Players: 1-2 (action pads or controllers)
Genre: Miscellaneous (Dancing)
The addictive gameplay of Dance Dance Revolution comes to the Mario Universe in this exciting game. The music keys of the Mushroom Kingdom have been stolen! It's up to Mario and Luigi to retrieve them.
I will be rating the features of this game on a 1-10 (lowest-highest) scale. The music mixes will be letter-graded.
Before I go on,
I will explain the gameplay of this game. It's based off Dance Dance Revolution.
Arrows (left, right, up, and down) float up on the screen and you must
stomp on them on your action pad when they get to the top. Many arrows
float up at a time, and sometimes you must perform quick movements. When
you are finished, you are graded and given a score based on the number
of Perfects, Greats, Earlies, Lates,
and Misses.
Gameplay: 8.5/10
Even though the gameplay is not completely original (it's based off DDR), it presents the concepts well in this game. It's a delight for beginning players since the difficulty level of "Normal" (the standard difficulty) is simple, yet challenging as you progress through the game. Also, this game's original Mush Mode brings more challenges. Mush is Mario Mix's new feature that allows enemies such as Goombas and Koopa Troopas to appear in the place of some arrows. Each enemy has a different way to get rid of it, so it brings nice variety. You can turn Mush Mode off, which is cool. Story Mode is very enjoyable, considering that new songs and challenges await as the game flows through. Even unskilled dancers can be skilled at this game. It's quite fun! The reason I'm deducting points is because bosses do not become playable in Free Mode after you defeat them, which is a bummer.
Story: 8/10
Ummm... A very strange story, but nevertheless suitable for this game. Waluigi finally gets a role- a beginning antagonist for this game (although I'd like to see him get his own game in the future). Points are deducted for plain weirdness (someone stole music keys... Ooooo). However, the story is interesting to some extent. The events are not too predictable with the exception of it being obvious who the final boss is. There are reasons behind the dances. There are events leading up to them, so it's not like the overweight plumber and his cowardly brother are dancing like idiots for no reason whatsoever. Oh, and about the dancers in this game: the good moves are humorous coming from these guys, but the horrible moves are ludicrously entertaining.
Difficulty: 9/10
Good. The difficulty level of "Very Hard" is quite difficult, which is a negative thing for me. However, it is also said that "Very Hard" is supposedly only slightly above-standard if it were a regular DDR game. Weird, because that mode seems extremely frustrating to me. I'd probably gasp if I saw how difficult a regular DDR game can get. So, where do all the other points come from? The rest of the difficulty levels are pretty balanced. "Easy" is great for beginners, "Normal" is simple but challenging in later songs, and "Hard" is a fun challenge in a portion of the songs.
Controls: 9/10
The dancepad is downright wonderful, so it provides this section with a lot of points. For those who want to use the controller, the controls are pretty good. However, combination movements such as hopping left and right at the same time or hopping up and down at the same time are confusing on a controller. Both the joystick and the control pad must be used for combination moves on a controller.
Music: 9.5/10 (read further to see grades for each song)
The best part of this game! The music is not original to this game. Instead, songs from Mario games and classic songs are remixed to a style that can be danced to. Points are deducted for a few of the A minus grades, but that's pretty much all.
Graphics: 9/10
This is the section that I almost forgot to write about! I'll make this brief. The graphics are good as always, but there are a few flat-looking parts.
Song Grades
Here We Go!: A-
This is a remix
of the theme song of the Mario series (and the main overworld song of the
Super Mario Bros. game). It's a good remix and is a cross between retro
beeps and dance music. However, it does not quite match up to some other
remixes in Mario Mix that are nearly totally revamped to a dance mix style.
Underground Mozart:
A
A remix of a
familiar composition by the talent of Mozart. It's easy listening, and
has a violin-esque/dance style to it. A soothing song overall.
Pipe Pop: A+
A remix of the
Turkish March. It's different and odd for this game since it is a disco
remix (which I love). I've only heard a few other disco style Turkish March
remixes from other sources, but this is the best one by far.
Garden Boogie:
A+
An excellent
remix of a song from the opera by the name of Carmen. I didn't even know
that this song was from an opera when I heard this remix. The cool thing
is that it's totally revamped to match a dance mix feel. It sounds like
something you'd hear on the radio. When you listen to it, you'll be shocked
and amazed.
Destruction Dance:
A+
Another AMAZING
remix! This time, it's supposedly doing a song from Wrecking Crew, which
I've never played. It's a mix of piano (gotta love piano remixes) and a
guitar-like sound at some parts. There are no beeps and bops, it's a total
revamp. This song sounds like a 90's radio hit. I LOVE it.
Jump! Jump! Jump!:
A+
LOVE IT. This
is a remix of the basic overworld theme from Super Mario Bros. 3. Again,
it is a total revamp without beeps and bops. It also has a little side
arrangement that sounds spectacular. Like Garden Boogie, it's done in the
style of dance music.
Fishing Frenzy:
A
A good remix
of a classical song that is entitled "Csikos Post". A mix of dance music
and guitar-type sound. Compelling, but not like the A+ songs.
Pirate Dance:
A
A very good remix
of the Super Mario World theme. This time it's more of an electric guitar
remix than a dance remix. It's quite catchy and entertaining. A very upbeat
remix and fun overall.
In the Whirlpool:
A
Great! The main
elements of this song are of a techno beat. This remix of Pomp and Circumstance
is relaxing. You could very well say it's a bedtime tune.
Step by Step:
A
An interesting
remix of the bonus game theme in Super Mario World. Like "In the Whirlpool",
it's a soothing bedtime song. This time it includes piano. I love piano
remixes.
Blooper Bop: A
A wonderfully
composed remix of the underwater theme in Super Mario Bros. It sounds jazzy
and has a calm rhythm. Another possible option for music that will help
get you to sleep. I love it.
Hammer Dance:
A+
Upbeat goodness
right at your door. This is a peculiar remix of the basic secondary overworld
form Super Mario Bros. 3. It isn't that much of a dance remix as it is
a salsa-esque tune. Very good. It may sound uncanny and different from
the other remixes in the game, but it does make you want to dance and gets
you in a joyful
mood.
Rollercoasting:
A
Actually sounds
very entertaining for a remix of a Mario Kart: Double Dash song. Does sound
like a dance song, and has the same feel as the original tune. It's one
you can listen to while driving or riding a vehicle in the city... if Mario
Mix had a SOUNDTRACK.
Boo Boogie: A-
A remix of the
main overworld from Super Mario Bros. 2. It has many beeps and bops, but
it remains upbeat and enjoyable. I am personally entertained since it remixes
a very addictive song.
Moustache, Barrel,
and Gorilla: A
WEIRD! That's
what I like about it. Usually, remixes with lots of beeps and bops don't
catch my interest as much, but they were creative in creating this one.
Sound effects from the original Donkey Kong were used to create some segments
of music. A very cool mixture of Donkey Kong music and sound effects. I
enjoy it.
Starring Wario!:
A-
Good. It's upbeat
and unique, but I personally think a little more dance music elements would
have perfected it. By the way, this song is a remix of a Wario World tune.
Frozen Pipes:
A+
Very unique!
I LOVE this remix of Old Folks at Home. A great mixture of country/folk
music and dance music. Easy to dance to and people seem to love it... it's
truly a classic.
Cabin Fever: A+
I ADORE this
salsa-dance combo remix. Somehow, it reaches your funny bone and makes
you want to jump around (although I have never engaged in that kind of
behavior during this song). I assure that you will not regret listening
to this Mario Party 5 song remix.
Ms. Mowz's Song:
A
A calm addition
to a collection of soothing songs that help get you to sleep. This song
is really hard to explain and it's difficult to bring the tune into clear
focus, but it is nicely crafted (a remix of a Paper Mario 2 song).
Deep Freeze: A+
The Dr. Mario
fever theme is catchy itself, but this totally revamped dance mix provides
another creative perspective on a breathtaking composition. It's beat not
only makes you full of cheer, but its spectacular winter effect makes it
a unique experience. Trust me, you'll love this one.
Rendezvous on
Ice: A
Another sleepytime
remix, this time of another Mozart composition. It's different from the
other calm remixes in the fact that it has an obvious winter effect. A
twinkly dreamer indeed.
Midnight Drive:
A-
A remix of the
Mario Kart 64 theme. Another (gosh) slow tempo song from the very doors
of dreamland. Drift away in your dream as you collect the rhythm and soul
of this piece, but ignore the annoying chic if you hear her.
Always Smiling:
A+
Oh man, this
is good. The girl singing is very sweet sounding and the dance music is
great. Best of all the bedtime songs in this game. During the game, it's
a nice addition since it flows well with the climax and makes you eager
to defeat Bowser. I don't know why, but it truly reaches your emotions
(which does not have anything to do with the lyrics, which I cannot hear
clearly). It does not sound like it would be a remix of a polka song...
but it is. Listen to it, and you be wondering, "This is supposed to be
a remix of a polka song?"
Bowser's Castle:
B+
An upbeat remix
of an MKDD song and the ONLY song to which I gave a B. It's full of good
dance beat, but slightly jumbled.
Up, Down, Left,
Right: A+
A song in Free
Mode that is remix of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Surprisingly, it is
magnificent for a remix of that song. There is some piano and a dance music
element. A good introductory song for any beginner.
Choir on the Green:
A+
This song is
a remix of Ah, Lovely Meadow and the fruitiest of them all. It's rather
feminine, but for some reason I LOVE it. Weird, eh? It's soothing and sounds
very heavenly. Nice sound effects and joyous all the way.
Where's the Exit?:
A+
BEAUTIFUL remix
of the underground theme of Super Mario Bros. Very night-like and includes
a side arrangement mixed within. Very nice. If Mario Mix had a soundtrack,
this would be a good drive-through-the-city song.
Piroli: A+
A fun remix of
a Fanicom theme. The people in the background are a nice effect, and the
beeps and bops are mixed well with the music.
OVERALL GRADE FOR MARIO MIX: 9.5/10
Buy or Rent?
Buying is pretty much the only option, since you can't rent an action pad (at least I don't think so). Even if you don't like the gameplay (which I love), you'll love the music! And that concludes the Review. Tally-ho!
| If you would like to send some feedback
to the author of this submission, please complete this form.
What's your name?
What's your Email address?
How do you rate this submission?
Does this submission belong in Little
Lemmy's Land?
Would you like to see more from this author? Comments and suggestions:
|
