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Numerous screens of Elite Beat Agents sequel hit the deck

Will it get a Western makeover for DS fans, though?

Numerous screens of Elite Beat Agents sequel hit the deck

Elite Beat Agents – a rhythm action game with secret agent stylings – was one of the quirky hits of 2006, helping to prove DS could do more than brain training and dog walking. Initially imported in its Japanese form in 2005 by droves of DS fanboys, it was eventually released in the US to widespread acclaim across the press, not least garnering a Gold Award in our own hip-swinging review.

Alas here in Europe we're still awaiting the official release of the game; the online retailers currently have it chalked down as hitting the high street in July. Which might make the site of these screens from the sequel rather infuriating.

Of course, whether this second game (called Ouendan! 2 in Japan) will ever get a Western release at all remains to be seen. The game's reliance on J-pop and other elements of Japanese culture meant the original had to be heavily reworked for US consumption, with a new tracklisting and made over special agents. That kind of conversion is expensive, so we wouldn't expect any news soon.

In the meantime, hardcore Ouendan! fans might want to click through the 80-odd screens above, and then drop a line to their favourite games importer if they like what they see.