Game Rating: T (Teen)
Game Publisher: Southpeak
Platform: Sony PSP
Release Date: September 16, 2009
Buy this at: Amazon for $19.99
I’m not that big into the entire “hip hop” breakdancing culture. I think it’s because I can’t dance. Luckily, video games make nearly anything possible, for those who play them. Even if you can’t dance due to being in a wheelchair (like me) or you simply don’t have the right moves, you can show what your made of in video game land. The latest game to let you show off your smooth moves is a game developed by FreeStyle Games and published by Southpeak Interactive. That game is B-Boy, which is available for the Sony PSP and the Playstation 2.
I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect with B-Boy. It was either going to be really good or a big snooze. You don’t have to be into the hip hop culture to enjoy this game, though it does help. I like hip hop music and when I could walk, I did like to dance, so I was ready for an interesting experience when I put this into my PSP. I should mention I’m more fond of games on the consoles, so I might be biased when I say that the PSP is limited. I feel that way about the Nintendo DS and other portables. Still, for as small as the screen is, B-Boy still manages to look amazing.
Unfortunately, looking at the capabilities of something like the Wii, I feel that had this game been published on a system like the Wii, the potential for B-Boy would be nearly limitless. That being said, there is one major benefit to B-Boy on the PSP (or any non-Wii console). Anyone can play this game, regardless of ability or lack thereof. That is why a game like Shaun White Snowboarding, for the Wii, while pretty darn cool and innovative, is going to be limited in its appeal. Those of us who can’t hop up on a snowboard are going to be looking for the game on the other systems where we can play it via controller. B-Boy on PSP has this distinct advantage, because, while it’d be pretty sweet on the Wii, a wider audience can play it on PSP.
The hip hop culture is big in the part of Michigan that I’m from (mid-Michigan, not far from Detroit), so I’m pretty much a fan of the music. I’ve seen some great breakdancing moves in my day, but never had the chance to try out the moves myself. Breakdancing really is an art form, so getting to compete as a breakdancer was quite the artistic experience. Still, for as fun as this game might seem, it suffers from one of the worst things a game like this could; slow load times. In fact, if I had to pick the biggest thing wrong with this game, it would be the load time.
—————-Written by Dominick - Visit Website
Dominick is a twentysomething guy, who has been gaming since the days of Atari. Enthralled by his first NES before he even turned 10, he’s long been a gamer and a Nintendo enthusiast. Dominick is in a wheelchair, so he writes from the unique perspective of gaming with limited mobility. He loves playing his PS3, his Xbox 360 and even his Nintendo Wii and DS. His favorite games are action/adventure FP & MP shooter, and racing games. Amongst his favorite game series are Brother in Arms, Fallout, Armored Core, anything Mario and Legend of Zelda. When not gaming, Dominick is a human rights activist, sports enthusiast, political guru, aspiring filmmaker and homeschooling father. You can find him on twitter nearly every day so feel free to add: dominickevans.
