Bust A Groove (1998)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Bust A Groove (1998): A Unique and Fun Hybrid of Rhythm and Fighting

Released in 1998 for the PlayStation 1, Bust A Groove is a hybrid music/fighting game that combines PaRappa the Rapper-like rhythm-based gameplay with fighting game elements, including special moves designed to damage the opponent and a focus on head-to-head competitive play.

The game features a colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique dance style and special moves. Players must match the rhythm of the music to execute their moves, and can build up a combo meter to unleash powerful special attacks.

Bust A Groove was a critical and commercial success, and spawned two sequels: Bust A Groove 2 (1999) and Bust A Groove 3 (2000). The game has also been re-released on the PlayStation Network and PlayStation Vita.

Gameplay

Bust A Groove is played on a 2D plane, with each player controlling a character on one side of the screen. The goal of the game is to defeat the opponent by depleting their health bar. Players can do this by executing dance moves to the rhythm of the music, which will damage the opponent if they are successful.

There are four different types of dance moves in Bust A Groove:

  • Basic moves: These are the most basic moves in the game, and can be executed by pressing any of the four face buttons (triangle, square, circle, or X).
  • Special moves: These moves are more powerful than basic moves, and can be executed by pressing a combination of two or more face buttons.
  • Groove moves: These moves are the most powerful moves in the game, and can only be executed after building up a combo meter.
  • Counter moves: These moves can be used to counter the opponent’s attacks, and can be executed by pressing the L1 or R1 button.

Players can also use the D-pad to move their character around the stage, and the L2 and R2 buttons to block the opponent’s attacks.

Characters

Bust A Groove features a cast of 12 playable characters, each with their own unique dance style and special moves. The characters are:

  • Heat: A young man with a fiery personality who specializes in hip-hop dance.
  • Strike: A cool and collected young man who specializes in breakdancing.
  • B-Boy: A skilled breakdancer who is always looking for a challenge.
  • Kitty-N: A shy and reserved young woman who specializes in jazz dance.
  • Gaspar: A flamboyant and energetic young man who specializes in samba dance.
  • Hiro: A young man from Japan who specializes in karate and breakdancing.
  • Capoeira: A young woman from Brazil who specializes in capoeira dance.
  • K-9: A robotic dog who specializes in breakdancing.
  • Frida: A young woman from Mexico who specializes in salsa dance.
  • Kelly: A young woman from Ireland who specializes in Irish stepdance.
  • Zero: A young man with a mysterious past who specializes in a unique style of dance that combines elements of hip-hop, breakdancing, and martial arts.
  • Boogie: A giant monster who specializes in a powerful style of dance that combines elements of hip-hop, breakdancing, and martial arts.

Modes

Bust A Groove features a variety of different modes, including:

  • Story mode: In story mode, the player takes control of one of the 12 playable characters and battles their way through a series of opponents in order to uncover the secrets of the Bust A Groove tournament.
  • Arcade mode: In arcade mode, the player battles a series of opponents in a single-elimination tournament.
  • Versus mode: In versus mode, two players can battle against each other.
  • Practice mode: In practice mode, the player can practice their dance moves and combos against a computer opponent.

Reception

Bust A Groove was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, catchy music, and colorful characters. It was also nominated for several awards, including “Best Fighting Game” at the 1999 Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Awards.

Bust A Groove has been cited as an influence on several other rhythm games, including Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero. The game has also been featured in several television shows and movies, including “The Simpsons” and “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.”

Legacy

Bust A Groove is a classic rhythm game that helped to popularize the genre in the late 1990s. The game’s unique gameplay, catchy music, and colorful characters have made it a fan favorite for over 20 years. Bust A Groove is a must-play for any fan of rhythm games or fighting games.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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