'Michael Jackson the Experience' Wii Review: Legendary Moves Come Alive

When I first heard about "Michael Jackson The Experience" for the Nintendo Wii, I was both excited and concerned by the prospect of a video game attempting to capture the magic Michael Jackson brought to the stage. As a long-time fan of The King of Pop-and an advocate for video games as exercise-I couldn't resist the lure of trying this release from Ubisoft shortly after it hit shelves on November 23^rd, 2010. You can view the official trailer for the video game on the official website here.

"Michael Jackson The Experience" is scheduled to be released on both Xbox 360 and PS3 on April 12^th, 2011, now that both consoles offer motion-sensor technology, but once again the Nintendo Wii had it first. This video game has an ESRB rating of Everyone 10+, and is classified under the Dancing genre.

"Michael Jackson The Experience" Pros:

Upon loading up the video game and perusing the available songs, I was shocked by how many of Michael Jackson's best hits were available. "Thriller," "Billie Jean," and "Smooth Criminal" were just the tip of the iceberg; a total of 26 epic songs from the King of Pop can be performed by you in the comfort of your home. Most tracks offer the player the option between Michael Jackson's choreography and those of his back-up dancer(s); typically speaking, MJ's version is more difficult, though all options are rated from Easy to "Inhuman."

The legendary moves which helped make Michael Jackson a music icon truly come alive in this video game, though I was surprised that players must "unlock" tutorial videos on how to properly conduct the moves. As a lover of the "Thriller" choreography, I was impressed by how accurate most of the routine was, while still offering changes to keep even experienced "Thrill The World" dancers such as myself on their toes. Bonus points to Ubisoft for including some of the more obscure dances and song choices, like "Sunset Driver" and "Money."

Up to four players can join-in on the "Michael Jackson The Experience" game play, under MJ's moves, those of his back-up dancer(s), or both. Make sure you have lots of room to move around before beginning, because quite a few of MJ's move require you to slide across the floor, "Moonwalk," and interact with your fellow dancers. Whether with friends or without, trust me when I say that "Michael Jackson The Experience" is one heck of a great work-out-and a lot of fun can be had while burning calories, as opposed to more traditional exercise!

"Michael Jackson The Experience" Cons:

The controls leave something to be desired in this interactive, dance-based video game, which is a shame; perhaps the Xbox 360 or PS3 versions will have worked-out some of the kinks in the meantime. You operate the Wiimote in your right hand, and there is no option for left hand preference-fair enough, considering Michael Jackson was right hand dominant. However, the little indicator for what you're supposed to be doing exactly to gain star points is vague, at best, and often the system doesn't respond to even correct movements properly. Considering the game awards you points for the more accurate your following of the choreography is, the tricky controls is a pretty big disadvantage.

"Michael Jackson The Experience" Final Score: 4.5/5

All things considered, this video game will be easy to enjoy for anyone who loves Michael Jackson's library of hit songs, enjoys dancing as a means of entrainment or exercise, or who simply wants to watch their friends fail at replicating the most difficult of MJ's moves. If you aren't looking for any of those things, odds are you won't be renting or purchasing "Michael Jackson The Experience" anytime soon-but I must recommend you reconsider your position, grab a sequined glove, and get off the couch to go "Moonwalk."