Fame Academy: Dance Edition

Wow. There's no stopping these pop star-making TV shows. Not satisfied with having our TVs taken over by the likes of Pop Stars and Pop Idol, the BBC obviously thought we could do with another one, and thus Fame Academy was born, offering the same concept, but with a slightly different approach. And that is exactly how we can sum up this latest spin-off for the PlayStation 2. Except for the different approach bit.

Released alongside the more management-heavy PC version, Fame Academy on PS2 takes a simpler approach, appearing in the form of your typical Bemani-style, rhythm action title. As you would expect, the game allows you to participate in the actual Academy, taking on the role of one of ten candidates.

Like the concept, the gameplay itself is an uncomplicated affair - the idea being to dance along to a collection of popular tracks, using either a Dual Shock or dance mat. Commands appear on screen, in time with the music - all you have to do is press the corresponding button/step on the relevant bit of the mat at the right time. Surprisingly, this is a lot more difficult for some of us than you'd expect.

There are seven levels for you to progress through, each one styled on locations from the show. The single player game demands that you eliminate the competition in each round, whereas an additional multiplayer option allows you to dance off against a friend.

A healthy roster of 14 chart toppers and pop classics are in there for you to bop along to, including tracks from the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Donna Summer, Elton John, Lionel Richie, and Havana Delirio. If you're a fan of the whole TV talent competition idea then we suggest you do. Or you could always wait for the Opportunity Knocks kart racer. Or perhaps the New Faces shoot-em-up. No, wait, we got it...The David Essex Search for a Star MMORPG. Yes!

Are you reading this, developers?