like I did.

Presentation: I loved the interface! Easy to navigate and very colorful. The only problem I had was that one of the characters was a bit promiscuous, as her outfit was way too “bouncy” and revealing. [9.0]

Gameplay: The game is very difficult in the beginning, but stick with it and you should become better. It is a really addicting, especially since most of the music is so fun to dance to. Having a variety of maraca sounds, with tons of unlockables is great too. However – Iffy controls and unfair grading system makes this game very challenging and frustrating at times. [8.0]

Graphics/Sound: The graphics are nothing too exciting, but they work well for this type of game. I like the art style. The sound is fantastic, as the music selection and different sound effects really make this game come alive. Some more songs would have been nice, like Quimbara for instance. [9.0]

Value Factor/Bottom Line: For $40, you get over 40 songs, tons of modes and unlockables, and lots of fun. I definitely think one should purchase this game. With more downloadable content, this game has an extended replay value. [8.5]

+ Great music, and addicting gameplay.

- Unfair grading system, iffy controls.

? No online multiplayer mode, More songs soon

My Samba De Amigo Wii Code is 2965-1376-1430 if you would like too add me. There is no online multiplayer, it’s just used for leaderboards.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reply in a comment. Don’t forget to leave your Samba De Amigo friend code if you want too add me