Much of the gameplay relies on a combination of reflexes and musical aptitude. You're ability to anticipate the beat of the tune is not as important as reacting to the upcoming visuals. Various characters and icons will pass by, as if on-rails. At the appropriate time, they line up with your character and you will have to perform a move with the stylus. A certain character or icon will require a certain command such as a tap, while another character will require a slide and so on. As the difficulty increases different characters will be mixed together, requiring you to use a variety of these moves while keeping your eyes peeled for what's coming next.

At times it can get frustrating, as some of the characters can look the same, especially when they are squeezed together to elicit a rapid reaction. The game is not very forgiving and it's fairly easy to miss a beat. More frustrating than anything is that you have to play the game from the start if you miss a beat. This is where the gameplay becomes tedious. Going through the same song over and over tends to make you sloppier, as it's not as exciting and fresh as the first or even second time. And then when the tediousness ends, repetition sets in. That's when it's time to put the game away for another day.

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Beat City has a classic cartoon presentation with simplified, colorful graphics. There are no voiceovers as the story is revealed in comic-book form. Musically the game is rife with catchy, crazy tunes perfectly suited for the antics at hand. As you make your move, you'll trigger various sound effects that enhance the soundtrack. The game is easy to understand but not so easy to play as it does challenge you. There are no issues with the control system, the stylus being the perfect tool for the job. You hold the DS sideways and play it like an open book. Everything feels comfortable.

Beat City is truly a game for everyone, but be warned the novelty wears off quickly.

By Cole Smith
CCC Senior Writer