Game Review: Wii Boogie Superstar

Thanks to the Parent Bloggers Network, we received a free copy of Boogie Superstar with Microphone for the Wii to try out and review.  It came with a cool Logitech microphone that plugs into the back of the Wii.

Since last Christmas, our family has been pretty much addicted to the Wii, the Wii Fit, and all things Wii-related.  We didn't want to buy a game console because we knew that once we did, Alex would probably never see blue sky and fresh air again.  With the Wii, we all play and enjoy many of the games as a family.

Wii Boogie Superstar is one of those that the entire family can enjoy.  That is, if you are from a family of hams who like to sing and pretend to dance.  That would be us. 

According to the elaborate introduction, the contestants on Boogie Superstar were selected for their killer karaoke and elaborate dance moves and have been whisked off to a remote island to compete in a song and dance contest.  Think "American Idol" meets "So You Think You Can Dance" meets "Temptation Island."  Well, maybe not the last one.

Contestants can choose from pop, urban, or techno and select songs from these genres.  You can do a combo of dancing and singing, or just dancing or just singing.  I haven't quite mastered the rhythm it takes to swing the Wii remote in the proper configuration for the dance moves, so I generally skip the dance part, and go straight for the karaoke.

When we first got this, I thought all the songs were made up just for the Wii.  Then I heard a number of them on the radio and realized that I was just out of touch.  I had no idea Leona Lewis was popular until I saw her singing my favorite Wii Boogie Superstar song, "Bleeding Love" on "Dancing with the Stars" last week.  Natasha Beddingfield is apparently also very popular, because the game came with a poster of her. Thank goodness for "Dancing with the Stars" or I wouldn't know who she was either.

The game is rated E10 for 10 and over due to some mature lyrics.  I guess we haven't unlocked those yet, because the songs we've heard are pretty mild, or have particularly salty language removed.  Alex is 8, and I have no problem with him playing this game and singing along to the lyrics.  It would be nice if the game had a feature that allowed parents to de-select certain songs that they might find objectionable. Maybe they can work on that for the sequel.  It's nice to have a game where no one gets shot with a laser, gun, paint pod, or toilet plunger.

One unintended benefit of this game is that it is actually helping Alex practice his reading skills.  When you do the singing, you have to follow the words at the bottom of the screen, and he is doing quite well following along. 

So far, Alex is beating me on most of the game.  I'm waiting to exact my revenge when they issue the "Wii Boogie Superstar: 80's Edition".  At least, I hope they plan to do that.  I'm not sure how much more urban-techno-pop I can take. 

I asked Alex for his unbiased review of this game and he said, "It's excellent!"

I guess that just about sums it up for me, too. 

Comments

[Loretta]

I'm jealous that you've got a Wii Fit, that's at the top of my wishlist for sure ;)

My boys are loving the dancing modes of the game more than the singing, but it's all in good fun.

[Kate]

I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Kate

http://educationonline-101.com

[Nicole]

Hi, just came across your website because I was thinking of buying this game. I just want to know if, when you sing along with it, does it look like singstar? You know, how you have those bars that help you stay in tune? Please get back to me if you could. Thanks :)

[Glennia]

Nicole, it does have bars that you sing along to, and scores hyou based on your ability to keep up with the bars.

[corporate training consultants]

I'm not positive where you're getting your information, but great topic. I must spend some time finding out more or understanding more. Thank you for magnificent info I was searching for this info for my mission.