IGN
We hit the floor with FreeStyleGames' break-dancing rhythm-action battler and six step like there's a bee in our boxers.
by Kip Fandango
UK, August 14, 2006 - As popular dance phenomena in videogames go, break-dancing exudes the sort of urban cool that's practically defined Sony's console since Rockstar's GTA III kicked off the whole gang warfare fad. Line dancing, bogling and sychronised pelvic clenching, on the other hand, don't - which is a shame, because 'Bogle-Boy' has quite a nice ring to it.
So then to Sony's B-Boy - a strange hybrid of rhythm-actioner and fighter, all wrapped up in a gritty hip-hop bow. Developed by FreeStyleGames in collaboration with noted real-life B-Boy Crazy Legs (real name, Richard Colón, hilariously enough), B-Boy puts gamers in the sneakers of a break-dancing wannabe, tasked with challenging some of the greatest B-Boys in the world.
Single-player progression occurs through the 'Livin' da Life' career mode where, from the game's hub (known as The Lab), players are free to practice their B-Bobbery, consult their movebook, take on challenges from in-game opponents or even change their streetwear. First things first though, tackling the tutorial is highly recommended - mainly because B-Boy doesn't play quite like anything that's come before.
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Michael Flatley's Riv-Ear Dance - AHAHAHAHAhahahahahhhnnngh.
Control-wise, the d-pad takes care of movement on the dance floor, while four foundation moves - Top Rock, Power, Footwork and Freeze (with Top Rock, Windmill, Six Step and Baby Freeze initially available) - are mapped to the controller's four main buttons. During a throwdown (essentially one turn in a tournament or head-to-head), these are strung together, producing the most impressive footwork players can muster. The trick though, is keeping to the rhythm - a circular meter constantly rotates around characters' feet and, as the notches hit the end point, tapping one of the shoulder buttons in time sustains the move, boosting points.
Paying close attention to the meter is essential as there are optimum times to perform certain maneuvers, causing the points to rack up if done correctly. A blue notch, for example, denotes the best moment to switch between foundation moves while a yellow bar rakes in the rewards when Freeze moves are initiated. Incidentally, Freeze moves mix up proceedings further, often requiring additional mastery of the controls. During a Baby Freeze for example, it's necessary to tap the L and R button alternately to maintain balance.
On-going practice and face-offs against opponents unlock new moves - transition moves map to the d-pad while others are added via the movebook. The latter often require a combination of button presses to pull off - adding further to the game's fighter influence, with increasingly impressive combo-style tricks, like head- or hand-stands, becoming possible.
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B-Boy features 21 authentic locations, like this hugely exotic rooftop.
It's with B-Boy's challenges and tournaments that the game's fighter-inspired structure fully rears its head though. Challenges are split into a minimum of two throwdowns, with several medals up for grabs. Medals are awarded based on criteria like Rhythm, Flow, and Foundation - the number of correct beats you hit, the ability to string moves together successfully, plus demonstration of your basic move prowess. Medals change hands constantly during a tournament, ranking up from bronze to gold depending on each opponents performance. Once all throwdowns are complete, whoever does best in each class walks away with the medal.
One oddity that - as rhythm-action aficionados - jarred with us slightly in the current build, relates to the way B-Boy translates button presses into on-screen actions. In order to make the transitions between the impressive motion-capture animations as natural as possible, the game waits for the most appropriate moment in the rhythm loop before switching. The gap between player action and on-screen reaction takes a bit of getting used to, especially if you're used to the immediacy of response that rhythm-based titles like Gitaroo Man or Guitar Hero offer.
That aside, kudos to FreeStyleGames on the presentation front - if authenticity was measured in zoo animals, B-Boy would weigh in at approximately three hip-hop elephants, with 40 licensed tracks, 40 real-life B-Boy competitors, 21 authentic locations including Redbull BC One, Freestyle Sessions, UK B-Boy Championships and IBE, plus an Adidas wardrobe big enough to make Barbie feel under-equipped for a night on the tiles. Throw in a comprehensive multiplayer 'B-Boy Jam' mode, where up to four B-Boys can battle across six different modes - including Domination, Round for Round, Showcase, Open Circle, Practice and Survivor - and there's more than enough here to make even the most seasoned B-Boy bust a phat one, if you know what we mean.
Linear Mode
