Samba De Amigo

The Wii has certainly earned a reputation when it comes to revitalising old games. Originally released on Sega's ill-fated Dreamcast console, this zany and fun game is the perfect partner for the Wiimote controller.

To play, you hold the controller and nunchuck like a set of maracas and shake along to 40 sizzling latino grooves. The key is to keep an eye on the six hoops on the left of the screen. Orbs will fly outwards in time with the music and you must shake the correct controller when the orb hits the centre of the hoop. The aim is to hit each shake perfectly and at the correct height.

There are also notes that require you to strike a pose or execute some dance moves. These are great fun and really keep you on your toes. You might need to be a bit brave to do this part in front of your mates though.

Each stage takes place during a carnival or some other lively event, with tons of dancers and musicians busting moves and playing along to your songs, while confetti and streamers rain down. It's a lovely-looking game and the better you perform, the wilder and more vibrant the party becomes. Score enough notes to get an A-Grade, and the screen goes psychadelic, making some of the fast notes harder to hit. Win with an A-Grade, however, and you will unlock new characters and maraca sounds.

The soundtrack is brilliant, boasting some folk and latin classics along with familiar, remixed tracks including A-Ha's 'Take on Me' and a surefire hit with the ladies, Ricky Martin's 'Livin' La Vida Loca'—spicy!

It's a party game through and through, and is definitely much more fun with two people. There is a simple one-on-one score attack mode; a battle mode, where the first player to reach 99-hits wins; and a 'Love Love' mode, where you win or lose depending on how well you synchronise with your partner.

Also, don't forget the obligatory Wii minigames. There are a few fun modes here, from bashing pinatas, a maraca version of Simon Says and a purely dancing mode. Another great addition is the option to go online with your console and download new tracks via your Wi-Fi connection. An online battle mode would have been a bonus, but given the shakiness of connections and the chore of finding other players, leaving it out is perhaps a wise move.

Samba De Amigo is a classic remake of a classic game and one which really benefits from the motion sensitivity of the Wii. Throwing in cameos from the Sega roster, as well as a wealth of extra mini-games and downloadable content makes for one appealing package. Its bright and charming visuals lend the game a feel-good factor amid a sea of gritty and tired space shooters and beat-em-ups.