Samba mode

As in previous Samba de Amigo games, Samba de Amigo comes packed with a variety of modes that players can engage in. In the original Samba de Amigo there was Challenge mode. In the Wii version, this mode still exists but it is now re-titled as Career mode. In this mode, you can unlock new songs by completing certain objectives such as receiving a certain grade or rank, or collecting a certain amount of Amigos (successive hits). In Survival mode, you keep on shaking your maracas until your health fully depletes. Your health will only fall if you miss beats so only the most experienced players will be able to endure this mode for very long.

Next up we have the Mini-game mode. As the name suggests, you can play mini-games in this mode. In these fun activities, you can test yourself to see how many poses you can strike in a minute, take swings at a piñata, and play volleyball by pointing the Wii Remote to move an on-screen hand. Battle mode is similar to Mini-game mode, with the exception that you are tasked to build bombs to attack your opponent with. If you and your friends are looking for a cooperative mode, ‘Love Love’ mode is the mode to check out. In addition to these modes, you can also view the records screen and view the online leader boards to see how well you stack up against the rest of the world.

More festive than ever

Previous Samba de Amigo games have been known for their vibrant and heavily animated stages, and Samba de Amigo for Wii is certainly no different. All of the backgrounds have been redesigned, lighting has been improved, shadows have been implemented and character models look even better than before. In total, there are eight stages: three from the original, two from the version that was released in 2000, and three brand new areas to jam in! Also, don’t forget about the new dynamic camera angles and the Mii’s that have been added to the festive crowd who jam with you in each level.

Set to launch in August 2008, Samba de Amigo for Wii is shaping up to be the next big party game for Wii. With improved graphics, sound, controls, and a whole lot more modes, Samba de Amigo is sure to please any Samba de Amigo fan. Though the controls are a little hard to adjust to at first, and the aiming can be a little difficult, casual gamers will quickly be able to jump into the frenzy of fun. When shaken, the Wii Remotes emit sounds and rumble, symbolizing the perfect maraca experience. All we need now are some maraca sleeves and we’re ready for the maraca frenzy in August! Let the countdown begin!