Bust a Groove 2: Why It's Still the Dance Game to Beat

Bust a Groove 2 emerges as a standout in the rhythm game genre, boasting impressive graphics, engaging gameplay, and catchy J-pop tunes. This sequel emphasizes that "it's the little details that truly matter," refining the original game's elements while retaining its core dance-centric mechanics. In an industry saturated with music and dance games, Bust a Groove 2 manages to hold its own with its unique charm and improvements.

Evolution of Characters in Bust a Groove 2

The character roster in Bust a Groove 2 has seen notable changes, with Hamm, Frida, Gas-O, and Pinky being replaced by new dancers like Tsutomu, a Japanese boy with breakdance skills, Bi-O, a decaying zombie wielding an axe, and Comet, a roller-skating waitress. Returning characters from the first game now sport updated outfits and dance moves, adding fresh appeal to the familiar lineup.

The character designs are more exaggerated and stylized, almost reminiscent of graffiti art, enhancing their visual appeal. Kelly, for instance, has traded her bunny outfit for a gangster-like attire, complete with a cane and a pencil mustache. These changes not only update the characters’ aesthetics but also align with the game’s vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.

Gameplay Modes and Mechanics

Bust a Groove 2 maintains its core gameplay mechanics from the original, where players face off against another dancer, executing button sequences in time with the music. There are still two attacks per level to dodge or deflect. However, the sequel introduces three single-player difficulty modes that alter the dancer’s control screen. The simple mode allows gameplay using only the directional pad, the normal mode mirrors the original game minus the obvious dance branching, and hybrid modes incorporate standard button presses and the directional pad.

The single-player mode now features branching paths that lead to tougher opponents based on performance. The popularity meter has been replaced by a colored border around the character’s name, reflecting their performance. Additionally, a new central gauge tracks "Cool, Chillin', and Freeze" events, with the score doubling when all three bars are filled during dance sequences. Bust a Groove 2 also includes a two-player mode, a practice mode for mastering timing, and a dance view mode to explore and link individual dance moves.

Enhanced Visuals and Dance Environments

The graphics in Bust a Groove 2 have been completely revamped to be more exaggerated and visually striking. The character animation is fluid and realistic, with no polygonal glitches, enhancing the overall visual experience. The new outfits for returning characters stand out, adding a fresh and exciting look to the game.

The backgrounds are more detailed and imaginative than ever. One level places players on a river raft navigating a Disneyland-style safari, another has them dancing in front of a sushi bar run by Burger Dog, and another sees them flying over a giant suspension bridge in a helicopter. These dynamic and interactive environments add a layer of excitement and immersion to the gameplay.

Soundtrack and Dance Madness

Bust a Groove 2 features a diverse soundtrack, deeply infused with J-pop influences. While none of the sequel’s songs may surpass the standout tracks from the original, the overall compilation remains strong, offering a variety of musical styles performed by various artists from Japan's East/West label. This new soundtrack continues to play a crucial role in the game’s appeal, driving the rhythm-based gameplay.

The game’s levels are filled with zany and vibrant events that reward skilled players with dance solos. Massive Japanese dragons dance, gigantic smiling monkeys emerge from walls, volcanoes erupt, and bank vaults burst open with treasure, all while characters dance to the beat. However, some hidden characters, mainly secondary animals found in the backgrounds, feel less inspired and a bit gimmicky.

Regional Differences Due to Censorship

There are notable differences between the Japanese and U.S. versions of Bust a Groove 2 due to censorship. Despite maintaining the same credit sequence, the U.S. version lacks the end-game cinematic scenes found in the Japanese version, deemed too violent or inappropriate. Additionally, Hiro's smoking was removed. The U.S. version also appears easier across all difficulty levels, which may affect the overall challenge for players.

The key takeaway from Bust a Groove 2 is its overall improvement. The game offers better dancers, more vibrant backgrounds, enhanced music, and refined difficulty levels. While it doesn’t stray far from the original formula, its enhancements are likely to appeal to fans of the first game, even if it doesn’t introduce groundbreaking new elements.

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