The game that will let you "have the time of your life"

Alright, I learnt this rather bizarre piece of news from Penny Arcade…

Earlier this week, I reported on the weird choice of The Sims for a game-to-film adaptation. Now, it seems to be time for an equally strange film-to-game adaptation.

Yes, it’s time to brace yourself for… Dirty Dancing: The Video Game! Forget how crap and inconclusive the original 1987 film is (the game forms part of the film’s 20th Anniversary celebrations). Simply submit yourself to reality-blurring nostalgia as you finally step into shoes of pampered teen Baby, and launch yourself into the arms of Johnny, that hunky rebel dance instructor from the wrong side of the tracks.


The marketing blurb on the game’s website:

Work alongside the team at the Kellerman's resort, play through a fantastic variety of fun mini-games and earn camp dollars to purchase Dirty Dancing® memorabilia, cabin furnishings, and the all-important dance lessons with Johnny and Penny. How will you fare in the end of season dance contest?


The Dirty Dancing video game press release:

Codemasters Online Gaming Unveils the Official Dirty Dancing Video Game!

As Part of the Celebration for the Timeless Classic's 20th Anniversary, Codemasters Online Gaming Prepares for the "Time of Our Lives" as Codemasters Online Gaming today unveiled details on its next exciting casual game - Dirty Dancing - The Video Game!

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the movie, fans can now step back into the year 1963 and encounter the world of their favourite film. Through this action puzzler, Dirty Dancing enthusiasts now have the opportunity to experience the life of Baby, learn to dance with the resident dancing couple, Johnny and Penny, and work alongside the team at the renowned Kellerman's Mountain House Resort.

David Solari, Vice President and General Manager of Codemasters Online Gaming commented "Dirty Dancing is one of the most beloved movies of all time with millions of dedicated fans across the world! Dirty Dancing - The Video Game will make the perfect Christmas present for fans of the movie, and we are thrilled to be able to bring this much loved film to the video game world!

"As casual gaming continues to explode in popularity, it is becoming more necessary than ever to provide compelling, multi-faceted titles that people can relate to in order to break away from the clutter," said Anne Parducci, EVP Marketing, Lionsgate.

"Dirty Dancing delivers compelling subject matter that has all the tools to become an instant hit online. The movie appeals to audiences of all ages and continues to win over new fans through increased exposure from the highly successful DVDs and multiple airings on cable. For two decades, girls and women have identified with Baby, and through this wonderful game from Codemasters, they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in her world like never before."


One of the most enduring modern classics in feature film and home entertainment history, the release of Dirty Dancing - The Video Game will cap off a year-long celebration by Lionsgate in honor of the movie's 20th Anniversary. Earlier this month, Lionsgate released a 20th anniversary edition DVD and Blu-ray disc along with a remastered companion CD from Sony/BMG. Both those releases came on the heels of a theatrical event that sold out theatres nationwide and resulted in ticket sales of more than 80,000 over a two-day period.

First released in 1987, Dirty Dancing redefined date movies and continues to captivate the hearts and minds of generations of fans, generating more than $170 million in worldwide box office receipts and selling more than 10 million DVDs. Starring Jennifer Grey (Ferris Bueller's Day Off) as "Baby" Houseman and Patrick Swayze (Ghost) as the sexy Johnny Castle, Dirty Dancing is the story of a naĆÆve girl who meets an experienced dance instructor and becomes his pupil in dance and love. The Oscar®-winning film (Best Music, Original Song) was recently named one of the Top 10 Date Movies of all time, according to an E! Entertainment Television poll of industry executives and celebrities.

Developed by Say Design and set for release on PC in late 2007, Dirty Dancing the Video Game is a premium, action puzzler Casual Game.


This all makes me wonder what mediocre cult chick flick could potentially get the gaming treatment next… Coyote Ugly? How about a Dance Dance Revolution / Singstar hybrid that has you bar dancing and launching your songwriting career? I'm afraid the Dirty Dancing game seems like yet another overly-feminised attempt (like bright pink PS2s and PSPs) to get more women playing games.

I certainly don't want Dirty Dancing in my Christmas stocking.

Comments

ChewTheCud said…
Action puzzler casual game? Is anyone really expected to play this? Must be hordes of chicks, who have actually watched the film (1980's), dying to play. But then again there's probably a "Strictly Come Dancing" game out already for all I know...

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