Michael Jackson: The Experience HD Review

Michael Jackson: The Experience was released in 2010 in the wake of the singer’s untimely death. It has been on virtually every platform now with the release of a Vita version at launch. Ubisoft always pushes a lot of titles out at a system launch and the PlayStation Vita is no different. While this version is better than previous attempts, it still falls short.

It’s clear early on in the game that Ubisoft made great use of the large PS Vita screen. The game opens with a tutorial to the fan favorite Billie Jean where you learn the controls of the game. Basically all you are doing is a series of swipes with your finger across the touch-screen. Straight lines, taps and twirls are some of the motions that get a virtual Michael Jackson perform his moves to the beat of the song.

While this doesn’t sound particularly exciting – and it certainly is not over prolonged periods – the controls at least are not a hindrance like they were in the Nintendo 3DS version where you were dealing with a stylus on a tiny screen. The large Vita screen allows you to make use of the entire screen for broad strokes with your index finger or if you prefer you could hold the system with two hands while using your thumbs.

The game features fifteen of Michael Jackson’s most popular songs. Among them are classics such as Smooth Criminal, Billie Jean, Thriller and Bad. While you are busy swiping the touch-screen with the stylus, an on-screen Michael Jackson busts out dancing. There are even sequences that play out like a music video. It’s a pretty cool presentation, but there is a disappointingly small selection of songs.

Graphically, Michael Jackson: The Experience is an improvement from the past handheld versions. The Vita version is dubbed “HD” and it definitely feels like it when compared to the 3DS with its highly compressed videos. The choreography is great even if the gameplay isn’t. It also sounds fantastic with headphones plugged in. You will be jamming to his tunes and feeling like a teenage kid while doing it.

The main problem with Michael Jackson: The Experience is that it is short on content. The game sounds great and the presentation is well-done, but a paltry fifteen songs is not going to cut it for a $40 game. I would recommend waiting until it hits the bargain bin before even considering a purchase.