Hannah Montana: Spotlight World Tour
Score: 83% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Disney Interactive Developer: Avalanche Software Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Rhythm/ Party
Graphics & Sound: Hannah Montana: Spotlight World Tour is the second of two Disney-produced rhythm titles I've reviewed this month, and they couldn't be any more different. The first, High School Musical: Sing It! was a Karaoke Revolution-styled game while Spotlight World Tour is a unique motion-based dancing game. Though it isn't likely to set the industry on fire, Spotlight World Tour features nearly everything fans of the series would want in a Hannah-inspired game. As far as presentation goes, Spotlight World Tour's audio is better than its visuals. There's a decent amount of Hannah Montana music featured in the game and the quality is at least as good as a CD - if not a little sharper. Hannah fans are sure to love every song on the game, though it does mean that parents will have to listen to it as well (at least if the Wii is in the family room). There's also a good amount of voicework in the game, which mostly pops up during the game's scripted sequences. Rather than going for something more stylized, Spotlight World Tour goes for a more realistic look. The visuals aren't particularly bad, though at the same time they aren't that great either. Hannah looks like her real-life counterpart, but there's also a creepy "frozen" look that plays against the presentation. The animation is good, though it also comes with a few random framerate drops that hurt the overall flow. On the plus side, there are lots of venues, stage sets and outfits to unlock.
Gameplay: Hannah Montana: Spotlight World Tour is a rhythm game with just a twist of adventure thrown in. Playing as Hannah, players dance to several of Hannah's biggest hits. Yes, it sounds like DDR, but really it isn't. Rather than matching on-screen arrows with those on a dance pad, Spotlight World Tour uses the Wii-mote and Nunchuk to perform actions. Some moves require only using the Wii-mote or Nunchuk, while others require using both at the same time. The gameplay formula is similar to most rhythm games; tour around the world and perform in front of audiences. The game uses the familiar "Perfect, Good, Bad" rating system which is primarily based on timing as well as a star system that grades your overall performance. As you complete shows, you'll unlock new venues as well as new moves, songs and outfits for Hannah. The similarities between Spotlight World Tour and HSM: Sing It! go beyond the tween appeal and music; both also lack any real depth - at least for anyone outside the game's primary audience. Spotlight World Tour can easily be completed in a few hours. Added depth comes from the number of unlockables, which are sure to have fans coming back, and a series of simple mini-games. There isn't much to the games, though when you consider the game's target demographic, this isn't much of a surprise. Really, mini-games serve as a way to rest between songs and add a bit of humor to the game. Of course, fans of the show are the only ones who will really enjoy the game's jokes, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I chuckled a bit at some things.
Difficulty: Other than one minor motion-based issue, Hannah Montana: Spotlight World Tour isn't overly difficult. Veteran fans might have a few adjustment issues, but should be able to blow through the game quickly. However, the game's core audience should have a few more problems since the game is geared to be a challenge for them, especially as they try to get the higher scores. New moves are introduced throughout the game; so there's always some new challenge around the corner - especially if the Nunchuk is involved. The progression is smooth and gently eases players into the game rather than dropping a bunch of stuff on the player at one time. This is especially helpful since the gameplay is a bit different than other rhythm games.
Game Mechanics: Another difference between Hannah Montana: Spotlight World Tour and other rhythm games is the number of moves at your disposal. Early on, you are limited to around a dozen or so moves. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock additional moves which are then integrated into the individual routines. Though the basic motions generally work, there are a few issues that could introduce some frustration. Scoring perfectly on moves is obviously your primary goal; however this is difficult to do since the controls aren't that responsive. Let me rephrase that - the Wii-mote works fine, while there is a bit of lag when using the Nunchuk. This is only an issue the first time you play through a song or learn a move that requires the Nunchuk, though it does hurt the experience. Like High School Musical: Sing It!, Hannah Montana: Spotlight World Tour isn't a revolutionary game, nor it is a great one. However, the game still hits the mark where it needs to and does a great job at giving Hannah Montana fans what they would want in a game featuring their favorite pop star.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
Neves F.E.A.R. Files