PaRappa the Rapper, Dance Dance Revolution, Bust a Groove and Britney's Dance Beat some of the greatest music rhythm video games to ever be created.  Okay, I was just kidding about Britney's Dance Beat.  I have to admit there was something strangely scintillating about a scantily clad virtual Britney Spears dancing on my TV screen.  I know, I need help.  Back to the subject at hand though.  A new game has entered itself into the upper echelon of music rhythm video games: Elite Beat Agents.

Better known as the Americanized version of its Japanese counter part, Osu! Tatakae! Quendan.  Elite Beat Agents is the story of a group of government agents seeking to help those who cry out for help in times of need.  Upon arrival the agents help people overcome their troubles by motivating them through dance.  I know it sounds ridiculous, but that is part of the the game's charm.  I mean who wouldn't want to help a taxi driver drive a pregnant woman to a hospital or help a baseball player fight a monster?  The over the top scenarios will make you laugh and slap your forehead in disbelief.

The gameplay and design of Elite Beat Agents are great.  When a song begins, small circles with numbers inside of them will appear on your touch screen.  The circles indicate beats within the song you must tap to the music that is playing.  To know when to tap these circles involves a timing mechanism that has a larger circle that surrounds the numbers you must tap.  As the circle closes in on the numbers, you must tap the number when these two circles meet.  Sound simple?  Well, if you don't have a good sense of rhythm this game is anything but simple.  

The overall look has a anime style that perfectly fits the ludicrous nature of the game.  The graphics are solid and if you're a fan of anime, you'll like it.

The sound really stands out in this game.  Though the songs sometimes doesn't match the scenario (yeah, I didn't get how Y.M.C.A would help an old sailor find treasure) or seem a little dated the game is still fun.  

Elite Beat Agents is easily one of my favorite music rhythm games to come out.  Great gameplay, fun music and a ridiculous storyline makes this game a must play.