In the end Red Bull BC One is obviously a cash-in title that is banking on people who are fans of the event to purchase. The most shocking thing though is that even though the game fits all the criteria of a quick job, it doesn't feel like it when you play, and that is the most important part. The premise is simple and enjoyable, the soundtrack is fantastic and the amount of content is respectable. However, if you have no interest in break dancing or the BC One event in general this game will certainly not replace your Elite Beat Agents anytime soon.
Pros
+ Stylish visuals
+ Fantastic soundtrack
+ Lots of venues
Cons
- Lack of depth and variety
- Doesn't separate itself from anything else
Overall, while the connect-the-dots mechanic in this game is decent enough, GamingExcellence is not really sure if it warrants an entire game based around it. Selling the entire game around this one mechanic makes it feel a little repetitive, and neither the clothing customization nor the minigames do enough to deepen the experience. When it comes to video games about breakdancing, there isnit exactly much choice, but Red Bull BC One is just not the game to begin a trend.
DreamStation writes: "Red Bull BC One for the Nintendo DS is based on the b-boy competition by the same name. It's an odd mishmash of an iPod commercial, simple mini games, and some of the most horribly written cutscenes since Zero Wing.
Red Bull BC One puts you in the shoes of a created b-boy whose one dream, apparently, is to win the Red Bull BC One dance contest. The visual style of the game is reminiscent of Jet Grind Radio, with blocky, anime style characters. While you get to create your character, pick their clothes and such, you really don't get a sense that your character is any different than any other. Later on in the game you can unlock other customization options; these don't add much to the game. The rest of the graphics are adequate for the game and definitely fit the visual style."
I agree with the point about the graphics. It adds to the feel of the game. Besides, a handheld console even as good as the DS would struggle with anything realistic.
For me, it's all about the gameplay, which is fun, refreshing and highly addictive. You'd be doing yourself a favour in buying this game.
Game Revolution writes: "Amazingly, the world of competitive break dancing can now be enjoyed via connect-the-dots on the DS, and here I thought it was all just baggy pants and attitude. To say that Red Bull BC One betrays the lifestyle it purports to represent would be an understatement. This dull and perplexing musical-puzzle game falls flat on its ass to a resounding chorus of boos.
Red Bull BC One is the name of an actual international break dancing competition, but you wouldn't know it from this game's presentation. A short, grainy video before the title screen shows you some snippets of action, which is never recreated in the game itself. Instead, your focus is on the bottom touch screen where you have to play agonizing bouts of connect-the-dots for 5-10 seconds at a time, while a polygonal dancer makes unrelated moves on the top screen."
