The quirky rhythm game returns with new features and same fiery soul, and still shows we all need our own cheersquad.
To put it simply: it is still quirky, it is still over the top, and it is still the epitome of cheerleading fun.
Gameplay:
Ouendan is a very rare case of a game that struck gold on gameplay. It is very easy to pick up, but very hard to master. It takes a few hours to learn the perfect timing, and that skill can still be further polished. And it was all wrapped up in a quirky experience that made even losing very fun. Each stage is as long as a song, and makes it a perfect and highly enjoyable handheld game on the go. All of that stays true in this sequel.
But, what truly pushes Ouendan 2 is all the new features it adds and integrating some from Elite Beat Agents. One of the amazing new features is the ability to skip the intros, which is one of the things that Ouendan really needed. Another feature is the per-mission scoreboards, which will capture your top 3 scores. And if the scoreboard wasn't enough, you can actually watch your moments of glory, because you can now save AND trade replays. There are also a few new head-to-head multiplayer improvements, but still no Wi-Fi. But that is probably for the best, because lag can totally break a timing-based game.
For those craving for more Ouendan and its difficulty, yes, it still plays like Ouendan and it is still HARD. Most of the difficulty comes from having to familiarize yourself with new patterns and tunes, but it's good to see a game that actually challenges you these days. Those who have played Ouendan before may get an edge in plowing through the easier missions. And, hey, it's more Ouendan in a bigger serving.
Plot:
The game has always been known for its very out there stories. For those not in the know, each mission has a character in a conundrum that is in need of some burning cheerleading. However, and maybe it's just me being a cynical vet, but the stories this time around don't seem as quirky as or as cohesive as in the first Ouendan. There are a few sequences that just feel, shockingly, too ham-fisted and over-done, like they tried too hard (i.e. the last mission’s first half & and the middle-aged fangirls). Granted Ouendan has always been characteristically over-the-top, but there is a difference with being over-the-top and over-done. There are also a few stories that just aren’t as inspired (i.e. the robot inventors vs. the giant cat & the werewolf trying to get a date).
Also, for the importers out there that don't know Japanese, some of the story sequences are not as easily understood by just looking at the manga intros espescially those that have very Japanese cultural nuances (i.e. why shoemaker decided to market to aliens & the female ex-wrestler's teahouse initiation). There is that rival cheerleaders in blue, but this is still, for the most part, the original Ouendan team's story. Phenomenally synced male cheerleaders, dude. But, overall, it still has those whacked out stories that Ouendan is known for, and of course, that one touching story thrown in for safe measure.
As you can obviously see in the cover, there is a rival cheerleading group. Gameplay-wise, there is no difference between them and our good men in black (and red). They are just merely story aesthetic, but I do wish they did more with them, like an option to swap between the two groups upon beating the difficulty level and/or have a different ending/scenarios/dance animations with each team. Perhaps in Ouendan 3.
Graphics:
Some graphical tweaks have been done in this sequel. Namely, the new 3D world map. Granted, it still works in a 2D fashion, and it's not as potentially confusing as Elite Beat's globe. The cheeleaders themselves are polygonally better, seemingly bigger, more detailed, and bit remodeled. They even have pained expressions now, if you're losing. The sequences are still told through manga panels, which are as colorful, animated, and over the top as usual.
Sound:
Yes, this is always the strength of Ouendan. The sequel brings along a playlist composed of a quirky and eclectic mix of J-Pop. Although, this one does seem to lean a bit more to the Pop side. "Shounen Heart" by Home Made Kazoku (Elderly Momotaro stage), "Pop Star" by Ken Hirai (Island Doctor stage), and "Monkey Magic" by Orange Range (Stuffed Monkey & Toy Soldier stage) come to mind. Incidentally, those are also my favorites. The sequel may not have as a far-out tracklist as the first one, but it still retains the very varied and weird taste of Ouendan. As usual, all these songs are some of the best audio quality that the DS can offer.
Conclusion:
Moero! Nekketsu Rythm Damashii! is a worthy follow-up to the original Ouendan. The game itself doesn't feel as cohesive, quirky, and thoroughly put together as the first one. While it is a sophomore effort that could have used a bit more fleshing-out, it manages to keep that quirky but powerful cheerleading fire alive. I highly recommend this to fans and newcomers willing to try something way out there. The original Ouendan made me buy my DS, and this one is a fantastic reason to keep wearing out the touchscreen.