Michael Jackson: The Experience (Wii, 2010)

Michael Jackson: The Experience is extremely easy to pick up and play; up to four people can dance together, picking from of one of 26 of Jackson's hits. To play, you simply hold the Wii Remote in your right hand and replicate the actions of a virtual dancer onscreen. You're awarded points based on movements tracked by the Wii Remote, with each successful move being scored as bad, OK, good, or perfect. A score bar on the left of the screen fills up as you perform, hitting star markers along the way. Depending on how many stars you hit, you're awarded a star score at the end of each song, showing you how well you performed. Sadly, the game isn't great at recognizing your movements, and you often encounter moments of frustration as you wonder why you're not being scored correctly. However, this isn't too significant when you're performing because no matter how few points you get, it's impossible to fail out of a song.

This can be quite beneficial because the choreography is very difficult. Most routines are based on those in Michael's music videos, with a few original creations inspired by his dancing thrown in too. Signature moves, such as high kicks, toe stands, and moonwalks, all make an appearance and are extremely tricky to replicate if you're not blessed with Michael's skills. You do have the option of performing as one of the backing dancers, who have less-complicated moves, but this is only available on a limited number of tracks. Despite the difficulty, songs are a blast to perform, with the famous routines from "Thriller", "Beat It", and "Billie Jean" particular highlights. Playing with friends just adds to the fun because it's hilarious to watch them take part, and friends sitting it out can sing along with the lyrics displayed onscreen. Fans will be pleased to see most of his celebrated back catalogue in the game, including songs from his Motown days, such as "Rock With You" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." From the '80s, "Bad" and "Smooth Criminal" are available, as well as more recent songs, such as "Ghost" and "Money."

Michael Jackson The Experience is the essential Dance and Party game for fans of the King of Pop. Packed with 26 of Michael's most unforgettable hits including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Smooth Criminal" and many more. The game features full 4-player support requiring only a Wii Remote for each player. Your Wii registers the movements of each Wii Remote as players follow a series of small on-screen silhouetted prompts, or those of the King himself as they work through authentic choreography from both famous Michael Jackson live and music video performances. Individual player performances are rated in real-time on-screen and lyrics are streamed as you play for full effect and aid of your timing. The game features a variety of modes including single player, a challenge mode featuring 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 support and a practice mode in which anybody can learn to groove like the King of Pop.

The King of Pop's classic choreography arrives on the Wii with Michael Jackson The Experience. I wish I could say the "experience" aspect was a bit more immersive. The game couldn't be more skeletal in structure. The main menu offers the choice of mimicking dance routines from a list of Jackson songs or watching training videos. There's no real objective other than trying to match the Jackson look-alike step-for-step. The only reward is unlocking extra training videos.I enjoyed this game overall,I'm glad I bought it. :)

This game is everything I expected, wanted....and more! I have a new respect for Michael and the physical condition he was in because one day of this game toned my entire body. The music sends chills as your hear his voice in concert with modified dance steps. The hard work to unlock keys for special tutorials about choregraphy is worth it and makes the experience that much better.

I believe this game is good for all ages and allows Michael to live on forever through music and dance...all Hail the True King of Pop!

I bought this for my die hard 9yr old Michael Jackson fan. He was astounded and loves to do his best in trying to mimic the KING OF POP's dance moves. To me it's wonderful as it is a gr8 motivation for exercise a I had to reach for a towel to wipe sweat from my forehead just to keep up. The music is awesome and it's hilarious for all of us to watch each other look so serious in imitating hard core dance moves. We will have a piece of the magic for time on end. As for the glove it's a hinderance in trying to grip and record the moves you do to the Wii so I don't recommend playing while trying to score. It's just cool to have in an odd sort of way. Have fun!!!