iPad Review: Michael Jackson The Experience HD

Want to be like the King of Pop and master his slick dance moves? You can do so now, as Michael Jackson The Experience HD has come to the iPad.

Similar along the lines of dance games, such as Dance Dance Revolution and Just Dance, and rhythm games, such as Tap Tap Revolution and Guitar Hero, Michael Jackson The Experience HD allows you to relive the King of Pop’s classic and iconic dance moves found in his unforgettable MVs.

The game requires you to play with both hands as you’ll have to swipe your fingers in different directions in accordance to the game’s dance actions. You follow the King’s avatar inside in the game, following his dance moves and making sure that you can recreate the dance perfectly. Not only that, but the game is built around his MVs, meaning that you’ll get to watch the choreography found inside the MV.

As simple as it may be, the directions weren’t exactly the clearest to begin with. I had a little difficulty during the tutorial (thank you for the tutorial) as the first dance move I saw was two arrows (facing one direction) moving towards one another. I was under the impression that I had to use both of my fingers and move them together in the same direction, but alas, that was not the case. I kept getting misses galore and not really understanding why I was getting the misses. After all, wasn’t I hitting the correct notes?

Turns out I wasn’t. You either keep your finger touching the screen, then executing the move, or you would swipe your finger in the direction of where the arrow was pointing. Yeah, it only took me 2 minutes to figure that out. But despite that small little hiccup in the road, I was able to start playing the game better, albeit a little more smoothly.

Let me say this: I am not one of the most hand-eye coordinated people ever. I will mix up my moves while playing Dance Dance Revolution and when I start missing moves in a row, I panic and that just leads to greater disaster. All of that said, this game was actually quite kind to me. Then again, I did play the “Rookie/Novice” mode (the easiest), so that may have had a bearing on this game. But what I like is that the game is a bit forgiving in that it doesn’t let you die (not that I’ve seen, actually). In the easiest mode, it seems quite easy to get your greats and perfects, allowing you to rack up combos like none other.

The greatest challenge will be timing your moves. Don’t linger too long on one move, there might be another move that your other hand must execute. As this is a rhythm game, you must be able to catch onto the rhythms and beats so that you don’t miss up your timing.

The game does allow you to play five different songs or so, but for other songs, you’ll have to purchase them inside the game. The game itself costs $4.99, so having to purchase additional songs to play isn’t my cup o’ tea. I think I’ll be satisfied playing the songs that they give me; there is no greater challenge than to beat my previous scores, right? And without any kinds of lags or glitches, the game is an immense pleasure to play. My only gripe is the instructions. If only they could be a little clearer.

Interested in wanting to know more or purchase the game? Click here.