It's widely acknowledged that one of the standout features of the Nintendo Switch, setting it apart from other home consoles, is its detachable Joy-Cons and the diverse gameplay experiences that they enable. Recently, SEGA decided to breathe new life into its classic rhythm arcade game originally released back in 1999, Samba de Amigo, which fully utilize this unique capability of the Switch console. This time, its sequel, titled Samba de Amigo: Party Central, boasts revamped graphics and a broader range of gameplay options, complete with a richer selection of contemporary pop songs. Having had the privilege of trying out the upcoming Samba de Amigo: Party Central firsthand, I was genuinely impressed by its faithful recreation of the original game’s experience.

In Samba de Amigo: Party Central, the series’ core gameplay is showcased through its Rhythm Game single-player mode. In this mode, you'll step into the shoes of Amigo and groove to the music, utilizing the Joy-Cons as maracas. Staying true to the original, its gameplay revolves around six rings displayed on the screen, with rhythm bubbles emerging towards these rings, and your task is to shake the maracas precisely as the rhythm bubbles align with the rings. The six rings are positioned at varying heights, prompting you to adapt your maraca shakes accordingly—whether it be high, middle, or low. You'll also discover yourself engaging in dynamic poses as guided by the on-screen prompts. This introduces an element of surprise to the game, demanding quick thinking on your part.

While the core gameplay doesn't hold many surprises, I find it enjoyable that even a song on Normal difficulty can make me break a sweat. The game often demands wide poses, involving your entire body in the gameplay—almost like a cardio session itself. The inclusion of special bubbles brings an extra layer of enjoyment: once popped, these bubbles trigger a roulette that introduces a random effect, temporarily altering your gameplay. This could involve speeding up, slowing down, larger rings, and more. All of these elements contribute to enhancing the variety within the classic gameplay of the game. Consequently, even when playing the same song at the same difficulty, each experience will also feel distinct.

If you don’t feel like playing alone, the game also provides engaging two-player co-op modes, aptly named "Party for Two", allowing you to team up with a friend, family member, or even your soulmate. One of these modes is "Showdown", where both players will engage in a spirited competition, vying to capture the hearts of the virtual (and real-life) audience. If either of you loses, the loser will have to act out a whimsical penalty, determined by the game through a roulette, until the other player and the real-life audience are thoroughly entertained and satisfied. This feature is one of the reasons why the game will make an ideal addition to any social gathering or party.

Another co-op mode, "Love Checker”, holds a special place in my preferences. In this mode, both players will collaborate to assess their compatibility through their joint performance. Whenever your Joy-Con shakes are in sync, the heart icons on the screen will draw closer together, and the number of hearts you accumulate will reflect your level of compatibility. The standout feature of this game mode is the occasional merging of both your rhythm maps into one. Beyond simply maintaining the rhythm, teamwork and improvisation become essential as you and your partner aim to strike the increased rhythm bubbles and execute synchronized two-person poses. This mode serves perfectly as a test of the rapport between you and your teammate.

There's also the single-player StreamiGo! mode, where you (as Amigo himself) aim to become a globally renowned online streamer. Much like Campaign modes present in other games, StreamiGo! sets forth a series of missions for you to accomplish, leading to various rewards and the accumulation of virtual "Followers". The challenges unfold through different songs, each set at a fixed difficulty level, demanding you achieve a designated score or surpass it. Additional objectives, such as "maintain Fever level 5 for at least 10 seconds", also provide rewards like in-game currency. For players seeking more than just high scores in the original game mode, the StreamiGo! mode provides added enjoyment through extra challenges.

The virtual coins that you’ve earned could then be used at the Customization Shop to acquire a range of items that can alter Amigo's attire, appearance, and even his maracas. Interestingly, you can equip him with swords or magic wands instead of maracas. You can even turn him into a banana!

When it comes to online multiplayer gameplay, Samba de Amigo offers diverse ways for players worldwide to connect within the game. For example, in the classic single-player mode, you can opt to compete your final score with players from around the globe by selecting the Ranking Challenge option before starting your session. The Online Play mode, designed to accommodate up to 4 players in a lobby, also enables you to establish a public/private room for playing with both strangers and friends.

For those seeking competitive online gameplay, the World Party mode is your go-to. It immerses you in a 20-player lobby where the objective is to secure the highest score and avoid elimination. The gameplay reportedly introduces various random events and items that can be strategically employed to hinder your opponents. At the conclusion of each round, players with the lowest scores are gradually eliminated. Regrettably, due to my pre-release experience, I haven't had the opportunity to delve into these online game modes as of yet. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to experiencing them after the game’s official launch.

As far as I know, unlike the original game, which predominantly focused on Latin American songs, this sequel is poised to showcase a broader selection of contemporary pop music. Notably, with the inclusion of songs like Bastille’s Pompeii, Carly Rae Jepson’s I Really Like You, Kesha’s TiK ToK, and so on, it's apparent that the game is striving to strike a chord with the younger generation of gamers. However, so far my only complain about the game lies in the limited number of tracks that captivate my interest. Among the current roster of 40 songs, most, if not all, come across as rather dated. Good news is that the game has plans to introduce additional tracks and content through DLCs in the near future, including the Sonic Music Pack, Japanese Music Pack, and even a Kpop Music Pack, all tailored to cater to different audiences, promising a broader and more appealing music selection.

In summary, I think Samba de Amigo: Party Central embraces its classic rhythm gameplay without unnecessary frills. While the initial song selection might not fully align with my personal preferences, the upcoming DLCs suggest an evolving and diverse musical journey ahead. This game undoubtedly holds potential to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers alike, ensuring that the rhythmic beats of Samba de Amigo continue to resonate with gamers for years to come.

And that concludes Lluvia’s impression of Samba de Amigo: Party Central on Nintendo Switch.