Fun Games You Aren’t Playing - Samba de Amigo

Fall is here! Excited for all the apple picking, the crisp air, the cardigans, the mugs of hot beverages? If you’re like me, these are just lies you tell yourself to ease the pain that you’re feeling because Summer Is Over :(

Don’t worry summer lovers! You can still wring out the very last drop of summer fun with your old buddy, Dreamcast, and Samba de Amigo! If you missed out on the party the first time, there’s a latin dance sensation waiting for you in the Wii version as well. Even if it’s already cold outside, shaking some maracas to the rhythm should get you moving and ready to shed that tasteful sweater.

Samba de Amigo has very little actual samba, but why does logic have to get in the way of fun and whimsy? Amigo, the party rockin’ monkey, is ready to translate your maraca-shaking into a virtual fiesta. Like any rhythm game, try to stay on the beat as much as possible-- you also must strike a pose according to how the game directs you (voguing optional) as well as shake it like you mean it at certain points in the song. Outside of arcade mode, there are also maraca-based mini-games for variety.

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This game doesn’t follow Just Dance rules: you must unlock songs as you go. You can also unlock annoying noises (aka the best part of party games) by playing through the various challenges. The songs can get a little difficult at times, but nothing a veteran rhythm gamer would break a sweat over. Be warned-- the Wii version has you shaking Wii remotes, with all of the inaccuracy that entails. This version of the game is best played as a lighthearted party-- otherwise, controllers will get thrown and feelings will be hurt. 

The song variety is great if you like Latin music with a sprinkling of pop tunes-- prepare yourself for some Ricky Martin. The Wii version has even more party jams including Ran Kan Kan, The Ketchup Song, and the theme from Rocky. If your friends are bored of the same ol’ party games and don’t want to be too competitive (I’m looking at you, Person at the Party Who Is Way Too Good At Smash Bros.) bust out some Samba de Amigo and shake your groove thang-- or at least some maraca controllers!

Sempre assim, em cima, em cima ♫
-The Dungeon Dame