45. Michael Jackson: The Experience (Wii Video Game)

Michael Jackson: The Experience (Wii Video Game)

Ubisoft Entertainment, San Francisco, 2010

Licensed by Nintendo

Summary

Michael Jackson: The Experience is a dance video game for players of all levels, allowing for either individual play or group play for up to four people.  A challenge option is also available for dancers to take each other on one-to-one or two-to-two.  The game includes twenty-six of Michael Jackson’s most famous songs to dance to with the lyrics on the screen for players to sing along.  While holding the Wii remote, players follow the dancer on the screen, mimicking the movements of both the upper and lower body.  Several of the dance moves are reminiscent of moves that Michael made famous in his music videos and concerts.  Players are rated based on their ability to follow the rhythm of the song and hit the correct movements, as well as the energy they put into the dance.  There is also the option to practice the moves in Video Training mode, allowing players to learn the moves that they will face in the game. 

Critical Evaluation

Although it has been nearly two years since Michael Jackson passed away, his music and performances are still popular around the world.  With Michael Jackson: The Experience, players can learn the moves to some of his most famous routines and that is exactly what makes the game so fun to play.  The game is extremely user-friendly because of the different skill levels from which players can choose.  Also, the instructional videos are helpful in getting even the least coordinated people to gain a basic understanding of the moves.  In contrast to some other dance games, players cannot fail out of the round, allowing everyone the same chance to get through the level.  However, I had some issues with the remote not recognizing moves a few times, but that could be the fault of the Wii system.  Also, I can imagine getting tired of it after a couple of rounds with the inability to purchase more songs.  It would definitely be a blast to set up at a party or to borrow from a friend, but it seems to be more of a novelty item for fans of Michael Jackson.  However, this would make it an attractive game to include in a library collection because of the interest in trying the game out before investing in the high list price of $49.99.

Reader's Annotation

Michael Jackson: The Experience gives fans of the King of Pop the chance to dance along to his most famous routines.

Information About the Company

Ubisoft is a leading international developer, publisher, and distributor of interactive entertainment products.  Founded in 1986, the company is led by CEO Yves Guillemot and bases its headquarters out of Montreuil-sous-Bois, France.  As of the end of the 2009-2010 fiscal year, Ubisoft accomplished 1.038 billion euros in sales.

In addition to Michael Jackson: The Experience, Ubisoft has produced many video games over the years.  Some of the games have become the best-selling franchises worldwide, including Assassin’s Creed with 29 million units sold, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six with 23 million units sold, and Petz also with 23 million units sold.  (information from company’s website: http://www.ubisoftgroup.com/index.php?p=65&art_id=)

Genre

Video Game – Dance

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age

10+

Challenge Issues

The game asks players to copy one of Michael Jackson’s suggestive moves and Michael Jackson is a controversial figure in many areas.

When confronted with complaints about this game, librarians should become familiar with the content on the video game.  Turn to reviews from video game magazines and on Amazon.com, as well as reviews from teens that have played it.  Also, it is beneficial for librarians to present reasons backed by the ALA in support of intellectual freedom.  As stated in the Library Bill of Rights:

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

Why Include Game in Selection? 

I have noticed that many teens enjoy playing dance games on game systems and, with the release of this game, it seemed that teens would be drawn to this one, as well.