The rhythm games have become classical with Mad Maestro.
Dance and Rhythm games have been around for a few years now, and while Parappa and Dance Dance Revolution have set the bar, imitators and innovators have shown their heads for better or worse. What we have in Mad Maestro! is an innovator of sorts by using classical music instead of house and hip hop. Does the effort pay off? Read on.
Graphically Mad Maestro doesn't push the PS2 in the slightest, utilizing a first generation engine, basic layout and blocky polygons. While it's not ugly, it could have been prettier for such a basic system. Each environment is unique to the story line, but the details are rudiment to say the least. These style of games don't really relay on their visuals, but I think they should a little more.
Audio is one area that these games are really based upon, and Mad Maestro does a fair job in this category. The developers decided to base a game around classic music, which is a nice change of pace. You'll find such greats as Mozart and Tchaikovsky as your inspiration to find the peace of each stage. Classical music actually fits this style of game nicely as it provides a variety of beats to keep your fingers moving. Voice acting on the other hand is corny and poorly translated from its Japanese counterpat. All in all, if classical music is your bag, then you'll enjoy what Mad Maestro offers in music quality.
Gameplay has been upped a notch with Mad Maestro by adding a twist of sorts to the controls. While the set up is basic, timing each button press with the beat without missing the rhythm, Mad Maestro adds the element of pressure sensitive buttons into the mix. Now, not only do you have to time the beats correctly, but press the buttons as hard or lightly as recommend. This can prove to be difficult in later levels. The game throws enough twists and turns to make you foul up frequently, at least till you memorize the song. This innovation keeps the game fresh and out of the land of mediocrity.
The lasting appeal unfortunately is only as long as the game is sadly, which isn't long at all. Unless you are just a classical music nut, you'll grow tired of this title after a few times through. With a 30 dollar price tag this would be more acceptable, but at 50 dollars the game is just too short for that price point.
Overall, if you dig the rhythm and dance games, and want a little twist in the genre, by all means give Mad Maestro a run through. Just be sure to get it from your local rental store as a purchase is probably out of the question here.
