|
|
|
MICHAEL JACKSON: THE EXPERIENCE (PS3)
|
Publisher: Ubisoft.
Developer: Ubisoft Paris. Released: April 2011. Genre: Rhythm. Other versions: X360; WII; VITA; PSP; 3DS; DS. Posted 1st March 2024. By Tom Clare © 2024 |
|
Following releases in late 2010 for Wii and contemporary handhelds, Michael Jackson: The Experience would appear in its most complete form on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 a few months later. Released in the aftermath of the performer’s death, The Experience was one of the earliest instances of a video game encompassing both motion-controlled dance mechanics and singing via microphone. The PS3 version is arguably the one to own, compatible as it is with Sony’s first-party PS Move and microphone peripherals. Every single track devised for the various console, handheld and mobile versions is present here, save for one, the posthumous “Hollywood Tonight”.
Amalgamating elements from SingStar and Just Dance, it’s Michael Jackson’s oeuvre that acts as the springboard to the game’s success. Jackson’s superlative catalogue of music and (perhaps just as importantly) memorable music videos prove an ideal fit for such a party game. The Experience offers a far broader experience than similar titles of the time, with four-player action allowing for a huge number of combined routines. Not only can players choose to recreate Michael’s singing or dancing roles, but you can also tackle the counterpoints in duets such as “The Girl is Mine” and “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”, whilst many of the dances also feature backing dancer choreography, adding significantly to the number of combinations.
Every song captures the vibe of Michael Jackson's creative music videos, as well as their distinctive choreography
Jackson’s videos are an absolute gift for dance fans and their short film nature elevates The Experience’s themes above almost everything that had appeared in the Just Dance series to this point. So many of them are set amongst specific locations and themes, each a mini adventure. The devil’s in the detail: “Billie Jean” features the spine-tingling opening of Jackson’s Motown 25th Anniversary performance, complete MJ sweeping his hair back with a comb. “Smooth Criminal” features the iconic jukebox/coin-flip as the song explodes into life, and the machine-gun finale that references the song’s placement in the Moonwalker film.
All of the big hits retain the essence of their videos. There’s the continent-hopping, cultural celebration that is “Black or White” alongside the taut, tense energy of the gang feuds played out in “Beat It” and “Bad” . “Earth Song” recreates the apocalyptic climate message and, perhaps fittingly, the toughest challenge of all is left to “Thriller”, where you’ll need to call on all of your dance ability and vocal gymnastics to conquer it.
All of the big hits retain the essence of their videos. There’s the continent-hopping, cultural celebration that is “Black or White” alongside the taut, tense energy of the gang feuds played out in “Beat It” and “Bad” . “Earth Song” recreates the apocalyptic climate message and, perhaps fittingly, the toughest challenge of all is left to “Thriller”, where you’ll need to call on all of your dance ability and vocal gymnastics to conquer it.
FOCAL POINT: DEEP CUTS
|
|
Michael Jackson’s towering pop career offered no end of options for the track listing and whilst many of his bigger hits effectively pick themselves, Ubisoft Paris deserves credit for curating a smart mix of moods and tempos. The 29 songs include a catalogue of huge hits, and five of Jackson’s seven solo UK number-one singles making the grade. “One Day in Your Life” and “You Are Not Alone” are perhaps wisely passed over as slower tracks without a clear dance routine to attach to them. For fans of deeper cuts, two non-album tracks make an appearance: “Sunset Driver”, a perky disco-era track, and “Streetwalker”, which narrowly missed out on appearing on Bad. Whilst neither is a killer track and the choreography for the latter is somehow stilted, they’re evidence that Ubisoft didn’t simply settle for low-hanging fruit.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Michael Jackson: The Experience is just how much depth of quality (and attention to detail) is to be found elsewhere. “They Don’t Care About Us”, a stunning mid-nineties track that enjoyed renewed interest in the wake of Jackson’s death, is a huge highlight. Its theme is based not on the samba-in-the-streets video, but instead the brilliant but contentious short film that centred around a prison uprising, which was sadly pulled at the time of the single’s release. The brooding, reflective sepia-toned vibes of “Stranger in Moscow” is a welcome inclusion, as is its thematic opposite, “Will You Be There”, a colourful celebration of African music tradition and gospel. The fan service is elevated by the inclusion of the criminally underrated “Ghosts” which, just like the mammoth music video it’s based on, sees the visage of a skeleton replacing MJ for a portion of the song.
Both the singing and dancing responses hold up well. If you like Just Dance, then you’ll find yourself on familiar ground. In terms of the singing, responses are ever-so-slightly patchier than you’d find with SingStar, but there’s nothing significant stopping the player chasing high scores or enjoying the gameplay. The level of energy across the 29 tracks is positively supersonic and rarely abates, with just a couple of routines failing to hit the mark.
Both the singing and dancing responses hold up well. If you like Just Dance, then you’ll find yourself on familiar ground. In terms of the singing, responses are ever-so-slightly patchier than you’d find with SingStar, but there’s nothing significant stopping the player chasing high scores or enjoying the gameplay. The level of energy across the 29 tracks is positively supersonic and rarely abates, with just a couple of routines failing to hit the mark.
|
|
There's a great deal of additional detail to pick up on that fans will appreciate, like the dancing skeleton in "Ghosts"
The only area the game stutters a fraction is in the quality of its extras. Admittedly, this is unlikely to be a make-or-break consideration for those looking to enjoy a party game, but given the care and attention that’s gone into the gameplay, it’s a bit disappointing. Whilst a handful of short videos tutoring elements on the more iconic dances prove welcome, the gallery feels piecemeal, with some unremarkable photos of Michael Jackson accompanied by short, poorly written descriptions.
Nevertheless, the depth and quality of the experience ensures there’s ample replay value. Michael Jackson is arguably the only musician who could claim a strong enough combination of songs, distinct dance routines and recognisable videos to populate a game like this. The mix of these factors means the likes of “Thriller”, “Smooth Criminal” and “Beat It” are all individually better than any song to have featured on a Just Dance game. Ubisoft Paris deserves credit for crafting an energetic and enjoyable rhythm game, and one that does an uncommonly good job of translating its artist’s strengths into an effective video gaming experience. One of the best games to feature the King of Pop.
Nevertheless, the depth and quality of the experience ensures there’s ample replay value. Michael Jackson is arguably the only musician who could claim a strong enough combination of songs, distinct dance routines and recognisable videos to populate a game like this. The mix of these factors means the likes of “Thriller”, “Smooth Criminal” and “Beat It” are all individually better than any song to have featured on a Just Dance game. Ubisoft Paris deserves credit for crafting an energetic and enjoyable rhythm game, and one that does an uncommonly good job of translating its artist’s strengths into an effective video gaming experience. One of the best games to feature the King of Pop.
|
VERDICT
"Its smart tracklist far exceeds your average SingStar, whilst an unrivalled variety of music video-inspired choreography routines means it also outpaces the Just Dance series. The Experience is perhaps the best party rhythm game available." OVERALL: 8/10 |
OTHER GAMES STARRING MUSICIANS REVIEWED
The Nomad Soul (2000, Dreamcast)
|
James Bond 007: Blood Stone (2010, PlayStation 3)
|